La, shukran :)
Don’t fall for the lies before you even arrive.
Morocco!! Wow! It’s only been three days and I already feel compelled to write about it. I mostly feel like I need to defend this city and share some real practical tips about visiting.
There were a lot of negative things to read about this city prior to our arrival – and if you know me, my favorite thing to do is to prove those naysayers wrong!
1. “The city is dirty”
Okay, we are in between a desert and the mountains, it is dusty and there is a lot of exhaust in the air. But multiple articles, blogs, youtubes, etc, etc mentioned only wearing close toed shoes. The reason: there are fish heads and chicken bits all over.
This is straight up propaganda trying to enforce an image of ancient times and an uncivilized community. We are in 2026 and we couldn’t be further from the truth of this. To be fair though, I haven’t visited any chicken or fish markets (because those are not on my to-do list ever).
Wear whatever shoes will make your ankles feel supported and your toes cool. The ground is uneven and there seems to be a lot of little one-inch steps between streets and shops. To keep dust down, shop keepers will also spray water in front of their shops and if you catch it in the minute between the spray down and the sweep off it may be slippery. Some of the streets through the medina can be tight and filled with people, but not to the point that you’ll get your feet stepped on.
Got it? Please don’t fall for these types of comments. If you are expecting Japan-street cleanliness, then yes you will be disappointed. But if you go in knowing the environment and that Marrakech is known as the “tourist city” – then you’ll see exactly what you expect. Oh! And please pack a bag for inside your bag to keep your trash until you get back to your Riad or you find a trash can. Thank you!
2. “Ew, the cats”
I was both absolutely surprised and delighted to see so many cats! Oh, and the little kitties? Staaahhhpppp! You cannot go down a single street without seeing at least a few. Last night at dinner, one of the tables had a friendly cat on their lap (switching between the two) while they ate!
These are street cats, but similar to the dogs of Chile – they are not without an abundance of love and community. Morocco is an Islamic country and it is important to know this before coming for many reasons, but one reason is to understand the importance of cats. Cats are seen as clean (tahir) and pure. Unlike even some humans, they are allowed in sacred spaces. All of this is because the Prophet Mohammad was obsessed with cats and wasn’t afraid of people to know it. Apparently, there is even a story about him cutting off his own sleeve to make sure he did not disrupt a sleeping kitty on his arm. From my understanding you are locked in place until the cat (or dog!) decides to move, but this is a creative solution.
Did I pet the cats? Yes. Did I give the good lil bbs a nice little back scratch? Yes. Did I let them rub up on my leg and mew right in my face? Yes and yes. Do you need to? No. And I’m guessing if you asked your travel doctor they would likely say to keep your hands to yourself. You can make your own decisions – but it has been clear which you should or shouldn’t touch. Though, the ones I shouldn’t are the ones I want to the most <3
I love that ‘kindness to animals’ is a core belief of Islam and that all of the cats you see are taken care of by their local communities. These cats are not strays, they simply live a free life but food, love and comfort are available at any given time.
If you don’t want to pet them, don’t. And if you are afraid of cats, maybe don’t go? Or just steer clear because they’re not jumping out at you or anything. Just mind yo’ business! 😊
3. “I felt so unwelcomed”
This (very) common theme on blogs was likely a result of people not researching before – both on what to expect in some of the souks but also on what to wear.
Lots of blogs posted about unwanted attention and cat calling – however, their images showed midriffs and barely there dresses. Ew, I feel like a creep saying that. Yes, I truly believe women should be able to wear and do what they want without feeling uncomfortable or sexualized – absolutely. However, before booking any trip it is important that you look into local traditions and customs. Just be aware that clothes that are showing more skin are very far from local traditions and this drastic contrast will absolutely garner stares and attention. Streets are busy with locals and shop owners and if 98% of the people are wearing long pants and long sleeves – someone wearing shorts and a crop top will visually just stand out.
While locals are used to the heat and I even saw someone wearing a sweater yesterday (it was 98*), this does not mean that you need to be miserable. But please do be considerate. A shawl to cover your shoulders or a light linen button up to put on as you walk through public areas are easy, lightweight solutions. If you’d like to say “No thank you!” you can say “La, shukran” (with a smile).
You are in someone’s own as a guest, please be respectful.
A few things to call out:
There are a few things that I’d like to just mention though that may surprise you outside of these rather generic assumptions.
It is HOT. Wowza! I knew that going into it but didn’t realize I’d sweat through all my clothes by day 3. Be prepared, and perhaps plan the afternoon for a plunge and a nap.
It is smoggy. This is something I’m rather sensitive to and typically plan for – I’ll bring some allergy medicine and eyedrops but for some reason this trip I forgot. And going to bed at night I feel a little sick from the dust and pollution and my eyes have been pretty itchy. Erik isn’t as sensitive but has had itchy eyes. Come prepared if you are extra sensitive and be open to the idea of even wearing a mask to avoid headaches.
There are sales people. And they practice sales in their own way – which means trying to get your attention and asking you to ‘just take a look’. It’s not as bad as other countries and it is a lot more than some countries. It’s not overwhelming (to me) but it does get annoying. Almost everyone we’ve talked to just suggests to not make eye contact or engage in conversation and if you need to say ‘la’ (no) as many times as you need. With those tips we have been successful mostly strolling.
The mint tea is actually green tea with mint. If you are caffeine free (like me), be prepared to be a little twitchy and not sleep great.
It’s been a magical trip so far! Buildings are so elaborate, and from they street they may look unassuming – once you step inside you are transported into an oasis of your wildest dreams. Hospitality is top notch and the majority of the people we have met have been incredibly kind and welcoming. Marrakech is very dreamy and, surprisingly, more delightful than I had expected. Excited to be here for two more weeks exploring and learning. Meanwhile, I hope you’re watching and following along on Instagram and getting excited for the upcoming group trip launch!
Let me know in the comments what questions you have so far!
