Just realized we will be touring Morocco (Marrakesh, Fez, Casablanca & Essaouira) in the middle of Ramadan. We were looking forward to a food tour and visiting the souks to see displays of food. Will they be closed or pared back during the day? Anyone visit during Ramadan in Morocco that can share their experiences?
Posted by
Belgium
27 posts
Honestly, don't worry, The souks don’t shut down, they just start a little later and get dressed up with massive displays of Ramadan treats like honey-drenched Chebakia and premium dates, About 30–60 minutes before sunset, shops will abruptly close so owners can get home for Iftar (the breaking of the fast). The streets will become eerily quiet for about an hour.
Posted by
1 posts
"just realized we will be touring Morocco (Marrakesh, Fez, Casablanca & Essaouira) in the middle of Ramadan"
In Marrakech you should have good options for food during the day. You would find some of the shops in the souks closed, but most will be opened. Though at sundown shops generally close to allow people to break the fast.
Essaouira would be close to Marrakech as it is a very touristy town.
In Fes and Casablanca , you might have a harder time finding places opened to eat or drink , during the daylight hours.
I have been in Morocco a few times during Ramadan.
Most major sights should be opened.
Alcohol will get more difficult to buy. Though upscale places aimed at tourists , would be selling expensive drinks. Off licenses would be closed (except maybe a small few in Marrakech). All of the local places with decent prices , would be closed for Ramadan plus maybe 5 days before and after.
Locals might be a bit more grouchy. Please do not smoke where others can see you.
It is not the best time to visit Morocco. But it is still worth going as you will surely have a great vacation.
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
2323 posts
I was in Morocco last year, partially during Ramadan, on a tour with OAT. I loved the experience of seeing how our guide and all the local people observed Ramadan. It in no way affected our group's ability to enjoy the food. Restaurants were open for tourists as usual. As the previous responders mentioned, shop hours can vary as shopkeepers take time to break the fast at sundown.
Posted by
766 posts
It’s a special experience to be in Morocco during Ramadan. We had a great time!
Be prepared for local cafes to be almost empty until sundown; the clients will be other non-Muslim tourists. Ditto with restaurants. In Marrakech, the French expat area was a bit more lively. People will not frown on your having lunch inside a restaurant. We tried to be sensitive by not walking around snacking and kept our water bottles in our day packs when not in use.
Family food shopping and preparation are a big part of the day. In the afternoon, the markets and the pastry shops will be particularly crowded, it’s a good time to visit them.
Be sure to participate in an Iftar (the meal to break the fast), at your hotel (book well in advance) or with a family if you are lucky. After iftar, the streets are alive with people out for a stroll.
Have a great trip!