Visiting Morocco During Ramadan

During Ramadan, some cafes and restaurants nearby might close, but places for tourists stay open as usual. You can still enjoy tours, transfers, and guides, so no need to worry about being stuck in your hotel. Buses and trains continue to operate in local and intercity areas.

In smaller Moroccan cities, local cafes and restaurants might only open in the evening. Plan your lunch in advance, and local drivers typically know where tourists can eat during Ramadan. It’s best to avoid eating or snacking in public during the day and refrain from smoking outside. You can do these things at home, in restaurants, or hotels. Drinking water in the city is perfectly fine, and no one will find it odd.

A significant part of Ramadan is the iftar breakfast at sunset. Muslims gather to eat, so if you’re at a cafe, you might have to wait for the staff to finish their meals first. Tour drivers aim to reach destinations before iftar starts.

During Ramadan, only foreigners or non-Muslims can buy alcohol, and you’ll need to show your passport at liquor stores. Muslims are not allowed in bars during this time, leading to many local bars closing for the month.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds special significance as it marks the period when the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. For Muslims, it is a month of fasting, abstaining from eating, drinking, intimacy, and smoking from sunrise to sunset. Fasting is a fundamental pillar of Islam, one of its five essential practices, serving to deepen Muslims’ gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them by God.

During Ramadan, individuals focus on spiritual pursuits such as increased prayer, charitable acts, self-reflection, and drawing closer to Allah. Fasting provides an opportunity for Muslims to empathize with the less fortunate, experiencing hunger and thirst firsthand in a world where not everyone has access to ample food.

Absolutely. You’re in for a unique cultural experience if you do. As a truly special time in Morocco, there is no reason for you not to miss out on Ramadan. As part of Moroccan hospitality, you may even be invited to an iftar or two. Not only will you be able to taste incomparable cultural cuisine, but you’ll be part of a remarkable ambiance.