Safety & health
Is the tap water safe to drink in Marrakech?
- Tap water
- Best avoided by visitors
- Bottled
- Cheap & everywhere
- Ice/salads
- Fine in good places
- Bring
- Rehydration salts
Quick answer
It's best to drink bottled or filtered water in Marrakech, not tap. The tap water is chlorinated and locals drink it, but it can differ enough from what visitors are used to to cause an upset stomach. Bottled water is cheap and everywhere, so most travellers stick to it, and use it for brushing teeth too.
Why bottled is the norm
Marrakech's tap water is treated and locals drink it, but visitors' stomachs aren't used to the local microbiology, and the change is a common cause of mild traveller's tummy. Bottled water costs very little and is sold on every corner, so the easy, comfortable choice is to stick to it — including for brushing your teeth in the first few days.
To cut plastic waste, many travellers bring a filter bottle (such as a LifeStraw-type filter) and refill, which works well.
Food, ice and staying well
In reputable riads, restaurants and busy stalls, ice and washed salads are generally fine — high turnover means fresh ingredients. Ease into rich, spiced food rather than diving in, wash or sanitise your hands before eating, and pack rehydration salts and basic stomach remedies just in case. Pharmacies are excellent for anything more.
Related questions
Can you brush your teeth with tap water in Marrakech?
Many people do without issue, but to be safe — especially in your first days — use bottled water for brushing too, since even small amounts of unfamiliar water can upset a sensitive stomach.
Is ice safe in Marrakech?
In good riads, restaurants and busy establishments, yes — they use commercial or filtered ice. Be more cautious with ice from unknown street vendors if you have a sensitive stomach.
What should I do if I get an upset stomach in Marrakech?
Rest, hydrate with bottled water and rehydration salts, eat plain food, and use basic over-the-counter remedies. Pharmacies are widespread and helpful; see a doctor if symptoms are severe or persist.