Safety & etiquette
What to Wear in Marrakech & Local Etiquette
Marrakech is relaxed and used to visitors, but it's also a Muslim city with real customs. Dressing thoughtfully and knowing a few social basics won't just keep you comfortable — it earns genuine warmth and cuts down on hassle. Here's how to dress and behave in a way that fits in.
- Read
- 8 min
- Topic
- Safety & etiquette
- Updated
- 20 July 2026
At a glance
- Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered draws less attention for everyone.
- You don't need to cover your hair, except inside active mosques (most are closed to non-Muslims anyway).
- Ask before photographing people; many expect a small payment or will decline.
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting, and learn a couple of Arabic pleasantries.
How to dress
The comfortable, respectful default for all genders is loose, light, covering clothing: covered shoulders and knees, breathable fabrics, and something to layer for cool evenings and cold mosque interiors. It's not a strict dress code — you'll see tourists in all sorts — but modest dress means fewer stares, less hustle and a warmer reception, especially away from the main tourist drag.
Women don't need to cover their hair in public, and headscarves aren't expected day to day, though a scarf is useful for sun, dust and covering up at a religious site. Men should skip going shirtless and keep very short shorts for the pool. In upscale restaurants and clubs in Hivernage, people dress up — smart-casual works well.
Everyday etiquette
A handful of customs smooth every interaction:
- Greet warmly. A 'salaam' (or 'bonjour') and a smile open doors; Moroccans are hospitable and value courtesy.
- Use your right hand for eating, giving and receiving — the left is considered unclean.
- Accept tea when offered where you can; hospitality is central, and refusing outright can seem cold (though it doesn't oblige you to buy anything).
- Ask before taking photos of people, stalls and especially women; many will want a small tip or prefer not to be photographed.
- Dress up a notch for nicer restaurants and be discreet with public displays of affection.
- Learn a few words — 'shukran' (thank you), 'la, shukran' (no, thanks), 'inshallah' (God willing). Effort is warmly received.
Mosques, alcohol and Ramadan
Most active mosques in Marrakech are closed to non-Muslims, so you'll admire them from outside (the Koutoubia and Ben Youssef Madrasa are the great exceptions to explore). Dress conservatively near any religious site and lower your voice.
Alcohol is available in many hotels, riads, licensed restaurants and bars, but it's not part of street life — drink discreetly and don't wander the medina visibly drunk. During Ramadan, be considerate: avoid eating, drinking or smoking conspicuously in public during daylight, dress a little more conservatively, and enjoy the special atmosphere after sunset when the city comes alive.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a dress code in Marrakech?
Not a strict one, but modest dress is respectful and practical: cover shoulders and knees in loose, light clothing. Women don't need to cover their hair except inside active mosques. Modest dress means less unwanted attention and a warmer welcome, especially away from tourist areas.
Do women have to cover their hair in Marrakech?
No. Headscarves aren't expected for tourists in public. A scarf is handy for sun, dust and covering up at religious sites, and you'd cover your hair inside an active mosque — but most mosques are closed to non-Muslims anyway.
Can you drink alcohol in Marrakech?
Yes, in many hotels, riads, licensed restaurants and bars, though it isn't part of street culture. Drink discreetly, don't wander the medina intoxicated, and be especially considerate during Ramadan. It's simply less visible than in Europe, not forbidden to tourists.
Can you take photos of people in Marrakech?
Ask first. Many people, particularly women and market vendors, prefer not to be photographed or expect a small tip. Snake charmers, henna artists and prop handlers in Jemaa el-Fnaa will charge for photos, so agree a price before pointing your camera.