Rules and etiquette in Marrakech: what to know before you go

In Marrakech, a few rules avoid most trouble: clothing that covers shoulders and knees, alcohol only in licensed venues, permission before photographing someone, no drone without authorisation, and respect during Ramadan. This guide sums up each topic in a few lines and points to the detailed guide. The legal rules quoted come from the British Foreign Office travel advice, observed in October 2026.

Dress

The minaret of the Kasbah mosque

The Foreign Office recommends respecting local traditions and customs, and suggests women wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms, legs and chest. Details by place (medina, places of worship, hammam, pool, desert) are in our guide to what to wear in Marrakech.

Alcohol

Drinking in the street or anywhere other than a licensed bar or restaurant is illegal and can lead to arrest. See our guide to alcohol in Marrakech, and Marrakech at night for venues.

Photos and drones

Ask before photographing someone, avoid military and sensitive sites, agree the price of "posed" photos on Jemaa el-Fna, and leave the drone at home without civil aviation permission. Everything is in our photo rules in Marrakech guide; to choose where to shoot, see the photo spots.

Places of worship

Working mosques are not open to non-Muslims, and dress and photography are restricted there. Our guide to mosques and places of worship shows what you can see, including the Koutoubia mosque from the outside.

Ramadan

The Foreign Office notes that eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public in the daytime may cause offence during Ramadan. Hours, meals and alcohol are in our Ramadan in Marrakech guide.

Money and tipping

The dirham can only be bought locally and tipping follows set habits: see money and tipping in Marrakech.

Drugs

Morocco has a zero-tolerance approach: possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs, cannabis included, is an offence with heavy penalties (Foreign Office).

Water, toilets and health

For tap water, public toilets and sensible health habits, see toilets and tap water and health in Marrakech.

Scams and safety

Fake guides, forced henna, taxis without meters: our advice is in scams to avoid in Marrakech, and for women travellers in travelling alone in Marrakech.

Transport

To get around without unpleasant surprises, read our guide to transport in Marrakech.

At a glance

Topic	Key rule	Guide
Dress	Loose clothing, shoulders and knees covered	What to wear
Alcohol	Only in licensed venues	Alcohol
Photos	Ask first	Photos
Drone	Permission mandatory	Photos
Ramadan	Discretion in public in the daytime	Ramadan
Money	Dirham locally, customary tips	Money