Salam, friends! I still remember my first Ramadan in Morocco, sitting on a rooftop as the sunset call to prayer echoed across the ancient medina. There's something truly magical about Morocco during this holy month. But what about experiencing it as a family with children? Today I want to share with you a wonderful family experience in Morocco during Ramadan, inspired by my own adventures and those of visitors I've guided through my beautiful country.
What Makes a Family Trip to Morocco Special During Ramadan
Ramadan transforms Morocco in beautiful ways that can actually enhance your family's travel experience. While some might worry about visiting during this time, I've found that families who come during Ramadan often have the most memorable experiences!
The rhythm of life changes completely. Mornings are peaceful and quiet – perfect for exploring ancient medinas and museums without the usual crowds. My friend Mark, who visited with his children Holly and Matthew, found this quiet time ideal for sightseeing in Marrakech. They could really appreciate the architecture and culture without being rushed or pushed by crowds.
As a local, I've noticed how the usually busy morning streets become tranquil. But as sunset approaches, the energy builds as families prepare for iftar – the breaking of the fast. This creates a special atmosphere of anticipation and joy that children especially connect with.
Planning Your Family's Journey to Morocco
Finding Affordable Flights
One thing that surprises many families is how affordable Morocco can be to visit! Mark and his children managed to secure flights for just £16.99 each way through Ryanair. The key was booking through Trip.com, which offered additional discounts.
I always tell my foreign friends – if you're flexible with dates and plan ahead, you can find incredibly cheap flights to Morocco from many European cities. This makes Morocco perfect for families looking for an exotic adventure without breaking the bank.
Navigating Airports and Flights
Airport experiences can make or break a family trip. Mark's family traveled through Liverpool John Lennon Airport and found security surprisingly quick with almost no waiting time. However, they did face some challenges with digital ordering at restaurants and boarding in rainy conditions.
From my experience guiding families, I recommend:
- Arrive with plenty of time, especially during busy travel seasons
- Pack snacks for children in case of restaurant hiccups
- Bring entertainment for the flight (Morocco flights are typically 3-4 hours from most European cities)
Staying Connected: The e-SIM Solution
One travel tip I love sharing with families is about using e-SIMs instead of physical SIM cards. Mark purchased an e-SIM from Airalo before his trip, opting for a 2GB data package for their short stay.
This is brilliant for families because:
- Everyone stays connected without the hassle of changing physical SIMs
- You can use navigation apps to explore with confidence
- Children can share photos with friends back home
- It's usually much cheaper than roaming charges
I've seen many families struggle with connectivity in Morocco, so planning this ahead makes a huge difference to your experience!
Where to Stay: The Magic of Moroccan Riads
The Authentic Riad Experience for Families
For a truly authentic family experience in Morocco, I always recommend staying in a traditional riad. Mark and his children stayed at the Hotel and Spa Riad El Walaa in Marrakech, and their experience highlights why riads are perfect for families.
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses built around a central courtyard, often with pools and roof terraces. They offer:
- Family suites with multiple rooms
- Peaceful retreats from the busy medina
- Cultural immersion into Moroccan architecture and design
- Personal attention from staff who often treat you like family
My neighbor Fatima runs a riad in Fez, and I've seen children's eyes light up when they first enter the courtyard with its colorful tiles and the sound of fountain water. It's like stepping into a storybook!
Family-Friendly Accommodations
When choosing accommodation for families, look for:
- Riads with pools (perfect for cooling off after sightseeing)
- Proximity to main attractions (to avoid long walks with tired children)
- Meal options within the riad (especially important during Ramadan)
- Staff who speak your language
Mark's family enjoyed a beautiful family suite overlooking a courtyard, with access to a pool and terrace – the perfect setup for a family adventure.
Experiencing Ramadan with Children
The Changed Rhythm of Life
If you're bringing children to Morocco during Ramadan, embrace the unique rhythm! As I watch my neighborhood in Temara change during this month, I notice that families who adjust their schedules tend to have the best experience:
- Start your day later (like Mark's family planned to do)
- Take peaceful morning walks through less crowded medinas
- Rest during the afternoon when the heat and hunger might make locals a bit less energetic
- Join in the evening festivities after sunset
The real magic for families happens after sunset. The streets come alive with a festive atmosphere that children absolutely adore. Markets stay open late, filled with the scent of fresh pastries and mint tea. Families gather in cafés, sharing stories and sweets until the early hours.
Respecting Local Customs
While it's not illegal to eat in public during Ramadan, I always advise my visitors to be discreet out of respect for those fasting. Mark was careful about this with his children, explaining the cultural significance of Ramadan to them.
Some family-friendly tips for visiting during Ramadan:
- Eat inside restaurants that remain open rather than on street terraces
- Use this as an opportunity to teach children about different cultures and respect
- Carry water bottles but drink discreetly when needed
- Consider joining in for iftar experiences if offered
The Joy of Breaking Fast Together
One of the most beautiful family experiences in Morocco during Ramadan is participating in iftar – the breaking of the fast at sunset. Many riads offer this experience, and some families (like my neighbors) often invite tourists to join.
Mark and his children experienced traditional Moroccan dishes like tajine for dinner at their riad. This cultural immersion through food creates memories that last a lifetime. I still remember watching some tourist children try harira soup for the first time last Ramadan – their expressions of surprise and delight brought joy to everyone!
Family-Friendly Activities in Marrakech
Exploring at the Right Time
Mark planned a walking tour of Marrakech with his children, which is perfect during Ramadan if timed correctly. Morning explorations are ideal when streets are calm and temperatures are cooler.
Some family-friendly Marrakech activities include:
- Visiting the peaceful Majorelle Gardens in the morning
- Exploring the less crowded sections of the medina
- Taking a calèche (horse-drawn carriage) ride around the old city walls
- Visiting museums that remain open during Ramadan hours
Health and Safety for Families
Mark mentioned being cautious around animals during their travels due to health concerns, which is wise advice for families. I always tell my visitors with children:
- Stick to bottled water and properly cooked foods
- Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially in the medina
- Be careful with street food during Ramadan (quality might vary as vendors are fasting)
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies
The Magic of Moroccan Nights During Ramadan
The nights during Ramadan offer a unique perspective on Moroccan culture that many tourists miss. After sunset, cities transform into festive wonderlands that children particularly enjoy.
In my neighborhood, the area outside the grand mosque fills with people laying carpets for special nighttime prayers, creating an incredible scene of community and devotion that fascinates visitors of all ages.
For families, I recommend:
- Taking an evening walk after iftar to experience the festive atmosphere
- Visiting night markets that come alive after sunset
- Enjoying roof terrace views of the illuminated city
- Trying special Ramadan sweets and treats that aren't available other times of year
Practical Tips for Your Family Experience in Morocco
Banking and Money Exchange
Mark and his family exchanged currency at the Marrakech Airport. While this is convenient, I usually advise families to:
- Exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate needs
- Use bank ATMs in the city for better rates
- Be aware that banking hours change during Ramadan (typically 9:30-2:00)
- Keep smaller denominations handy for markets and taxis
Transportation with Children
For families arriving at Marrakech Airport, Mark's choice of taking a taxi directly to their riad was wise. With children and luggage, this is much easier than trying to navigate public transportation.
Around the city, consider:
- Pre-arranged tours with air-conditioned vehicles for longer trips
- Short taxi rides between major attractions when children get tired
- Walking during cooler morning hours
- Avoiding public buses during peak summer heat
Food and Dining as a Family
One concern for families visiting during Ramadan is food availability. Mark found that his riad offered meal services, which is common in tourist areas. While smaller cities might have more restaurants closed during the day, tourist centers like Marrakech maintain many open options.
My food recommendations for families:
- Try traditional dishes like tajine (a slow-cooked savory stew) that children often enjoy
- Sample sweet pastries like chebakiya (honey-soaked pastries) which are Ramadan specialties
- Always have snacks on hand for children, especially during day trips
- Consider having lunch at your accommodation if restaurants are closed
Best Times for a Family Visit
While experiencing Ramadan offers unique cultural insights, I usually recommend families visit either just before Ramadan begins or during Eid al-Fitr (the celebration marking the end of Ramadan).
Eid al-Fitr is particularly magical for family travel because:
- The whole country bursts with joy and celebrations
- All shops and restaurants return to normal hours
- Special treats and festivities are abundant
- Families can witness cultural traditions in full swing
If you do choose to visit during Ramadan like Mark's family, embrace the different rhythm and use it as an opportunity to teach children about cultural differences and respect.
Bringing Your Morocco Experience Home
Mark created a free travel guide to Marrakech from his family's experiences, sharing their insights and tips with fellow travelers. This is something I encourage all families to do – document your adventures and share them!
Some ways families can preserve their Morocco memories:
- Create a family travel journal with everyone contributing
- Collect small souvenirs that tell stories (I know a family who brought home a traditional tea set and now has "Morocco tea time" every Sunday!)
- Learn to cook a Moroccan dish together after returning home
- Share photos and stories with friends to inspire their own adventures
Your Family's Moroccan Adventure Awaits
Morocco welcomes families with open arms during any season, but experiencing Ramadan here offers a unique window into our culture, traditions, and the warmth of our communities.
What makes a family experience in Morocco truly special isn't just the sights you see, but the connections you make. Like Mark and his children discovering the joy of their first authentic Moroccan meal, or watching the sunset from a riad rooftop, or navigating the ancient streets of the medina together.
Just remember to pack respect, patience, and an open heart – the three most important things in any traveler's suitcase, especially when traveling as a family!
Have you ever considered bringing your family to Morocco during Ramadan? Or have you already experienced it? I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions in the comments below! And if you're planning a trip, don't hesitate to ask for more specific advice.