Morocco

Cost of living

What a month costs

Rent and local dining are cheap by Western standards, imported goods much less so.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Marrakech

1. Jemaa el-FnaaThe famous main square that fills each evening with food stalls, musicians and storytellers.
2. Koutoubia MosqueThe city's landmark 12th-century minaret, visible from almost everywhere in the medina.
3. Bahia PalaceA 19th-century palace of tiled courtyards, painted ceilings and shaded gardens.
4. Jardin MajorelleCobalt-blue villa and cactus garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
5. Saadian TombsOrnate royal burial chambers rediscovered in 1917, tucked beside the Kasbah Mosque.
6. Ben Youssef MadrasaA beautifully restored Quranic college with some of the finest zellij tilework in the country.
7. El Badi PalaceThe vast ruined palace of a Saadian sultan, now home to nesting storks.
8. The souksA labyrinth of covered markets selling leather, lamps, spices, rugs and metalwork.
9. Yves Saint Laurent MuseumA modern museum near Majorelle showcasing the designer's Marrakech-inspired work.
10. Menara GardensA historic olive grove and reflecting pool with a photogenic pavilion and Atlas backdrop.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. EssaouiraBreezy Atlantic port town with ramparts, fresh grilled fish and a laid-back surf scene.
2. Imlil and the High AtlasMountain village and gateway for hikes toward Mount Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak.
3. Ourika ValleyGreen river valley an hour away with waterfalls, Berber villages and cool air in summer.
4. Aiet Benhaddou and OuarzazateFortified mud-brick ksar and film-studio town reached over the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka pass.
5. Agafay DesertRocky stone desert just outside the city, popular for sunset camps and camel or quad rides.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Cafe des EpicesCozy medina rooftop above the spice square, good for mint tea and people-watching.
2. Bacha CoffeeGrand coffee house inside the restored Dar el Bacha palace with hundreds of single-origin brews.
3. Grand Cafe de la PosteA 1920s colonial-era brasserie in Gueliz with a genteel old-world feel.
4. Terrasse des EpicesStylish medina rooftop popular for a relaxed coffee or lunch away from the crowds.
5. Cafe ArabeElegant riad courtyard and rooftop serving tea, coffee and light bites in the northern medina.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Al FassiaLong-running Gueliz institution run entirely by women, serving classic Moroccan home cooking.
2. Dar YacoutLavish set-menu dinner in a candlelit medina riad, a special-occasion favorite for decades.
3. NomadModern Moroccan cooking on a breezy medina rooftop overlooking the spice market.
4. Le TobsilIntimate riad offering a traditional multi-course tasting menu with live music.
5. Comptoir DarnaBuzzy Hivernage spot pairing Moroccan dishes with an evening belly-dance show.
6. Le Marocain at La MamouniaRefined Moroccan dining inside the city's most iconic historic hotel.
7. Le JardinGreen-tiled garden restaurant hidden in the medina, easy for a leisurely lunch.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Amal RestaurantGueliz nonprofit that trains disadvantaged women, great for breakfast and Moroccan pastries.
2. Cafe de FranceIconic old cafe right on Jemaa el-Fnaa with terrace views over the square.
3. Cafe ClockCultural cafe in the Kasbah known for hearty breakfasts and community events.
4. 16 CafePopular Gueliz patisserie and cafe for fresh pastries, juices and coffee.
5. Pause GourmandeFrench-style bakery in Gueliz with croissants, viennoiserie and good espresso.
6. Earth CafeVegetarian spot near the main square serving wholesome breakfasts and fresh juices.
7. NaranjLebanese and Middle Eastern kitchen in the medina, good for a lighter morning plate.
8. KabanaRooftop opposite the Koutoubia minaret, a scenic choice for morning coffee and brunch.
9. L'midaTrendy medina rooftop near the Ferblantiers square with a relaxed brunch menu and city views.