Essaouira is a relaxed coastal town, home to a bustling fishing port and a narrow‑carved medina. The waterfront is lined with seafood spots like Port Fish Grills and Bissmillah, where fresh catches start at 50 MAD. Its blend of traditional Moroccan charm, breezy ocean air and artistic vibe makes it a favorite for food lovers, artists and quiet wanderers alike.

• Chez Sam – Inside the port, Essaouira – €€
• Khmissa – Medina, Essaouira – €€
• Bissmillah – Port area, Essaouira – €€
• Port Fish Grills – Essaouira Fishing Port – €€
• The Loft – Medina, Essaouira – €€
• Umia – Medina, Essaouira – €€
• Elizir – Medina, Essaouira – €€
• Le Panoramique – Plage d'Essaouira, Essaouira 44000 – €€

Tip: Restaurants expect a 10 % tip if no service charge is included.
Water: Bottled water (Sidi Ali or Cielo d’Atlas) costs 6–10 MAD per 1.5 L.

local-sights

• Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah museum – Rue Laalouj, a few hundred metres from the French Institute. Open every day; great for a quick intro to local history.
• Port Fish Grills – Essaouira Fishing Port. 50‑80 MAD per person, best for fresh seafood on a wooden pier.
• Bissmillah – port area. 80‑180 MAD, traditional sea‐food platter, lively atmosphere.
• Khmissa – Medina. 100‑200 MAD, elegant Moroccan seafood at a historic setting.
• The Loft – Medina. 130‑280 MAD, modern Moroccan dishes, relaxed vibe.
• Umia – Medina. 140‑300 MAD, bistronomic twists on Mediterranean classics.
• Chez Sam – inside the port. 80‑200 MAD, cosy spot for grilled fish and cocktails.
• Elizir – Medina. 80‑180 MAD, italian‑Moroccan fusion, bright décor.
• Le Panoramique – Plage d'Essaouira, 44000, Morocco. Open 24 hours, free beach, panoramic sunset views.
• Port of Essaouira – most active 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily; great for watching fishermen bring in the catch and for morning strolls along the jetty.

tips

• Arrive at BP 1620, Gare Routière if you’re coming from the airport; a petit taxi to the medina costs 150-200 MAD and takes about 20 minutes.
• If you’re hiking out of Marrakech, hop on the Supratours bus for 110 MAD; it leaves the train station every half‑hour.
• The Port of Essaouira is buzzing from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM daily; visiting during this window lets you watch the fishing boats load their catches and enjoy fresh seafood right off the pier.
• Beach lovers: Essaouira Beach is 24‑hour open, so you can catch a sunrise surf or a midnight stroll over the dunes.
• For a quiet cultural detour, wander down rue Laalouj to the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah museum; it’s a few hundred metres from the French Institute and rarely crowded.
• If you’re looking for a romantic sunset, take a horse‑drawn carriage (calèche) along Boulevard Mohammed V – the fare is 50-100 MAD for a 30‑minute ride; just be prepared it’s more of a photo‑op than a practical mode of getting around.
• Skip the overpriced cafés selling “local” mint tea that only cost 80 MAD for a cup—your money is better spent on a fresh grilled fish (€ at Port Fish Grill: 50-80 MAD per person).
• Safety tip: stick to the main streets (Boulevard Mohammed V, Rue Laalouj) where there are plenty of people and taxis. If you stray into narrower lanes, keep an eye on your belongings as petty theft can happen in crowded markets.

With these pointers, you’ll make the most of Essaouira’s laid‑back vibe and rich cultural tapestry while staying on budget and safe.