Complete Guide to What's Open — and What's Not — During Eid al-Adha in Morocco
Eid al-Adha (Aid al-Kebir) on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, is Morocco's most important holiday.
For travellers planning to be in Morocco during this period, the main question is simple: what stays open, what changes, and how do I get around?
This guide gives you a clear, day-by-day breakdown for hotels, restaurants, transport, tours, and every major service you might need.
1. Quick Overview — Day by Day
| Day | Date | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 — Eid | Wed, May 27 | Quiet morning. Hotels and tourist restaurants open. Local shops, souks, museums closed. Transport with reduced schedules. |
| Day 2 | Thu, May 28 | Most things reopen gradually. Museums and attractions start operating. Restaurants resume normal menus. |
| Day 3 | Fri, May 29 | Nearly back to normal. Souks, shops, and street food return. Banks remain closed. |
| Day 4+ | Sat, May 30+ | Full normal operations resume across the country. |
Bottom line: Tourist infrastructure works. If you stay in a major tourist city and plan around the first day, you will have a smooth trip.
2. Hotels and Riads — Fully Operational
All hotels and riads in Morocco operate normally during Eid al-Adha.
- Reception desks run regular hours. Check-in and check-out are unaffected.
- On-site restaurants serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner as usual.
- Breakfast service may shift by 30–60 minutes on Day 1 to accommodate staff schedules — most hotels will notify guests in advance.
- Riads with small teams may have reduced reception hours on Day 1 but continue serving guests.
Booking advice: Book now. Eid is peak domestic travel season. Moroccans working in Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier return to their home cities and regions. Hotels in coastal cities — Essaouira, Agadir, El Jadida — and mid-range options in Marrakech fill up quickly.
Recommended booking strategy:
| Hotel Type | Booking Tip |
|---|---|
| Luxury hotels | Standard rates apply. Book 7+ days ahead. |
| Mid-range riads | High demand. Book with free cancellation. |
| Budget hostels | Limited availability on Day 1. Book early. |
| Coastal resorts | Domestic families book weeks in advance. |
3. Restaurants and Food
What stays open
Tourist restaurants in major cities remain open on all days of Eid.
In Marrakech, Essaouira, Agadir, Rabat, Fes, and Tangier, restaurants catering to international visitors continue serving lunch and dinner. Some operate with a reduced menu on Day 1 — fewer options, but quality and service are unaffected.
Hotel restaurants: Full service throughout the holiday. Many hotels offer a special Eid lunch or dinner. Ask your hotel in advance — this can be a highlight of your stay.
Riad kitchens: Most riads with on-site dining serve guests as normal on all days. Some may require advance notice for Day 1 meals.
What closes
| Food Type | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist restaurants | Open (reduced menu) | Open (full menu) | Open |
| Hotel restaurants | Open | Open | Open |
| Small local restaurants | Closed | Some reopen | Open |
| Street food stalls | Closed | Gradual return | Open |
| Bakeries | Closed | Some reopen | Open |
| Supermarkets | Closed | Open | Open |
| Corner shops | Closed | Most reopen | Open |
Practical food advice
- If self-catering: Buy groceries on Tuesday May 26. Supermarkets close Wednesday and reopen Thursday.
- If eating out: Stick to tourist areas on Day 1. Hotel restaurants are the most reliable option.
- If staying in a riad: Confirm with your riad whether they serve meals on Day 1. Many do, but some may request advance notice.
- Delivery apps: Glovo and similar services operate with reduced driver availability on Day 1.
4. Transport
Trains — ONCF
ONCF operates a reduced timetable on Day 1 (May 27). Frequency decreases on all major lines but trains continue running. Key routes affected:
- Tangier–Casablanca–Marrakech: fewer departures, same travel time
- Fes–Oujda: reduced frequency
- Rabat–Casablanca commuter line: reduced service on Day 1
Normal schedules resume from Day 2 (May 28).
Check oncf.ma for the official holiday timetable released a few days before Eid.
CTM and Supratours Buses
Intercity buses run throughout the holiday. Day 1 sees fewer departures. Book tickets at least one week in advance — Eid is one of the busiest travel periods for domestic bus routes.
Domestic Flights
Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, and Ryanair operate their regular schedules. No significant disruptions are expected on any day of the holiday.
Book early: Flights between Casablanca and Marrakech, Marrakech and Agadir, and Tangier–Casablanca fill up as Moroccans travel for the holiday.
Grand Taxis and Petits Taxis
Taxis remain available on Day 1, but supply drops as many drivers observe the holiday. Waiting times increase, especially in residential areas. From Day 2 onwards, normal service resumes.
Tip: Use ride-hailing apps (Careem, Heetch) where available — they tend to have more drivers on duty.
Airport Transfers
Operate normally on all days. Most hotels arrange airport transfers — book in advance, especially for Day 1 arrivals.
Car Rental
Open on Day 1 with reduced hours. Normal service from Day 2. Demand is higher than usual — book a few days ahead. Agencies at airports have the most consistent hours during the holiday.
Driving Yourself
Roads are noticeably quieter on the morning of Day 1. Late afternoon traffic increases as families return from gatherings. Rural roads see more traffic than usual as people travel to home villages. No road closures or restrictions to be aware of.
5. Tours, Day Trips, and Attractions
| Activity | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desert tours (Merzouga, Zagora) | Private tours run | Tours run | Normal |
| Guided city tours | Private guides may be available | Group tours resume | Normal |
| Cooking classes | Closed | Reopen | Normal |
| Visiting museums | Closed | Most reopen | Normal |
| Historic sites (Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, etc.) | Closed | Most reopen | Normal |
| Hiking and outdoor | Guides may take Eid off | Normal | Normal |
| Beaches and coastal activities | Open | Open | Open |
| Golf | Courses open with reduced staff | Normal | Normal |
| Hammams and spas | Some close | Most reopen | Normal |
Specific guidance
Desert tours: Private desert excursions from Marrakech to Merzouga or Zagora run on all days. Group tours may reschedule Day 1 departures to Day 2. Confirm with your operator.
Guided city tours: Private guides in Marrakech, Fes, and Essaouira may be available on Day 1 (some work, some take the holiday). Group walking tours typically pause on Day 1. Book private tours directly to confirm.
Museums: Major museums close on Day 1 and reopen on Day 2 with regular hours. Check specific opening times on Google Maps or individual museum websites.
Outdoor activities: Hiking in the Atlas Mountains, beach days in Agadir, and coastal walks in Essaouira are accessible throughout. Guides may take Eid off on Day 1.
6. City-by-City Guide
Marrakech — Best for First-Time Visitors
Day 1: Most tourist restaurants open. Hotels normal. Medina quiet in the morning, active by afternoon. Souks closed Day 1. Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs closed. Jemaa el-Fna square active from late afternoon. Day 2+: Everything normal. Full sightseeing possible.
Agadir — Best for Beach and Relaxation
Day 1: Resort hotels run full service. Beach open. Water sports operate. City-centre shops closed. Tourist restaurants along the bay open. Day 2+: Normal.
Essaouira — Best for Food and Atmosphere
Day 1: Medina restaurants open (tourist-oriented). Port area active. Beaches accessible. Some art galleries and boutique shops close. Day 2+: Normal.
Rabat — Best for Culture and Calm
Day 1: Quiet. Hassan Tower and Chellah closed. Tourist hotels operate normally. Restaurants in the Agdal and Hay Riad areas open. Day 2: Museums and historic sites reopen.
Fes — Best for Culture Enthusiasts
Day 1: Very quiet. Traditional medina restaurants may close. Hotel restaurants operate. Tannery and historic sites closed. Day 2: Gradual reopening. Best visited from Day 2 onwards.
Tangier — Best for Short Stays and Transit
Day 1: Hotels normal. Restaurants in the new city (Ville Nouvelle) open. Medina quieter than usual. Port and airport operations normal. Day 2+: Normal.
Cities to Plan for Carefully
Smaller inland towns — Meknes, Oujda, Taza, Beni Mellal — see more significant closures. Local infrastructure shrinks noticeably. If you plan to visit a smaller city during Eid, confirm restaurant and accommodation availability well in advance.
7. Booking Checklist
Tick these off before May 26:
- Hotels booked for May 26–29 (with free cancellation if possible)
- Intercity transport booked (train or bus) for travel around Eid
- Airport transfer arranged (especially for Day 1 arrivals)
- Groceries bought on May 26 (if self-catering)
- Tour operator contacted to confirm Day 1 availability
- Restaurant reservations made for Day 1 dinner
- Rental car booked if needed
- Travel insurance confirmed (always recommended)
8. FAQ
Is Morocco open for tourists during Eid al-Adha?
Yes. Morocco is open for tourists during Eid al-Adha. Hotels, larger restaurants, public transport, and domestic flights continue operating. Some local businesses and government services close for 1 to 3 days.
Are hotels open during Eid al-Adha in Morocco?
Yes. All hotels and riads in tourist cities operate normally. Breakfast hours may shift slightly on Day 1. Book in advance — Eid is peak domestic travel season.
Are restaurants open during Eid al-Adha in Morocco?
Tourist restaurants in major cities remain open, often with a reduced menu. Small local restaurants and street food stalls close on the first day of Eid. From Day 2 onwards, most restaurants resume normal service.
Is public transport running during Eid al-Adha?
Yes. Trains (ONCF), CTM and Supratours buses, and domestic flights operate with some schedule adjustments on Day 1. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
Do domestic flights operate during Eid al-Adha?
Yes. Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, and Ryanair operate regular schedules throughout the holiday. No major disruptions expected.
Do taxis work during Eid al-Adha in Morocco?
Grand taxis and petits taxis are available but supply drops on Day 1 as many drivers observe the holiday. From Day 2 onwards, normal service resumes. Pre-book airport transfers.
Do tours and day trips run during Eid al-Adha?
Private tours and desert excursions generally operate. Group tours may pause on Day 1. Confirm with your tour operator a few days before.
Are museums open during Eid al-Adha?
Museums and historic sites close on Day 1. From Day 2 onwards, most reopen with regular or reduced hours. Outdoor attractions remain accessible throughout.
Are supermarkets open during Eid al-Adha in Morocco?
Supermarkets close on Day 1 and reopen on Day 2. Buy groceries and supplies on May 26 (Tuesday) if you plan to self-cater.
Is car rental available during Eid al-Adha?
Yes. Car rental agencies open with reduced hours on Day 1. Normal service from Day 2. Demand is higher than usual — book in advance.
What is the best city to stay in during Eid al-Adha?
Marrakech, Agadir, and Essaouira have the most tourist infrastructure operating during Eid. Smaller inland towns see more significant closures.
How long do Eid al-Adha closures last in Morocco?
Most closures last 1 to 2 days. Government offices may close for 3 to 5 days. By Day 3 (May 29), nearly all services resume normal operation.
© Trimyo — Original Morocco tourism intelligence. This article was researched and written by the Trimyo editorial team. If you find this content useful, please link to the original article rather than copying it.
Published · Updated · Original article on trimyo.com
Sources & Verification
- Morocco World News — Official Date(high trust)
- ONCF — Train schedules (holiday timetable)(high trust)
- Visit Morocco Official Tourism(high trust)
Needs Verification
- Eid al-Adha 2026 falls on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 in Morocco — Confirmed by official moon sighting.
- ONCF operates reduced timetable on Day 1 of Eid — Standard ONCF holiday practice. Exact schedule released closer to date.
- Museums and historic sites close on Day 1 — Consistent with previous years. Individual sites may vary.
- Supermarkets close Day 1 and reopen Day 2 — General pattern across Moroccan cities. Smaller corner shops may open earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morocco open for tourists during Eid al-Adha?
Yes. Morocco is open for tourists during Eid al-Adha. Hotels, larger restaurants, public transport, and domestic flights continue operating. Some local businesses and government services close for 1 to 3 days.
Are hotels open during Eid al-Adha in Morocco?
Yes. All hotels and riads in tourist cities operate normally. Breakfast hours may shift slightly on Day 1. Book in advance — Eid is peak domestic travel season.
Are restaurants open during Eid al-Adha in Morocco?
Tourist restaurants in major cities remain open, often with a reduced menu. Small local restaurants and street food stalls close on the first day. From Day 2 onwards, most restaurants resume normal service.
Is public transport running during Eid al-Adha?
Yes. Trains (ONCF), CTM and Supratours buses, and domestic flights operate with some schedule adjustments on Day 1. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
Do domestic flights operate during Eid al-Adha?
Yes. Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, and Ryanair operate regular schedules throughout the holiday. No major disruptions expected.
Do taxis work during Eid al-Adha in Morocco?
Grand taxis and petits taxis are available but supply drops on Day 1 as many drivers observe the holiday. From Day 2 onwards, normal taxi service resumes. Pre-book airport transfers.
Do tours and day trips run during Eid al-Adha?
Private tours and desert excursions generally operate. Group tours may pause on Day 1. Confirm with your tour operator a few days before.
Are museums open during Eid al-Adha?
Museums and historic sites close on Day 1. From Day 2 onwards, most reopen with regular or reduced hours. Outdoor attractions remain accessible throughout.
Are supermarkets open during Eid al-Adha in Morocco?
Supermarkets close on Day 1 and reopen on Day 2. Buy groceries and supplies on May 26 (Tuesday) if you plan to self-cater.
Is car rental available during Eid al-Adha?
Yes. Car rental agencies open with reduced hours on Day 1. Normal service from Day 2. Demand is higher than usual — book in advance.
What is the best city to stay in during Eid al-Adha?
Marrakech, Agadir, and Essaouira have the most tourist infrastructure operating during Eid. Smaller inland towns see more significant closures.
How long do Eid al-Adha closures last in Morocco?
Most closures last 1 to 2 days. Government offices may close for 3 to 5 days. By Day 3 (May 29), nearly all services resume normal operation.