Walking is almost always the best way to see cities and those in Morocco are no exception.

Here is some important information that you should know before becoming a pedestrian tourist. This I learned through experience and from locals. I found existing online advice to be mostly exaggerated, outdated or incorrect – like many other things about Morocco.

I’d start by saying that it feels quite safe in the urban areas. While Morocco does have high road crash rates compared to other countries, a large proportion of this involves two-wheeled vehicles like motorbikes and scooters.

I think the most important thing to know is how to cross the street.

Some people say that the traffic is “crazy”, especially in Casablanca. One local told me “if you can drive in Casablanca then you can drive anywhere”. But honestly while it was different I did not find that this was the case.

It is certainly chaotic and seems like there are few formal road rules. But if you observe carefully then you will notice that people do not drive dangerously. There are patterns and predictability that are relatively straightforward to navigate.

Nobody will actively drive towards you or try to run you off the road. People will drive around you and give you space to get across. Cars will stop at traffic lights (although some motorbikes might try to squeeze through).

The big condition on all of this of course is to be predictable and commit to your crossing. Don’t wander over the road or change your walking speed. If drivers know where you’re going then you are perfectly safe; even as cars and motorbikes might zoom around you.

The other thing is that this really only applies on the major roads. The side streets and the streets within and near medinas and souks are usually fully pedestrianised or very low-traffic areas. This helps make them great places to walk.

There are a large number of zebra and raised zebra crossings around the city. Some are of questionable design, installing painted crossings on busy four lane major roads with no other infrastructure – like this one below.

If you do see one don’t expect it to operate like a pedestrian-priority crossing in Australia. People driving will not give way. Treat it as you would crossing anywhere else in Morocco mid-block without a formal crossing.

It appears that the authorities have tried to make these operate to give priority to pedestrians with signs, speed bumps and lights. Unfortunately though they don’t appear to make any difference.

My final piece of advice is to always look in both directions before crossing. Although this was especially important for me given that Australians drive and ride on the left, sometimes you will find a bike, scooter or other vehicle coming at you from the wrong way on a road or slip lane in Casablanca. This wasn’t common but it happened a few times.

Please don’t let any of this dissuade you from walking in Moroccan cities. I walked almost everywhere and it was wonderful.

You get to truly experience the street rather than being sequestered away in a moving metal box. You can talk to people, find unexpected things and get a better feel for the places you visit.

Overall I have found many more dangerous places to walk than Moroccan cities. I have felt less safe on roads in Italy, Malaysia and even Australia.

Walk in Morocco as much as you can and I guarantee you a better trip!