Your Last BordersBEST THINGS TO DO IN MOROCCO
Morocco is one of the most tourist-friendly countries in Africa. There’s lots of awesome things to do in Morocco’s cities, seaside, desert, and highlands and this post summarises them all. If you are preparing a holiday in Morocco, keep this post handy as it will help you tailor your ideal Morocco itinerary.
Morocco is home to 37 million inhabitants and stands by the Atlantic Ocean, Algeria, and Mauritania. The official language is Arabic, yet most speak French and even English and Spanish. Local currency is the dirham, which are easy to obtain at local ATMs. Moreover, airports in Morocco offer great connexions to Europe via low-cost airline and lots of international flights with Royal Air Maroc. Additionally, local trains and buses are very reliable and there’s lots of tourist agencies offering awesome tours around Morocco.
The following are the best things to do in Morocco, try out as many as you can. And don’t be afraid, I’ve always felt safe when traveling to Morocco.
Best things to do in Morocco’s North
1. Watch the Tanneries in Fes
Fes is home to the world’s biggest pedestrian area: Medina Fes el Bali. Getting lost among its winding alleys packed with stalls is one of the best things things to do in Morocco. And so is admiring the Blue Gate and barbaining at the souk and visiting its mosques, madrassas, and gardens. Fes is an imperial city as it was once Morocco’s capital, so there’s lots of wonderful places to visit in Fes.
Yet, the ultimate among cool things to do in Fes is visiting its (in)famous tanneries. This is were leather is treated and tanned for it further handling in the making of all sorts of leather goods. Colours, smells, and hard work come together at the tanneries. And watching them from above, independently or with a guide, is one of the best things to do in Morocco.
2. Explore the Roman ruins in Meknes – Voloubilis
Meknes is one of Morocco’s imperial cities, as it was once the country’s capital. Now, it’s home to a large student population and an agricultural hub. Therefore, expect amazing fresh produce and lively restaurants in the city.
The best places to visit in Meknes are its Medina, Royal Palace, Bab Mansour Gate, and Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Additionally, Meknes is a great base to explore the roman ruins of Volubilis by Moulay Idriss.
This archeological site, once a fortified city, is pretty well preserved and never crowded. Therefore, here you’ll feel like you have the best of ancient Rome all to yourself. The place is open daily from 8.30am till sunset and can be visited independently or with a guided tour. Either way, it’s certainly one of the best things to do in Morocco.
3. Discover Rabat, the country’s capital
Rabat is the country’s capital city and thus the last of its four imperial cities. Rabat is home to 600,000 inhabitants and many interesting attractions in Morocco. It stands by the Atlantic Ocean and thus has plenty of beaches to explore. And a large promenade with palm trees to enjoy a walk with an ice-cream on hand.
The best places to visit in Rabat are of course its Medina and the Kasbah des Oudaias. Along with its mosques, minarets, palaces, and andalusian gardens. Exploring the cathedral, Hassan Tower, and Royal Palace are also great things to do in Rabat. If you’d like to learn more about the city, consider booking a guided tour of Rabat.
4. Admire Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca
Casablanca is home to the only mosque in Morocco non-muslims can enter to visit: Hassan II. And it’s so beautiful it justifies a trip to the country on its own. This is the largest functioning mosque in all of Africa and features the worlds second tallest minaret. Made out of marble by the Atlantic ocean, it’s one of the best places to visit in Morocco. You can book your tickets in advance at your preferred time and language or get them at the gate for the next available slot.
Additional things to do in Casablanca include walking around the tiny Medina, shopping at the souksand relaxing by the Corniche next to the ocean. The Mohamed V square, Cathedral due sacre Ceur, Marche Central and the Arab League Park are also great places to visit in Casablanca.
5. Face Europe from Tangier
Tangier sits by the Mediterranean, facing Spain via the Gibraltar strait. Thus, its location between Europe and Africa gives the city a vibrant cultural mix and makes it a busy port.
Every list of best things to do in Tangier begins with exploring the city’s kasbah, an ancient walled area on top of a hill. And of course the rest of the Medina, and its narrow streets home to very diverse stalls.
The great mosque of Tangier, thye 9 April 1947 Square, an the city’s beaches are also must see attractions in Tangier. Along with Caves of Hercules. These wonderful caves near the port where allegedly Hercules sit to rest during his labour.
6. Feel the blue in Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is one of the best cities to visit Morocco, and also one of the most photogenic. This town of 42,000 inhabitants stands about 60km south of Tangier, surrounded by the Rift mountains.
The town is famous as the blue pearl of Morocco, since msot houses here are painted in bright blue. Whether that is to keep mosquitos away, honour the sea, or something more mystical remains unknown. Yet, the city’s layout is beautiful and wondering through its old town is one of the best things to do in Morocco.
Expect wonderful Andalusian architecture, tranquil gardens, endless restaurants and cafes, and lively souks. Chefchaouen is a great place to buy souvenirs and eat your way through Morocco. Leathergoods, wood carvings and handicrafts here are some of the best in the country. And so is its fresh fish, seafood, and mountain mint tea.
7. Unwind in Asilah
Asilah might be the most unknown among the best places to go in Morocco. Not many tourists make their way to this beautiful coastal town. And that’s precisely one of the reasons spending some time relaxing along its beaches and Medina is one od the best things to do in Morocco.
The town lies in Morocco’s northern Atlantic coast, about 50km from Tangier. Thus, Asilah makes a great day trip from Tangier. It was ruled by the Spanish for loong, and keeps beautiful houses from those days. There’s also plenty of street art here, a large enough souk, and several art galleries. Along with beautiful beachs of white sand and great restaurants serving excellent local dishes.
Best things to do in Morocco’s South
8. Experience Jma El-Fnaa square in Marrakech
Marrakech is Morocco’s most famous city and one of the country’s four imperial cities, meaning it was once its capital. Marrakech offers a perfect mix of souks, architecture, and delicious cuisine. While it’s close enough to the desert and the sea to facilitate amazing day trips.
There’s plenty of wonderful things to do in Marrakech. Most of them within the city’s Medina, which is the beautiful old town. These include exploring the souks and admiring the beauty of Koutoubia Mosque, Madrasa Ben Yousef, and Bahia Palace. Yet, the ultimate best things to do in Marrakech is experience the famous square Jma El-Fnaa. This is packed with stalls, monkeys, snakes, tattoo makers, dentists, etc. day and night.
Once done exploring the Medina, head to other must see Marrakech spots such as El Badi Palace, the Saadian Tombs, Majorelle Gardens, or the Marrakech Palmeraie. And don’t forget to drink mint tea, sample pastries, and taste the local cuisine. These are also unmissable Marrakech things to do.
9. Spend a night in Merzouga desert
Merzouga desert is one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. It stands in southern Morocco, by the border with Algeria, about 600km East of Marrakech. Therefore, most come here on a 3-day guided tour stopping at highlights such as Ait Benhaddou, and the Todra Gorge and Dades River on the way (more on these below). This is how I visited the desert and loved it, so much recommended.
Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes are perfect for sand boarding and quad biking as some reach over 300 metres in height. Yet, the real highlight is getting a camel and making your way to a Berber camp. There, you’ll get to watch the sunset, sample a delicious dinner, and spend the night under a million starts. The next day should start early, to watch the sunrise paint the dunes in multiple colours.
10. Feel like in a movie in Aït Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the coolest Morocco places to visit. It’s an ancient fortified mountain village made of sand and stone yet looking as if it was carved within the mountains. The palace is especially beautiful at sunset and nearby Ouarzazate town features nice hotels and some good restaurants so do consider staying overnight.
The village was once an unmissable stop among traders traveling through the desert. Centuries later, it became the setting for famous desert movies such as Gladiator, Jesus of Nazareth, Lawrence of Arabia, and Jewel in the Nile. Most come here on a guided tour exploring the Atlas Mountains and Sahara desert. Nevertheless, it’s completely safe to visit independently. Either way, don’t miss this mudbrick village when visiting Morocco.
11. Todra Gorge and Dades River
Todra Gorge is a naturally steep canyon of red cliffs reaching 400 metres high that makes one of the most beautiful places to visit in Morocco.
Once only home to local shepards, now it’s also very popular among local families and hikers. Most come here on a quick photo-stop while touring Morocco. However, nature enthusiast should consider hiring a guide to enjoy some awesome trekking and rock climbing.
The nearby Dades river, which helped craving the gorges, also nourishes the oasis in the area. This is a great place to explore Bereber villages and shop their famous carpets.
12. Surf in Essaouira
Spending some time in Essaouira is among the nicest Morocco things to do. The city is also one of the best places in Morocco for water sports, and is where I tried surfing for the very first time.
Standing by the Atlantic ocean, about 375km south of Casablanca, Essaouira is home to 78,000 inhabitants. Its walled Medina, mostly painted in blue and white, makes a great place for a stroll. Here you’ll find awesome wood pieces, delicious sweet treats, and awesome fish.
The city’s port is naturally protected by a large bay and surrounded by beautiful wild beaches. It keeps a strong Portuguese vibe, well mixed with local African and Arabic touches. Exploring Essaouira’s beaches on a quad bike is a fun thing to do in Morocco. And so is taking a surfing or windsurfing lesson. Finish off the day with seafood couscous for a great Moroccan holiday.
13. Chill by the beach at Agadir
Agadir is Morocco’s seaside resort town. Located at the south of the country, Agadir faces the Spanish Canary islands. The town features the best of Morocco’s ancient culture combined with a thriving waterfront. So expect lots beautiful beaches, watersports, foodstalls, and seaside restaurants here. Things to do in Agadir also include visiting the Agadir Museum or hiking by Souss-Massa National Park.
If you are looking for a day trip from Agadir, head to Infi town and Legira beach. This is a small fishing town long ruled by the Spanish home to beautiful white-and-blue houses and cool Art Deco buildings. Its Legira beach hosts mesmerizing coastal cliffs reaching 30 metres in height. These turned red at sunset and are one of the most beautiful places to visit in Morocco.
14. Hike the Atlas Mountains
The Atlas mountains, spanding from Morocco to Tunisia via Algeria, are a must in Morocco sightseeing for nature enthusiasts. They are home to several Berber villages, mountains, and green valleys. Including Jbel Toubkal which, at 4,167 metres, is the highest peak in Northern Africa.
If you are into hiking, climbing Jbel Toubkal should be among your Morocco must do activities. The guided ascent from Imlil takes 5 days and many local companies offer it. It’s quite demanding, so ensure you are properly trained before stepping on some snow during your trip to Morocco.
Recap on the best things to do in Morocco
Morocco is a large country featuring ancient cities, arid deserts, high mountains, and vibrant seaside towns. Therefore, there’s endless awesome things to do in every bit of Morocco. If you are planning a trip to this awesome African destination, make sure to keep this post handy as it sums up all the unmissable Tourist places in Morocco.
If you are into old medinas, souks, and beautiful architecture make sure to visit Morocco’s imperial cities. These were/are once the country’s capitals, and are all stunning: Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat.
Those looking for a relaxed time should visit coastal towns such as Asilah or Essaouira, where to feel the local culture without too much hustle and bustle. While nature lovers will have a blast spending a night under the stars at Merzouga desert. Just ensure to stop at highlights such as Ait Benhaddou and the Dades Gorge on the way.
Finally, make sure to leave a comment below with any questions on the best Morocco destinations. Or reach out through my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages, where you’ll also find additional insights from my own travels around the world. Have a wonderful trip to Morocco!
