Best Things to Do & See in Morocco

Planning a trip to North Africa? Morocco has something to suit everyone, from isolated beaches to bustling cities. This is a fascinating destination, fiercely proud of its cultural mix of Arab, Berber and colonial traditions, and with an impressive variety of natural landscapes to be found across the country. Whether you are looking for a mountain getaway or a desert adventure, you won’t be bored. Here are our top tips for an unforgettable trip to Morocco.

Spend a night in the Desert

Sleeping under the desert stars is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll find several spots to begin a Desert adventure, so you can decide what type of desert trek will suit you. Erg Chegaga, accessible from M’Hamid, is the best choice if you’re after something truly epic. Here you can take a camel trek through the dunes that lasts the best part of a week, completely leaving civilization behind. If you’d prefer something a little more sophisticated, there are Instagram-ready, glamping-style Bedouin-inspired camps in Erg Chebbi, close to Merzouga. You’ll stay in a traditional-style tent while still enjoying modern conveniences.

Lose yourself in a medina

Medinas, the characteristic old towns of Morocco can be found across the country, with the most famous being in Marrakech, Fez and Chefchaouen. Your first visit to a medina can be overwhelming, as they tend to consist of a tangled labyrinth of narrow alleys and confusing streets. Relax and enjoy the experience. Check out the wealth of spices, crafts and clothes on offer in the souks, nibble on some of the local street food, and enjoy the buskers and other entertainers. Marrakech’s medina is the most hectic. In other cities, the medina is still going to be busy, but it won’t be quite as overwhelming.

Visit the country’s most famous mosque

The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca has become a true icon of Morocco, with its towering minaret and seaside location. This enormous building – the largest mosque in Africa – can hold up to 25,000 worshippers and has a remarkable sense of grandeur. Inside, you’ll see jaw-dropping architecture with mosaics, tiles and exquisitely painted wood, all made by some of Morocco’s finest artisans when the mosque was constructed in the early 1990s. Check in advance to see when the mosque is open to visitors, as sightseers should not disturb during prayer sessions, and be sure to dress appropriately. This is the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims.

Hike through the Atlas Mountains

If you are visiting Morocco in spring or autumn, take advantage of the milder weather to head out into the Atlas Mountains. They are at their most beautiful in the springtime when wildflowers can be seen scattered across the green landscape. There are routes available for hikers of all levels, with the most impressive being the incredible Toubkal circuit, which follows ancient trails that were first carved out here centuries ago. It will take a full week to complete. To mix nature with a taste of local culture, go hiking in the Anti Atlas area, where the people still follow the traditional Berber way of life.

Soak up the atmosphere in a hammam

These traditional public bathhouses are still a common part of daily life in Morocco, where locals will usually go to their neighbourhood hammam at least once a week. For travellers, they can be a soothing oasis, offering a chance to relax after a busy day of seeing the sights. Hammams range from luxury spas complete with massage menus and fancy treatments to no-frills neighbourhood bathhouses, with something for every budget and taste. Even in the most basic hammams, you’ll usually be offered a special scrub down from the attendants.

Let Chefchaouen fire your imagination

This small mountain town may seem like an unlikely attraction, but when you travel to Chefchaouen, you’ll be captivated by its remarkable beauty. Known as the Blue City for the characteristic colour of its buildings, Chaouen – as the locals call it – has one of the country’s best medinas to explore and is set against the stunning backdrop of the Rif Mountains. If you’re looking for an experience that feels authentically North African, this is the place for you.

There is also the Kasbah which stands in the middle of the old quarter: its lush gardens, located in the centre of the city, are a haven of freshness. Its museum, which is home to a collection of old weapons, some photos of the city, and textiles, is a must-see.

Hit the surf on the Atlantic coast

Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a total newbie, you’ll find the best waves in Essaouira. If surfing doesn’t appeal, don’t worry – you can also try paddleboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing or a host of other water sports. Want to stay on dry land? You can explore the charming streets of this traditional fishing town while your friends get wet. Essaouira is a splendid city with historical streets and houses, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage since 2001.

Enjoy a feast of local delicacies

Delicious Moroccan dishes like tagine or couscous have become known around the world. Subtly spiced and packed with unusual flavour combinations, Moroccan food has plenty to offer the adventurous traveller. On the coast, try fish marinated in the chermoula spice blend, while inland specialities include the thick lamb soup of harira, traditionally eaten to break the daily Ramadan fast. B’stilla, a sugared pigeon pie, is an intriguing mix of sweet and savoury and can be enjoyed across the country.

Live the Hollywood dream in Ait Ben Haddou

You might recognise the distinctive orange mudbrick walls of Ait Ben Haddou from Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, or any of the countless other productions that have been filmed here. Even if you’re not a movie buff, you’ll love this ancient fortified village jutting out of the earth in the High Atlas area. Wander its streets to feel like you’ve stepped into an exotic fairytale.

Climb North Africa’s highest mountain

With its summit reaching a dizzying 4,167 metres, Jebel Toubkal is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights! Other travellers will love the spectacular views that spread across the rugged Atlas Mountains. It takes two days to scale Jebel Toubkal. No technical climbing skill or equipment is necessary, but the steep slopes towards the top require decent fitness. If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views in all directions.

Dance to the beat at a music festival

Morocco is becoming an increasingly popular destination for music fans, with an ever more exciting calendar of events. For an energetic mix of music and atmosphere, try the Gnaoua World Music Festival, held in June in the city of Essaouira, which promotes ancient Gnaoua music and tradition. In Casablanca, Jazzablanca brings together jazz lovers, while the Fes Festival of Sacred Music is an extraordinary spiritual experience, with sacred music from around the world. You can also enjoy Rabat’s Mawazine Festival at the end of May, a festival featuring international artists alongside locals and breakthrough artists. In Marrakech, Oasis Festival, a festival of music, art and electronic culture held annually between September and October.

A unique contemporary and traditional art scene

For art and architecture lovers, Morocco offers several vibrant and exciting museums, excellent for completing a trip and exploring the richness of North Africa’s art scene.

One of the newest and most interesting museums in Morocco, the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art celebrates local artists. Set in an atmospheric white building that shows off traditional Moroccan geometric design, this museum is the first institution in the Kingdom of Morocco entirely dedicated to modern and contemporary art, housing a large collection of works by Moroccan and international artists.

Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures in Tangier is one of the oldest cultural institutions testifying to the richness and diversity of the Mediterranean basin. Villa Harris Tanger, was built at the end of the 19th century by the British Walter Burton Harris, journalist and special correspondent for The Times.

Dar al Bacha Museum (Musée des Confluences) in Marrakech is a museum representing traditional Moroccan architecture. Also, not to be missed is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech, housed in a building with beautiful architecture, a must-see for fashion lovers.

Take a dip in the Mediterranean

Morocco’s Atlantic coast is best for its windswept landscapes and surfing, but nothing beats diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. To start your beach adventure, head to Saïdia, known as the Moroccan Caribbean for the incredible blue of its waters. Al Hoceima, “The Pearl of the Mediterranean”, offers wild beaches and hidden treasures for the more adventurous to discover. And in Nador, Mar Chica, Morocco’s largest coastal salt lagoon, where you can swim, stroll and watch the fishermen, or have a relaxing cup of tea by the sea.

Explore a ruined Roman city

An easy day trip from Fes (Fez), the Roman settlement of Volubilis is entirely ruined, but it has an evocative beauty. The ruins here are spread out across an enormous area, with mosaic floors, an old forum, half-destroyed columns, and ancient temples’ remains. It’s a stunning landscape sure to capture the imagination, and its location, out in the rolling Moroccan countryside, gives the site an eerie feeling that adds to its melancholic charm.

Have an outdoor adventure in Todgha Gorge

Part of the High Atlas region, this is one of Morocco’s natural wonders, the North African version of the Grand Canyon. In some parts of Todgha Gorge, the canyon walls reach up to 300 metres high, and the canyon can be as narrow as 10 metres across. Visit in the dry season, and you’ll be able to hike the gorge, which is impossible in the rainy months. Tinerhir is the nearest town. You can head to the gorge for a day trip or stay overnight in the area if you’re feeling more adventurous. Don’t be surprised if you have company after the sun sets. This area is still populated by groups of nomads, who often set up camp for the night near the gorge.