12 Best Things to Do in Morocco: Ancient Cities, Desert Adventures & More
Dive into Morocco’s mesmerizing cities, mountains, deserts, and coasts with this essential guide to the country’s unmissable experiences.
Morocco captivates visitors with a tapestry of ancient cities, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. From bustling medinas and snow-capped peaks to sweeping deserts and sun-kissed coasts, every corner of this North African country offers unforgettable adventures. Whether you seek history, outdoor thrills, or culinary journeys, Morocco’s riches await. Here are the top things to do on your Moroccan escape.
1. Lose Yourself in the Medinas of Marrakesh, Fez, and Chefchaouen
The labyrinthine medinas of Morocco are legendary for their sensory overload.
- Marrakesh: Step into the pulsating heart of the famed Red City, where Djemaa El Fna comes alive each night with storytellers, dancers, and food stalls. Navigate winding alleys packed with souks selling spices, rugs, and leather goods. Don’t miss historic sites like the Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace.
- Fez: Roam the atmospheric Fez El Bali, the world’s largest living medieval medina, dating to the 8th century. Marvel at tanneries, mosques, and the endless maze—over 9,000 alleys—where craftsmen still practice age-old trades.
- Chefchaouen: The ‘Blue Pearl’ nestles in the Rif Mountains, its medina awash in every hue of blue. Stroll its cobblestone streets, sip mint tea in sunny squares, and hike from town into the pristine forests of Talassemtane National Park.
Planning Tip: Visit in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) for pleasant weather. Summers can be scorching, especially inland.
2. Marvel at Casablanca’s Architectural Wonders
Casablanca offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity through its show-stopping architecture.
- Hassan II Mosque: The city’s iconic landmark and one of the largest mosques in the world, it towers over the Atlantic. Non-Muslims can join guided tours of the vast prayer halls, ornate with hand-carved stucco, painted wood, and dazzling zellige tilework.
- Downtown Casablanca: Wander avenues lined with neo-Moorish, Art Deco, and ultra-modern buildings like La Grande Poste and the Grand Théâtre de Casablanca.
Insider Tip: The mosque’s hammam is open to visitors—a restorative treat after a day of sightseeing.
3. Hike the Atlas Mountains
The mighty Atlas Mountains stretch 1,000 km across Morocco, offering some of North Africa’s best trekking and scenery.
- High Atlas & Toubkal: Imlil serves as the gateway to Mount Toubkal (4,167m), the region’s highest peak. The two-day climb delivers spectacular alpine views, while the week-long Toubkal circuit links traditional Amazigh villages through rugged valleys and dramatic passes.
- Anti Atlas & Tafraoute: In Morocco’s Amazigh heartland, gentle hiking trails wind through the picturesque Ameln Valley, crowned by Jebel El Kest and punctuated with palmeries and hilltop kasbahs.
Planning Tip: Spring and autumn offer ideal hiking weather, while winter brings snow to the highest peaks.
4. Journey into the Sahara Desert
No Moroccan adventure is complete without experiencing the silence and scale of the Sahara Desert.
- Erg Chebbi & Merzouga: Climb amber-hued dunes at sunrise, ride camels across shifting sands, and sleep under the stars in a Berber camp with soulful music and warm hospitality.
- Quad Biking & Sandboarding: For adrenaline seekers, the Sahara’s dunes offer exhilarating quad rides and the challenge of sandboarding.
Tip: Best visited from October to April before the summer heat arrives.
5. Surf and Unwind on Atlantic Beaches
Morocco’s rugged Atlantic coastline is a paradise for surfers, yogis, and sunseekers alike.
- Taghazout Bay: Renowned for its laid-back vibe, friendly surf schools, and 5km of golden sands. Enjoy year-round sunshine, epic surfing at Anchor Point, and rooftop yoga at sunset.
- Essaouira: Known for its windswept medina, historic ramparts, vibrant music scene, and fresh Atlantic seafood. Stroll sandy beaches or kite surf the powerful winds that sweep the bay.
Planning Tip: Visit in winter for world-class surfing competitions, or in autumn for quieter beaches and warm temperatures.
6. Step Back in Time at Aït Ben Haddou
The UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Ben Haddou is an 11th-century mud-brick fortress village along the former caravan route from Marrakesh to the Sahara.
- Movie History: This atmospheric site has featured in blockbusters like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Kingdom of Heaven.
- Exploring: Wander through the narrow alleys, climb to the hilltop granary for panoramic views at sunrise or sunset, and imagine the traders who once crossed here with salt, gold, and silk.
Planning Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for magical light and cooler temperatures.
7. Discover Morocco’s Vibrant Artistic Heritage
Art and craftsmanship pulse at the heart of Moroccan identity, from intricate mosaics to contemporary design.
- Fez’s Dar Batha Museum: Housed in a 19th-century palace, this museum traces Fez’s rich history through Fassi ceramics, zellige, woodcarving, and lush replanted gardens.
- Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts: Set in a restored funduq, it showcases the city’s woodwork traditions, with carved doors, furniture, musical instruments, and artisan tools.
- Cultural Workshops: Try hands-on weaving in a Fez cooperative, where you can dye wool, sketch designs, and knot your own work alongside skilled artisans.
Tip: Arrange visits through organizations like Anou to meet artisans, join workshops, and deepen your appreciation of Moroccan craft traditions.
8. Sample Authentic Moroccan Cuisine
Moroccan food is a feast for the senses—aromatic spices, market-fresh produce, and centuries-old recipes.
- Street Food: In Fez and Marrakesh, snack on maakouda (fried potato cakes), spicy merguez sausages, and hearty harira soup.
- Signature Dishes: Indulge in tagines slow-cooked with lamb, apricots, and almonds; couscous topped with vegetables and tender meat; pastilla—an intricate sweet-and-savory pie filled with pigeon or chicken.
- Culinary Workshops: Many riads offer cooking classes, where you’ll shop local souks and master traditional recipes, from kneading semolina bread to rolling perfect gazelle horns.
Tip: Restaurants and homes often serve copious portions—come hungry or share a spread.
9. Experience Moroccan Hammams and Spas
Moroccan hammams (bathhouses) are a cultural institution and a truly refreshing ritual.
- Public Hammams: Cleanse and exfoliate your skin in steamy vaulted chambers alongside locals, enjoying a traditional savon noir scrub.
- Luxury Spas: Many hotels and riads offer plush versions with aromatherapy massage, essential oil treatments, and rose petal baths.
- Unique Experience: Try the hammam beneath the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, or historic bathhouses hidden in Fez’s medina.
Tip: Modest swimwear is often required in public hammams, and it’s customary to bring your own scrubbing mitt (kessa).
10. Mingle with Amazigh (Berber) Culture
The Amazigh people—Morocco’s original inhabitants—infuse the country with distinct language, music, and traditions.
- Village Stays: Trekking in the Atlas or Anti-Atlas often includes overnighting in Amazigh villages, sharing mint tea and stories by the fire.
- Cultural Festivals: Time your trip for music and harvest festivals, from the saffron harvest in Taliouine to the Imilchil Marriage Festival.
Planning Tip: Most villages are accessible by organized trek or with a qualified local guide.
11. Explore Coastal Fortresses and Fishing Ports
Morocco’s Atlantic Shore is dotted with fortified towns, photogenic harbors, and windswept beaches.
- Essaouira: Soak up the relaxed rhythm in whitewashed lanes, browse galleries, and watch blue boats come in with the day’s catch. Freshly grilled sardines or lobster straight from the harbor are a treat.
- El Jadida: Tour the massive Portuguese cisterns and historic walls—this UNESCO World Heritage town offers a glimpse into Morocco’s layered past.
Tip: Essaouira’s Gnaoua World Music Festival each June draws international crowds for days of celebration.
12. Encounter Roman Ruins and Imperial Splendor
Morocco is home to ancient remnants and glorious cities testifying to millennia of history.
- Volubilis: Walk among grand columns, intricate mosaics, and olive groves at North Africa’s best-preserved Roman archaeological site.
- Meknes: Explore the imperial medina with monumental gates, vast granaries, and the elaborate Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
- Rabat: The modern capital blends ocean breezes with ancient ruins and tree-lined boulevards, highlighted by the Hassan Tower and Oudayas Kasbah.
Tip: Many sites are easily accessible as day trips from Fez or Rabat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Traveling in Morocco
Q: What is the best time to visit Morocco?
A: The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for comfortable temperatures and pleasant weather in most regions.
Q: Is Morocco safe for tourists?
A: Morocco is generally considered safe for tourists. Exercise standard precautions in crowded areas, be cautious with street vendors, and respect local customs.
Q: What should I wear in Morocco?
A: Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially in rural or traditional areas. Lightweight, loose clothing is ideal for the climate.
Q: Can non-Muslims visit mosques in Morocco?
A: Most mosques are closed to non-Muslims, but the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca allows guided tours for visitors of all faiths.
Q: What languages are spoken in Morocco?
A: Arabic and Amazigh (Berber) are official languages; French is widely spoken, especially in cities and for official matters.
Q: What currency is used in Morocco?
A: The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the national currency. ATMs are widely available in major towns and cities.
Final Tips for Your Moroccan Journey
- Negotiate prices in souks, but do so with good humor and patience.
- Try local transport—ride a grand taxi, take a train, or join a camel caravan.
- Book accommodations in traditional riads for an authentic Moroccan feel.
Morocco is a destination steeped in history, adventure, and unparalleled hospitality. Whether you’re wandering bustling markets, hiking mountain passes, or sharing meals in village homes, every moment offers a new discovery.
