10 Unforgettable Best Things to Do in Morocco
When planning the best things to do in Morocco, a few iconic things come to mind: The Sahara Desert, state-of-the-art mosques, and lush riads. Morocco is one of the most captivating North African countries you can visit!
There's something intrinsically vibrant and magical about the Moroccan land and its people.
Whether you're looking to try some excellent cuisine, learn some of the fascinating ancient traditions, or enjoy the Moroccan Mediterranean culture and life, there are many different places to explore and plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Morocco! And for most, it will all start in Marrakech!
With its bustling medina and historic landmarks, Marrakech is a city that easily attracts the most international visitors of the whole country every year. Walking through the narrow streets of the medina among the locals with spices and textiles in hand feels like entering a world you believed could only exist in your imagination.
The city is also famous for its gardens and palaces. Bahia Palace, Le Jardin Secret, and Le Jardin Majorelle restored in the 1980s by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, are some of the most visited places in the city nowadays.
Fes is the oldest imperial city, well-known for its tanneries and leather craftsmanship, and Casablanca and Rabat are two very cosmopolitan destinations.
But Morocco isn't just about blended cultures, old traditions, and rich architecture; its natural escapes are to be prized as well!
The Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains were our favorite places to explore!
Coastal cities in Morocco have a unique kind of untouched beauty and offer a refreshing contrast to the mountain and desert landscapes.
The sounds of the crashing waves of the ocean and the cultural and local artistic scene in these cities make Essaouira and Agadir more relaxing destinations.
Regardless of where you choose to go, every destination in Morocco will tell a unique story, and each experience will create life-long memories.
Best of Morocco: 10 Unforgettable things to do in Morocco
Camp in the Sahara Desert
Of all the experiences we often recommend to family and friends visiting Morocco, our top recommendation is always camping in the Sahara Desert. The tranquility and beauty of the desert are unparalleled, and the boundless scenery cannot be found anywhere else!
Some great things we did while in the area include stargazing, watching the sunset and sunrise from towering sand dunes, sandboarding, and learning the traditions of the Berber tribes from our local guide.
There are no traffic lights on the road from Marrakech to the Sahara. But if you're lucky, you might encounter a group of camels crossing the road.
Note: Desert Camps and tours to the Sahara range in price depending on the camp's amenities and departing city. Below, we are sharing some guided tours and camp recommendations:
3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga: In this 3-day desert tour from Marrakech, you'll explore the Gorges of Todgha, Azrou, and the Ziz Valley, the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and get to spend a day and night glamping/camping in the Sahara desert in Merzouga.
Sunset camel rides are often included in the price, as well as a driver/guide to pick you up and drop you off at your riad.
We rented a car and drove from Marrakech to Merzouga. It made it easier to follow our itinerary, stop in places we wanted to explore, and splurge in a luxury camp with heated blankets and a full bathroom with hot water in our tent.
Roads from Marrakech to Merzouga are safe and easy to navigate if you are an experienced driver. If you prefer to go with a local driver/guide but are still looking for the flexibility of having your own itinerary, this 3-day private tour might be the best choice!
Local guides organize most Sahara desert tours in groups of around 20 people. We recommend this tour for travelers who want to follow their own schedule.
3-Day Private Tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert (in Merzouga) in a Luxury Desert Camp: This private tour will take you to explore the Telouet Kasbah, the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, Todra Gorges, and Dades Gorges. In Erg Chebbi (one of the highest and most famous dunes in the Sahara), you'll camp for the night and ride one of the camp camels. Some other activities available upon request are sandboarding and visiting a local Berber tribe family.
Wander around the Medina of Marrakech
Marrakech is often the starting (or final) point of every Moroccan vacation, and it’s a can't-miss destination on your first time in Morocco.
We spent an entire week in Marrakech and were fascinated by the beautiful hidden gardens, old palaces, and historical landmarks. Yet, the city's most recognizable area is undoubtedly the medina.
The medina is the historic center of Marrakech, where you'll find almost everything that might have attracted you to plan a visit to Morocco in the first place.
The medina is well-known for its winding alleyways, narrow streets, Jemaa el-Fna square, and souks. Souks are marketplaces where locals sell everything from hats to freshly squeezed orange juice.
Jemaa el-Fna Square is one of the epicenters of Marrakech, an area filled with shops and local food stalls.
Stop by Dar El Bacha, a palace located at one of the entrances of the Medina, and enjoy a cup of coffee at Bacha Coffee, one of Marrakech's most glamorous and luxurious coffee shops.
Tucked-away lush riads also symbolize this area and are the perfect places to stay in Marrakech to relax after a long day.
Take a Moroccan Cooking Class
Another excellent recommendation for things to do in Morocco is to take a cooking class. You'll love this experience whether you do it solo or as part of a group.
Although I am not an exceptionally gifted cook, I love taking cooking classes whenever I can during my travels. It's a fascinating way to learn about the local culture and the people.
In Morocco, classes are led by a local who often shares interesting facts about their daily life and culture while guiding you in preparing popular Moroccan dishes and introducing you to different cooking styles. If you love spices, expect a blend of incredible flavors like coriander, saffron, cumin, and cinnamon.
Take a Cooking Class with Chef Laila in Marrakech to learn how to cook a 3-course meal of Moroccan delights. The experience starts by going to the local market with Leila to choose the produce you'll later cook with. Moroccan meatballs, anyone?
A cooking class with Chef Khmisa offers a similar experience and equal fun. There is nothing like spending a relaxing afternoon cooking and hanging out with the locals!
Visit Casablanca
Casablanca is well-known for its bustling nightlife, mixed architectural styles, and food scene. The city is the largest in Morocco and one of the most cosmopolitan. Among our recommendations for Casablanca are:
Visiting The Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque on the continent
Walking around the La Corniche neighborhood, an area overlooking the ocean and filled with seaside cafes and restaurants
Tasting different dishes in this culinary heaven!
Hot Air Balloon Ride or Paragliding and Hiking in the High Atlas Mountains
Another one-of-a-kind experience to have in Morocco is to explore the High Atlas Mountains.
This famous mountain range expands over three countries (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) and thousands of miles, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and avid hikers visiting Morocco.
Trekking routes in the Atlas Mountains are breathtaking and safe to hike and camp by yourself (unless you're heading toward Mount Toubkal, where going with a local guide is mandatory).
Some highlight points you shouldn't miss while in the area are The Todra and Dades Gorges.
We decided to skip the Mount Toubkal hike and self-drive the Gorges, which is always an option if you are, like me, more of a city walker than a hiker.
Instead of the climb, I recommend booking a hot air balloon ride and an overnight stay. The panoramic views from the air are second to none, and a sunrise in the Atlas Mountains will leave you in awe!
This Atlas Mountains Tour with Hot Air Balloon Ride, Berber Breakfast, and Desert Camel Experience (from Marrakech) will take you on a sunrise hot-air balloon ride followed by a 4x4 ride. A traditional Berber breakfast and camel ride are also included in this experience.
Hot Air Balloon Adventure over Marrakech and The Atlas Mountains: This small group experience is another excellent choice! The guide will take you to where the balloons are inflated. You'll get to ride above the most famed hillside areas of the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech! A local breakfast, coffee, and tea are also included in this adventure!
An experience we want to try on our next trip to Morocco is Paragliding in the Atlas Mountains. Talk about a bucket list!
Take a Boat Ride in the Ouzoud Waterfall and Visit Berber Villages
Next on our list of great things to do in the Atlas Mountains and Morocco is a hike to the Ouzoud Falls. The waterfall is easily accessible on a day trip from Marrakech (less than 3 hours away).
Alternatively, you can book a tour of the Ouzoud Falls with your camping overnight stay in the Atlas Mountains.
The trekking paths near the Falls are rich in flora and fauna, and this tour will take you through different vantage viewpoints in your hike to reach and get back from the falls.
Some highlights of the Ouzoud Falls tours include a traditional boat ride at the base of the falls to cross from one area to the other, an encounter with some local monkeys, and a visit to a nearby Berber village.
Group Tour of the Ouzound Falls from Marrakech: If you love old and unique décor pieces like me, this tour might be right for you! Besides going to the Ouzoud Waterfalls, this tour will take you to a Berber village where I recommend getting an old (or newer) Berber Moroccan rug woven by one of the locals.
The colors and patterns of these rugs are stunning, and you'll pay a fraction of what you'll pay in the U.S. (coming straight from the source while also supporting the local communities).
Explore the Blue City of Chefchaouen
Known for its laid-back atmosphere, blue-painted buildings, and Spanish influences, Chefchaouen is a relaxing destination to break away from the hustle and bustle of cities like Marrakech and Fez.
Besides walking through Instagram's famous blue-hued alleyways and streets, explore the Medina, visit The Kasbah of Chefchaouen, and sit in a cafe to drink one of the popular Nous-nous (a small coffee with half milk)!
Drink some Freshly Squeezed Orange and Pomegranate Juice
If you know me, I love good, freshly squeezed orange juice. Morocco is famous for its juice stands. Order freshly squeezed orange juice (no ice), but this time, tell them to mix it with freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. Truly the best!
Grab one and sit on one of the benches under an olive tree of the Jardin Secret in Marrakech to relax and unwind while taking a break from exploring the city during a hot day!
If you visit the Jardin during colder days, head to the rooftop instead to sip another Moroccan “IT” drink, a mint tea!
Spend a full day in Essaouira
Essaouira is one of the lesser-known destinations in Morocco, but don't let the lack of popularity mislead you into thinking that this seaside coastal Moroccan town is not one of a kind!
Essaouira blends history, art, fun, and relaxation perfectly.
With sandy beaches, picturesque winding streets, famous art galleries, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site Medina, there's always something enjoyable and cool to do. Of course, some things are cooler than others, like horseback riding during the sunset at the beach, driving a quad bike dune buggy, or taking a surf lesson (available for adults and kids).
And talking about surf lessons and beautiful beaches, another destination where you'll get the opportunity to conquer the waves is Legzira Beach. This beach is more famous for sunbathing and taking long walks during sunset, but you'll still find activities like surfing and kitesurfing in the area.
Visit Fez
Fez is one of Morocco's oldest and most culturally rich cities; people are often drawn to its historic medina and the tanneries. We recommend skipping a tour of the Tanneries, exploring more of the city's old architectural buildings, and going on a food tour instead!
Fez is known for its culinary traditions and delicious Moroccan food!
Note: Leather production in Morocco goes back to Medieval times. You don't need to book a tour/pay to visit the pits of the tanneries. Yet, the best viewpoints to observe the process are on the leather shops' terraces surrounding the pits. To access these shops, booking a tour is recommended!
Watch the Sunset at Legzira Beach
Last but not least on our list of best things to do in Morocco is a visit to Legzira Beach. The beach is located in southern Morocco, and the natural wild beauty of the area is truly remarkable.
Natural red arches frame the coastline, seemingly blending with the sky, the Atlantic coast, and the landscape. Beyond the arches, the unspoiled coastline and the sound of the waves add to the raw magic of Legzira, making it a unique destination.
Additional Tips On Things To Do In Morocco
On a trip to Morocco, you, without a doubt, will create memories of a lifetime. Carefully planning and researching about the country are vital ingredients to a smoother trip!
Languages
Morocco has two official languages: Standard Arabic and the Moroccan Berber language/s. Plus, many locals speak French, Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
In major cities, many of the locals speak at least some English. In Berber regions, it will be easier to communicate if you speak at least some French or have a guide who can translate.
Best Time To Visit Morocco
The most popular months to visit Morocco are March through May and September through November. The weather is warm, not too hot during the day or too cold during the night. On the downside, prices are higher, and places are more crowded.
We spent around 3 weeks in Morocco during January and February, and we learned that locals recommend these months as the best time to visit Morocco. Temperatures are still pleasant enough to explore the cities and relax by the beach. Prices are lower, and hotel availability and deals are better. January and February are considered the low-season months in Morocco, but you will be better off enjoying all the outdoor activities and some crispy ocean air.
Besitos from Morocco,
Laura
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