20 things to see and do in Morocco

Are you planning a trip to Morocco but feeling overwhelmed about where to start? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the top 20 things to see and do in Morocco. Whether it's your first visit or you're looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, we've got you covered. From the bustling cities on the northern coast to the vast deserts, historic towns, Roman ruins, and exhilarating beach destinations!

Ready to discover this enchanting country? Let’s dive in!

Morocco is one of the most exotic and captivating destinations on the planet. For Europeans, it’s just a stone's throw away! After several years of planning, we finally visited Morocco in 2019, and it was a revelation. There’s no excuse for waiting, especially considering how much this country offers: rich gastronomy, vibrant street life, palaces that seem to leap from the pages of tales like "One Thousand and One Nights," breathtaking landscapes, and the warm hospitality of its people.

After that incredible trip, we returned in 2022 to explore even more of this extraordinary country, which is merely a short flight away yet feels like a different world altogether. Here’s what awaits you in Morocco:

Exploring the Marvels of Marrakech

Whether you’re on a lengthy journey or a quick getaway, Marrakech is a must-visit. Get lost in the chaos of its medina, join a free walking tour, haggle in the bustling souks, and conclude your day on a rooftop, savoring one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life with a mint tea in hand.

Don’t miss our guide on everything to see and do in Marrakech.

Discovering Ait Ben Haddou

Make sure to visit Ait Ben Haddou, the most famous and picturesque ksar in Morocco. This stunning site has been a backdrop for blockbuster films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. As you stroll through its ancient walls and narrow alleyways made of adobe and stone, you’ll feel transported to a different time and place.

For tips on visiting, check out our guide here.

Experiencing the Sahara Desert

Spending at least one night in the Sahara Desert is a life-changing experience that everyone should have at least once. As the sun sets behind the dunes and stars begin to twinkle overhead, you’ll feel small yet incredibly lucky. The magic of the desert can enchant even the most hardened traveler.

In Morocco, you can camp under the stars in the Sahara at various locations, with the most famous being Erg Chebbi (in Merzouga) and Erg Chigaga (in Zagora). You can explore these areas independently or join an organized excursion from Marrakech.

For more on which desert to visit, check our comparison here.

Fez: A Cultural Gem

The city of Fez is one of Morocco’s most intriguing destinations. Not only is its medina a labyrinthine wonder (often considered the largest in the world), but the Jewish quarter also exudes authenticity. We stayed in a beautiful riad, feeling like sultans during our visit! It was the perfect ending to our journey.

Learn more about 25 things to do in Fez.

Unveiling Volubilis

One of the best things to see and do in Morocco is immerse yourself in its distant past at the archaeological site of Volubilis. These ruins are perhaps the best-preserved remnants of Roman civilization in North Africa. You’ll discover stunning mosaics, columns, baths, and arches right in the heart of Morocco.

For visiting tips, check out our guide here.

The Sacred City of Mulay Idrís

Just a few kilometers away, on a hill, lies Mulay Idrís, a sacred city that is often overlooked by tourists. It boasts a fascinating circular minaret, a couple of viewpoints offering sublime views, and the Mausoleum of Idris I, a key historical figure recognized as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.

Discover what to do in Mulay Idrís in a day.

Meknes: A Hidden Treasure

Further south lies Meknes, one of Morocco’s five imperial cities, which certainly deserves a stop if you're in the region. Enjoy sunset from the rooftop of the Terraza de Pavillon Des Idrissides, overlooking the impressive Bab El Mansur gate and the lively Plaza El Hedim. As the sun sets, the minarets of the mosques fill the city with the call to prayer, creating a truly magical moment.

Find everything you need to visit in Meknes.

Casablanca: A Unique City

Casablanca might be a bit out of the way for a typical trip through Morocco, but it offers an important attraction: the Hassan II Mosque, one of the few in the country open to tourists. Its stunning location beside the sea and its towering minaret, which stands over 200 meters high, are truly remarkable.

The Majestic Todra Gorge

Renting a car in Morocco is an adventure that grants you the freedom to discover spectacular hidden gems. One such gem is the Todra Gorge, located in the Atlas Mountains. Don’t miss the chance to walk through the 300-meter deep chasm that looks like a massive axe cut into the rock.

Read about our journey to the Todra Gorge.

The Breathtaking Dades Gorge

Your road trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Dades Gorge, where you’ll need to hang on tight as you ascend the famous winding road leading to the Timzzillite Chez Mohamed restaurant-hotel.

Check out our experience in the Dades Gorge here.

Visiting Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl

One of the most photogenic towns in Morocco is Chefchaouen, known for its blue-washed buildings and winding streets. It's a destination we still dream of visiting, as everyone who has been agrees that it's a must-see in Morocco.

Exploring the Ouzoud Waterfalls

The Ouzoud Waterfalls are one of Morocco's most spectacular natural attractions. And yes, if you’re wondering, you can take a dip (though the water is freezing!). There are tours from Marrakech that can take you, but ideally, you should rent a car to explore more sights along the way.

Indulging in Moroccan Gastronomy

One of the unavoidable experiences in Morocco is savoring its gastronomy. Admittedly, we found it somewhat repetitive after several days; although we loved the flavors, dishes like tagine, couscous, and sandwiches appeared frequently. Eating these for three or more weeks was delightful at first but became a bit monotonous.

Perhaps it was due to not exploring enough varied options. What we can confirm is that the tagines are delicious, and right now, we could devour a lamb tagine with apricots and almonds!

Staying in a Riad

Another essential experience in Morocco is staying in a riad. They are found in nearly every tourist area, but the most stunning ones are certainly in Marrakech and Fez. These traditional Moroccan guesthouses feature a central patio around which the rooms are arranged (typically no more than 4 to 6 rooms).

We fell in love with the Riad Meyssane, where we enjoyed a wonderful five-day stay in Fez, although we felt at home in every accommodation we visited; the hospitality in Muslim countries is simply priceless.

The Thousand Kasbahs Route

A highly recommended journey is the “Thousand Kasbahs Route,” which traverses some of the most enchanting landscapes in the heart of Morocco. The stops are endless, especially to explore a good number of kasbahs, which are fortified structures typical of the southern region of Morocco.

• The Kasbah of Amridil near Skoura
• The Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate
• The Telouet Kasbah in the Ounila Valley

Exploring Tetuán

Known as “The White City,” Tetuán served as the capital of the Spanish protectorate until 1956. While it may not be a major tourist hotspot, it’s definitely worth a visit. Strolling through the medina, exploring the souks, and discovering one of the most fascinating cities in northern Morocco awaits you.

Discovering Tánger

Tánger, the gateway to Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar, is cosmopolitan and full of character. Plus, it has the significant advantage of being well-connected with affordable flights and a port! So, there's no excuse not to start your Moroccan adventure here. 😉

Essaouira: The Pearl of the Coast

While we haven’t visited yet, it’s clear that Essaouira is a stop that shouldn’t be missed on any Moroccan itinerary. It's considered one of the best places to see and do in Morocco, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Not far from Marrakech, there are day tours available to get you there easily.

Don’t miss our top 10 must-sees in Essaouira.

Agadir: The Beach Destination

And if you’ve made it this far, why not venture a little further south? You’ll pass through Agadir, one of Morocco’s prime beach tourism hubs, as well as the quaint village of Sidi Ifni, which was a Spanish territory until 1969, and the Legzira Beach, renowned for its breathtaking arches.

Check out the best things to see and do in Agadir.

Assilah: A Coastal Gem

If you're craving more, continue along the Atlantic coastline on a slow and tranquil journey. You’ll encounter reddish cliffs, endless wild beaches, charming fishing villages, and larger cities like El Jadida and Assilah. Ideally, do this in a caravan if possible! 😛

Map of Things to See and Do in Morocco

Here’s a map showcasing the locations of the best spots to visit in Morocco for first-time travelers:

Surely there are many more things to see and do in Morocco, like visiting the capital, Rabat, relaxing in a hammam, or getting lost in the palm oasis of Zagora. But these 20 are a fantastic starting point, right? Have you been to Morocco? What would you consider the essentials?

And one last thing: be sure to check out our article packed with tips for traveling to Morocco. We hope it will be helpful!

Follow our journey in Morocco on our Instagram stories.

Top 5 Excursions from Marrakech You Can't Miss