1. Introduction to Adventures in Morocco
Limiting a list of the top things to do and see in Morocco to just 15 entries is almost impossible—after all, the North African country is an eclectic destination with a variety of experiences. From skiing to desert sand-boarding, there are endless opportunities for adventure; while culture enthusiasts will relish the incredible history in the country’s Imperial Cities. Off-the-beaten-track destinations like Chefchaouen encourage rest and relaxation, while the coastal towns of Taghazout and Essaouira promise beautiful beaches and rewarding surf spots. This article offers a snapshot of all the excitements that await in Morocco—a good foundation for planning your memorable trip.
2. Explore the Imperial City of Fez
The Imperial City of Fez is famous for its leather products, most of which come from the leather bazaar in the old medina. The tanneries have been in operation since medieval times and haven’t changed much since. For the best view, head to the leather shops in the galleries above Chaouwara Tannery’s central courtyard. From here, you can see the vats filled with colorful dyes and the skins laid out to dry in the sunshine. While the smell of the quicklime and pigeon feces mixture used to cure the hides can be overwhelming, the sight of history in action more than makes up for it. Browse the shops in search of authentic leather goods ranging from handbags to slippers.
3. Stroll Through the Blue Streets of Chefchaouen
Situated in Morocco’s Rif Mountains, the sleepy town of Chefchaouen offers a welcome respite after the hectic pace of the country’s larger cities. Founded in the 15th century, the town served as a refuge for Muslims and Jews during the Spanish Reconquista; and again for Jews fleeing from Nazi rule during WWII. Today, it is famous for its bohemian atmosphere and the breathtaking beauty of its cobbled streets. The buildings are painted in a hundred shades of blue, and between them, one often catches glimpses of the distant mountain peaks. Come to Chefchaouen for its scenery, and enjoy its quaint craft markets, traditional guesthouses, and street-side cafés.
4. Learn to Cook, Moroccan Style
Moroccan cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its fragrant spices and unique cooking methods. It is an amalgamation of various influences, including the native cuisine of the Berbers, Arabs, Andalusians, and French. Sample iconic dishes like tagine and harira at street-side stalls in the city medina, then consider joining a cooking class to learn how to recreate these flavors at home. Many guesthouses or riads offer half or full-day culinary classes, taking you into the market to purchase fresh ingredients and showing you traditional preparation methods. Afterward, you’ll enjoy tasting your creation, while the skills you acquire serve as a lasting souvenir.
5. Steam in a Traditional Hammam
A hammam, or public steam bath, is a Moroccan rite of passage. In the past, hammams served as social meeting places for bathing and gossip. Today, fewer public hammams exist, but those that remain offer fascinating cultural insights and some of the best cleansing and exfoliation experiences of your life. It is also a great way for female travelers to meet and socialize with local women. If the idea of bathing with total strangers feels daunting, consider visiting an upscale hammam at a riad with private treatment rooms and high-quality products sourced from around Morocco.
6. Dine at the Djemaa el Fna
A vast central square located at the heart of the medina, the Djemaa el Fna is Marrakesh’s beating heart. During the day, it’s a meeting place full of snack stalls and street vendors; but at dusk, it transforms into an entertainer’s paradise with jugglers, musicians, and snake charmers. The snack stands are replaced with stalls offering substantial meals, and the square fills with tantalizing scents from a hundred fires. Order grilled meats and fragrant tagines and eat with locals at the vendors’ communal tables, or observe from the comfort of one of the elevated cafés lining the edge of the square.
7. Overnight in the Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is a magical place to spend a few nights. Use the eastern town of Merzouga as your gateway to the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes (recognizable as the backdrop for movies like The Mummy and Sahara). Here, you can book a camel safari or a 4×4 tour, both offering the chance to spend the night under the stars or in a traditional Bedouin village. Sunsets and sunrises are stunning in the desert, transforming the dunes into dreamlike landscapes. After dark, the stars emerge as brilliant constellations, unspoiled by civilization’s pollution. Keep an eye out for nocturnal desert creatures, including jerboas and fennec foxes.
8. Go Surfing at the Coast
Morocco’s Atlantic coast boasts numerous surf breaks, some of which are world-class. For serious surfers, Taghazout is the best destination, offering waves for all skill levels—from the challenging Boilers site to laid-back Immesouane, home to one of the longest rides in the country. Point Anchor is noted for its right-hand break, stretching for 500 meters during powerful northwest swells. Beginner surfers and kite surfers flock to Essaouira, where the swells are gentler yet provide plenty of excitement. Plan your visit during the September to April winter season, when swells are at their best.
9. Perfect Your Haggling Skills in the Souks
No trip to Morocco would be complete without a visit to the chaotic urban souks. Typically located within the historic medina of cities like Fez, Marrakesh, and Meknes, these maze-like bazaars are vibrant with colors, scents, and sounds. Discover labyrinthine shops filled with Aladdin’s lamps and richly colored fabrics, or listen to vendors advertising everything from hand-woven carpets to raw spices. The souk is the best place to buy souvenirs, but be prepared for aggressive sales tactics and to bargain enthusiastically for the lowest price. Haggling is a skill that requires a good sense of humor and determination.
10. Unwind in the Majorelle Gardens
Visitors to Marrakesh can find peace in the beautiful Majorelle Gardens. Located northwest of the medina, the gardens were designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1919. Since restored by Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent, these gardens now represent an idyllic oasis filled with slender palms, exotic flowerbeds, and soothing water features. Majorelle’s workshop has been transformed into a small museum about Islamic Art. Pack a picnic and enjoy relaxing in the garden’s blissful shaded areas, or step into the sunshine to appreciate the stunning colors of its blooms.
11. Trek the High Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains stretch over 1,500 miles, extending from the west coast of Morocco to Tunisia. The High Atlas region is home to North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal, a top destination for hikers with a summit of 13,671 feet (4,167 meters). Most Jebel Toubkal treks start from Imlil, a mountain village about an hour’s drive from Marrakesh. Although hiring a guide is not compulsory, it is highly recommended. Simple accommodations line the route, and the best times for the summit are in April or May when the weather is pleasant and rains are minimal. If you prefer not to climb the peak, many more relaxing hikes are available in the surrounding area.
12. Stay in a Traditional Riad
Riads are traditional Moroccan homes, often converted into hotels known for their luxurious authenticity. Mostly located within the old walled cities of Fez and Marrakesh, they place you at the heart of the action. Step inside, however, to discover an oasis of peace complete with an open central courtyard and rooms surrounding it. Many riads are architectural masterpieces, featuring intricate mosaic-work, tiled floors, and beautiful arches. The best ones come with pools and rooftop terraces, perfect for enjoying al fresco meals overlooking the city.
13. Hit the Slopes at Oukaïmeden
Skiing might not be the first thought when planning a trip to Morocco, and while the slopes here may not match the quality found in the U.S. or Europe, the novelty of skiing in North Africa is hard to resist. Many adventure-seekers find themselves at the mountain resort of Oukaïmeden. During winter months, snow covers the slopes of nearby Jebel Attar mountain, with chairlifts transporting skiers to the resort’s five runs. Facilities include a nursery slope and ski school for beginners, as well as intermediate slopes accessible via drag lifts.
14. Visit Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque
Morocco is home to many beautiful mosques, but Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque stands out as one of the most impressive. As the largest mosque in the country, its minaret reaches 689 feet, making it the tallest in the world. This relatively modern structure, completed in 1993, serves as a landmark recognized globally. The mosque took seven years to build, with contributions from 10,000 artisan craftsmen. Non-Muslims can explore the breathtaking interior of the mosque outside of prayer times or admire its beauty from the oceanfront.
15. Explore Marrakesh’s Saadian Tombs
History enthusiasts should not miss the Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh. Commissioned in the 16th century by Ahmad al Mansour, the founder of the Saadi Dynasty, these tombs showcase some of the finest Arabic craftsmanship. Many of the Saadian sultans were buried here until a rival dynasty seized power, leading to the tombs’ closure and subsequent obscurity. Rediscovered in 1917, they have been restored to their former glory. Visitors can admire the stunning tile and lattice work in the mausoleums or pay respects to the Saadi household staff buried in the rose garden outside.
16. Attend a Cultural Festival
Morocco is renowned for its unique annual events and festivals, and timing your visit to coincide with one can enhance your experience. Events like the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music and the Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival offer multi-day celebrations of music. Other events are religious or tied to local harvests, including the date festival in Erfoud and the Dades Valley roses festival. Perhaps the most exciting is the Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival, which features entertainers and artists from around the world performing at open-air venues in the Djemaa el Fna and the 16th-century El Badi Palace.
