This North African country is a popular holiday destination, which is unsurprising as there are many things to see and do in Morocco. It has a hot climate, with the summer months being scorching. It is home to a fusion culture of African and European influence, thanks to the many nations that have colonized parts of the country.
If you want to head to Morocco on holiday and visit many places throughout the country, our guide to the best things to do in Morocco will help you get the best experience possible.
1. Tangier
One of the best things to do in Morocco is visit the old International Port, often called Tangier. This town was an occasional home away from home for the famous American authors Alfred Chester, William S. Burroughs, and Paul Bowles. Even without that highlight, it has a very seedy charm. It is at the meeting point between two seas and two continents, which makes it one of the most sought-after bases since ancient times. It was initially established by trading nations along the Mediterranean and ruled over by the Roman Empire. Colonial rule by several European powers held sway until 1956 when riots and revolts led to reunification and independence.
Like many other places throughout the North African nation, it was not planned before it was built. Over time, as necessity called for it, small squares and streets were transformed into the different quarters that segment the city today.
2. Casablanca
As one of the most popular cities in Morocco, thanks to the movie that bears its name, Casablanca features many great things to do. Its colonial-style architecture combines European Art Deco with Moorish art into Mauresque, making the whole city feel like it is from a different part of history. One of the most well-known landmarks in Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque. But another exciting sight is the only Jewish Museum you will find throughout the Muslim world.
There are also many great places to find leather goods and pottery handcrafted by locals at Quartier Habous. Also, make sure you venture to the old Medina for some fine gifts you can take home.
3. Asilah
One of the most interesting things about Morocco is that its architecture is influenced by the various colonies based there over time. For example, the Portuguese made stops at places like Asilah, and their influence can still be seen at the port, which has a genuinely fantastic beach and lots of palm trees that line the square stone ramparts.
4. Essaouira
Once a critical spot for hippie backpackers working their way through the country, Essaouira is now a stunning resort. It is one of the cool things to do in Morocco, metaphorically and literally. The problem is that for frugal travelers, you will need to do a lot of browsing and shopping around for prices, as it has become very upmarket recently and, with that, more expensive.
Built-in the 18th century and enclosed within ancient battlements, it has blue-shuttered and whitewashed houses and many colonnades alongside art galleries, sardine fishermen, wood workshops, and boat builders. This all makes for an intriguing and quaint backdrop for the stunning beach.
Nowadays, it is very popular with those searching for high winds. Locally these are nicknamed alizee, perfect during spring and summer for kitesurfing and windsurfing, but less great for surfers.
5. Chefchaouen
If you are going to the country and looking for outstanding and unique things to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco, the town is considered one of the prettiest small towns in Morocco. It is surrounded by blue-washed walls that have mountains behind them. To get the best experience in Chefchaouen, you must take a hike into the Rif mountains. Although it is not entirely hidden from society, it is still rural and tranquil.
6. Route of a Thousand Kasbahs
If you are looking for adventurous things to do in Morocco, consider taking a trip through the Dades Valley or Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, as it's known. This stretches to the country's northeast, from Ouarzazate, and can be desolate and harsh. Still, it is beautiful, particularly along the plain between the Jebel Saghro and High Atlas ranges.
As you travel along, you will notice that the river below is often not visible, which means that you will be very surprised and enthralled when you reach the stunning oases.
7. Ait Benhaddou
Many people wonder if things are cheap in Morocco. Like many other places, it depends on where in the country you visit and what you are looking to do. Take Benhaddou, one of the most popular places in Morocco. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site; the little village looks like it was carved directly into the mountain behind it.
Locals refer to it as “ighrem,” which means protected and walled village, or something very similar, and in the past, it was a place where traders traveling through the deserts would stop. There are not nearly as many residents there now, but that does not mean it is not worth visiting. Be mindful of how busy and popular it is, though, and try to arrive early to avoid the busy periods and to stop yourself getting caught under the blaze of the sun.
8. Middle Atlas
If you are looking for famous things in Morocco outside of Fez, Casablanca, and Marrakech, consider visiting the cedar forests in the Middle Atlas. Found around Azrou, these are well-known for being home to many troupes of stunning Barbary apes. Interestingly, they are only called apes because they do not have tails but are part of the macaque family.
Around three-quarters of the world's Barbary apes are believed to live in the Middle Atlas. Sadly, like so many beautiful creatures, their numbers are decreasing because of illegal pet trading and habitat destruction. Though common throughout this part of Morocco, the best places to see them are at Moudmane junction and Cedre Gouraud.
9. Mosque Mohamed V, Agadir
Perhaps you are a frugal traveler looking for free things to do in Morocco. The mosques in Agadir, as in most places, are mostly free to enter. One of the most spectacular and most prominent in the city is Mosque Mohammed V. This was constructed in 1960 following an earthquake. It is generally quiet unless it is during calls to prayer.
The major downside, as is the case with most mosques throughout Morocco, is that while there is no charge for entering it, it is strictly open only to Muslims.
10. Marrakech
The city of Marrakech is among the most popular places to see in Morocco. Even if you visit just a few destinations throughout the city, stop at Marrakech for as long as possible and explore. It would help if you even got lost and walk through the souks and markets to try haggling and to find great gifts for people back home or yourself.
If you intend to shop at marketplaces in any of the North African nation's cities or towns, you must improve your skills at haggling prices. Wherever you go, this is part and parcel of the shopping experience in the country, especially in Marrakech.
Just try not to get too upset or irritated – the ideal situation is that you and the seller end up feeling like you got a good deal. When buying more significant items, you should research properly and have a specific price before shopping around. You will find that some sellers will ask that you pay what you feel you should. If you are stuck, ask questions like “How long did it take to make it?” or “Where did you source the materials to make it, and what did they cost?”
Some of the most famous things to do in Morocco are found in Marrakesh: the stunning Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden; one of the oldest of the ancient Quranic schools, Ben Youssef Madrasa; and impressive structures like the opulent Bahia Palace.
11. Spa Day in a Traditional Moroccan Hammam
If you are traveling as a couple, you will probably be looking for romantic things to do in Morocco. We highly recommend, especially if you want a truly authentic experience, that you have a spa day for two in one of the traditional hammams found throughout the country. These resemble ancient Roman or Turkish baths and involve stripping off and scrubbing in a steam room or soaking in a pool.
After you've taken your bucket and scrubbed each other's backs and bodies, you can rinse off and massage each other. What could be better than sharing a pampering session together?
12. Try Lots of Local Food
In addition to the Muslim temples, the marketplaces, and the influence of different colonial nations that have set up bases throughout the country, Morocco is famous for its unique cuisine. Like the many influences throughout the country, the cuisine is rich and diverse. Very tasty, full of fragrant herbs and spices, and using a mixture of meat and vegetables, the food can range from beef tagine to couscous dishes and a fantastic array of fresh salads.
No matter your palette, you will find it easy to come away from Morocco with a satisfied belly and taste buds.
13. Eating Like Locals
While we are on the subject of food and the rich and diverse cuisine of the country, it is essential to address things not to do in Morocco. Most specifically, eating with your left hand. Generally speaking, grilled fish, tagines, and the Moroccan diet staples are eaten with bread and your right hand. Why? Your left hand is widely considered to be unclean, as it is usually the hand used when you use the toilet. Although many establishments understand that visitors will not necessarily share this same viewpoint, if you want to have a hassle-free time or experience a more authentic version of Moroccan-style living, it's best to do as Moroccans do when in Morocco.
14. Merzouga
Merzouga is a small village in eastern Morocco. If you are looking for adventurous things to do in Morocco, this town offers you an opportunity to explore some of the great Sahara Desert. The village sits close to the Algeria-Morocco borders, and it takes around 10 hours or more to get there from Marrakech, so it is best to find a popular and reputable tour that offers a night stay in a desert yurt.
15. Rabat
Although Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca are more widely known worldwide, Rabat is the capital. Some of Morocco's best things to see and do are within the city limits. While there, explore the world-famous Royal Palace, the Hassan Tower, and Kasbah des Oudaias. As it sits on the Atlantic Ocean, you will find many places to experience astonishing oceanic views.
16. Fez
Among the best things to do in Morocco is to stop and explore the delightful and cultural Fez. There are many galleries, craft stalls, and historical sites here. Like Marrakech and other places throughout Morocco, there is an excellent medina or square where you can visit tanneries if you are interested.
You should check out the stunning buildings, including the crumbling Tombe Dei Merenidi and the impressive Bou Inania Medersa.
17. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
Although you may never have heard of it, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is a significant village to Muslims in the country. Making a trip there is one of the most interesting things about Morocco. It is found at the foot of the stunning Mount Zerhoun and is the first place the Idrisid dynasty established power and brought the Islamic faith to Morocco.
The area is also perfect for hiking, as many marked-out routes exist. If you head into the center of town, you will find lots of great little coffee shops, olive pressers, and bakeries.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many great things to see and do in Morocco, no matter where you visit. While we highly recommend that you make trips to Casablanca, Fes, Rabat, and Marrakech, there are many other great places to visit. It doesn't matter if you want a cultural and religious experience or to soak up the sun in a foreign country. Morocco has it all.
I’m Steve. I’m an English Teacher, traveler, and an avid outdoorsman. If you’d like to comment, ask a question, or simply say hi, leave me a message here, on Twitter (@thefrugalexpat1). Many of my posts have been written to help those in their journey to financial independence. I am on my journey, and as I learn more I hope to share more. And as always, thanks for reading The Frugal Expat.
