10+ Best Things to Do in Morocco | Places to Visit & Top Tips

Planning a trip to Morocco and looking for some travel ideas? Look no further. This guide covers some of the best things to do in Morocco, along with some helpful tips.

Situated in the northwest corner of Africa, Morocco borders the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful country boasts incredible food, friendly locals, and rich culture, making it a must-see destination.

I got to explore some of Morocco’s best places to visit on a small-group 7-day travel itinerary with Intrepid Travel. The itinerary included many of northern Morocco’s top destinations — plus a few locations beyond the major Morocco tourist attractions. 

This in-depth guide on what to do in Morocco covers some of the great sights and locations worth visiting. I also share a few helpful tips and accommodation suggestions and answer some frequently asked questions. Let’s jump right in!

Tip: Looking for more beautiful Mediterranean destinations? Have a look at this guide to the best places to visit in Seville, Spain.

How to Get to Morocco

The easiest way to get to Morocco from the UK is by plane. A flight from London to Morocco takes around 3–5 hours. If you’re in the mood for a scenic trip, you could also get to Morocco by train. This will take about three days.

Travelling to Morocco from elsewhere in the world? Marrakech Menara and Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca are two of the major airports to fly into. Many large cities in Europe and North America enjoy direct flights to Morocco.

Visiting Morocco: Top Tips

Before we explore the best of Morocco’s places to visit, here are a few tips I’ve picked up during my trip.

Don’t Expect To Enter Mosques Unless You’re Muslim

Morocco forbids entry to mosques for non-Muslims, so don’t expect to be allowed entry. The only exceptions are the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and Tinmel Mosque, near the city of Marrakesh. 

Avoid Using Your Left Hand To Eat

In Morocco, many dishes are eaten by hand — like tagine. Unless you’re left-handed, try to always use your right hand when eating. The left hand is traditionally used for hygienic purposes and it’s thus considered unclean to eat with.

Don’t Be Afraid To Haggle at the Markets

Haggling is a huge part of the shopping experience in souks (Moroccan marketplaces). So don’t be afraid to haggle for a better deal, and never pay more than a third of the given price. As a rule of thumb, make a counter offer of about half the asking price and go from there.

Don’t Leave Without Trying Mint Tea

Mint tea has immense significance in Morocco. Locals have been consuming it for centuries for its health benefits. Above all, though, mint tea, also known as Maghrebi mint tea, is a symbol of friendship and hospitality in Morocco. So be sure to savour every cup!

Carry Enough Cash

Cash is king in Morocco, especially in the souks, so don’t rely on your credit card. Cash is often the only accepted form of payment, so be sure to carry some with you.

Don’t Limit Yourself to Marrakech

There’s so much more to Morocco than Marrakech. While the city is understandably very popular, there are so many unique places to go in Morocco. These include Asilah, Volubilis, and Chefchaouen.

Be Prepared for Early Morning Calls to Prayer

Morocco is a majority Muslim country, and there are over 50,000 mosques in Morocco. So, you’re likely to hear the 5 am call to prayer. While it may be a new surprise, you’ll have to accept that you’ll be hearing the call early each morning. If you’re a light sleeper, a pair of sleeping earplugs may come in handy.

Be Weary of the False Guides

As with any large tourist destination, it’s always best to be on the cautious side. In Morocco, you may encounter someone offering to help guide you to your hotel, a must-see shop, etc. They may also offer to provide a tour. While they may seem well-meaning, these faux guides will often expect decent sums of money after helping you. This is why it’s important to consult licensed tour guides on your trip.

Leave Your Drone at Home

Morocco has banned the private use of drones in the country. So if you don’t leave your drone at home, you can expect it to be confiscated at the airport.

What to Do in Morocco | Top Places to Visit

Wondering where to go in Morocco? This country of contrasts has everything from deserts and historic ruins to glittering beaches and modern architecture. So it can be challenging choosing just one place. Here are some of the stunning places I explored on my trip with Intrepid Travel that are sure to steal your heart.

Casablanca, Morocco: Things to Do

The bustling port city of Casablanca is the largest and one of the more popular cities in Morocco. It’s home to beautiful beaches, historical sights and bustling markets. Casablanca is also more modern and serves as a major business hub.

Tip: See the best of the city on a guided Casablanca city highlights tour.

Visit the Majestic Hassan II Mosque

The sheer size of the ​​Hassan II Mosque is mind-blowing. It features a 210-metre-tall minaret and can host up to 105,000 worshippers! The intricate interiors and exteriors are the combination of years of dedicated work by over 10,000 craftsmen. 

While the mosque celebrates traditional design, it boasts added features that make it one of the world’s most high-tech mosques. This includes heated flooring for winter and a retractable roof to let the breeze in during warmer months.

Note: Before your tour of Hassan II Mosque, ensure your shoulders, torso, and knees are covered as a sign of respect. You don’t need to wear a headscarf. 

Stop By Rick’s Café

You simply can’t visit Casablanca without a stop at Rick’s Café. If you’re familiar with the classic 1942 film, Casablanca, this spot may ring a bell. Rick’s Café is based on the fictional movie location and recreates the nostalgic, vintage aesthetic. Expect live music, refreshing cocktails, and a varied international menu.

Tip: Looking for more traditional fare? Get a different perspective of the city with a night-time Casablanca tour — complete with a traditional Moroccan dinner.

Things to Do in Meknes & Volubilis

A three-hour drive from Casablanca brings you to Meknes one of Morocco’s four historic capitals — or Imperial Cities. While often overlooked by tourists, this stunning hilltop city is a true gem, backed by a UNESCO World Heritage listing. 

Volubilis sits a mere 40 minutes from Meknes and is another UNESCO World Heritage site. History buffs will adore this stop as it is home to some incredible ruins. 

Explore the Medina of Meknes

Medinas are the beating hearts of Morocco. A medina in Morocco is typically the old town or historic city centre. The Meknes Medina is a wondrous place, home to mosques, palaces, hammams, and a maze of narrow alleyways. You’ll find vendors selling everything from spices to beautifully crafted items. 

The medina is surrounded by fortified walls and nine large gates. Be sure to look out for Bab El Mansour. Completed in 1732, this towering gate is intricately decorated in floral and geometric patterns. 

Admire Morocco’s Best-Preserved Roman Ruins

Visit the remnants of an ancient Berber-Roman city established in the third century. Spanning 42 hectares, these well-preserved ruins in Volubilis give a peek into the incredible architectural skill and advancements of the past.

Explore remnants of a basilica, towering columns, thermal baths, a marble arch, and homes decorated with mosaics. It’s an absolute must-see in Morocco. Be sure to wear a hat and visit early or later in the day, as there’s limited shade.

Tip: Meknes, Volubilis, and Moulay Idriss (considered Morocco’s holiest city) are great sights to see on a combined day trip from Fez.

Things to Do in Fez, Morocco

Sometimes referred to as the “Athens of Africa,” beautiful Fez, or Fes, is the country’s cultural centre. It is the oldest of Morocco’s historic Imperial Cities. Here, you’ll find a bustling medina filled with vibrant souks and the stunning Bab Boujloud (also known as the “blue gate”).

Tour the Oldest Medina in the World

Fez is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Morocco and Africa. It’s also home to the oldest Medina in the world, built between the 8th and 9th centuries. Getting lost among the sprawling alleyways may be one of the most fun things to do in Morocco. However, a guide is a must to make the most out of your visit. 

Book a guided Fez Medina tour and see all the gems tucked away in the old town. These include the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts and various souks. Look out for the beautiful blue and white clay pottery and mosaics Fez is known for while exploring the markets. 

Stop by the 16th-Century Tannery

While in the medina, don’t miss the three ancient tanneries of Fez — the largest and oldest of which is Chouara tannery. The tanneries are some of the more unique sights (and smells) in Morocco. They’re made up of hundreds of pits filled with leather and natural tanning chemicals.

You can view the tanneries from the balconies surrounding it. If you don’t have a guide, just follow your nose! Be warned though, the smell is quite pronounced. So you may want to bring a scarf to cover your nose. 

Wander Through the Al-Attarine Madrasa

Founded in the 14th century, the Medersa El Attarine is one of the city’s most important spiritual landmarks. A madrasa is typically an Islam-centred educational institution. 

Located in the heart of the Fez Medina, Al-Attarine Madrasa is a marvel of architecture and craftsmanship. It features detailed mosaic work, intricate carved stuccoes, and many elements made of various noble woods. You’ll also find a beautiful marble fountain in the opulent courtyard. 

The Al-Attarine Madrasa sits next to Al-Qarawiyyin mosque. This mosque is home to University Kairaouine, considered one of the oldest universities in the world.

Cook Moroccan Cuisine with Locals

While on my Intrepid Travel trip, we enjoyed an enriching hands-on experience cooking Moroccan dishes at a local family home. It was a lovely way to really get to know the locals and pick up some cooking techniques and ideas.

Consider a Fez traditional home cooking tour to learn a few Moroccan recipes and spend some time with locals. Just a warning, camel burgers are a thing here. So, be sure to check what you’re cooking if you’d rather not eat camel. There are also plenty of vegetarian-friendly options in Morocco — like lentil dishes and veggie tagine. So there’s something for everyone to eat. 

What to Do in Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen sits about three and a half hours northwest of Fez, nestled in the Rif Mountains. This stunning city is known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco and is truly one of the prettiest places I’ve visited. 

The old town boasts vibrant blue stairways, alleys, houses, and squares, often contrasted with plants and oranges. The blue-washed town is small and easy to explore by foot. Top sights include the Grand Mosque and the Kasbah Museum. 

Don’t miss a fresh cup or two of orange juice while here. Chefchaouen oranges are said to be some of the sweetest in the world.

Tip: You can get to this town on a convenient Chefchaouen day trip from Fez. 

Take a Scenic Hike

If you can tear yourself away from the cute cats and blue buildings, take a picturesque hike nearby or in Talassemtane National Park. Situated about a 45-minute drive from Chefchaouen, this national park is filled with natural wonders. You can look forward to glittering waterfalls, natural rock arches, and panoramic views. It’s best to go with a knowledgeable guide as the area can feel quite remote.

Visit Asilah, Morocco

Beautiful Asilah was the concluding location after our journey from Casablanca to Chefchaouen. This artsy beach town sits about two and a half hours from Chefchaouen along the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Its historic white-washed medina has creative murals and a distinct slower pace of life. 

Soak up the coastal vibes with a fresh fish tagine, admire the vibrant murals in the medina, and snap beautiful photos. It’s a small town, ideal if you’re looking to escape the busier cities for a while.

Tip: Enjoy a combined Tangier and Asilah tour and see additional sights like Cap Spartel and the Hercules Caves.

Where to Stay on Your Visit to Morocco

Looking for places to stay in Morocco during your trip? Here are a few accommodation suggestions for the northern parts of Morocco, tailored to every budget.

Budget | Family Aparthotel, Casablanca

The budget-friendly apartments at Family Aparthotel in Casablanca are ideal for longer stays. Featuring vibrant contemporary decor, these spacious apartments include all the necessary comforts. 

These include a cosy living room and a kitchenette for trying out some Moroccan recipes. Some even boast a spacious private balcony. The central location means you’ll be within a short distance of many of the city’s top sights.

Mid-Range | Riad Oasis D’Asilah

Escape the bustling city for a tranquil stay in laid-back Asilah. The warm and welcoming Riad Oasis D’Asilah boasts more traditional Moroccan interiors and is the ideal stay for families with kids. 

Enjoy complimentary fresh pastries and pancakes for breakfast before setting out to the nearby beach. You could also laze about in the plunge pool or the many terraces on the beautiful property.

Luxury | Riad Salam, Fes

Enjoy the ultimate in luxury Moroccan living with a stay at Riad Salam in Fez. The entire property is an opulent celebration of Moroccan art and culture. Expect spectacular mosaic art wherever you look, including floors, columns, walls, and even baths. 

Rooms are comfortable and spacious, decorated with antique furniture and traditional decor. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving traditional bites and treats. While here, be sure to savour a pot of Moroccan tea on the terrace.

Best Places to Visit in Morocco: FAQs

Still have a few questions about what to see in Morocco? Have a look through these answers to some commonly asked questions.

What is Morocco Known For? 

There are plenty of things Morocco is known for. The country’s most notable attractions include its incredible architecture, spectacular mosques, and rich culture. The bustling medinas and souks, tasty cuisine, and leather, clay, and carpet artistry also make Morocco worth acclaim. This country has a vast history, ever evident to this day, and you’re sure to learn plenty of it on your trip.

What Should I Wear in Morocco?

Morocco is a majority Muslim country, and people usually dress more modestly. As a tourist, you don’t have to wear any scarves or cover-ups. But, you can show respect by ensuring your clothes come below your knees and cover your shoulders and torso. Flowy, looser-fitting clothes are perfect for the Moroccan climate. 

What Are the Best Cities to Visit in Morocco?

There are plenty of large cities in Morocco that are ideal for tourists. These include Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier. Ultimately, the best city to visit in Morocco will depend on what you’d like to see. If coastal vibes are your thing, Tangier may be ideal. If you’re more of a culture buff, you may prefer Fez. Wherever you choose to visit, though, will surely leave a good impression.

Do I Need a Tour Guide in Morocco?

You don’t need a tour guide to travel in Morocco, but there may be times when a guide will be helpful. If you’re planning to visit a medina, a guide will help you see the highlights with ease. Guides also provide plenty of insights into each location’s history and culture. And details always make you appreciate a sight more.

Best Places to Visit in Morocco: Wrapped Up

As you can tell, there’s so much more to explore in Morocco beyond Marrakech. And while I’ve focused on some of the gems of northern Morocco, you’ll discover even more beauty in the south. With its warm hospitality, dreamy architecture, and beautiful culture, Morocco is a country you’ll want to return to again and again.

If you’re looking for more culturally rich Arab countries to visit, have a look at this Jordan travel guide. Looking for something more futuristic? Explore this guide on the best Abu Dhabi places to visit.