Things to do in Morocco: Attractions and places to visit

1. Marrakesh: The city that never sleeps

Those who think of Morocco will inevitably think of Marrakech as one of the biggest sightseeings. The city’s souks are among the most interesting and varied in the country. Finely chiselled copper plates, filigree woodwork from fragrant thuja wood and exotic spices are just some of the many facets of the range. A stroll through the souk of Marrakech is an overwhelming experience. The square Djemaa el Fna forms the pulsating heart.

Here the city does not stand still at any time of the day or night, but the many cafés offer good opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle for a few minutes. Recharge your batteries with a glass of sweet mint tea and a gazelle croissant, the delicious delicacy made from marzipan mixed with rose water. In the evening, fortune tellers, snake charmers, acrobats and henna painters perform their arts.

2. Old town of Fès

The medina of Fès is unique, it is the largest medina in North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In order to visit them, it is advisable to use the services of a guide. Because it is all too easy to get lost in the narrow and winding alleyways. For a small fee he will show you the most beautiful places of the old town. One of these places is certainly the Medersa Bou Inania. The former Koranic school is a masterpiece of Arab architecture.

In the lavishly restored inner courtyard, there is a meditative atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle outside. The tanners’ quarter is particularly lively and busy, with industrious craftsmen working in huge vats. The leather is the starting material for chic jackets, soft seatpoufs or the fine slippers Babouches, which are gladly bought as souvenirs.

3. Royal town of Meknes

Just 60 kilometres from Fès is Meknes, nicknamed “Moroccan Versailles”. Sultan Moulay Ismail displayed his power here through imposing buildings and magnificent architecture. Heart and center of the city is the square L’Hedim with the huge gate Bab Mansour. With its fine mosaics and filigree design, it forms a fascinating contrast to the massive city walls.

The nearby market is bustling at any time of the day or night. From fine patisserie and exotic spices to traditional cosmetics and care products, you will find everything your heart desires here.

restaurants surrounding the square you can enjoy couscous, tajine and other Moroccan specialities and “digest” the many impressions.

4. World Heritage Site Aït-Ben-Haddou

You have certainly seen the Kasbah Aït-Ben-Haddou before – the spectacular location was and is the backdrop and location of countless famous Hollywood films. Gladiator”, “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Game of Thrones” are only some of the international productions that have been shot here. The sight southeast of Marrakech is one of the few well-preserved clay settlements in southern Morocco.

Against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains of the High Atlas and under the bright blue sky, the city offers a magical sight. Date palms and a constantly water-bearing rippling river at the gates of the city round off the picturesque picture. Even if the name is hard to remember, here in Aït-Ben-Haddou one of the highlights of Morocco awaits you!

5. Casablanca: Mosque and New Medina

The white city of Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and the economic centre of the country. One of the most important sights is the imposing Hassan II Mosque. It is a building of superlatives. As the fifth largest mosque in the world, it can accommodate around 25,000 people. Let yourself be enchanted by the grandiose architecture, the filigree mosaics, the artistic stucco work and the magnificent chandeliers.

Also highly recommended is the New Medina of Casablanca, an Art Deco quarter that combines traditional Arab architecture with modern architecture. Especially the Spanish-Moorish architectural style is predominant in the medina. The district is also popular for its many artists and dealers, who sell their works here every day. For fans of the cinema film “Casablanca” a visit to the recreated “Rick’s Café” is worthwhile.

6. Endless vastness in the Moroccan desert

Whether you visit Erg Chebbi near Erfoud or the M’Hamid region south of Zagora, a desert trip is a truly unforgettable experience. The experience of the vastness of the landscape, the indescribable silence and the unbelievable starry sky at night leave no one cold. The possibilities to experience the desert are manifold.

Even a short ride with a camel will give you a good impression of the unique landscape, for a more intense experience we recommend at least an overnight stay between the dunes. You will feel almost like a nomad during camel trekking, where you will experience first hand how exciting and varied life in the desert is.

7. Blue City Chefchaouen

Not so much by single sightseeings, but rather by its enchanting overall impression, the city Chefchaouen inspires. The entire medina of the formerly holy city in the middle of the Rif mountains shines bright blue. Beautifully decorated door frames, stairs and windows are popular photo motifs and make Chefchaouen a shining jewel in the middle of the country.

Here life seems to be slower and more peaceful, the enterprising salesmen are more reserved than in Marrakech or Fès. That’s why you can get some interesting bargains here and buy traditionally made pottery at very reasonable prices. The big market takes place every week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

8. Port of Essaouira

The harbour belongs to Essaouira as well as the extensive beach, the screaming seagulls and the wind blowing also in summer. Essaouira is a hotspot for surfers from all over the world. The enchanting medina is quite manageable, which gives the city its cosy and sleepy flair. The old town is part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage. Essaouira is nicknamed the “city of the wind” because a stiff Atlantic breeze blows almost all year round.

The quiet pace of things is only interrupted for a few days in summer, when the Gnawa International Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. This unique art and culture festival is dedicated to Moroccan Gnawa music and interested people can enjoy world-class performances by national and international artists. In general, the city is also very popular as a residence for artists from all over the world.

9. International flair in Tangier

Tangier was and is also the favourite destination of numerous painters, writers and musicians. Is it because of the Mediterranean atmosphere, the pleasant climate, the preferred location with a view over the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain or the many sights of the city? It is probably the mix of everything that makes Tangier so attractive for tourists.

Those interested in culture can watch the locals palavering and strolling in the Grand Socco. The city is also a popular destination for bathers. At the city beach of Tangier or at Plage Sidi Kacem, which is situated a little outside, you will find ideal conditions for swimming and relaxing. You should also visit the harbour with its many fishing boats, especially in the early morning and

10. Rabat: The underestimated highlight

The capital Rabat scores with its cosmopolitan flair and countless sights. At the gates of the city is the necropolis of Chellah, a magical place whose romantic magic no one can escape. Between the lush shrubs and trees lie almost hidden architectural relics from Roman times. From the massive Kasbah Oudaya the traveller has a wonderful view over the old town.

Do not miss the white-blue little houses of the Rue Bazzo. There is also a charming Moorish café nearby where you can enjoy honey pastries, almond milk and fine Moroccan patisserie. Afterwards you will go on an exploration tour of the old fortress at the edge of the old town (Kasbah of Ouada?as) or visit the old tombs at the necropolis of Chellah.

Best time to visit Morocco

We recommend the following months as best time to travel for exploring the attractions and acivities of Morocco:

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November

You can find more information about the weather, including all climate data, on our climate page for Morocco.