Exploring the maze-like streets of ancient trading hubs, riding camelback through the sandy dunes of the Sahara, kiteboarding over the swells off the Atlantic coast…if you’re looking for incredible things to do in Morocco, you’re in the right place. We’re breaking down a few of our favorite adventures and opportunities for a great trip.
When you’re ready to customize and book your Morocco itinerary, connect with a Fora Advisor. They’ll craft a travel plan filled with things to do in Morocco that are specific to you and your interests. Plus, they can score you great perks at the top hotels in Morocco.
10 of the best things to do in Morocco
Read on for an overview of our favorite things to do in Morocco, from touring Marrakech’s centuries-old medina to taking in the beauty of the Ouzoud Falls.
1. Explore the ancient Medina of Marrakech
Topping our list of things to visit in Marrakech: the city’s ancient and lively medina. The fortress-like “old city,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built near the end of the 11th century and once made up the whole of Marrakech. Over time, the city sprawled beyond the medina’s pink clay walls, but it never lost its purpose as the beating heart of Marrakech.
As you wander through narrow, labyrinthian alleys and corridors, you’ll encounter a dizzying array of packed stalls and vendors hawking handmade goods, spices and street food. Take your time to absorb the sounds, aromas and sights of these souks (open-air markets in Morocco).
At night, the main square fills with all sorts of street performers, from musicians to acrobats and more. The cultural significance of the medina can’t be overstated, and many of Marrakech’s most famous landmarks — like the Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace — are found here.
We recommend working with a local guide who can help to show you the best things in the Medina of Marrakech, sharing historical context along the way and also be an ally in the bargaining process if you’re shopping. Food tours are another great option. Your Fora Advisor can help you arrange either!
If you’re looking for a hotel to stay in or near the medina, Royal Mansour Marrakech is a great option (it is one of the best hotels in Marrakech, Morocco, after all). Alternatively, there are a few great choices a little further from the city if you want an escape from the hustle and bustle of the Media, such as Marrakech’s Amanjena resort.
Fora Perks at Royal Mansour Marrakech:
$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, complimentary roundtrip private airport transfers, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
2. Traverse the dunes of the Sahara Desert on camelback, 4x4s, ATVs…
The Sahara is an expansive desert playground. Traverse massive sand dunes on camelback, rent ATVs and other offroad vehicles or even take a helicopter tour (check out our guide to The Oberoi in Marrakech, which offers a private tour by air).
From an ecological standpoint, the Sahara is also an incredibly unique and beautiful place to visit. There’s a tranquility here that you won’t typically find in the cities.
Not sure where to begin? Ask a Fora Advisor. They’ll hook you with all sorts of tour options through trusted partners.
3. Hike the Atlas Mountains: one of the most rewarding things to do in Morocco
Like the Sahara, Morocco’s Atlas Mountains are a striking natural wonder worth exploring. Diverse landscapes provide hiking opportunities ranging from lax hills to rigorous gorges and steep peaks. And for travelers interested in cultural immersion, there are many traditional Amazigh (Berber) villages sprinkled throughout the mountains.
Spring is generally the best time to hike the Atlas Mountains. The weather is typically pleasant, with mild temperatures and limited, if any, rain or snow. Better yet, wildflower blooms combine with otherwise green valleys and snow-capped mountains for stunning views. We have more tips on Morocco’s seasonality in our guide on the best time to visit Morocco.
You can visit the Atlas Mountains as a day trip from Marrakech, or you can opt to stay for longer.
For a completely different experience, Fora Advisor Anny Chen recommends a hot air balloon ride. These typically are arranged from Marrakech and offer stunning views of the mountains.
“We did this one morning and it was the coolest activity,” Anny said. “You can watch the sunrise over the Atlas Mountains at 3,000 feet above sea level. It was truly an incredible experience.”
4. Tour the Medina of Fes (and check out a traditional tannery)
Another one of Morocco’s best places to visit, the Medina of Fes rivals that of Marrakech. But there are a few key differences. Fes was a major center of learning for over a millennia, and the city has long been Morocco’s spiritual center. Most travelers will notice that Marrakech’s medina feels more open and modern, and Fes has much thinner walkways with more twists and turns (it’s also easier to get lost in…)
In terms of cultural immersion, Fes is hard to beat. Everything from the crafted goods to the food (read about local food in Morocco) feels authentic. Additionally, Fes’ leatherworking tradition, among other crafts, is world-renowned. Most of the country’s famous leather comes from the city’s tanneries, many of which can be visited, making for one of the more unique things to do in Morocco. Visit the Chouara Tannery for leather pieces – you can even get a custom-made jacket delivered to your hotel the same day.
5. Shop at Casablanca’s traditional souks and upscale boutiques
Most travelers from the United States will fly in and out of Casablanca. If you have some extra time to spend in the city, it’s a great place to recover from jetlag before continuing the rest of your journey.
An extra day gives you plenty of time to explore. Casablanca is a sharp departure from the ancient settings of Marrakech and Fes. While there’s still an old medina to visit, the city’s real draw is its 20th-century Art Deco sector. Here, the streets are lined with trendy boutiques and the country’s best selection of international restaurants.
If you’re looking for a soft spot to land in Casablanca, we love the Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca as well as the newly opened Royal Mansour Casablanca. If you’re looking for more hotel options, we’ve got a guide on hotels in Casablanca, Morocco.
Fora Perks at Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca:
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
6. Catch some waves in Essaouira or Agadir on Morocco’s Atlantic coast
Morocco is more than urban hubs, deserts and mountains, as wonderful as they all are. The country’s Atlantic coastline is beautiful and ripe for both adventure and relaxation.
Destinations like Agadir and Essaouira, Morocco host lavish beach resorts where guests can unwind and take in the scenery. Atlantic trade winds have also made Morocco a famous destination for surfing, kiteboarding and other water-bound fun. (In fact, Morocco is home to one of the world’s top luxury surfing destinations.)
7. Visit a women’s argan oil co-op (& spy on tree-dwelling goats)
For hundreds if not thousands of years, argan oil has been used in everything from hair and skin care products to local dishes and for practical purposes. But until recently, the process of producing argan oil was too arduous to create yields worthy of exporting beyond Morocco. This changed in the 1990s, when foreign investors created the technology to produce argan oil in larger quantities, buying up swathes of land and relegating local Amazigh communities to little more than materiel gatherers.
To compete with these corporations, the Moroccan government provided Amazigh communities with the same technology to produce argan oil at scale, thus ensuring these communities’ survival and success. Travelers can visit these co-ops to purchase all sorts of argan oil products while supporting economic equality for the local women who have passed down the tradition for countless years.
Fun sidenote: on your way to the co-op, you’ll likely be able to spot one of the strangest things in Morocco: goats in trees. The goats are native to the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve, which stretches north of Essaouira on the coast, a couple hours south of Marrakech in Morocco’s interior and as far south as the city of Lakhassas. However, not to spoil the fun, but our local partners have told us that the goats are mostly a tourist trap — many are simply placed in the trees by locals to attract travelers for a photo opp.
8. Get Pampered at a Moroccan hammam
Hammams offer a wellness experience with deep cultural roots. Treatments are meant to cleanse the spirit as much as they are the body, and typically involve time spent in a steam room before a full body scrub. Traditional hammam treatments are communal, but there are options that focus on the individual or small groups if you prefer.
Many of the top hotels in Morocco — like Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech — have a hammam onsite.
9. Admire the unique atmosphere of Chefchaouen
The “Blue Pearl of Morocco,” Chefchaouen is a relatively small town in the Rif mountains that’s famous for its blue-washed houses and structures. The use of blue supposedly dates back centuries, although its exact reasoning has been lost to time.
Beyond the unique atmosphere, Chefchaouen offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of Moroccans away from major cities like Fes and Marrakech. There’s a small medina with vibrant souks, a museum with views of the city and great hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.
Chefchaouen is a fun day trip from Tangier, a fun resort area on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast.
10. Enjoy the beauty of the Ouzoud Falls
Gorgeous and grandiose, the Ouzoud Falls (commonly referred to as Morocco’s Niagara Falls) provide another opportunity to escape into nature. There are several waterfalls at the site, all of which empty into the El-Abid River gorge.
In addition to one of Africa’s tallest waterfalls, the area offers hiking trails, boat rentals and even monkey watching (Barbary macaques like to hang out along the cliffs).
If you don’t mind a drive, the Ouzoud Falls are only about 2.5 hours from Marrakech, making for a fun day trip.
Looking for more things to do in Morocco? Ask a Fora Advisor
Of course, there are a lot more than 10 things to do in Morocco. For personalized recommendations, connect with a Fora Advisor and they’ll work with you to build the Morocco trip of your dreams. As an added bonus, they can unlock VIP hotel perks and status at the best properties in Morocco, from Royal Mansour in Marrakech to Riad Fes.
Not sure Morocco’s the right setting for your next big adventure? Check out these guides for more travel inspiration:
