Things To Do
in Morocco

Morocco is a North African country where Arab, Amazigh (Berber), and Mediterranean influences meet in a tapestry of vibrant cities, rugged mountains, and vast desert landscapes. Ancient medinas, colorful souks, and centuries-old kasbahs blend with contemporary cafés, riads, and modern coastal cities. The cuisine is aromatic and diverse, with mint tea and slow-cooked tagines as national touchstones.

From the blue alleys of Chefchaouen to the dunes of the Sahara and peaks of the High Atlas, Morocco offers contrasts that suit culture seekers, outdoor lovers, and photographers alike.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Casablanca
morning
:

Arrive in Casablanca and check into your hotel, allowing some time to freshen up after your journey. Enjoy a delicious Moroccan breakfast at a local café where you can savor pastries and mint tea. Take a stroll along the Corniche, soaking in the refreshing Atlantic breeze and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

afternoon
:

Visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, where you can admire its intricate design and stunning ocean views. Explore the Royal Palace and the Habous District, known for its unique architecture and bustling souks. Don't forget to stop by a local artisan shop for some unique handicrafts.

evening
:

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Casablanca by dining at a traditional Moroccan restaurant, savoring dishes like tagine and couscous. After dinner, take a leisurely walk by the waterfront, enjoying the twinkling lights reflecting on the waves. Conclude your evening at a local café, indulging in sweet pastries and mint tea.

day 2
Explore Casablanca to Rabat
morning
:

After breakfast, head to Rabat, Morocco's capital, with a comfortable drive along the coast. Upon arrival, explore the beautiful Kasbah of the Oudayas, where blue and white houses create a picturesque scene. Don’t miss the nearby tranquil gardens that offer a serene escape.

afternoon
:

Visit the Hassan Tower and the Royal Mausoleum, where historical and architectural wonders await. Stroll through the Chellah, an ancient Roman site surrounded by beautiful gardens and storks nesting atop ruins. Take some time to enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties.

evening
:

As the sun sets, wander along the Bou Regreg River, taking in the stunning views across to Salé. Choose a cozy restaurant for dinner, where you can indulge in traditional dishes while enjoying live Moroccan music. Wrap up with a stroll in the illuminated historic medina, capturing the enchanting vibe of Rabat at night.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-10
🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant$25-50
Coffee or tea$1.50-3
🚕Short taxi ride (city)$2-7
🏨Mid-range hotel / riad (per night)$40-100

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage with diverse landscapes—medinas, mountains, and desert.
  • Excellent value for money, with affordable food, accommodation and experiences.
  • Vibrant markets, distinctive architecture and strong craft traditions for unique souvenirs.
  • Outdoor activities from surfing to high-mountain trekking and memorable desert experiences.
  • Busy, crowded medinas can be overwhelming and disorienting for some travelers.
  • Heat extremes inland and in the desert can be challenging in summer.
  • Haggling and persistent vendors/touts in tourist areas may be tiring.
  • Infrastructure outside major cities can be limited; rural roads and services may be basic.
  • "Salam / As-salamu alaykum" - Hello / Peace be upon you
  • "Shukran" - Thank you
  • "Bslama" - Goodbye
  • "Choukran bezaf" - Thanks a lot
  • "Bghit ..." - I want ...
  • "Chhal thaman?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Fin ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "La shukran" - No, thank you
  • "Smah lia" - Excuse me / Sorry

Places to Visit in Morocco

Visit one of these nice places.

Chefchaouen (Blue City)

Iconic blue-painted alleys and stairways offering dreamy, color-saturated shots—best in soft morning or late-afternoon light when colors pop and shadows are gentle.

Djemaa el-Fna (Marrakech)

Lively square with performers, food stalls and evening chaos—capture street scenes, portraiture of performers, and rooftop sunset panoramas over the medina.

Ait Benhaddou

UNESCO ksar with dramatic earthen architecture and cinematic views used in many films—beautiful at sunrise and sunset when warm light hits the mud walls.

Erg Chebbi Dunes (Sahara)

Sweeping sand dunes near Merzouga offering sweeping landscape photos, silhouettes at sunrise/sunset, and starry-night astrophotography opportunities.

Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca)

One of the largest mosques in the world with ornate details, oceanfront setting, and striking minaret—photograph from the esplanade for wide shots and from inside on guided tours for details.

Fes Tanneries

Vibrant dye pits and craft workshops offering colorful, gritty documentary-style images—best from viewpoints above the pits and with permission before close-up portraits.

Todra Gorge & Dades Valley

Steep canyon walls, twisting roads and dramatic landscapes ideal for wide-angle shots, rock-detail close-ups and cultural photography of mountain villages.

Culinary Guide

Food in Morocco

Moroccan cuisine is rich, aromatic, and communal—built on slow-cooked stews (tagines), fragrant rice and semolina (couscous), fresh vegetables, preserved lemons, olives, and a foreground of spices like cumin, coriander, saffron, and cinnamon. Mint tea is the ubiquitous drink and social ritual. Street stalls, markets, family-run eateries and refined riad kitchens all offer different takes on classic dishes.

Morocco Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tagine

A slow-cooked stew named for the clay pot in which it's cooked; common varieties include lamb with prunes, chicken with preserved lemon and olives, and vegetable tagines. Find excellent tagines in traditional riads and local restaurants across Morocco.

Must-Try!

Couscous

Steamed semolina grains typically served with meat and vegetables on Fridays and special occasions; try a family-style couscous at a local eatery or market on market day.

Pastilla (Bastilla)

A savory-sweet pie often made with pigeon or chicken, layers of thin pastry, almonds, cinnamon and sugar; elevated restaurant specialty found in Fez and Marrakech.

Harira

A hearty tomato-and-lentil soup often eaten to break the fast during Ramadan; widely available at cafés and food stalls, especially in the evenings during Ramadan.

Mint Tea

Green tea steeped with fresh mint and loads of sugar; offered as a sign of hospitality in homes, shops and restaurants.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Jemaa el-Fna (Marrakech)

Iconic square full of evening food stalls serving snails, skewers, salads, msemen pancakes, and more; great for atmospheric street-food experiences (watch hygiene and choose stalls with steady customers).

Fez Tanneries & Medina Stalls

While the tanneries themselves aren’t food markets, Fez’s medina features narrow lanes of food vendors selling pastries, olives, and traditional dishes—try a local bakery or café for fresh sweets.

Central Market (Marché Central) Casablanca

A bustling fish and produce market where you can sample fresh seafood preparations and buy ingredients to take to nearby restaurants for cooking.

Climate Guide

Weather

Morocco's climate ranges from Mediterranean on the coast with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers to continental inland with hot summers and cool winters. The Atlas Mountains experience cold winters with snowfall and alpine conditions, while the Sahara region is arid with large diurnal temperature swings—very hot during the day and cool to cold at night.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress Modestly

Wear modest clothing, especially in conservative towns and rural areas—cover shoulders and knees to show respect and avoid unwanted attention.

Greetings and Hospitality

Polite greetings are important—use 'Salam' or 'As-salamu alaykum' and shake hands when offered. Accepting a cup of tea is a sign of respect; remove shoes when invited into homes and some religious sites.

Bargaining

Haggling is customary in souks—start lower than the asking price, be friendly, and expect a back-and-forth that ends with mutual satisfaction.

Photography Sensitivity

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women, and avoid taking photos inside some religious sites unless allowed.

Ramadan Respect

During Ramadan, be discreet when eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours, and be mindful that opening hours and services may change.

Safety Guide

Safety

Morocco is generally safe for travelers but exercise normal precautions: watch for pickpocketing in crowded medinas and tourist spots, be cautious at night in unfamiliar areas, and agree fares with taxis in advance or insist on the meter where used. Beware of unofficial guides and touts; use licensed guides or reputable operators for excursions. Women travelers should be aware of occasional harassment and may prefer modest dress and travel in pairs where possible. Keep digital copies of important documents and have travel insurance.

Tipping in Morocco

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated across the service sector: small amounts (10–20 MAD) for porters or restroom attendants, 5–10% in casual restaurants if service is good, and rounding up or leaving small change for guides and drivers. Tourist-heavy spots may expect tips for photo help or information.

Currency and Payment

The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD) and is not fully convertible outside Morocco—bring cash and withdraw dirhams from ATMs. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops in cities, but smaller vendors and rural areas are cash-only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

March–May: One of the best times to visit—mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers in the Atlas and Rif, and comfortable conditions for trekking and sightseeing.

Summer

June–August: Very hot inland (Marrakech, Fez) and in the desert; coastal areas are cooler. If traveling in summer, plan morning and evening activities and avoid strenuous midday exertion.

Autumn

September–November: Pleasant and similar to spring—warm days, cooler nights, and ideal conditions for outdoor travel and festivals.

Winter

December–February: Mild on the coast but cold in the Atlas Mountains (snow common) and at night in the desert; good time for lower-season travel but pack warm layers for high-altitude or desert nights.

Nightlife Guide

Morocco at Night

Nightlife varies widely: Casablanca and Marrakech have the liveliest scenes with rooftop bars, nightclubs, live music venues and cultural performances; Fez and Rabat offer quieter bars, cultural evenings and concerts. Alcohol is available in tourist areas and licensed venues but less common in conservative towns; late-night social life in medinas is often centered around cafés and daytime markets and many restaurants close early in smaller towns.

Hiking in Morocco

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Jebel Toubkal (High Atlas)

North Africa's highest peak (4,167 m) with multi-day treks from Imlil—spectacular alpine scenery, opportunities for guided climbs and mountain villages along the route.

Ourika Valley

A close, accessible day-hike option from Marrakech featuring waterfalls, terraced fields and Berber villages—good for moderate hikes and cultural visits.

Rif Mountains around Chefchaouen

Gentle to challenging trails with panoramic views, cedar forests and routes linking traditional villages around the blue city.

Todra Gorge Trails

Hikes along the canyon floor and rim offering dramatic rock faces and access to local climbing routes and river-side walks.

Dades Valley (Road & Trails)

Winding scenic routes with many short hikes among oases, ksour and dramatic rock formations—great for photography and moderate walking.

Airports

How to reach Morocco by plane.

Mohammed V International Airport (Casablanca - CMN)

The largest international gateway with frequent connections worldwide; about 30–45 minutes to Casablanca city centre depending on traffic and taxis and trains connect to Rabat and Marrakech.

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)

Major tourist hub with many European and some regional flights; close to the city and medina, making it the primary entry for southern Morocco and desert tours.

Rabat–Salé Airport (RBA)

Serves the capital region with regional and some international flights; roughly 20–30 minutes from Rabat city centre.

Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG)

Convenient for northern Morocco and access to Spain via ferry ports; serves domestic and European routes.

Fes–Saïs Airport (FEZ)

Gateway to Fez and northern imperial cities; useful for travelers visiting Fez, Meknes and the Middle Atlas region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Major medinas are highly walkable but consist of narrow, uneven alleys where cars can't go—good walking shoes are essential. Modern city centers (Casablanca, Rabat) are more spread out and often require taxis or trams. Hilly towns and mountain villages can be steep; expect limited signage in medinas and bring a map or local guide.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Arab Moroccans

A major cultural and linguistic group across urban and many rural areas; Arabic (Moroccan Darija) is the common spoken language.

Amazigh (Berber) Communities

Indigenous groups primarily in the Atlas and Rif Mountains and rural regions—Amazigh languages (Tamazight, Tarifit, Tashelhit) are widely spoken and cultural traditions are prominent.

Urban French-speaking Populations

French remains an important language of business, education and administration; many educated Moroccans are bilingual in Arabic and French.

Spanish-speaking Communities (Northern Regions)

Northern areas near Ceuta and Melilla and parts of the Rif have historical Spanish influence and some older populations speak Spanish.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport nationwide with passionate local followings, many local clubs and lively matches in stadiums and street games.

Surfing

Growing scene along the Atlantic coast at Taghazout, Essaouira and Agadir—suitable for beginners and experienced surfers with many surf schools.

Running and Athletics

Road races and mountain-running events are popular, and locals enjoy communal outdoor exercise in parks and coastal promenades.

Traditional Equestrian and Camel Events

In some regions, horse and camel racing and fantasia (traditional equestrian displays) remain important cultural sports and festival attractions.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be congested in Casablanca and Marrakech, especially during rush hours; driving styles may be assertive and road signage varies. Trains (ONCF) connect major cities reliably, and trams operate in Casablanca and Rabat. Grand taxis (shared) and petit taxis (city) are common for short trips—agree a price in advance for petit taxis without meters. Buses serve intercity routes but may be slower; private transfer services and domestic flights are alternatives for faster travel between regions.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available—many tagines are vegetarian or can be made so; specify 'bila l-lahm' (without meat) and rely on vegetable couscous, salads, and egg or cheese dishes. In rural or traditional settings menus may be more limited, so communicate clearly.

Halal

Most meat sold and served in Morocco is halal by default; alcohol is available in tourist restaurants, bars, and some hotels but limited in conservative areas.

Gluten-Free & Allergies

Wheat is common in breads, pastries and semolina; if you need gluten-free, explain allergies in French or Arabic and opt for salads, grilled meats and vegetable tagines—packaged foods often lack clear labeling, so travel with basic snacks if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in major Moroccan cities is adequate with public hospitals and private clinics; private hospitals offer higher standards but can be costly. Pharmacies are common and often staffed with pharmacists who speak French. Travelers should have international travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and carry prescriptions. Vaccinations should be up-to-date and consult a travel clinic before departure.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Morocco.