Things To Do
in Settat
Settat is a midsize city in the Chaouia plain of Morocco, located roughly halfway between Casablanca and Marrakech. It mixes a compact historic medina with wide modern avenues, agricultural surroundings and a growing university and service sector. The area is known for fertile farmland, horse breeding and a pace of life quieter than Morocco's larger coastal cities.
Settat is a convenient base for exploring the plains, nearby coast and the foothills of the High Atlas on day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning by arriving at Settat and settling into your riad or hotel. The crisp morning air invites you to savor a traditional mint tea on a shaded terrace. You’ll feel the pulse of the city awakening around you, with street vendors preparing their stalls.
After lunch, immerse yourself in a guided tour of the historic medina. You’ll wander past the ancient city walls and marvel at the intricately carved wooden doors. Local artisans will welcome you into their workshops to showcase traditional handicrafts.
As dusk falls, head to a cozy café near Place Al-Qods for an aromatic coffee. The square comes alive with families and children playing under the lantern-lit sky. Conclude the day with a sumptuous tagine at a nearby restaurant, accompanied by gentle gnawa rhythms.
Begin the day at the bustling souk where fresh produce and spices are laid out in colorful arrays. Engage with friendly vendors to learn about local specialties like preserved lemons and saffron. The aromas of cumin and coriander will guide you through winding alleyways.
After sampling olives and handmade pastries, take a seat at a courtyard eatery for a hearty couscous lunch. A local chef will demonstrate how to steam grains over a simmering broth of vegetables and lamb. You’ll gain hands-on insight into Morocco’s culinary heritage.
Wander back to the souk as lanterns illuminate the stalls, offering pottery and woven rugs. Enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice from a roadside stand. Later, join a group of locals for tea and animated conversation about regional farming traditions.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🍔Meal at mid-range restaurant for two | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, low-key Moroccan city with fewer tourists
- Convenient location between Casablanca and Marrakech for day trips
- Pleasant countryside scenery and agricultural markets
- Affordable prices compared with larger cities
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions compared with major Moroccan cities
- Fewer international-standard services and amenities
- Public transport options are more limited locally; car or taxi often needed
- Language barrier possible outside French and Arabic speakers
- "Salam / Salaam" - Hello / Peace
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "La shukran" - No, thank you
- "Bslama" - Goodbye
- "Besh-hal?" - How much?
- "Mumkin n-tlif?" - Can I take a photo?
- "Ayna al-hammam?" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Settat
Visit one of these nice places.
Narrow alleys, colorful doors and local life make the medina a good place for street and architectural photography, especially in the morning.
Lively market scenes with produce, spices and vendors; great for candid photos and capturing the colors of daily commerce.
The historic station and passing trains offer interesting perspectives on Morocco’s rail heritage and travelers' routines.
Wide open fields around Settat provide sweeping landscapes and dramatic sunsets; ideal for wide-angle shots and drone photography if permitted.
Pleasant greenery and people enjoying tea; useful for relaxed urban portraits and evening light.
Food in Settat
Settat Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked stew served in a conical clay pot; popular at family restaurants and local eateries throughout Settat.
Must-Try!
Traditional steam-grain dish usually served with vegetables and meat on Fridays and special occasions; available at mid-range restaurants and in market homes.
A comforting dish of shredded msemen or bread with lentils and spiced chicken, often made for gatherings and available at family-style restaurants.
Skewered and char-grilled minced meat or cubes, commonly found at local grills and street vendors for a quick, flavorful meal.
Locally baked breads and preserved spiced meat (khlea) served in rustic eateries and markets; great for breakfasts.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town’s central marketplace and weekly souk are where locals buy fresh produce, olives, cheese and bread; try fresh orange juice, grilled corn and small snacks from market stalls.
Bakeries sell khobz (round bread), msemen (flatbread) and beghrir (semolina pancakes) — perfect for breakfast with honey or cheese.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people politely — a handshake and brief exchange is common. Use formal greetings (Arabic or French) with elders. Dress modestly in public, especially near religious sites.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women; some may refuse. Avoid photographing military or police installations.
Respect Ramadan practices — don’t eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours if you are in a conservative area. Be discreet with alcohol and public displays of affection.
If invited to a home, bring a small gift (sweets or pastries) and remove shoes if asked. Accept offered tea as a sign of respect.
Safety
Tipping in Settat
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For cafés and casual restaurants leave a small change tip (~5–10 MAD). For sit-down restaurants 5–10% for good service is common. Taxi drivers typically expect to round up the fare; hotel porters and guides appreciate small tips.
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is the local currency and cash is king in Settat. Credit and debit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but many small shops, souk stalls and taxis are cash-only. ATMs are available in town; carry modest amounts of cash for markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures (mild days, cool nights), blooming countryside and ideal time for outdoor activities and photography. Expect occasional rain early in the season.
Hot, especially inland — daytime highs can be 30–38°C (86–100°F). Travel early in the day, stay hydrated and plan indoor or shaded activities midday.
Comfortable temperatures and harvest activities in the surrounding farmland make this a good time to visit; fewer tourists and pleasant evenings.
Cool to mild days and colder nights with occasional rain; not snowy in town, but the High Atlas can have snow within a couple hours’ drive.
Settat at Night
Hiking in Settat
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy walks or cycles on rural lanes around Settat through fields and olive groves; suitable for half-day excursions and photography.
Within a couple of hours’ drive you can reach foothill trails near the High Atlas for moderate hikes, scenic views and mountain villages; a longer drive but rewarding for more serious walkers.
Short coastal hikes and shoreline walks north of Settat for fresh sea air and birdwatching; ideal combined with a half-day trip to the Atlantic coast.
Airports
How to reach Settat by plane.
The nearest major international airport (about 60–90 km north depending on route). Regular trains and buses connect Casablanca to Settat; taxi or private transfer from the airport takes about 1–1.5 hours.
Larger tourist airport to the south (roughly 2–2.5 hours by car). Convenient for combining Settat visits with southern Morocco itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
City dwellers working in services, retail, education and local government; younger families and professionals populate central neighborhoods.
Surrounding villages and farming families who come to Settat for markets and services; strong presence during weekly souks.
Settat hosts higher education facilities and technical institutes, so there is a notable student population influencing local culture and commerce.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Morocco; locals passionately follow national and club matches, often gathering in cafés to watch games.
The Chaouia plain has a tradition of horse breeding and riding; local stables and events reflect the region’s equestrian interest.
Local clubs and school athletics are common; open spaces and parks are used by residents for jogging and informal sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Settat.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are available (vegetable tagines, salads, lentil stews), but you should ask staff to ensure no meat stock is used. Carry a phrase card in Arabic or French to explain restrictions.
Vegan options are more limited; stick to vegetable dishes, salads, bread and fruit. Confirm use of butter or honey in pastries and tagines.
Traditional breads and couscous contain gluten; opt for salads, grilled meats and vegetable dishes, and explain needs clearly—knowledge of gluten-free is limited outside bigger restaurants.
Most meat served is halal in Morocco; no special arrangements are usually necessary.