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Scenic mountains, colourful dawn and dusk, the never-ending stretch of the Sahara desert, beautiful markets, boisterous nightlife, and of course, gorgeous Atlantic beaches and fabulous shores – Morocco is a dream destination. Nurtured in Africa with the best of tourist attractions, this seaside country gives your major staycation goals with its perennial wonders. Whether it’s history, art, culture, nature, or food, Morocco is there to serve you with the best of experiences. Here are the best things to do when in Morocco. Learn why this piece of bewitching expanse must be your destination this season.
21+ Incredible Things to Do In Morocco
Marvel At The Historic World Of Rabat
Visit the capital city of Rabat and capture unbelievable beauty on display. The city envelopes a beautiful kingdom filled with unparalleled surprises. The sites here would confront you with full pride and honor for they have the reputation of being iconic. From the brilliantly constructed Hassan Tower of an unfinished mosque to the dreamland citadel of Kasbah of the Udayas, there are umpteen sites to look forward to. The city also hosts a startling coastline with peaceful beaches and dazzling seawater.
Price: No Entrance Fee ($5-$7 on average to visit the major tourist attractions in the city)
Pro Tip: Rabat is known for being home to the best of handicraft markets. So, do not miss out on buying them
Traverse The Glistening Sand Of the Sahara Desert
Unleash the daredevil in you. Cover the picturesque terrain of the Sahara Desert and capture the unique spectacles of Morocco. Ride a camel through the glittering sand or pitch your tent by a mound and spend a night under the twinkling sky. The Sahara Desert in Morocco offers its visitors uncountable opportunities to relish nature. The charm that lingers in the landscape is surely irresistible.
Price: $150 -$200 per person for a 3-night and 2-day desert tour
Pro Tip: The best time to take desert tours in Morocco is from May until the end of September.
Laze By The Atlantic Waters Of Casablanca
The historic city of Casablanca has evolved as one of the coolest places to chill and enjoy holidays in Morocco. Characterized by lively beaches with a happy crowd, colourful restaurants and umbrella-shaded cafes, the coastal side of the city is all set to keep you busy and happy amid a bustling environment. Enjoy relishing authentic Morocco dishes at ocean-view restaurants or take a stroll down the promenade.
Price: No Entrance Fee ($5-$10 on average per person to visit all the important places)
Pro Tip: Stay at hotels or resorts that provide free airport shuttle service as it would help you a lot in commutation.
Travel Into A World Of Colours in Chefchaouen
Far-framed for its blue-painted streets and houses, Chefchaouen is a perfect place in Morocco for a relaxed weekend. Frame the majestic streets of the city on your camera. Nestled in the beautiful Rif Mountains, the city also has ever-radiating markets, infotainment complexes, and food streets. From the prestigious monument of Kasbah to the museums of Chefchaouen Medina and the picnic spot of Ras El Ma to spectacularly structured mosques, everything deserves your attention.
Price: No Entrance Fee
Pro Tip: Stay in the Medina area of Chefchaouen to witness the most colourful and vibrant lifestyle.
Soak Up the Ebullience of Jemaa el-Fnaa
Jemaa el-Fnaa is a wonderful place that would provide you with uncountable sights and a shopping experience. The place turns into a carnival at the time of dusk when hues of nature spread all over the sky and the shoppers roam through adorned alleys. The market hosts several local shows performed by snake charmers, musicians, dancers, storytellers, artists, and fortune-tellers. Visit it and explore the most interesting chapter of Marrakesh.
Price: No Entrance Fee
Pro Tip: Visit the marketplace in the evening to watch it in full glory.
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Have A Surreal Hammam Experience
Hammams are the traditional bathhouses in Morocco that have been grabbing the eyeballs of travellers from across the globe for decades now. They are culturally significant and hence, are of great value and prominence to the traditional society of Morocco. Taking a bath in Hammam is the best way to cleanse your body and detox your mind. From luxury to mediocre, one can experience every kind of hammam in the country. However, a hammam with a massage is preferred generally by tourists.
Price: $2-$5 on average
Pro Tip: Marrakesh is the best place in Morocco where you can find the best traditional hammams at reasonable prices.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
The quaint seawaters, ski resorts, and mountainous regions in Morocco offer various adventurous activities. Dive deep into the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean or sail down the shimmering waves in a kayak. Paddle your way through the calmness of the sea and enjoy deep-sea fishing. Trek up lush green hills and enjoy the unseen panoramas of the country. Other adventurous activities in Morocco include horseback riding, water skiing, windsurfing, and white water rafting.
Price: $300 for surfing
$30 – $40 per person per day for skiing
$50 – $60 for whitewater rafting
Pro Tip: Book your adventures online to avail of discounts and various offers.
Trace the Magnificence of the Bahia Palace
One of the most visited tourist attractions in Morocco, Bahia Palace simply steals the show with its richly ornate Moroccan and Islamic style architecture structure and perfectly designed complex. The grand courtyard embellished with shining tiles and beautiful patterns would surely take your breath away. One of the top places to visit in Morocco, you must visit this ancient site to capture its magnificent atmosphere.
Price: $8 per person
Pro Tip: Go for a guided tour if you want to learn in detail about the palace.
Catch A Glimpse Of The Incredible Hassan II Mosque
Another marvel that stands tall with its towering minaret at a height of about 689 feet, Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest mosques on the planet. Though it was built recently, it has gained international fame and acclaim for its exceptional and supreme architectural style. The mosque overlooks the unending stretch of the Atlantic Ocean and can hold more than 100,000 worshippers at a time. Hence, this site remains one of the most visited places in Morocco.
Price: $32 for adults
$16 for students and $8 for children
Pro Tip: The nearby Le Gatsby Cafe serves the best snacks and beverages in the region.
Live A Traveller’s Fantasies in the City Of Fez
Fez has the reputation of being an age-old settlement strongly rooted in its ancient traditions and customs. The intricately decorated Blue Gate and the ruined 14th-century Marinid Tombs provide you with major photography goals. The busy local streets lined with several centuries-old religious institutes help you understand the raw culture of the country. Chouara Tannery, which is one of the oldest in Morocco, is one of the must-visit points of interest in Fez.
Price: No Entrance Fee ($3 – $5 to visit all the prominent attractions)
Pro Tip: If you would love to witness the real beauty of Fez, then explore the city by foot.
Take A Break and Unwind with Sheesha
Smoking has a different meaning altogether when you are in Morocco. Here, you would find people extremely passionate about the sheesha pipe. So, sit with locals and indulge in shisha smoking to relax your mind and body. Get lost in the calmness of the moment as you take flavoured puffs. Smoking a shisha pipe is one of the most popular pastime activities in the country. It is a prominent part of Moroccan culture and hence, it should not be missed by an explorer who is into gaining cultural experiences.
Price: Approximately $3 per person at Sheesha bars
Pro Tip: Though shisha smoking is a part of Moroccan culture, you must keep in mind that using any kind of drug in it is illegal in the country. Hence, stick to the basics.
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Hike Up The Towering Todgha Gorge
Todgha Gorge is nothing less than a natural wonder that would sweep you off your feet with its spectacular limestone formations. Though the place is extremely famous for being photogenic, it is touted to be an amazing site for trekkers, hikers, and campers. The gorge is located in the high Atlas Mountains of Morocco and hence, makes for a memorable weekend escape.
Price Range: $40 – $150 per person including climbing and other small adventure activities
Pro Tip: Do visit the gorge at night to indulge in stargazing.
Catch Delightful Sights At Ait Benhaddou
A perfect instance of earthen clay architecture, the site of Ai Benhaddou is sheer brilliance and creativity at its best. About 1000 years old, this phenomenal village has been inscribed to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The site is located close to the Ounila River on hill slopes and is often noted for its commendable decoration on the exterior. Do visit it if you are looking for something remarkable on your trip to Morocco.
Price: $2.80 for adults and $1.4 for children
Pro Tip: Ait Benhaddou is also a great place to buy Morocco souvenirs.
Take Pleasure In Authentic Mediterranean Food
Morocco food is love for those travellers who start their days off with piquant and tangy flavours and end them with smooth and tasty beverages. Relish everlasting flavours from different cultures on your table as Moroccan food is an amalgamation of numerous cuisines from around the world. The most popular and must-have Moroccan dishes include Couscous, tagine, chicken bastilla, rfissa and harira.
Price: $10 – $15 per person per day
Pro Tip: Couscous is the most popular food in Morocco and you would find the best of its flavours at restaurants in Casablanca.
Gaze Upon The Exquisite Majorelle Garden
One of a kind in the country, Majorelle Garden is a botanical garden where you come across stunning species of plants, trees, birds, and flowers, and hence, it is one of the major Morocco attractions. It is also noted for its wonderful collection of cacti, appealing fountains, and lush green lawns. Established in the year 1923 and spread over an area of about 2.5 acres, the garden also houses numerous museums and exhibition centres.
Price: $7.31 for the garden and $10.50 for the garden as well as the museum
Pro Tip: If you do not want to stand in a long queue for the ticket, you should tell your hotel/resort staff to arrange one for you in advance. You can also go early in the morning to avoid the tourist crowd.
Look for Greek Legends At The Caves of Hercules
The beguiling caves are located in the vicinity of Tangier and are believed to have been in existence for thousands of years. As per numerous local legends, the caves are claimed to be the site where the Greek god Hercules lived for a short time. With one mouth opening to the sea and the other to the land, the Caves of Hercules is one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. Hence, exploring them is surely one of the best things to do in Morocco.
Price: No Entrance Fee
Pro Tip: Book a guided tour of the caves if you want to understand the historical and cultural significance of the place in detail.
Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride Above Ourika Valley
Soar high up in the air in a hot air balloon and capture the beautiful panoramas of Morocco. It is one of the most beautiful experiences to have in Morocco. If you are visiting the country with your partner, then you cannot afford to miss out on this romantic activity. Flying high above the ground over Ourika Valley as you get surprised by picturesque landscapes is surely something that would make your journey unforgettable.
Price: $250 – $300 per ride per person
Pro Tip: Riding a hot air balloon high in the air is the best way possible to capture the panoramas of Morocco. So, do not miss out on this wonderful experience.
Admire Colors at the Menara Gardens
The Menara Gardens are the perfect weekend escape as they offer a great site for picnicking and other family fun activities. This botanical garden beautified by the presence of a dazzling lake was built in the 12th century by Almohad Caliphate. Today, it is appreciated for its peaceful environment, colourful orchards, and olive groves. Hence, visiting it is one of the best things to do in Marrakesh. The presence of the mountains in the backdrop would surely steal your heart.
Price: No Entrance Fee
Pro Tip: If you are looking for a relaxed place where you can chill out on a wonderful picnic, then you must consider Menara Gardens.
Admire Art and Almighty at the Casablanca Cathedral
Looking for a place where you could feel peace and divinity all around you? If yes, then head towards the towering Casablanca Cathedral. A Roman Catholic Church built in the year 1930, Casablanca Cathedral, otherwise known as the Church of the Sacred Heart, is an amazing place to explore the most exquisite architectural styles. The church also organizes numerous art exhibitions regularly and that’s why touring it is one of the best things to do in Casablanca.
Price: No Entrance Fee
Pro Tip: Though the cathedral is a religious site, it is more of an art centre today. Hence, visit it if you are an art explorer.
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Take the Untrodden Routes and Discover New Beauties
Though Morocco is one of the most popular and frequented holiday destinations in Africa, it still has uncountable sites that have not been traced by tourists. Some of these places include Asilah, Tazekka National Park, Tafraout Painted Rocks, El Jadida, Moulay Idriss and Al Hoceima National Park. Get on these hidden trails and discover a whole new world that represents the untouched beauty of the country.
Price: $5 – $10 for national parks and other protected tourist attractions
Pro Tip: You can ask locals or your hotel/resort staff to help you know more about unexplored and hidden destinations.
Plan A Day Trip To The Majestic El Badi Palace
One of the must-visit Morocco places for history and architecture is the great El Badi Palace. Built in the late 16th century to showcase the wealth and power of the then king, this age-old yet elegant body reflects an artistic mix of Saadian, Moroccan, and Moorish architecture. It is here you learn about the legends of the Saadian dynasty and it is the place that will provide you with details about the prevalence of art in Morocco back in the day.
Price: $7 Approximately
Pro Tip: Keep at least 2 hours in hand if you want to witness every corner of the palace.
Spend a Day with the Locals
If you look forward to studying the raw culture and lifestyle of Morocco, then spend a day with the locals. Instead of staying at a luxury property or a hotel, opt for a guesthouse. These are the places where you would come across the real Morocco because locals introduce you to the traditions and customs of the country. They provide you with the most distinct experiences far away from the centres of extensive commercialization.
Price Range: $10 – $20 for a mid-range guesthouse
Pro Tip: The beautiful towns of Essaouira, Asilah, Meknes, and Ifrane are some places where you can opt to stay with locals and experience Moroccan country life.
