Often considered a meeting point between Africa and Europe, Morocco blends diverse cultural influences shaped by its unique geography and history.
Some of the best activities and things to do in Morocco include:
- Camel riding in the Sahara Desert
- Visiting the traditional tanneries in Fes
- Staying in a traditional Moroccan riad
- Travelling through the Atlas Mountains
- Exploring the souks of Marrakech
Ancient medinas, mountain landscapes, desert dunes, Atlantic coastline and distinctive regional cuisine mean there’s plenty to see and do in Morocco.
Top activities in Morocco you have to experience
1. Explore Marrakech and Take in the Sights and Sounds
Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most energetic cities, with its historic medina, busy souks and distinctive terracotta-coloured architecture earning it the nickname the ‘Red City’.
Within the Medina, the historic walled old town, the souks spill out around Jemaa el-Fna in a maze of market lanes. Browse stalls piled with spices, lanterns, leather goods, jewellery and traditional pottery, and get ready to put your bargaining skills to work.
2. See the Tanneries of Fes
The historic Medina of Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a maze of narrow streets, workshops, markets and centuries-old buildings. It is also home to the city’s famous tanneries, where traditional leather-making techniques continue to be practised.
The Chouara Tannery is the largest and best known, with its distinctive dye-filled stone vats offering a glimpse into a craft that has been part of life in Fes for centuries.
Beyond the tanneries, look out for landmarks including Al-Qarawiyyin and the Bou Inania Madrasa. With so much packed into its maze-like streets, exploring with a local guide is a great way to understand more of the history and culture around you.
3. Take in the Views of the Atlas Mountains
At more than 2,200 metres above sea level, the Tizi n’Tichka pass winds through the High Atlas Mountains, opening up views across valleys, mountain villages and rugged peaks along the way.
If you’d rather experience the mountains on two feet, our Morocco walking holidays take you out onto the trails, through valleys and villages and further into this remarkable landscape.
4. Experience a Camel Trek Through the Sahara Desert
Heading into the Sahara is one of those moments that makes a trip to Morocco feel like a proper adventure.
Ride across the dunes by camel as the light begins to change, watch the sun set across the desert and spend the night at a desert camp. Once darkness falls and the noise of everyday life disappears, look up. The night sky is part of the experience.
5. Stay in a Traditional Moroccan Riad
For a different kind of stay, spend the night in a traditional Moroccan riad. Built around a central courtyard or garden, riads are often filled with distinctive Moroccan details, including colourful tilework and carved wood.
Step through the door from the busy streets outside and you’ll often find a much calmer space within. Many are small and locally run, adding another dimension to your time in Morocco.
6. Marvel at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
Standing on the Atlantic coast in Casablanca, Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Morocco and one of the city’s most impressive landmarks.
Designed by French architect Michel Pinseau, the mosque showcases Moroccan craftsmanship through its intricate tilework, carved wood and stone. Its soaring minaret and position overlooking the Atlantic make the setting every bit as impressive as the building itself.
It’s also one of the relatively few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslim visitors can enter on designated guided tours.
7. Walk Through the Ancient Ksar of Aït Benhaddou
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou is a fortified ksar built from earth and clay along the historic trading route between the Sahara and Marrakech.
Walk between its traditional buildings and climb higher for views across the surrounding landscape. You might recognise it too. Aït Benhaddou and the surrounding area have provided the backdrop for numerous films and television productions.
8. Learn About Berber Culture in Morocco
Berbers are indigenous to North Africa, with a culture and traditions that stretch back thousands of years and remain an important part of life in Morocco today.
When you camp in the Sahara Desert on our Morocco trips, you’ll have the chance to get a glimpse of Berber culture through local food, traditions and music. Enjoy traditional dishes at camp before gathering in the evening for live music under the desert sky.
It’s a memorable way to learn more about Berber heritage while spending time in the Sahara.
9. Spend Time in Rabat, Morocco’s Capital
Morocco’s capital has a noticeably different pace to Marrakech and Fes. Set on the Atlantic coast, Rabat combines historic landmarks with broad avenues and modern neighbourhoods.
Walk through the Kasbah of the Udayas, with its distinctive blue-and-white streets and views towards the water, before visiting the Hassan Tower, one of the city’s best-known historic landmarks
10. Taste Your Way Through Moroccan Food
Moroccan food is reason enough to arrive hungry. Couscous, tagines, kefta and pastilla are among the dishes you’ll encounter, with spices, preserved lemons, dried fruits and fresh herbs creating plenty of distinctive flavours.
Vegetarians will find plenty to try too, with vegetable tagines, salads and small plates widely available. And then there’s mint tea, poured generously and enjoyed throughout the country.
Food is also a great way to get closer to local culture. During our Morocco adventure holiday, there are opportunities to enjoy Moroccan cooking and share meals along the way.
Ready to Take an Adventurous Tour of Morocco?
Want to experience some of the best activities in Morocco for yourself? Our Morocco adventure holiday takes you through historic cities, mountain landscapes and the Sahara Desert, with plenty of opportunities to experience the country’s culture along the way.
