14 Things You Must Do in Morocco
Updated: Nov 4, 2019
Morocco is one of the world's most exotic places and is a feast for the senses. The smells, the sounds, the tastes, the culture, the landscapes.... Morocco has it all.
There is so much to see and do in Morocco that it’s hard to limit it to just these things. But after tons of research these are the things I must do when we go to Morocco next year.
These are the 14 things I must do and have included in the Itinerary for our Moroccan trip!
1. Camp under the stars in the desert! Enjoy the desert glamping style with beautiful sunsets and the ever changing sand dunes. If going to Morocco you have to spend at least one night camping in the desert!
2. Enjoy the flavors of Morocco! Moroccan cuisine is famous around the world for its fragrant spices and unique cooking methods.Visit food stalls, take a cooking class, see a night market, dine with locals, go to the spice market. When visiting Morocco be open to trying new things- maybe even a camel burger.
3. Haggle for a bargain. I love a bargain and you can get one in Morocco! Visit the markets, Medina’s, and stalls and haggle for a deal on gifts to take home or for yourself, of course. Haggle for handmade rugs, leather, silver, and pottery crafted in ancient artisan workshops. Know the asking price and be prepared to haggle down to about half the price they ask for first.
4. Visit a local village. Learn how the locals live. Talk to them. Eat with them. Even stay with one. Get to know the real Morocco and the people who live there. PLUS by staying in a local village you are helping support them.
5. See famous film sites. Visit Ouarzazate where films such as Black Hawk Down and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. Ait Benhaddou is where some of Game of Thrones was filmed. Do you know of other filming locations? Share with us in the comments.
6. Explore the old Medinas. A medina is a distinct city section found in a number of North African cities. A medina is typically walled, with many narrow and maze like streets. Fez is a great place to explore as it has the best known Medinas. Meknes also has a very nice medina to explore but has less of the hustle and bustle of Fez.
7. Ride a camel. Many people take a trip to the desert while in Morocco and count a sunset ride on a camel as one of their top experiences. Not considered cruel to the animal this is a great way to experience Morocco.
8. Get lost in the famous Djemaa el Fna Square. Located in Marrakesh, this is one of the largest public spaces in the world. At night it transforms into a hive of activity where henna painters, story tellers, and performers share the square with a street food bazaar. Just remember if someone offers to help with directions they will expect a tip.
9. Visit the tanneries. The Imperial City of Fez is famous for its leather products, most of which come from the leather bazaar in the old medina. The tanneries have been in operation since medieval times. The smell of the mixture used to cure the hides can be overwhelming, but the sight of history in action will more than make up for it. Be sure and browse the leather shops themselves in search of authentic leather goods ranging from handbags to slippers and don’t forget to haggle.
10. Stroll the streets of the Blue City! Chefchaouen provides a welcome respite after the hectic pace of Morocco's larger cities. Founded in the 15th century, today it is famous for its bohemian atmosphere and the breathtaking beauty of its cobbled streets. Here the buildings are painted in hundreds of shades of blue giving it the name the blue city. When not busy taking photos you can enjoy craft markets and street-side cafés here.
Learn how to fly for almost Free!
11.Visit a UNESCO site! Aït Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that looks like it’s carved within the mountain itself. This small village is known locally as an ighrem (something similar to a walled and protected village) that was once used as a stopping point for traders through the desert.
12. Get Addicted to Mint Tea. You will find this sweet tea everywhere in Morocco. If you can get a tea making demonstration from a local family even better. Just enjoy some mint tea in Morocco.
13. Be awed by the Atlas Mountains! From almost anywhere in the country you can see the Atlas Mountains. It stretches around 1,600 miles through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It separates the Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert. Get closer for a better view if you can.
14. Visit Roman ruins. Also a UNESCO site Volubilis is a well-preserved and impressively large site of Roman ruins. Step back in time and marvel at intricate mosaics and majestic columns. Although parts of certain buildings are roped off, you are free to wander the site at will.
There are so many reasons to visit Morocco! I am most excited about the colors, sights, shopping, and the food! If this sounds fun to you join us for a two week best of Morocco trip in February of 2020 with Intrepid Travel. We will be doing everything listed and more!!!
Learn more about joining us in Morocco here.
Happy Trails,
Penny Pinching Globetrotters