Unforgettable places and experiences in this amazing country
If you are wondering what are the best things to do and places to see in Morocco, this post is for you!
Morocco had been on my Bucket List for years and, this year, I finally managed to visit it for two weeks. While two weeks isn’t a lot to explore all the beauty and uniqueness of this country, I managed to squeeze in almost all things I wanted to do.
Morocco is the perfect destination for people looking to combine history, nature and culture. Here is a list of my top 10 best things to see and do in this beautiful country.*
- Take a trip through the Merzouga Desert
- Visit the Blue Village of Chefchauen
- Drink tea with local people
- Visit Morocco’s Capital – Rabat
- Explore Marrakech
- See the Dades Gorge
- Try local food
- Visit Morocco’s Waterfalls (Akchour and Ouzoud)
- Visit Essaouira
- Wander through Aït Benhaddou
*Of course, this list could be longer and, unfortunately, it doesn’t include places I didn’t manage to visit, such as Fes and Casablanca.
Keep reading to find out more about these experiences, or click here if you are interested in general information about Morocco, such as best time to go, currency, languages, visa and more.
Take a trip through the Merzouga Desert
The 10+ hours spent driving to get to the Merzouga desert were more than worth it, once we got to our destination. Situated almost at the Algerian borders, its one of the best places to explore the Sahara desert.
Ride a camel, spend the night in a tent, look at the stars and learn more about the Berber people. This is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your trip to Morocco.
You will spend a lot of time to get there, so make sure you choose a responsible tour. More info coming soon.
Visit the Blue Village of Chefchauen
Famous for its unique blue streets, Chefchauen is a small village in the northwest of Morocco. Before visiting this town, I always thought it would be one of those cases where people post amazing pictures on social media, but it would be the same in real life. However, Chefchauen is even prettier than in the pictures.
You can get lost through its windy streets, watch incredible sunrises and sunsets, try local food or take day trips to amazing places, but you won’t get bored here.
Drink tea with local people
While I’m on the “coffee team”, I really enjoyed drinking a lot of tea in Morocco. You will find different types here, but my favourite were Maghrebi tea and Berber tea. Maghrebi tea is simply green tea with mint leaves and sugar, whereas Berber tea is prepared mixing a lot of herbs including thyme, mint, lemongrass, geranium, sage, verbena and other flowers…the ingredients will depend on the person making it!
In addition to being delicious, tea is also a key cultural element in Morocco and it holds a special place in the heart of local people. It symbolises hospitality and friendship. This is why every time you arrive at your Riad or at someone’s house, they will always offer you some tea. If you get a chance, drink tea with local people and listen to their stories.
Visit Morocco’s Capital – Rabat
A lot of people think of Marrakech as the capital of Morocco, but the real capital is Rabat. This city – which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – has many museums, cultural experiences and other things to, and it’s really worth a visit. Moreover, there is a beach, so it is a good place to try surf or SUP.
Explore Marrakech
Marrakech is intense and chaotic, however, it was one of my favourite places in Morocco. Marrakech has all you are looking for: the Medina, the markets, mosques, squares, palaces and delicious food. It is also the perfect base for different tours, like a trip to the desert, to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Morocco, to coastal towns like Essaouira.
It is nice to stay in the Medina or nearby areas, sleeping at a Riad, however, Marrakech is also an ideal destination if you want to have a luxury holiday, having a lot of resorts and big hotels.
The only negative note about Marrakech is related to animal cruelty: even though it’s on most “must see in Marrakech” lists, I would avoid visiting Jemaa El-Fna. Here you will see some wild animals, like monkeys, in cages or with big chains around their neck. Moreover, snake charming is a popular thing in Morocco. While this might not seem bad, not only the snakes are captured from the wild, but snake charmers also sew their mouth to make sure people don’t get biten. This means the snakes will starve to death.
See the Dades Gorge
Situated in central Morocco, the Dadès Gorge should be at the top of the bucket list for adventurous souls in search of astonishing scenery and immersion into authentic Berber culture. The gorge (actually a series of separate gorges) was carved out by the passage of the Dades River and is navigable via a road known locally as the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Those that drive its hairpin bends can expect to discover breathtaking rock formations in colors that range from tan and beige to gold, rust red, and dusky mauve. The historic kasbahs and ksour, or fortified villages, of the Berber people overlook the valley, where the river breathes life into groves of palm and almond trees. Local people still inhabit some of these villages, while many of the kasbahs have been converted into boutique hotels for Dadès Gorge explorers.
Try Local Vegan & Vegetarian Food
Morocco is a paradise for plant-based travelers, and many traditional dishes are naturally vegetarian or can be made vegan with ease. Fresh ingredients, slow cooking, and rich spices make Moroccan cuisine both comforting and incredibly flavorful.
Some delicious plant-based options you shouldn’t miss:
- Vegetable tagine – A classic Moroccan dish made with slow-cooked seasonal vegetables, olives, preserved lemon, and fragrant spices. It’s naturally vegan and tastes different everywhere you try it.
- Vegetarian couscous – Traditionally served on Fridays, couscous topped with tender vegetables, chickpeas, and caramelized onions (tfaya) is a must-try.
- Harira (vegan version) – This hearty tomato-based soup is typically made with lentils, chickpeas, and herbs. Just ask for it without egg or meat broth to make it fully vegan.
- Bissara – A simple yet comforting fava bean soup, usually served with olive oil and fresh bread.
- Zaalouk – A smoky cooked salad made from eggplants, tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Often eaten with bread.
- Taktouka – Another delicious cooked salad made of tomatoes, peppers, and paprika.
- Msmen & Harcha (vegan versions available) – Many places prepare these Moroccan flatbreads with oil instead of butter—perfect for breakfast.
- Fresh fruit juices & smoothies – Morocco is full of juice stands offering orange juice, avocado smoothies, pomegranate juice, and more.
Plant-based food is widely accessible in Morocco, especially if you’re comfortable asking for small modifications. Whether you’re eating in a bustling souk or a quiet family-run restaurant, there’s always a delicious veggie-friendly option waiting for you.
Visit Morocco’s Waterfalls (Akchour and Ouzoud)
Morocco is full of natural surprises, and its waterfalls are among the most impressive.
Akchour Waterfalls, close to Chefchauen, are perfect for nature lovers. A scenic hike through a lush valley leads you to turquoise pools and striking falls—ideal for a refreshing dip in warmer months.
Ouzoud Waterfalls, near Marrakech, are among the tallest in North Africa. The view of the water cascading down red rock cliffs is unforgettable. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the playful Barbary macaques that live in the area (always admire from a distance!).
These destinations are perfect when you want a break from the cities and seek immersion in Morocco’s wilder landscapes.
Visit Essaouira
Located on the Atlantic coast, Essaouira is a charming, laid-back town that offers a very different vibe from cities like Marrakech or Fes. Its white-and-blue medina, windswept beaches, and relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite among artists, surfers, and travelers looking to slow down.
Wander through the souks, watch fishermen bring in the catch of the day, listen to Gnawa music, or simply enjoy a stroll along the historic ramparts overlooking the ocean. If you’re into water sports, the strong wind in Essaouira makes it a great spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Wander through Aït Benhaddou
No visit to Morocco is complete without seeing Aït Benhaddou, one of the country’s most iconic ksars. This fortified village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its incredible earthen architecture and for being the filming location of many movies and TV series, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Walking through its maze of sandy alleys feels like stepping back in time. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscapes and the High Atlas Mountains.
Morocco is a country that truly has it all—vibrant cities, peaceful deserts, dramatic mountains, idyllic coastal towns, unique traditions, and some of the kindest people you will ever meet.
This list could easily continue, but whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer adventure, these experiences will give you a wonderful introduction to the magic of Morocco.
If you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to check out my guide with general travel information (best time to visit, currency, language, visas, and more). And if you’ve already been to Morocco, I would love to hear about your favorite places too!
