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Morocco is a gateway to Africa in more than one way. The perfect destination for first time travellers to the continent, its wealth of attractions will also appeal to those knowing Africa well too. The best things to do in Morocco are therefore as diverse as they are alluring. If you’re seeking the secrets of what to do in Morocco for a week, check out my picks below. From strolling amid ancient souqs to scaling North Africa’s highest mountain, these are the things you won’t want to miss on a trip to Morocco.
1. Visit Rabat’s Hassan Tower
Standing for more than 800 years, Rabat’s Hassan Tower links history, religion, art and modern times. A rich orange-red in colour, the square-edged tower was going to be the world’s tallest minaret.
But the death of its commissioner, Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur in 1199, saw construction come to an end. Even so, the intricate lattice brickwork and designs are a tribute to the power of faith.
So too are the neat rows of head-high columns which stand in front of the Hassan Tower. They formed the basis of an unfinished mosque from the same period.
Right next door, you’ll find the mausoleum of Morocco’s current royal family. Guarded by soldiers clothed in rich uniforms, it contains the tombs of Mohammed V, Hassan II, and his brother Prince Abdallah.
2. Climb Mount Toubkal
At 4,167 metres high, Mount Toubkal is the tallest peak north of the Sahara Desert.
Situated in southwest Morocco in the fabled Atlas Mountains, it’s an excellent choice of mountain for hobby climbers since it needs no rope skills.
All the same, temperatures can be harsh and paths indistinct, so it’s always wise to opt for an organised tour supplying all the necessary kit.
Most depart from Marrakesh and head to the mountain via the village of Imlil. Popular as a long weekend activity, most Mount Toubkal tours take three or four days. The trek itself can be done in two days.
Seven days are probably not enough time in Morocco to do this, but it would be possible when spending 10 days in Morocco.
3. Explore the market stalls of Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakesh
One of four Imperial Cities alongside Rabat, Meknes and Fes, Marrakesh has a lot to shout about.
The attention of travel writers tends to lean towards the lavish riad complexes offering accommodation such as Dar Al Assad.
However, for me, it’s the walled medina, dating back about 900 years, which takes centre stage.
Its often-narrow alleyways are alive with buyers and sellers much of the day. Its souqs are roughly separated into what they sell, including leatherwork, carpets, spices and pottery. Just remember to haggle for those souvenirs!
By comparison, the expansive Jemaa el-Fnaa square comes as something of a shock. It’s a meeting point, location for the Friday market, and place for the traditional displays of horsemanship known as fantasias.
Packed with action, it really comes into its own in the evenings. As darkness falls, the flames from hundreds of torches light the space as glorious aromas rise up from the many food stalls there.
4. Learn to surf at Essaouira
For me, the name Essaouira brings up images of a whitewashed old town, rich blue sky, sandy beach, oceanic rollers and a little wind.
Essaouira is certainly much more atmospheric than its previous name of Mogador, which sounds like a location in Game of Thrones.
Roughly halfway down Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira has become a magnet for surfers. Its largely waveless bay makes it the perfect place for newbies to get their balance.
But there are still plenty of nearby stretches of coast where the waves create a challenge for the more advanced on a board.
The aforementioned wind also makes it a hub for windsurfing and kitesurfing. That said, Essaouira is now in a silent battle for supremacy on all these fronts with Sidi Kaouki, 25 kilometres south.
5. Marvel at Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
Of all the things to do in Casablanca, visiting the Hassan II Mosque is right up there with visiting Rick’s Café Americain. Or at least a recreation of the famous film set on Boulevard Sour Jdid.
Standing guard over another portion of the Atlantic, the Hassan II Mosque is a modern wonder.
Constructed in 1993, at 210 metres tall (that’s 63 stories) its minaret is only bested by old rival Algeria.
The mosque features a retractable roof, laser pointing towards Mecca, walls finished in hand-crafted marble and space for over 100,000 worshippers.
It’s the only mosque in Morocco which can be visited by everyone – including non-Muslims – outside of prayer times. Just be sure to wear clothing that covers from shoulder to knee.
6. Camp among dramatic sand dunes
There’s probably no better way to get away from it all than with a night under the stars (or in a five-star hotel) among the sand dunes of Morocco’s Erg Chebbi.
Situated deep in Morocco’s arid south, close to its border with Algeria, Erg Chebbi doesn’t technically form part of the Sahara Desert.
Yet this small part of Morocco, a few kilometres wide by roughly 30 kilometres long, does boast some of North Africa’s finest dunes.
The largest rise in twisting snake-like patterns for 150 metres. They can be explored by 4×4 or camel, with tours usually departing from the town of Merzouga.
Although an unforgettable experience, be sure to consider the fact Merzouga’s a good nine hours by road from Marrakesh. A trip to and from the dunes can therefore seriously eat into your holiday time.
7. Check out the Blue City
Swap the dunes for the Rif mountains with a trip to Morocco’s Blue City, Chefchaouen. No one is 100% clear why Chefchaouen’s buildings started to be painted sky blue.
What’s clear is that it makes a stroll among the ancient stepped streets the perfect antidote to big city life.
This city of around 42,000 people is close to unique in a number of other ways. For one, it covers an area of Morocco colonised by Spain rather than France.
For another, centuries of immigration from southern Spain after the Reconquista have created a special culture. It melds influences of Andalusia and Granada with those of Ghomaras, a grouping of nine indigenous tribes.
8. Get the lowdown on Fes’ historic tanneries
Those with an acute sense of smell might want to avoid this next pick of the best things to do in Morocco.
The scent of the tanneries can get so bad that sprigs of fresh mint are often handed out on tours.
If you can stomach it, Fes’ tanneries are a fascinating insight into an industry which hasn’t changed very much in hundreds of years.
Usually experienced from nearby rooftops, the tanneries are reminiscent of the wells in children’s painting sets.
Filled with caustic liquids to soften the raw hides, or red, blue or orange dyes to colour the skins, these giant paintboxes are a flurry of activity. The whole process takes three days.
The oldest and largest is Chouara (or Chouwara) Tannery, close to the Saffarin Madrasa. Tradition has it that it dates to the ninth century.
9. Hark back to Tangier’s golden age
Tangier’s history is a complex one, switching between Berbers, Phoenicians and even the English before becoming an ‘international zone.’
This status lasted roughly from 1925 until 1960. It meant Tangier was a neutral zone governed by a bevy of European nations.
Also a tax haven as a result, it attracted a fair few ne’er-do-wells. Its libertine governance made it a popular escape for Europe’s oppressed gay communities too.
When it comes to sights, the American Legation is interesting for several reasons, including the fact it was the first US mission created on independence from Great Britain.
Elsewhere, the Hotel Continental has welcomed everyone from Winston Churchill to Edgar Degas since it first opened in 1870. Its harbourside location is the ideal place to enjoy the sunset.
The best things to do in Morocco
Morocco is well known for its ancient medinas – and the haggle-hardened folks who make their living in them. But as I’ve shown with this pick of the best things to do in Morocco, this is a country with attractions well beyond its medina walls. Yes, there’s history aplenty, but there’s also beaches, desert, and high mountains to sink your teeth into. All of which might have you wondering what’s the best time to visit Morocco, or even if Morocco is safe enough for you to do so.
