The magic of Morocco radiates from its bustling streets and souks, past ancient kasbahs and rugged red mountains, all the way to the shifting sands of the Sahara, the crashing surf of the Atlantic coast, and the imaginations of everyone who visits. From the Marrakech medina to Merzouga, and Chefchaouen’s blue city to Casablanca, Essaouira, Fez, Ait Benhaddou, and Todra Gorge, the best things to do in Morocco are as varied as its influences—which combine elements of the Middle East, Africa, and Europe with a touch of modern-day Hollywood.
Morocco’s scorching summers discourage visitors from June to September; Marrakech reaches average temperatures of 104°F (40°C) . There are a string of viable months for visiting on either side of this period, and most visitors come from March through May and September through October, when pleasant warmth prevails. Late spring is perfect for trekking in the Atlas Mountains, which burst with pink cherry blossoms, and for enjoying annual celebrations like Essaouira’s Printemps Musical Des Alizés classical concerts, in April.
While the country’s transportation network is fairly limited, Morocco’s trains are great for traveling between cities. The main route connects Tangier with Casablanca and Marrakech; there are also branch lines to Essaouira and Agadir (and the popular night trains include comfortable bunks). Other options include grand taxis—shared cabs that ply fixed routes between cities and towns and are faster and cheaper than intercity buses—and petit taxis, which can take you around the cities once you arrive. You can also opt to rent a car, but driving can be stressful.
If you’re planning to use petit taxis for running around town, there’s an etiquette to abide by: It’s considered polite to let female passengers to sit in the front, next to the driver, and men should switch seats in shared cabs to allow women to sit together. Remember, too, that these cabs will only carry three passengers, so bigger parties will need to get two cars or a grand taxi, which has the capacity to fit six customers.
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Morocco inspires visions of walled cities such as Marrakech and Fez, with their bustling medinas, mosques, palm-dotted gardens, and locals sipping mint tea. But the country has other faces, from cities like Casablanca and the capital of Rabat to the Mediterranean port of Tangier, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara dunes.
...MoreThe imperial gem of Marrakech is Morocco’s fourth-largest city and its most visited, tourist-friendly destination. It’s backed by the Atlas mountains and called the red city for its pink-hued walls. The town’s old center boasts a colorful medina, the stall-packed Jemaa el-Fna square, plus courtyard townhouses and gardens—all visitor magnets.
...MoreMany travelers spend a week in an area, focusing on historical Marrakech or Fez; Agadir’s beaches; or arty, seaside Essaouira. Explorer-types take weeklong or extended tours around multiple cities, or cross the Atlas Mountains to Berber villages, kasbahs, and palm-filled gorges before camping in the Sahara’s Erg Chebbi dunes.
...MoreMarrakech is a must for its atmospheric medina, Jemaa el-Fna square, palaces, and gardens, but Morocco offers other unmissable sites. Be sure to try its famous mint tea, explore Chefchaouen’s blue-painted medina, and, if time allows, traverse the Atlas mountains to ride camels and stay overnight in Erg Chebbi’s dunes.
...MoreMorocco is a moderate Islamic country, so while Muslims are discouraged from drinking alcohol, tourists can. You can buy alcohol in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars in tourist areas, but consuming it publicly and anywhere apart from licensed premises isn’t allowed. You can purchase alcohol in most major supermarkets.
...MoreMorocco is generally safe, but terrorism is a risk, so remain vigilant. You should exercise caution around tourist spots like medinas and beaches as muggings occasionally occur, and pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and harassment of solo women are all common. It’s also recommended to avoid traveling alone in dark, isolated, and mountain areas.
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