Morocco is a country that defies definition. From sweeping sand dunes to snow-capped mountains and heady souks, it’s a place of captivating diversity just waiting to be explored. With so many exciting cities and dramatic scenery to discover it can be hard to know where to begin your Moroccan adventure. Riviera Travel are experts in Moroccan holidays, offering a selection of escorted tours with fascinating itineraries. Here we round up some of the best things to do in Morocco, taking in the beautiful cities of Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fez and the Atlas Mountains.
Best things to do in Marrakech
Jardin Majorelle
Step into this utterly enchanting botanical oasis and you’ll feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh’s Medina. Once home to fashion designer Yves Saint-Lauren, Jardin Majorelle is a magical labyrinth of exotic plants from all over the world. Wander through the vibrant bougainvillaea, exotic palms, bamboo, and cacti, before exploring the eye-catching electric blue Art Deco building which now houses the Berber Museum.
Berber Museum
Inside the lush Jardin Majorelle you’ll find the Berber Museum. Celebrating the rich and vibrant culture of the Berbers – the most ancient people of North Africa – the collection showcases traditional Berber costumes, craftwork, jewels, and musical instruments. Offering a fascinating insight into Berber tribes, it’s a must-visit while in Marrakesh.
Saadian Tombs
Tucked away down the ochre-coloured side streets of the city is Marrakesh’s famous Saadian Tombs. A breath-taking example of Moorish architecture, this extravagant tomb complex is a popular tourist destination, and with good reason. Elaborate tilework, gleaming Italian marble, intricately carved detail, and rich gold leaf embellishment are all on show in this lavish display of Saadian dynasty power and grandeur. Built in the 16th century, this important cultural landmark can get busy, so if you want to beat the crowds arrive when the tombs open at 9am or visit after 2pm when the main rush is over.
Bahia Palace
The 19th century Bahia Palace is a spectacular riot of colour, with vibrant mosaics, exquisite stuccos and detailed paintings making this one of Marrakesh’s most dazzling sights. Built in Islamic and Moroccan architectural styles, the palace is spread over eight hectares and is made up of 150 rooms, although only a section of the building and grounds are open to the public. The Grand Cour courtyard is at the heart of the palace, featuring a vast Italian marble floor alongside eye-catching blue and yellow plaster and woodwork. The Grand Riad also shouldn’t be missed, with its lush greenery, tranquil water fountains and what’s believed to be the first decorative stained glass in a North African building.
Jemas el-Fnaa Square
The central square in Marrakesh, Jemaa el-Fnaa is a buzzing hub for locals and tourists alike. It’s an intoxicating mix of sounds, smells, and sights, with snake charmers, acrobats, fortune-tellers, and dancers at every turn. By day, explore the stands selling orange juice, spices, and mint leaves, before the market transforms at dusk, filling with food stands and traditional Moroccan musicians. It’s an unforgettable Moroccan experience.
La Maison Arabe
From rich tagines to smoky Zaalouk, Morocco is famous for its delicious aromatic and spicy cuisine. Flex your culinary skills at world renowned cooking school La Maison Arabe, where under the guide of expert dadas (traditional Moroccan cooks) you’ll learn the secrets of how to prepare authentic local dishes. Pick from the 3-hour workshop or 1-hour express class, then sit down with your fellow cooks to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Covered Markets
No trip to Marrakesh would be complete without visiting the famous souks. A seemingly endless maze of covered and open-air streets lined with shops, workshops and traders, these bustling bazaars offer a fascinating glimpse into Moroccan life. Everything from rugs and intricate hanging lamps to piles of Ras El Hanout are on offer here. The perfect place to pick up some beautiful keepsakes of your time in Marrakesh – although the challenge here is trying to navigate your way through the market without spending too much money.
The Atlas Mountains
There are few sights quite as awe-inspiring as the Atlas Mountains. This vast mountain range, with jagged snow-capped peaks towering over 3,000m high, is astonishingly diverse from the remote Berber villages tucked into the dusty mountain trails to the lush green valleys and cedar forests stretching as far as the eye can see. There’s the whole spectrum of Moroccan life and landscape stretched across the mountains, which extend for almost 2,000 km across north Africa, and plenty of opportunity for some off-the-beaten-track adventures.
Seasoned hikers can embark on one of the many mountain trails the Atlas range has to offer or for adrenaline junkies there’s the chance to rock climb Todra Gorge for epic river canyon views, under the expert eye of a professional safety guide. For a more sedate, yet equally beautiful, way to explore the Atlas Mountains, enjoy a gentle walk through the foothills of the High Atlas. The striking contrast between the vibrant green valleys and craggy red sandstone mountains is a sight to behold. Here you can take your time, enjoying the spectacular scenery and experiencing local culture first hand as you pass Berber villages along the way.
Best things to do in Casablanca
Boulevard Mohammed V
While many will always associate Casablanca with the iconic 1942 movie of the same name, there’s so much more to the city than Humphrey Bogart. Take a stroll down Boulevard Mohammed V to soak up the unique fusion of Art Deco and Arab-Moorish architecture, including the beautiful neo-Moorish design of the Lincoln Hotel, built in 1916 and recently sympathetically restored to its former glory.
Hassan II Mosque
Soaring above the Casablanca skyline, the Hassan II Mosque and its spectacular minaret are a dramatic sight. Jutting out over the Atlantic Ocean, this opulent mosque is one of the largest in Africa with space to hold 105,000 worshippers inside and in the courtyard. The mosque is a striking example of the finest Moroccan artisanship, blending Islamic architecture with Moorish influences to create a cultural landmark that’s one of Casablanca’s top things to see.
The towering minaret, standing at 210m high, is the second tallest in the world and includes a laser beam pointed towards Mecca, that lights up to a distance of 30km at night. Hassan II Mosques is one of two Moroccan mosques open to non-Muslims, with guided tours available outside prayer times. While women aren’t required to wear a headscarf inside, it’s requested that visitors are dressed respectfully, with knees and upper arms covered.
Rick’s Café
Naturally there are nods to Hollywood’s Casablanca across the city. If you’re a fan of the classic movie, be sure to pay a visit to Rick’s Café – set in a renovated riad against the walls of the old medina, this sophisticated restaurant pays homage to the 1940s ambience of Rick Blaine’s bar in the film. Inside, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a movie scene, with elegant arches, a sculpted bar and intricate balustrades providing an enchanting setting to spend an evening. Enjoy an international menu while relaxing to the soundtrack of the resident pianist playing much-loved classics.
Other experiences in Casablanca
- Old Medina, busy main square, Casablanca
- La Corniche, seafront promenade, Casablanca
Best things to do in Rabat
Rue des Consuls
Take a stroll along Rabat’s Rue des Consuls, the city’s charming market at the heart of the old Medina. One of the oldest and most famous alleys in Morocco’s capital, Rue des Consuls, or Consuls Street, is an enchanting, colourful and relaxed souk offering some of the best artisan wares. Enjoy a friendly haggle with local vendors and pick up one of the striking handmade rugs (after all, Rabat is also known as the capital of the carpet), ornate metal jewellery, raffia sandals tailored to fit or vibrant leather bags on offer.
Kasbah of the Udayas
Originally built in the 12th century, the Kasbah of the Udayas – or Oudaya Kasbah – has a fascinating and chequered history involving pirates and power struggles. Perched overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the kasbah lies behind grand sandstone walls, and once inside you’ll be amazed at the beauty of this ‘city within a city’. Twisting narrow alleyways with blue and white washed walls, lush gardens – the Andalusian Garden is a must-see – and Rabat’s oldest mosque can all be found within the walls of Kasbah of the Udayas, showcasing the many cultural influences that have passed through the citadel over the centuries. Before you leave make sure you visit the Semaphore Platform for spectacular panoramic views over the Bou Regreg estuary and the neighbouring city of Salé.
Other experiences in Rabat
- Chellah, ancient necropolis, Rabat
- Hassan Tower, minaret, Rabat
- The beaches, Rabat
Best things to do in Fez
Blue Gate
Serving as the gateway to the captivating Fez Medina, the Blue Gate is an iconic part of the city’s landscape. The towering entrance is covered in elegantly patterned cobalt blue tiles – the colour of the city – while the reverse, which faces the Medina, is green, a sacred colour in Islam. Built by the French colonial administration in 1913, step through the Blue Gate and the hum of traffic is replaced by the chatter of locals selling their goods and the gentle clip-clop of horses and donkeys – the animals have right of way here. This is where your Fez experience truly begins.
Medina of Fez
All walks of traditional Moroccan life can be found within the huge medieval walls surrounding the city’s Medina. The world’s largest urban pedestrianised area, here you can wander freely exploring the atmospheric winding streets lined with ancient buildings that capture a real sense of the past. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medina of Fez is considered one of the largest and best conserved historic towns of the Arab-Muslim world, and there’s something new to discover around every corner. From stalls selling hand painted ceramics to vendors selling warm Moroccan pastries, you never know what you are going to see or find as you explore the twisty narrow streets. Don’t worry if you get lost – that’s all part of the fun and the locals will always be able to help you find your way back to the Blue Gate.
Al-Attarine Madrasa
Located along Rue Talaa Kebira in the heart of the Fez Medina, is the strikingly ornate Al-Attarine Madrasa. This breathtaking 14th century school for Islamic studies is one of the city’s most important spiritual centres and a popular stop for those visiting Fez. The open central courtyard is an elegant space, with a large marble fountain fed by water from an underground stream providing a serene soundtrack as you explore. The architectural richness of the Al-Attarine Madrasa is apparent wherever you look, with magnificent mosaics featuring engravings of phrases from the Koran lining the walls, and extraordinary detailed stucco work.
Other experiences in Fez
- Tanneries, leather workshop, Fez
- Jnan Sbil, 19th century gardens, Fez
- Bou Inania Madrasa, theological college, Fez
- Al-Karaouine, oldest known university in the world, Fez
- Royal Palace, royal residence, Fez
Holidays to Morocco
