Top 28 things to visit in Morocco

Top 28 things to visit in Morocco

1 – In an escape room, compete against the clock!

Top 28 things to visit in Morocco: If so, what better way to test your skills than in an escape room! In this exciting new craze sweeping Europe and North America, you have just one hour to solve a series of challenging puzzles (such as code-breaking) to free yourself from a locked room.

Marrakech has its own escape room inspired by none other than Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Man Who Knew Too Much”, set in the heart of the city’s bustling medina. A mix of augmented reality, riddles and original challenges, it’s a sure-fire hit with the whole family.

2 – Explore the historic palace of Dar el-Bacha

For a fascinating taste of Marrakech’s rich historical past, head to the Dar el-Bacha Palace, one of the city’s many restored riads.

Originally built in the early 1900s by Thami El Glaoui (aka the Lord of the Atlas), the ornate monument is reputed to be one of the red city’s most beautiful spots, and should therefore be at the top of your Marrakech bucket list.

3 – Discover the Ouzoud waterfalls on a boat trip

Top 28 things to visit in Morocco: Flowing into the warm El-Abid River below, some 150 km from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech lies one of Morocco’s most spectacular natural wonders: the Cascades d’Ouzoud.

Comprising a collection of breathtaking waterfalls (up to an impressive 110 m high), it’s one of the country’s most beautiful sites, yet surprisingly unknown to many travellers.

For those who don’t fancy braving the narrow paths and steep steps to reach the base of these magnificent falls, a more relaxing way to see them is to book a boat trip.

4 – Awaken your taste buds with a cooking class

If the idea of learning to cook local dishes has always fascinated you, then one of the best things you can do is take a multi-course cooking class.

Luckily for travelers and gourmets alike, Morocco’s cultural center (as well as the nearby Atlas Mountains) offers plenty of places to discover and sample Moroccan cuisine.

Whichever course you choose, you’ll discover the wonderful world of North African spices, flavors and cooking techniques.

5 – Get out of town on a jeep tour!

Top 28 things to visit in Morocco: Not to be missed by the adventure-seekers among us, there’s nothing quite like setting off on an off-road adventure in a jeep in the sun-drenched Sahara desert.

While you’ll undoubtedly see some of the country’s famous red sand dunes, there are also countless other places to explore in Morocco this way: from date plantations and palm groves to olive groves and Berber villages.

6 – Admire the Koutoubia Mosque)

With its iconic 120 m-high minaret dominating the Djemaa el Fna square just a few steps away, the Koutoubia Mosque is one of Marrakech‘s most famous monuments, and rightly so! It’s the highest point in Marrakech, and local laws forbid any building to be erected higher.

After taking a few photos for Insta and exploring the gardens, take a stroll through the nearby Lalla Hasna Park.

7 – Saddle up for an equestrian adventure

When it comes to romantic activities in Marrakech, few things surpass a morning horseback ride through the verdant Palmeraie… or a trot through the Atlas Mountains… or a slow gallop across the fine sands of Essaouira: as you can see, there’s no shortage of options!

Perfect for families, couples or groups of friends, these excursions cater for all levels of experience.

8 – Get wet at the Mohammed VI Museum for the Civilization of Water

This museum dedicated to the history of water is well worth a visit, especially when it’s as elegant and interactive as this one.

Offering several exhibition spaces featuring artistic objects motivated by aquatic themes and exploring concepts such as water management, water distribution and the science behind our most precious resource, the museum is a must-see for anyone with the slightest interest in our natural world.

The entire space, which is about a 15-minute drive from the city’s main sights, is spread over 3 levels and features impressive 360-degree video projects.

9 – Hike to Mount Toubkal (Jebel Toubkal)

Top 28 things to visit in Morocco: Grab your walking stick and hiking boots; North Africa’s highest peak (4,167 meters), Toubkal is a must for hikers of all abilities.

Although the summit can be reached by car or cab, hordes of adventurers choose to make the journey on foot, via the Berber villages surrounding Marrakech, joining day or multi-day excursions: an experience that offers a unique insight into local culture not gleaned from sitting in a tour bus.

A word of advice: dress warmly, as the summit is no stranger to snow!

10 – Take to the skies and go paragliding!

If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the world from a bird’s eye view, then paragliding in Marrakech is a must on your list.

Offering spectacular views over a range of landscapes, whether it’s the Agafay Desert, the Atlas Mountains, the Kik Plateau or Aguergour, it’s impossible to go wrong.

As an added bonus, transportation to and from town is usually included.

11 – Spend the day at the Palooza Park amusement park

Who doesn’t love a good day at the amusement park? If you’re looking for fun things to do in Marrakech, look no further, as Palooza-Park is undoubtedly one of the best.

With dozens of dinosaur- and prehistoric-themed rides and attractions, from swimming pools to the Dino Tower, as well as numerous shows, this local park is ideal for families.

Please note: the park is only open during the summer months (April-September).

12 – Take a trip to the Musée Histoire Tissée Marrakech

Located around 45 minutes’ drive from Marrakech, the Musée histoire tissée de Marrakech is dedicated to all things Moroccan textiles and weaving.

With traditional craft exhibits, numerous rugs, as well as modern exhibits focusing on contemporary designers, visitors can expect a rich experience and plenty of hands-on activities.

Tip: after strolling through the museum, don’t forget to stay for a live weaving and knotting demonstration before admiring the view of the Ourika valley from the terrace.

13 – Stroll through the ancient ruins of El Badi Palace

Top 28 things to visit in Morocco: A famous monument, this 16th-century palace (which took 25 years to build) was built by Ahmed el Mansour and has long been considered one of Morocco’s greatest palatial complexes.

Now, however, El Badi (sometimes called the Badii Palace or the Badi Palace) has been stripped of much of its former beauty and is little more than a ruin. Even so, this popular tourist attraction offers the chance to see what life was like in those days and explore a handful of art and history exhibits in two underground chambers and the houses of the Khayzuran pavilion.

14 – Go wakeboarding!

A favorite activity for adrenaline junkies, wakeboarding is a popular water sport in Morocco, allowing you to both quench your thirst for adventure and cool off in the scorching heat all year round.

In addition to wakeboarding, most companies also offer water skiing and kneeboarding, with the impressive backdrop of the Atlas Mountains in the distance.

15 – Spend a few hours at the Maison de la Photographie

Among the best things to do in Marrakech, visiting the Maison de la Photographie is a great way for travelers and tourists to get up close and personal with captivating images, without having to travel too far.

Showcasing works by local photographers who have documented Morocco’s rich culture over several decades, the revered attraction features a range of permanent and rotating exhibitions such as ‘The Jews of Morocco’, ‘Women of Morocco’, ‘Life in Color’, and ‘Intimacy and Encounters, Morocco 1975′.

16 – Celebrate the great ladies of Morocco at the Musée de la Femme

This magnificent museum in the historic Sidi Abdelaziz district should, without a doubt, be on your list of places to visit if you’re staying in Marrakech for a while. Morocco’s Musée de la Femme is dedicated to celebrating the traditional roles of women.

Operating under the mantra of maintaining, enhancing and celebrating Moroccan women’s culture and artistic achievements, the museum presents a vast array of works by painters, activists, filmmakers, poets, weavers, fashion designers and more.

17 – Jet ski on Lake Lalla Takerkoust

Offering an excellent way to cool off and enjoy the lush, rolling panorama in the background, jet skiing is an exhilarating activity that provides endless pleasure for tourists and travelers alike.

Although there are several companies offering rentals on Lake Lalla Takerkoust (often dubbed one of Morocco’s most beautiful lakes), it’s best to venture out on the water accompanied by an experienced guide who can show you all the coolest spots.

18 – Discover the Dar Si Saïd local history museum

Top 28 things to visit in Morocco: Boasting not one but two admirable titles of glory, that of the city’s oldest museum and the largest number of works of art of any museum, For those who appreciate art and culture, One must visit the Dar Si Said museum.

An excellent way to learn more about Morocco’s rich culture and traditions, a visit to Dar Si Said in Marrakech is also an opportunity for travelers to take beautiful photos of a unique architectural design, reminiscent of a late 19th-century palace.

Be sure to visit the wedding chamber and the riad’s serene garden, both of which are spectacular.

19 – Enjoy the decorations of the Ben Youssef medersa

Nestled among souks and cobbled alleyways, near the Ben Youssef Mosque and the Marrakech Museum, the spectacular Ben Youssef Medersa is one of Marrakech’s oldest and most important monuments, boasting a history dating back to the 15th century and also the title of North Africa’s largest madrassa.

The tile-lined courtyards are a feast for the eyes, while the intricate carvings, exquisite walls and ancient arches are sure to delight any architecture enthusiast.

20 – Marvel at Marrakech’s train station

One of Morocco’s most important railway stations, Marrakech is a must-see for history buffs and lovers of art and architecture.

As well as being a central point for getting in and out of the city, it’s a great way to admire an impressive example of Moroccan design while soaking up a dose of local culture from a front-row seat.

Of course, if you really want to take a train, there are direct lines to fascinating cities such as Fez, Rabat (the capital) and the famous seaside destination of Casablanca.

21 – Treat yourself to a gastronomic tour!

Gourmands, rejoice! If you want to make the most of your visit, sign up for a gastronomic tour and treat yourself to all kinds of Moroccan delicacies.

Spend an afternoon sampling high-quality local ingredients and dishes (olives, nuts, pastries, local fruits) while learning about their stories, not forgetting to burn at least a few calories walking between souk vendors and hidden restaurants!

22 – Cool off in a water park!

It’s no secret that summers in Marrakech are hot (in fact, it’s damn hot all year round), but fear not, there’s no better place to cool off than at one of the nearby top-notch water parks.

Enjoy over 30 thrilling slides at the Aqua fun club, an out-of-town oasis surrounded by shady olive groves; or take your family to Oasiria, where the wave pool and artificial river will keep the youngsters entertained for hours.

23 – Discover Jewish heritage in the Mellah district

The Mellah district is one of the most interesting places in Marrakech and a great place to visit during your stay.

The ancient Jewish quarter, which dates back to the 1500s, has been transformed into an attraction offering a fascinating and revealing insight into the nation’s decorated history, including how Jews were once treated.

The Lezama synagogue is a popular stop, as are the Hebrew jewelry shops, spice markets and Tinsmiths’ Square, all of which are excellent ways to discover the unique culture that once thrived in this city.

24 – Buy a souvenir at Place des Ferblantiers

Top 28 things to visit in Morocco: Although rather small compared to Jemaa el-Fna (and therefore often overlooked by lambda tourists), Place des Ferblantiers generally exudes a cheerful atmosphere.

A square dedicated to craftsmen, it’s an ideal place to buy trinkets and gifts from local artisans. The colorful stalls lining either side of the promenade offer an array of products – carpets, leather goods, clothes and shoes, to name but a few.

Of course, maamoul (shortbread pastries filled with dates or nuts) or baklava are never far away either.

25 – Eat while admiring the fire-eaters at the Fantasia dinner-show

Camel rides, acrobats, oriental dancers… what more could you ask for?

If you’re looking for an evening of entertainment, look no further than Fantasia – a dinner show brimming with dazzle.

Here, immerse yourself in a multi-course meal while enjoying an Arabian knights-style show featuring horses, exotic singers and fire-eaters.

Transportation to and from the hotel is usually included, so you can drink to your heart’s content!

26 – Stop off at the Marrakech Heritage Museum

If you like to discover the history of a place (with exhibits in English), then the Musée du Patrimoine de Marrakech is for you.

One of the country’s most underrated museums, it offers an in-depth look at Morocco’s past, with exhibits of pottery, tribal jewelry, Jewish heritage and Andalusian embroidery dotted around its two-storey halls.

Ideally located around the corner from Place Jemaa El-Fnaa and housed in a decadent 17th-century Moorish riad, it’s both an easy and worthwhile addition to any day exploring the city center.

27 – Relax in a traditional Moroccan hammam (Turkish bath)

Are your legs tired? Trying to beat jet lag? Or perhaps you’re a little stressed from haggling in all the souks? Then you could do a lot worse than heading to one of Marrakech’s Zen hammams.

These ancient steam baths are the perfect place to rest and recharge, also offering a range of treatments including exfoliating scrubs, foot massages and couples massages!

Of course, there are also Western-style spas, if you prefer not to stray too far from the norm.

Tip: for the best prices and package combinations, book online before you visit.

28 – Sip a cocktail (or a Moroccan tea) in some of Marrakech’s best rooftop bars!

After all, you’re on vacation, so why not take the opportunity for a drink?

Cocktails with a view are what these places are all about – so admire the panoramic views of the city from up there in the clouds!

Would you like some suggestions?

The chic but unpretentious Nomad rooftop bar in the Rahba Kedima spice market square is both affordable and ideally located; Café des Épices is a no-frills rooftop bar (in plain English : it won’t break the bank) that also serves delicious crêpes; as for the Pearl rooftop garden, it’s sophistication personified, with rooftop pool and Japanese-influenced restaurant; while Le Foundouk is a must for romantics: it’s a gourmet restaurant with candlelit tables and no shortage of fine wines.