Things to Do in Morocco: 14 Cool Activities & Experiences

Activities Around Culture

Sightseeing in Morocco's Cities

What to expect: Morocco is packed with grand palaces, mosques, Quranic schools, and beautiful gardens — each with a fascinating history you can read about on-site, or better yet, have a guide bring to life. The most impressive attractions in Marrakech are a great starting point, but other cities have serious highlights too.

Is it worth it? Without a doubt — sightseeing is one of the best things to do in Morocco. We’ve rarely seen buildings as gigantic, beautifully decorated, and steeped in history as the ones here. In Casablanca, for example, you’ll find one of the largest mosques in the world. And the tanneries in Fès will genuinely blow you away. The points of interest across Morocco are seriously cool.

Activity location: Marrakech, Fès, Meknès, Rabat, Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Casablanca
Our tour recommendations:
Combo tour: Bahia Palace, Quranic School & Medina in Marrakech

3-hour guided walking tour through Fès’ Medina

On our Morocco overview page you’ll find dedicated articles on each individual city, with the best places to visit and more tips for your trip.

Shopping in the Souks

What to expect: Lamps, ceramics, rugs, bags, spices, fish, meat, oils, cosmetics, furniture, décor — everything colorful, everything in beautiful Moroccan design. We love it! In the souks of Morocco (that’s what the oriental markets are called) you’ll find absolutely everything your shopping heart desires. This is also where you’ll score the best souvenirs.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Right in the middle of the souks you get a real taste of Morocco — it’s not just tourists here, locals do their everyday shopping here too. Just let yourself drift through the alleyways. In theory, each type of product has its own souk, though we’ve never actually been able to tell them apart. And don’t forget: haggling is a must!

Activity location: In the medinas (old towns) of every Moroccan city
Our tour recommendations:
Guided tour through the souks in Marrakech

Tour through Souk El Had in Agadir

Handicrafts and shopping tour in Fès

Experiencing Film Locations in Morocco

What to expect: In the city of Ouarzazate stands one of the largest film studios in the world — the Atlas Studios. When filming isn’t taking place, you can explore the former sets and props. Even cooler is the desert town of Ait-Ben-Haddou, which has served as a backdrop for an enormous number of movies.

Is it worth it? For film fans, these spots are an absolute must. The Atlas Studios have been used for productions including Asterix & Obelix and James Bond. You can spot Ait-Ben-Haddou in Gladiator and Game of Thrones, among others. And just nearby, the film set for the horror movie The Hills Have Eyes is still standing.

Activity location: Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou

Day trip from Marrakech to Ait-Ben-Haddou & Ouarzazate

Ait-Ben-Haddou is seriously cool in general. Check out our dedicated article for all the details:

Adventure Activities

Desert Tour in the Sahara

What to expect: Endless sand dunes, laid-back camels, breathtakingly beautiful sunsets, clear starry skies, delicious tagines, and an evening around the campfire with locals and live music — that’s what a desert tour in Morocco is all about. A truly one-of-a-kind experience awaits you in the Sahara.

Is it worth it? 100%! Our first desert tour in the Erg Chebbi was our absolute highlight and one of the coolest things to do in Morocco. The Erg Chebbi is Morocco’s most popular desert landscape in the Sahara, home to the tallest sand dunes. Highly recommended! If you want even more adventure, a desert tour in the Erg Chegaga is the way to go.

Activity location: Erg Chebbi desert and Erg Chegaga desert

3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

In separate articles we’ve put together all the information about tours in Morocco’s desert regions. You can discover them on a day trip from Marrakech or explore on your own.

Exploring the Atlas Mountains Landscape on Your Own

What to expect: The Atlas Mountains are a vast high mountain range stretching right across Morocco, home to some of the country’s most impressive scenery. Absolute standouts include the switchbacks of the Dades Gorge and the dramatic narrow rock walls of the Todra Gorge.

Is it worth it? Driving through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains in a rental car is such a rewarding and surprisingly easy activity. Just keep in mind that the Atlas Mountains are divided into four ranges, and there’s no way to cover everything on a single road trip through Morocco. Our favorite is the High Atlas in the center of the country — you’ll pass right through it on the way to the Erg Chebbi desert anyway.

Activity location: Mainly in the interior of Morocco

In a dedicated article we give you all the information about the Atlas Mountains — including exactly where the mountain ranges are and which spots are worth a visit.

Quad Biking in Morocco

What to expect: Quad biking is an incredibly popular activity in Morocco. We zipped back and forth across the towering sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi on quads — and loved every second of it. You can also book quads at some beaches in Morocco or in the Agafay desert. You’ll always ride with a guide, though.

Is it worth it? Blazing through the Sahara on quads was an absolute blast — honestly the best activity in Morocco for adrenaline junkies. We got lucky and had the entire desert to ourselves. You can book an hour on-site at your desert camp, or reserve in advance online, just like at other locations across Morocco.

Activity location: Erg Chebbi desert, various beach destinations, from Marrakech into the Agafay desert
Our tour recommendations
Quad safari and sandboarding in the Erg Chebbi

Quad tour at Tamraght Beach from Agadir or Taghazout

Quad tour to the palm oasis near Marrakech

Quad tour in the Agafay desert with lunch from Marrakech

Dinner Show in the Agafay Desert

What to expect: The Agafay desert is a rocky, gravelly desert located just about 50 kilometers from Marrakech. On a dinner show tour, you’ll enjoy a genuinely delicious, authentically Moroccan meal, take in the sunset, and catch a fire show too.

Is it worth it? Definitely! A day trip to the Agafay desert is a great option from Marrakech — especially if you’re on a city break but still want a taste of the desert. On top of dinner, you can ride a camel and listen to live Moroccan music.

Activity location: Agafay desert, starting from Marrakech

Agafay desert tour with quad, camel ride & dinner

Hot Air Balloon Ride

What to expect: Want to see Morocco’s diverse landscape from above? Then a hot air balloon ride is a must. Most flights take off in the early morning, and once you’re up in the air you’ll have a stunning view of the sunrise. Afterward, you’ll be treated to a traditional Moroccan breakfast.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! A balloon ride is always an unforgettable experience, and it’s especially beautiful near Marrakech. Just make sure you’re comfortable with heights. And don’t worry about your safety in Morocco — everything is very well managed.

Activity location: Marrakech

Hot air balloon ride at sunrise with breakfast from Marrakech

Food & Drink Activities

Cooking Class in Marrakech

What to expect: Peeling, chopping, stirring sauces, and cooking. In a cooking class, you’ll learn step by step how to prepare authentic Moroccan dishes. And trust us, the food in Morocco is incredibly delicious! Whether it’s tagine, couscous, or salads — after this class you’ll be able to recreate all of it at home.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The cooking class in Marrakech was one of the best things we did in Morocco. First, we headed to the market with chef Ahmed to buy fresh ingredients. Then we cooked together as a group, and Ahmed shared all the secrets of Moroccan cuisine along the way. At the end, we got to eat everything. So, so good!

Activity location: Marrakech

Cooking class in Marrakech

Street Food Tour in Marrakech

What to expect: Don’t want to cook yourself but still want to try all the local specialties? Join a guided street food tour instead. You’ll sample Moroccan delicacies like Msemen, Harira, Khoudenjal, Assir, and much more — what exactly all of these are, you’ll discover on the tour.

Is it worth it? If you love local food, this tour is totally worth it. Many visitors in Marrakech only know the street food market on Djemaa El Fna. We tried the food there and were a bit disappointed, honestly. The really good stalls are off the main tourist drag — and your guide knows exactly where to find them.

Activity location: Mainly in Marrakech, but you can also find tours in other cities through GetYourGuide

3-hour street food tour in Marrakech

Sports & Relaxation Activities

Surfing and Yoga

What to expect: Along Morocco’s Atlantic coast you’ll find some of the best surf spots in the world. Our favorite surf town is Taghazout — in the nearby Imsouane Bay you’ll supposedly find the longest wave in Africa, which is seriously impressive. There are great beginner surf lessons here, plus awesome surf and yoga camps.

Is it worth it? We’ll admit we’re not surf pros, but Morocco more than holds its own against the surf scenes in Bali, Fuerteventura, or Portugal. The lessons and camps are comparatively quite affordable. And you can absolutely book a surf camp without yoga, or organize your own yoga retreat.

Activity location: Taghazout, Tamraght, and Imsouane
Our surf lesson recommendation for beginners:
For beginners: 2.5-hour surf lesson in Taghazout
Our surf lesson recommendations for all levels:
7-night surf camp including accommodation and meals for all levels

7-night surf and yoga camp in Taghazout for all levels

Hiking

What to expect: Morocco is also a fantastic destination for hiking. There are countless trails, especially in the Atlas Mountains — from the green hills near Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains to the rugged landscape of the High Atlas, where you’ll find Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in Morocco.

Is it worth it? Honestly, hiking wasn’t even on our radar as a big activity in Morocco. We were wrong! There are travelers who come here specifically for the trails. We recommend the national park around Mount Toubkal — it’s the most popular hiking area and only about 50 kilometers from Marrakech. You’ll find more details in our Atlas Mountains article.

Activity location: Atlas Mountains, especially around Mount Toubkal, with the mountain village of Imlil as the starting point
Our tour recommendations:
Day hike around Imlil from Marrakech

Hike up Mount Toubkal with 1 overnight stay from Marrakech

Summit of Mount Toubkal: 3-day tour from Marrakech

Hammam

What to expect: At a hammam, you’ll experience a very special bathing ritual with roots in Arab culture. Steam relaxes your entire body first, followed by a massage with oils and soapy lather. Hammams were traditionally public bathhouses; today you’ll find private ones as well.

Is it worth it? Totally! A hammam lets you combine deep relaxation with a genuinely Moroccan cultural experience — a really great combo. You can book your visit online in advance, or simply ask at your hotel in Marrakech or your accommodation in Fès.

Activity location: All larger cities — we recommend Marrakech

Traditional hammam & massage in Marrakech

Relaxing in Your Riad

What to expect: On your Morocco trip, you should spend at least a night or two in a riad. These are traditional townhouses, usually small and family-run. Staying here feels like stepping straight into 1001 Nights — think oriental design, plenty of coziness, and a touch of luxury.

Is it worth it? We really loved our time in riads in both Marrakech and Fès. Our riad in Marrakech had not only a great rooftop terrace but also an incredibly cozy seating nook with a fireplace — we spent many evenings there in March with a cup of tea. And our riad in Fès served a seriously delicious dinner too.

Activity location: Throughout Morocco — particularly beautiful riads can be found in Marrakech and Fès

Our riad recommendation: Monriad in Marrakech

For Marrakech, Fès, and Essaouira, we’ve even written dedicated articles featuring the most beautiful riads: