Things to do
Things to Do in Morocco
Morocco packs very different landscapes into one trip: medinas, mountains, desert and two coastlines. The key to planning activities is realistic travel time, because some of the most famous experiences are far apart.
Updated September 15, 2026
Quick answer
What are the best things to do in Morocco?
The essential experiences are exploring a historic medina such as Marrakech or Fes, spending a night in the Sahara dunes near Merzouga, walking in the Atlas Mountains, relaxing in a hammam, taking a cooking class and visiting the Atlantic coast at Essaouira. Book guided medina walks and multi-day desert trips in advance; leave room for unplanned wandering.
Guides and excursions
A licensed guide is worth hiring for your first visit to a large medina, particularly in Fes. Book through your accommodation or a reputable platform rather than accepting offers in the street.
Day excursions from the major cities cover mountains, coast and historic sites. Check pick-up points and how many hours are spent in the vehicle.
Desert tours
The tall dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga are around 560 km from Marrakech by road. Most tours from Marrakech take three days, stopping in the Dades or Todgha area; tours from Fes cross the Middle Atlas.
The Agafay desert near Marrakech is a stony landscape rather than sand dunes, but it is an easy half-day or evening trip.
Atlas Mountains
From Marrakech, the Ourika Valley and Imlil are the classic mountain escapes. Imlil is the trailhead for Toubkal National Park and North Africa's highest summit, which requires a multi-day trek with a guide.
City tours
Walking tours help you understand medina layouts, architecture and history. In Casablanca, guided tours are the only way for non-Muslims to see inside the Hassan II Mosque.
Cooking classes and food tours
Classes often start with a market visit and end with a shared meal of tagine, salads and bread. Evening street-food tours in Marrakech and Fes help first-time visitors order with confidence.
Hammam and wellness
A public hammam is a local, inexpensive experience with separate hours or sections for men and women. Spa hammams in riads and hotels offer privacy and massages. Bring a change of underwear and expect a vigorous scrub.
Frequently asked questions
Should I book tours in Morocco in advance?
Book multi-day desert tours, popular cooking classes and hot-air balloon flights in advance, especially in spring, autumn and holiday periods. Hammam visits and simple day trips can often be arranged a day or two ahead through your accommodation.
Can you visit the Sahara on a day trip?
Not the large dunes. Erg Chebbi near Merzouga is too far from Marrakech or Fes for a day trip. The Agafay desert near Marrakech is a day-trip alternative, but it has no sand dunes.