Morocco What to Do, See & Experience
By Fantastic On Tours | Travel Guide
Morocco doesn’t just have cities — it has entire worlds waiting to be discovered. Each medina tells a different story, each alleyway leads somewhere unexpected, and every sunset feels like it was painted just for you. Whether you’re traveling from the US, Canada, or Japan, this guide breaks down exactly what to do, see, and experience in Morocco’s most iconic destinations.
Why Morocco’s Cities Are Unlike Anywhere Else
Morocco is one of the few places on earth where ancient and modern exist side by side without apology. You can sip a latte in a rooftop café overlooking a 1,000-year-old medina. You can haggle for handmade leather in the same market your great-grandparents might have visited. That’s the magic of Morocco — and it starts in its cities.
What Is a Medina?
A medina is the old walled heart of a Moroccan city. Think narrow alleys, hidden fountains, bustling souks, mosques, and centuries of history packed into a maze you’ll happily get lost in. Morocco has 7 UNESCO-listed medinas — more than almost any country in the world.
Marrakech — The Red City
The Heartbeat of Morocco
Marrakech is where most visitors begin — and for good reason. It’s loud, colorful, chaotic, and completely unforgettable. The moment you step into the medina, all your senses fire at once.
Top Things to Do in Marrakech
- Jemaa el-Fnaa Square — The most famous square in Africa. By day it’s a market; by night it transforms into an open-air festival of storytellers, musicians, and food stalls.
- Majorelle Garden — A cobalt blue sanctuary once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Peaceful, beautiful, and unlike anything else in the city.
- Bahia Palace — A stunning 19th-century palace showcasing the finest Moroccan craftsmanship and architecture.
- Quad biking in the Agafay Desert — Just 30 minutes from Marrakech, the desert tracks offer pure adrenaline and breathtaking scenery.
- Hot air balloon at sunrise — Float above the Atlas Mountains as the city wakes up below you. One of the most memorable experiences in all of Morocco.
Fez — The Spiritual Capital
Where Time Stands Still
If Marrakech is Morocco’s heartbeat, Fez is its soul. This is the oldest imperial city in the country and home to Fes el-Bali — the world’s largest living medieval medina with over 9,000 narrow alleyways.
Top Things to Do in Fez
- Chouara Tannery — Watch leather being dyed in ancient stone vats using methods unchanged for centuries. One of the most iconic sights in all of Africa.
- Al-Qarawiyyin University — Founded in 859 AD, it’s widely considered the world’s oldest continuously operating university.
- Bou Inania Madrasa — Stunning Islamic architecture with intricate tilework and carved cedar wood.
- Merenid Tombs at sunset — Climb to the hilltop ruins for a panoramic view of the entire medina glowing gold in the evening light.
Chefchaouen — The Blue City
A Mountain Retreat Like No Other
Tucked into the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, Chefchaouen is one of the most photographed cities on earth. Every wall, staircase, and doorway is painted in shades of blue — from powder blue to deep indigo.
Top Things to Do in Chefchaouen
- Wander the blue medina — No agenda needed. Just walk, photograph, and let the city surprise you at every turn.
- Spanish Mosque at sunset — A 30-minute uphill walk rewards you with panoramic views over the entire blue city and surrounding mountains.
- Akchour Waterfalls day trip — Just 30 minutes away, this natural wonder offers stunning gorges, waterfalls, and God’s Bridge — a natural rock arch over a river.
Essaouira — The Atlantic Escape
Where the Ocean Meets the Medina
Need a break from the heat and the crowds? Essaouira is Morocco’s most relaxed coastal city — a UNESCO-listed medina where the Atlantic breeze keeps things cool and the pace of life slows right down.
Top Things to Do in Essaouira
- Skala de la Ville ramparts — Walk the ancient sea walls and watch the waves crash below.
- Fresh seafood at the port — Grilled sardines, lobster, and fish tagine straight from the boat to your plate.
- Live Gnawa music — Essaouira is the spiritual home of Gnawa music, a hypnotic blend of African rhythm and Moroccan tradition.
Quick Comparison: Morocco’s Top Cities
| City | Best For | Must-See | Ideal Trip Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | Adventure & culture | Jemaa el-Fnaa, Majorelle Garden | 3–4 days |
| Fez | History & crafts | Chouara Tannery, Fes el-Bali | 2–3 days |
| Chefchaouen | Photography & relaxation | Blue medina, Spanish Mosque | 1–2 days |
| Essaouira | Coastal escape | Sea ramparts, seafood port | 1–2 days |
How to Experience It All With Fantastic On Tours
Custom Private Tours for Discerning Travelers
At Fantastic On Tours, we don’t do one-size-fits-all. Our 9 to 16-day private tours are built around you — your pace, your interests, your dream Morocco experience. We specialize in serving travelers from the USA, Canada, and Japan who want more than a standard package.
Every tour includes hand-picked riads, English-speaking local guides, and seamless connections between cities — so you experience Morocco deeply, not just quickly.
Ready to start planning? Contact Fantastic On Tours today and let’s build your perfect Morocco itinerary.