This North African country has so much to offer, and there is so much to see and do, you’ll have a hard time narrowing down how to spend your time. Whether you’re experiencing the incomparable beauty of the Sahara desert, exploring the unique city of Marrakech, or spending a night at a luxury tented camp, Morocco will be a trip you won’t soon forget.

Best time to visit

Early spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) are some of the best times to visit Morocco, as you’ll avoid the scorching heat of the summer in favor of moderate and pleasant temperatures.

Top regions to visit

Marrakech

Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco and is packed full of energy. The city offers the quintessential Moroccan experience, from palatial riads, the eclectic souk (marketplaces) selling traditional textiles, jewelry, and pottery, and the medley of flavors you can find all around you.

Atlas Mountains

Just over an hour outside of Marrakech lay a myriad of hiking paths and trails winding up through the Atlas and leading to small berber villages where the way of life has remained intact for hundreds of years. You can visit this area as a day trip from the city, or you can end your Morrocan adventure with a stay at Sir Richard Branson’s slice of paradise, Kasbah Tamadot.

The Sahara Desert

It’s not very often you get the opportunity to experience an incredible landscape like the Sahara desert. Getting here is no easy feat, but it’s truly worth the effort. In Morocco, the Sahara is located along the southern border or Algeria, south of the Atlas Mountains. It is the largest hot desert in the world, reaching more than 3,000 miles across all of North Africa. Spending a night under the stars in the Sahara Desert is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you’re unlikely to experience anywhere else in the world.

Fez

Once the capital of Morocco, Fez is the cultural epicenter of the country. Explore the walls of the medina, shop for souvenirs and handicrafts at the souks, see how leather is made at the tanneries, and enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine.

Chefchaouen

Top activities in Morocco

Shopping in the souks

Step into the hustle and bustle of a souk—a huge market where you can find just about anything you can imagine. Put your bargaining skills to work and stock up on souvenirs, spices, sandals, leather, rugs, and more. Shopping in the souks is a truly special shopping experience unlike any other.

Leather Tanneries

Prepare for a sensory sensation unlike any other. A visit to the leather tanneries allows you to see the process of how they make leather goods from start to finish. You can see the vats of dye that have been used in techniques unchanged for centuries. The real treat is being able to buy authentic leather goods for a fraction of the cost you’d normally spend. You get to choose the type of leather, color, and size of almost anything you can imagine. Be ready to bargain and negotiate as that is part of the experience!

Camel Ride

Taking a camel ride in the Sahara Desert is a picture perfect memorable moment. Take your camel up to the dunes of the desert and appreciate golden hour the very best way possible.

Hiking in the Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountain range stretches for more than 1,200 miles across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. With its high peaks, the region is home to epic hikes with incredible views that draw in countless outdoor enthusiasts every year. The most popular hike is Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa with a summit reaching 13,665. Most travelers summiting the mountain opt to go with a qualified guide, though there are plenty of options for shorter, less intensive hikes in the region.

Best hotels in Morocco

Desert Luxury Tented Camp, Sahara Desert—Spend a night under the desert stars in these luxury tents located in the biggest sand dunes of Morocco.

Palais Amani, Fez—A family-run, 21-room luxury riad in Fez that includes cooking classes and an underground hammam.
Chez Pierre, Gorge—A picturesque retreat in the High Atlas mountains renowned for its cuisine.
Royal Mansour, Marrakech—This luxurious hotel is a riad built like a traditional home with a beautiful courtyard, balconies, and mosaics showing off Morocco’s architectural style and artisans.
Kasbah Tamadot, Atlas Mountains—Sir Richard Branson’s award-winning luxury hotel is the perfect place to slow down, unwind, soak in your surroundings, and experience unforgettable views and beautiful riads.

Bri’s favorites: Royal Mansour and Kasbah Tamadot are some of my favorite properties in the world. It’s not every day you get to stay at a royal palace, but that’s exactly what the Royal Mansour is. This hotel spares no expense and does a remarkable job at showing off Morocco’s architectural style and talented artisans. I stayed in a private riad that was three levels and had its own private courtyard. The Mansour is an epic masterpiece that will stay at the top of the list of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in.

What to eat in Morocco

Tagine—a slow-cooked savory stew packed full of spices like ginger, cumin, and turmeric, and made with meat, poultry, or fish and vegetables.
Couscous—a staple in Morocco, couscous is a must-have when visiting.
Mint tea—Mint tea is a tradition in the country, often when finishing a meal or welcoming guests. It’s typically prepared in a Moroccan teapot and served from a high point to bring out all the flavors.

Start planning your trip to Morocco

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You can also view some of Bri’s Morocco highlights on Instagram.

Morocco Travel Guide