Things to do in Morocco: A feast for the senses (photo essay)

I learned about the best things to do in Morocco after living there for a semester abroad. I had the opportunity to take many road trips and visit many cities more than once. For this reason, today I’m curating certain cities and telling you which are my favorite things to do in Morocco. Part 2 likely to follow soon!

Take a cooking class in Marrakesh

set up for a Moroccan cooking class (Photo: bgblogging, Flickr)

A great way to escape the craze of a city like Marrakesh is to take a cooking class. L’atelier Faim d’Epices is ranked # 1 attraction in the imperial city by several travelers throughout the world. For a full day, you’ll learn how to cook an intricate tagine or Moroccan couscous yourself, with the guidance of an expert residence chef while sipping on Moroccan wine. The best part of this activity is that it allows you to interact with people from many nationalities, as this cooking class attracts all types of travelers. A fun way to get away from the crazy Moroccan souks for a couple of hours!

Camp in the Sahara desert at the Moroccan Hollywood: Ouarzazate

Camping in the Sahara (Photo: Parisa, Flickr)

Ouarzazate could be dubbed the Moroccan Hollywood, as it is one of the biggest “natural” film-making studios of Africa. the blockbusters Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), and Kingdom of Heaven (2005) were shot on its surroundings. What better setting to camp in the Sahara desert?! You may also visit several of the beautiful kasbahs in the area and also ride a camel through the endless dunes. An unforgettable experience indeed!

Ouarzazate kasbah (Photo: soveillame, Flickr)

Visit a leather tannery in Fez

the tannery in Fez, Morocco - quite colorful view from the balcony! (Photo: Bernard Gagnon, Wiki Commons)

Learn more about the ancient practice of making leather by visiting the tannery in Fez. While Marrakesh also has one, I want to give you an excuse to visit another fascinating imperial city getting to the facility is the beginning of the adventure, as you’ll wander through narrow streets and pass the souks–a feeling of being transported through time.

Lose yourself in the streets and views of Tangier

Beautiful sunset in Tangier

Known as Tanja in darija, Tangier is definitely my # 1 spot to let time simply pass by in Morocco. If you are going for a longer visit, or simply need a day or two to unwind, you should add Tangier to your itinerary. I loved to enter coffee shops were only locals hang out, right up the hills of town, and just stare at Strait of Gibraltar, the ocean (and even Spain!) whilst enjoying mint tea for hours. However, if you feel like doing something in Tangier, there are definitely many options. Walking around town alone will be exercise, while you could also lay on the beach, checkout the town’s kasbah and the Museum of Moroccan Arts–the beautiful building alone is worth the trip!

la Tangerina hotel, Morocco (Photo: Hotel La Tangerina, Flickr)

Explore the history of Morocco’s capital: Rabat

doorway in Rabat's Chellah archaeological site (Photo: Sirkku on Flickr)

While Rabat is not Morocco’s largest city (Casablanca is), it is its capital! Take a day to explore its great history and attractions. Must-sees include the Chellah archeological site, the Mausoleum of Mohammad V, Kasbah des Oudaias and the Hassan Tower. While riding from site to site, you will also enjoy people-watching and the streets of downtown.

Do you have other recommendations to add to our list of things to do in Morocco?