Now that you have booked your flight to Morocco and are knee-deep in Pinterest boards and Instagram saves, you are trying to figure out what’s worth doing. Are the souks as chaotic as they say? Is riding a camel in the desert cliché or kind of amazing? And let’s not even start on how to enjoy and include everything in just 3, 4, or 7 days? Then don’t worry.

Well, take a deep breath and close those 14 tabs. Based on my trip, here’s a guide to the best experiences in Morocco, tailored by travel style and occasion.

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What are the Top Things to Do in Morocco?

There are many things to see and do in Morocco, and trust me, I tried to do them all. From getting gloriously lost in ancient medinas to watching the sun rise over endless dunes, my Moroccan journey was packed with unforgettable moments. Out of everything I experienced, these 11 stood out as my absolute favourites:

1. Shop in the souks of Marrakech

2. Ride a camel in the Sahara

3. Get lost in the medinas

4. Try sandboarding

5. Ride a hot air balloon outside Marrakech

6. Spend time with a Nomad family

7. Visit Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou

8. Explore the Bahia Palace

9. Go stargazing in the Sahara

10. Enjoy Moroccan food

11. Visit a traditional hammam

Shop Till You Drop in the Souks of Marrakech

If you’ve ever wanted to buy a teapot, leather slippers, and five carpets you didn’t plan for in one trip, welcome to the wild, wonderful world of the Marrakech souks. It’s not just shopping; it’s a full-blown cultural adventure. The souks are a buzzing maze of tiny alleys packed with stalls selling everything from colourful spices and brass lanterns to embroidered kaftans and argan oil.

• Best for: Shopaholics, culture lovers, first-timers

• Best time to visit: Morning to early afternoon (before it turns into a maze of elbows)

• Where: Marrakech Medina (around Jemaa el-Fnaa)

• Approx cost: Free to enter. Items range from 10 MAD for souvenirs to over 1,000 MAD for high-quality goods

Additional tips: Haggle confidently, carry small change, keep valuables secure, and explore before buying

Ride a Camel into the Sahara

Merzouga is the starting point for reaching the stunning dunes of Erg Chebbi. I rode a camel into the desert, and honestly, it felt like something out of a movie, quiet, magical, and yes, a little bumpy. At one point, I found myself in a “traffic jam” of camels, which was hilarious. If it’s your first time, I highly recommend booking with a trusted tour operator to make things easy and safe.

• Best for: First-timers, bucket-listers, desert lovers

• Best time to visit: October to April (cool weather, better sunsets)

• Where: Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga

• Approx cost: 300 to 600 MAD for a sunset ride. Multi-day desert tours range from 1,200 to 2,500 MAD

Additional tips: Wear long pants, bring a scarf or turban, and book with a reliable operator

Get Lost in the Medinas 

First things first, keep an eye on your belongings. The medinas in Fez and Marrakech are incredible but can be a hotspot for pickpockets, especially in crowded alleys. Getting lost in a Moroccan medina is a rite of passage. These old city centres are packed with life: mopeds zipping past you, donkeys carrying goods, street vendors yelling over each other, and mystery smells drifting from corners you’re not sure you want to investigate. I got lost at least three times, dodged a rogue scooter, and somehow walked out with a lantern, two scarves, and enough street bread to feed a small army. But honestly? That’s the charm.

• Best for: Wanderers, shoppers

• Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon (less foot traffic)

• Where: Fez and Marrakech

• Approx cost: Free to explore. Guided tours may cost around 100 to 200 MAD

Additional tips: Use offline maps, stay alert for pickpockets, and enjoy the experience of getting lost.

Try Sandboarding

If you have no experience and zooming down a dune makes your knees wobble, don’t worry! You don’t have to go full speed. I’d recommend starting slow and trying sandboarding while sitting on the board. It’s just as fun, way easier to control, and you’ll still get that rush without the face-plant risk. Sandboarding in the Sahara is wild, slightly ridiculous, and way more fun than I expected. I face-planted (twice), let out an embarrassing scream, and laughed the entire way down. The best part? There’s no line, no lift, and no rules. The worst part? Climbing back up the dune with a board in hand. 

• Best for: Adventure junkies, teens-at-heart

• Best time to visit: Early morning or sunset (to avoid scorching sand)

• Where: Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) or Erg Chigaga

• Approx cost: Often included in desert tour packages. Board rentals cost around 50 to 100 MAD

Additional tips: It is best done at sunrise or sunset to avoid the heat. Beginners can sit on the board for an easier start.

Ride a Hot Air Balloon Outside Marrakech

Floating over the rocky plains just outside Marrakech at dawn felt... cinematic. The kind of moment where time slows down and you forget you even own a phone. As the sun rose, golden light spilt over sleepy Berber villages and the mighty Atlas Mountains in the distance.

There was complete silence, except for the occasional whoosh of the flame keeping us afloat. It’s peaceful, surreal, and hands down one of the most magical ways to see Morocco wake up.

• Best for: Couples, photographers, sunrise chasers

• Best time to visit: Early morning (flights usually take off before sunrise)

• Where: Palmeraie or Agafay Desert near Marrakech

• Approx cost: Around 2,000 to 2,500 MAD for a sunrise flight

Additional tips: Dress in layers, bring a camera, and check if breakfast and pickup are included.

Spend Time with a Nomad Family

One of the most memorable parts of my trip was sitting inside a tent with a nomadic family in the middle of the desert. We drank mint tea, asked each other questions, and talked about everyday life, how they deal with water shortages, weather changes, and even how they move their homes with donkeys.

They were friendly, patient, and open to sharing their way of life. It wasn’t just a quick stop but a chance to learn something real and leave with a new perspective.

• Best for: Cultural explorers, curious minds, anyone craving a real connection

• Best time to visit: As part of a guided desert tour or a homestay experience

• Where: Desert regions around Merzouga or M’Hamid

• Approx cost: Usually included in multi-day desert tours

Additional tips: Bring small gifts, ask before taking photos, and engage respectfully with the hosts.

Visit Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate is nicknamed the “Hollywood of Africa.” Once you visit, you’ll see why. Big-name films like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy all filmed scenes here. Walking through Atlas Studios feels like stepping into a behind-the-scenes tour, except the sets are real and massive.

Just a short drive away is Aït Benhaddou, a stunning UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village) made of red clay and palm wood. I wandered its narrow alleys, climbed to the top for sweeping desert views.

• Best for: Film buffs, history fans, road trippers

• Best time to visit: Spring or autumn (milder weather, fewer crowds)

• Where: Southern Morocco, around 4 hours from Marrakech

• Approx cost: Entry to Atlas Studios costs around 80 to 100 MAD. The Aït Benhaddou entry is around 10 MAD

Additional tips: Visit with a guide for deeper insight, wear good walking shoes, and bring sun protection

Explore the Beauty of Bahia Palace

The Bahia Palace in Marrakech resembles a real-life Moroccan fairy tale. The place is filled with jaw-dropping mosaic tiles, carved wooden ceilings, and quiet courtyards lined with orange trees and fountains. Every corner looks like it belongs on a postcard or in a fancy dream.

I spent a good hour photographing the doorways (no shame), each one more intricate than the last. The layout is like a maze, with narrow halls leading you from one beautiful surprise to the next. If you love design, symmetry, or a peaceful break from the city's buzz, this palace is your happy place.

• Best for: Architecture lovers, slow travellers, romantic souls

• Best time to visit: Early morning or just before closing

• Where: Marrakech

• Approx cost: Around 70 MAD for entry

Additional tips: Visit early for fewer crowds and better lighting. Bring a camera and take your time through the rooms

Go Stargazing in the Middle of Nowhere

The desert sky is hands down the best TV I’ve ever watched. No Wi-Fi, no pings, no distractions, just a massive, star-covered sky stretching above you. Lying back on a blanket with a cup of mint tea, I counted shooting stars and saw the Milky Way with my eyes.

It’s calm, quiet, and makes you feel small in the best possible way. If you’ve never stared at the stars in total silence, this is the place to do it.

• Best for: Romantics, solitude seekers, space geeks

• Best time to visit: Any clear night, especially during new moon phases

• Where: Desert camps near Merzouga or M’Hamid

• Approx cost: Included in overnight desert camp packages ranging from 600 to 1,500 MAD

Additional tips: Avoid full moon dates for clearer skies. Use stargazing apps and dress warmly at night.

Have a Full-On Food Vacay

Moroccan food is rich, full of flavour, and seriously satisfying. You’ll find tagines cooked with spices and tender meat, pastilla (a sweet and savoury pie) topped with cinnamon and sugar, and even snail soup if you feel brave.

Whether grabbing a bite in a busy market or sitting down at a rooftop restaurant, you can count on fresh bread, bold dishes, and a lot of mint tea. The tea isn’t just a drink, it’s a warm welcome. And yes, it keeps coming. Just go with it.

•  Best for: Foodies

•  Best time to visit: Always

• Where: Found at street stalls, cafes, and rooftop restaurants across all cities

• Approx cost: Street food starts at 10 MAD. Mid-range meals cost 70 to 150 MAD. Fine dining starts around 250 MAD

Additional tips: Try local dishes like tagine, pastilla, couscous, and mint tea. Avoid raw vegetables if you have a sensitive stomach.

Chill in a Traditional Hammam

Ready for a proper refresh? A traditional Moroccan hammam is hot, steamy, and deeply cleansing. You’ll be covered in black soap, rinsed with warm water, and gently exfoliated from head to toe. It might feel a little intense at first, but afterwards you’ll feel super clean, relaxed, and recharged. Don’t forget to bring flip-flops, a towel, and a change of clothes; you’ll be glad you did.

• Best for: Spa lovers, adventure hygiene seekers

• Best time to visit: Mid-journey detox or post-desert cleanse

• Where: Available in cities like Marrakech, Fez, and Essaouira

• Approx cost: Local hammams charge 20 to 50 MAD for entry. Tourist spas cost 250 to 500 MAD or more

 Additional tips: Bring your towel, flip-flops, and toiletries. Private hammams are available for a more comfortable experience.

Tips for Your Morocco Trip

• Track prices smartly: Use your phone or a notebook to note prices while shopping or comparing tours.

• Learn to say no: Politely say “La, shukran” (No, thank you) and walk away confidently; it also helps in bargaining.

• Pin your stay: Save the location of your riad or hotel on Google Maps to find your way back, especially in the medinas.

• Carry cash: Cards aren’t accepted everywhere. Keep cash handy, especially in markets and small towns.

• Pack tissues and sanitiser: Many public restrooms lack toilet paper; bring essentials.

• Ask prices first: Always confirm the cost before accepting anything to avoid surprise charges.

• Get a local SIM: Buy a prepaid SIM for better navigation, translations, and reliable internet.

• Dress modestly in rural areas: Cover your shoulders and knees outside big cities to respect local customs.

Ready to Dive into Morocco?

From camel rides to mint tea, bustling medinas to silent starry skies, Morocco is where every moment feels like an adventure. Whether you're visiting for a few days or planning a longer escape, these experiences will give you a taste of what the country offers.

So pack light (you’ll probably shop), stay curious, and leave some space in your plans for the unexpected; that’s where the magic happens.