Choose from 15 Fun Things to Do in Northern Morocco
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Royal Palace of Fez (Dar el Makhzen)
Formerly the main residence of the sultan, the Royal Palace (Dar el Makhzen) is still used by the King of Morocco when he is in the city of Fez. Surrounded by high walls, it spans an area of 195 acres (80 hectares). It is closed to visitors, who can only admire the imposing and ornate main entrance from the outside.
The Basics
Located in the center of the Fes el Jadid quarter, the palace was originally built in the 13th century. Although visitors cannot go inside the palace, it is still worthwhile to see the exterior, and in particular the magnificent ornate gates at the entrance. There are seven brass doors of different sizes with matching knockers and intricate geometric patterns, surrounded by fine zellige (mosaic tilework) and carved cedar wood.
Make the most of your time in Fez and visit as part of a full-day tour, which includes stops at the Royal Palace as well as other top attractions such as the Medina, Borj Sud, and the famous tanneries of Fez. It’s also possible to visit as part of a multi-day tour from Tangier.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Do not take photos of anything other than the gates, or try to take photos of the guards, as that may result in your camera being confiscated.
- Sometimes visitors are prohibited from going closer than about 325 feet (100 meters).
How to Get There
The Royal Palace is located at Place des Alaouites, in the center of the Fes el Jadid quarter. It’s easiest to visit as part of a tour. It’s also very close to the Jewish quarter, and many visitors will make a stop at both places.
When to Get There
The Royal Palace is a popular attraction and on most tour itineraries. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Jewish Quarter
Located very close to the Royal Palace is the Jewish Quarter, or Mellah. Today, most of the Jewish population has left, but visitors can still see the distinctive architecture of the buildings, a gold souk, and charming antique shops. There’s also an ancient cemetery and a museum housed in a former synagogue.
Address: Place des Alaouites, Fez, Morocco
From $ 64
Chefchaouen
A sea of startling blue buildings set against a backdrop of the rugged Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen (pronounced “shef-sha-wen”) is a real gem in Northern Morocco. There’s no mistaking where the “Blue City” gets its nickname—with its brightly painted walls, doors, and stairways and red-tiled roofs, it’s a city begging to be photographed.
The Basics
The real highlight of Chefchaouen its UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Medina, where the lively cafés, cobbled souks, and distinctive handicrafts stalls show off the town’s unique heritage—an intriguing blend of Spanish, Moroccan, and Riffian cultures. While there’s enough to see to warrant a multi-day visit, most travelers explore Chefchaouen on a day tour from either Tangier or Fez.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Chefchaouen is a must-see for Instagram fanatics and first-time visitors to Morocco.
- Chefchaouen tours from Tangier or Fez can last eight to 12 hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Don’t forget your camera; this town is full of memorable photo ops.
- Dress in long, loose layers; Chefchaouen is more conservative than Marrakech.
- The town is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Chefchaouen is on a guided small-group or private tour. Those who wish to visit independently can catch a bus from Fez, Tetouan, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Tangier, or Ceuta. The town’s main bus station is a 15-minute walk from the medina.
When to Get There
The best weather for exploring the medina and surrounding mountains is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). Since Chefchaouen is cooler than lower-elevation destinations in Morocco, it can get busy with Moroccan vacationers in summer.
Attractions in Chefchaouen
While the main appeal of the Blue City is simply soaking in the atmosphere, there are a few points of interest worth checking out. A short hike leads from the medina’s eastern gate to the ruins of a Spanish Mosque, which is perched on a hilltop above town. For a little history and context, visit the Musée de Chefchaouen (Chefchaouen Museum), housed within a 15th-century kasbah in Outa el Hammam. This central square is also home to the town’s Grand Mosque.
Address: Chefchaouen, Morocco
From $ 42
Al-Attarine Madrasa
Located at the entrance to Fez’s sprawling spice and perfume market, the exquisite Al-Attarine Madrasa (the ‘Madrasa of the Perfumers’) paints a striking picture against the ramshackle stalls and timeworn cobblestones of the surrounding souks.
Built by the Marinid Sultan Uthman II Abu Said in the early 14th century, the madrasa was once an important center for learning and spirituality. The show-stopping central courtyard is the main highlight of a visit - a sumptuous example of Islamic architecture, with ornate pillars, expertly carved stuccos and magnificent zellij fashioned from hand-cut glazed tiles. Visitors can also peek into the lavish prayer hall and the comparatively sparse student quarters that look out over the courtyard.
Practical Info
The Al-Attarine Madrasa is located in Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali), close to the Kairaouine Mosque and University, and is open daily from 8.30am-12.30pm, and 2.30-6.30pm. Admission at the time of writing is 10 dirham.
Address: Fez, Morocco
Hours: Daily from 8.30am-12.30pm, and 2.30-6.30pm.
Admission: 10 dirham
From $ 15
Kasbah Amridil
Travelers seeking the typical Kasbah experience will find it at the 17th-century destination known as Amrdil. This well-preserved (and equally well restored) structure offers impressive views of nearby landscapes, including the Skoura palm groves, and showcases an ancient slice of life that’s difficult to find anywhere else.
Visitors can tour the grounds of the main sand-colored structure and visit the popular museum, where handmade tools, historic wells and traditional bread ovens. It’s possible to explore the grounds solo, but travelers will likely find local and informal guides eager to offer up their services at a reasonable price.
Practical Info
Amridil is located a short walk from the well-traveled “Road of the One Thousand Kasbahs” en route to Dadès Gorge. There are hotels nearby but travelers say it’s possible to explore the Kasbah in about 30 minutes.
Address: Kasbah Amridil, Ouled Yaacoub 45500, Morocco
From $ 220
Dar Batha Museum
One of Fez’s most notable museums, home to a vibrant collection of Moroccan arts and crafts, the Dar Batha Museum (Museum of Moroccan Arts) makes a worthwhile additional to any sightseeing trip, offering a unique insight into Fez’s artistic heritage.
The vast permanent collection includes everything from hand-painted ceramics to antique Berber carpets to gold-plated astrolabes, alongside traditional jewelry, leatherwork, earthenware, woodwork and embroidery, with artifacts dating from the 14th century to modern-day. The surroundings are equally impressive, with the museum housed in a beautiful Hispano-Moorish palace built by Moulay el Hassan in the 19th-century and featuring a tranquil garden and café.
Practical Info
Dar Batha Museum is located in Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali), close to the Madrassa Bou Inania, and is open Wed-Mon from 8.30am-12pm and 12-6pm. Adult admission at the time of writing is 10 dirham.
Address: 5, Place Batha Oued Fejjaline, Fez, Morocco
Hours: Wed-Mon from 8.30am-12pm and 12-6pm.
Admission: Adults 10 dirham
From $ 50
Nejjarine Square
In the heart of the medina, close to the carpenters’ souk, Nejjarine Square is one of Fez’s most beautiful historic squares, best known for its distinctive centerpiece – the Nejjarine water fountain. Elaborately decorated with ornate carvings and zellij tilework, it’s the kind of drinking fountain normally seen fronting mosques or palaces.
Also taking prize place on Nejjarine Square is the exquisite Fondouk el-Nejjarine, an impressively preserved 18th-century funduq (historic traveler’s inn), now home to a fascinating carpentry museum. Inside, the interiors are decked out with magnificent wood-carved balconies and sculpted pillars, while the permanent exhibition houses a remarkable collection of wooden arts, crafts and carpentry tools, dating back as early as the 14th century.
Practical Info
Nejjarine Square is located in Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali), not far from the Al-Attarine Madrasa.
Address: Nejjarine Square, Fez, Morocco
From $ 15
Kairaouine Mosque
As Morocco’s second-largest mosque and the oldest Islamic building in Fez, it’s hardly surprising that the Kairaouine Mosque is one of the city’s most admired monuments. Founded in 857, the mosque adjoins the historic university of the same name, and is considered Morocco’s holiest mosque, making it an important spiritual center for Muslims.
Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque, which can hold up to 20,000 people at prayer, but it’s still worth a visit to admire its exquisite façade, with its striking green roof and ornate minaret.
Practical Info
The Kairaouine Mosque is located next to the Kairaouine University, in Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali). Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque.
Address: Fes El Bali, Fez, Morocco
From $ 15
Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali)
The historic core of Fez and the seat of the Moroccan government until 1912, Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali) remains the city’s biggest draw – a sprawling district of jumbled souks and snaking alleyways, dotted with grand mosques, palace and madrassas. The old medina is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, still surrounded by its 13th-century city walls and reached via a series of monumental gates, most notably the 20th-century Bab Boujeloud, celebrated for its striking blue tilework.
With the medina largely pedestrianized, the best way to explore Fez Medina is on foot and there’s plenty to see, starting with the rambling souks, home to the famous Tanner’s Quarters, the soul of the city’s leather trade, where animal hides are soaked in gigantic pots of natural dye. Additional highlights of Fez el-Bali include the Kairaouine Mosque University, known as the world’s oldest university and dating back to 859; the exquisite Madrassa Bou Inania and Al-Attarine Madrasa; the Talaa Kebira water clock; and the Mellah Jewish Quarter.
Practical Info
Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali) is located northeast of Fez el Jadid and the Ville Nouvelle in central Fez.
Address: Fez, Morocco
From $ 12
Cape Spartel
Located west of Tangier, Cape Spartel is the northwesternmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Rising 1,000 feet (305 meters) above sea level, Cape Spartel is known for its stunning views and dramatic coastal roads, and includes a lighthouse dating from 1864.
The Basics
Known in antiquity as the Cape of Vines, this scenic promontory is famous for its breathtaking views over the Strait of Gibraltar. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the coast of Spain, from the Rock of Gibraltar to Cape Trafalgar. With numerous walking and hiking trails and sandy beaches nearby, visitors can easily spend a few hours here. Highlights include the Hercules Cave, located near the cape, and the Spartel Lighthouse. Bird watching is also a popular activity here.
Many guided tours stop at Cape Spartel and typically include nearby Hercules Cave and other top Tangier attractions, such as the Kasbah. It’s also possible to visit as part of a shore excursion from Tangier, or even on a day trip from southern Spain.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cape Spartel is a must-see for first-time visitors to Tangier.
- Bring a light jacket as it can get very windy here.
- The beaches between Cape Spartel and Hercules Cave are the best for sunbathing and swimming.
- Full-day tours from southern Spain can last upwards of 10 hours.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Cape Spartel is as part of a guided tour. To visit on your own from Tangier, it’s best to take a taxi. There is also one sightseeing bus from Tangier that stops near the cape.
When to Get There
Cape Spartel is a popular attraction. July and August are peak season and see the most visitors. During this time, arrive in the early morning on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Visit just before sunset for spectacular sunset views.
Spartel Lighthouse
The north coast of Africa, and Cape Spartel in particular, was dangerous for ships to navigate. In 1864, the Sultan of Morocco built a lighthouse here, with international support. And in 1865, the governments of Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United States signed an agreement with Morocco to contribute funds toward the upkeep of the lighthouse, and received assurances that the lighthouse would remain neutral in times of war.
Address: Tangier, Morocco
From $ 29
Moulay Idriss
A mound of whitewashed buildings framed by lush mountains and olive groves, the hilltop town of Moulay Idriss is a striking proposition, and it’s a suitably picturesque setting for one of Morocco’s most important pilgrimage sites. The town takes its name from one of Morocco’s most revered saints, Moulay Idriss I, famous for bringing Islam to Morocco and founding the country’s first dynasty. Today, the grand Mausoleum of Idriss I is the focal point of pilgrim’s visits and plays an important role in celebrating the annual Festival of Moulay Idriss.
Although traditionally non-Muslims were unwelcome at the holy site, attitudes have relaxed considerably in recent years (although non-Muslims are not permitted access to the mausoleum) and Moulay Idriss has become a popular addition to tourist itineraries, often combined with a visit to near Meknès and Volubilis.
Practical Info
Moulay Idriss is located 30 km north of Meknès in northern Morocco, close to the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Address: Moulay Idriss, Morocco
From $ 93
Bab Boujloud
Bab (meaning ‘gate’ in English) Boujloud was built by the French during their occupation of Morocco in 1913. It serves as the gateway into the heart of the bustling streets of the Fez medina. Right next to it stands the original 12th-century gate, built with an indirect entrance on a slant to block battering rams from entering.
Bab Boujloud is Mauresque-Andalusian in style. Its grand horseshoe arches are decorated with Fassi mosaic blue tiles on the outside and green ones within. From the main archway, two minarets are revealed in the distance: one is part of the crumbling 20th-century Sidi Lazzaz mosque, while the smaller one, topped by two golden orbs, belongs to the recently restored 14th-century Bou Inania Medersa.
Throughout the day, the area around Bab Boujloud bustles with local life, and as such this is one of the best spots in the city to observe everyday life in Morocco, with mules, and mopeds filling the streets as much as the locals. There are several cafes and restaurants on both sides of the gate, providing a relaxed setting from which to soak up the local atmosphere.
Practical Info
Walking is the best way to explore the attractions and daily life of Fez. The main street, Talaa Kbira, runs from Bab Boujloud to Kairaouine Mosque in the heart of the medina. Talaa Sghira also begins at Bab Boujeloud and eventually merges again with Talaa Kbira.
Address: Bab Boujloud, Fez, Morocco
From $ 15
Tangier
A cultural melting pot and one of Morocco’s most unique cities, Tangier’s cosmopolitan roots date back to the post-WWII years, when the city was designated as an “International Zone” co-governed by France, Spain, Britain, and six other countries. Today, the European influence remains, from the elegant French architecture of the Ville Nouvelle (New Town) to the French and Spanish that are spoken alongside the native Arabic, and its strategic location on the Strait of Gibraltar draws a constant stream of cruise visitors and expatriates.
Few visitors fail to be enchanted by the White City of Tangier, so-called for the row upon row of whitewashed buildings that line its streets, as it’s a city that oozes character. With its buzzing port, sun-soaked beaches, colorful art galleries and cluster of hookah cafés, Tangier’s bohemian vibe is alive and well, and it’s easy to see why so many iconic figures have visited—Tennessee Williams, William S. Burroughs, Truman Capote and of course, the Rolling Stones have all been inspired by its magic.
Practical Info
Tangier is located on Morocco’s northern coast, about 250 km north of Rabat and is linked by ferry to Spain, Gibraltar and Italy.
Address: Tangier, Morocco
From $ 23
Hercules Cave
Located 7 miles (14 kilometers) west of Tangier, near Cape Spartel, Hercules Cave is one of the area’s top attractions. Discovered in 1906, the cave extends for 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) and is both natural and manmade. It features two openings, one to land and one to sea, with the latter known as the “Map of Africa” for its distinctive shape.
The Basics
The cave system takes its name from the mythical hero Hercules, who allegedly slept in the cave before one of his 12 legendary labors. It’s been in use since prehistoric times, most recently by the Berbers to make millstones, which helped to enlarge the cave system. You can see still the indentations on the cave walls and ceiling. The “Map of Africa” is believed to have been created by the Phoenicians and is one of the most intriguing aspects of the cave. Don’t forget to take in the wonderful ocean views from inside the cave.
Hercules Cave features on many guided tours, whether half-day or full-day, which typically include nearby Cape Spartel and other top Tangier attractions such as the Kasbah. It’s also possible to visit as part of a shore excursion from Tangier, or even on a day trip from southern Spain.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hercules Cave is a must-see for first-time visitors to Tangier.
- There are two caves, one that is free and one that charges for entry.
- Be careful of the waves on the nearby beaches, which can be treacherous.
- Full-day tours from southern Spain can last upwards of 10 hours.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Hercules Cave is as part of a guided tour. To visit on your own from Tangier, it’s best to take a taxi. There is also one sightseeing bus from Tangier that stops near the caves.
When to Get There
The cave system is open daily, year-round. July and August are the peak season and see the most visitors, including at the nearby beaches. Visit early morning on a weekday during peak season to avoid the crowds. Or visit in the late afternoon, then stay for the sunset at a nearby café.
Legend of Hercules
Legend has it that Hercules rested in this cave before his 11th labor, to obtain golden apples from the garden of Hesperides, located in nearby Lixus. On his way to the garden Hercules had to cross the Atlas Mountains, but instead of doing so, he smashed through them and as a result created the Strait of Gibraltar.
Address: Cape Spartel, Morocco
Admission: Varies
From $ 52
Fez Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
Established in 1438, the Fez Mellah (Jewish Quarter) was the first of its kind in Morocco, a walled Jewish quarter that segregated the Jewish community from the predominant Muslim communities, and was locked during the evening hours to ensure the safety of its residents.
After WWII, the majority of Fez’s Jewish population left, with the quarter’s schools, synagogues and markets falling into disrepair, but a small, yet vibrant Jewish community still remains and the district is being slowly restored thanks to UNESCO funds. For visitors, a walk around the mellah offers a glimpse into one of Fez’s most unique neighborhoods, with contrasting architectural styles to the rest of the old medina. Highlights include the newly restored Ibn Dahan synagogue, which dates back to the 17th-century, the Jewish Cemetery and the Gold souk, as well as a number of quality antique furniture stores.
Practical Info
Fez Mellah (Jewish Quarter) is located in the south of the Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali), close to the Royal Palace.
Address: Mellah, Fez, Morocco
From $ 75
Zaouia de Moulay Idriss II
Built in the 9th-century to house the tomb of Moroccan ruler and city founder Moulay Idriss II, the Zaouia de Moulay Idriss II was completely restored in the 14th century and now stands as the city’s holiest shrine. The shrine is an important place of pilgrimage for Moroccans, who believe that its blessings can bring good luck and fertility.
Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mausoleum, but it’s worth a look if only to admire the elaborate exteriors, including exquisite wooden arches, carved plasterwork and an ornately tiled mzara, where alms are passed through a brass slot. A peek through the door offers a glimpse of the richly decorated tomb, often surrounded by freshly lit candles and incense.
Practical Info
Zaouia de Moulay Idriss II is located in Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali), close to the Tanner’s Quarter.
Address: Fez, Morocco
From $ 15