In the country of colors, apart from the must-see attractions, you will find beautiful gardens, neighborhoods, fortresses and palaces to fill your photographic canvas with more Moroccan images. From the red Marrakech to the capital city of Rabat and from mazy Fez to the blue city of Chefchaouen, there are more attractions in Morocco that wait for you to explore them. Meet the new city of Fez and watch the art of copper-forging at the Seffarine Square. Reach the waterfalls of Akchour and cross God’s Bridge, while if you have more time visit the palaces of Fez and Marrakech or enjoy an art walk in the streets of Rabat.

Discover more attractions in Morocco

The Royal Palace of Fez is an attraction worth visiting just to witness the contrast between wealth and poverty in the city. Unfortunately, you can admire it only from the outside, as it is the home of the king, when he visits the city. The main points of interest are the enormous square and the seven golden gates, which become glaring when the sunlight falls on them. Its architecture is admirable, while their grandeur and imposing bearing will take you on a journey like some other…Aladdin.

Suggested visit time: 20-30 minutes
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The Golden Gates are so bright because they are shined with lemon juice!

After you visit the palace with the golden gates, take a walk around the once royal Jnan Sbil Gardens. They may be located outside the Medina of Fez, but they make for the perfect place for some rest as they do not follow its frenzied rhythm. The small green oasis has been renovated and it is recommended for walks under tall palm trees, oaks, bamboo and next to creeks, fountains, blossomed flowers, ducks as well as the large pond. Apart from the green landscape, which is hard to come by in Morocco’s cities, the gardens stand out for their cleanliness and safety.

Small Tips: The main entrance is on Moulay Hassan Street. Picnics are not allowed!

Suggested visit time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Open: Every day 08:00-19:30 except Monday
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The ancient watermill inside the gardens used to be the power-source of Fez!

Walking in the Medina of Fez you will come across the towering minaret of Bou Inania Madrasa. Inside, and more specifically in its yard, the architecture, zellige tiles and, of course, its minaret steal the show! It is not by chance that National Geographic has taken one of its most beautiful photographs there. Make sure you visit it at the opening so that you can admire it without many people around.

Note: Madrasa is the school where the Islamic religion is taught!

Suggested visit time: 30 minutes
Open: Every day 08:00-18:00
Cost: around 1€

 The know-it-all says: It is the only Madrasa with a minaret in Fez!

Outside the walls of Fez’s Medina you will find a place, which offers a unique perspective of the city from…above. The newly-renovated Borj Nord fortress, built on the city’s north hill, is the best spot from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of Fez, away from the tourist crowds. The fortress now operates as a weapons museum, with the most important exhibit being the five-meter long canon that weighs 12 tons. Visit it during the sunset and walk up to the Merenid Tombs for spectacular pictures.

Suggested visit time: 40 minutes-1 hour
Open: Every day 08:30-12:00 & 14:30-18:30 Closed: Every Monday
Cost: around 1€

 The know-it-all says: The museum’s collection includes 5,000 exhibits!

The former capital of Morocco is divided in three areas, the old town of Fez el-Bali with the chaotic Medina, the new town of Fez el-Jdid and the district of Ville Nouvelle or simply the New Fez. The Ville Nouvelle district is the most modern among the three, with large streets, malls, parks, restaurants, hotels, apartment buildings and luxurious cars. An image that is in complete contrast with the cobbled streets, loaded donkeys and noise of the souks, of the other two areas. Take a walk along and around the large avenue Ave Hassan II to see how the present is combined with the past.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The district of Ville Nouvelle is the newest part of Fez as it was built in 1916!

The Al-Attarine Madrasa is another religious school that is worth visiting in Fez. “The school of perfumes” is located at the starting point of the spices and perfumes markets, to which it owes its name. The madrasa is a lot like Bou Inania while it is also another excellent example of Islamic architecture. The simple rooms of the students come to total contrast with the decorated yard, the elaborate carved walls and colorful tiles. It is worth noting that, even though it is at the heart of the bustling labyrinth of the Medina, inside the school total quiet is prevalent.

Suggested visit time: 30-40 minutes
Open: Every day 08:00-18:00
Cost: around 1€

 The know-it-all says: On the floor you will never see as intricate tiles as those on the walls, as they are considered too sacred for someone to be stepping on them!

Chefchaouen

At the Rif Mountains, 30 kilometers outside of Chefchaouen, there is a small heaven for nature and hiking lovers. The Akchour waterfalls are the Moroccans’ favorite place for daily trips and dives in the cold waters. A lush trail next to the river will lead you at first to the small waterfall (20m), while if you go on you will reach the largest and most impressive waterfall (100m). Although hiking lasts for about two hours, it is very easy, while at many points you will find restaurants and cafés to recharge your batteries with some traditional tajine or some mint tea.

Small Tip: In order to find them you must cross the bridge and take the left trail (otherwise you will end up at God’s Bridge).

Suggested visit time: 4-5 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The Rif Mountains have the most rainfalls than any other area in Morocco (more than 2,000mm)!

Apart from the Akchour waterfalls, the Rif Mountains hide another geological miracle that is called the God’s Bridge. It is a red, high (25m) bridge that connects the two sides of the valley and crosses over emerald waters and small waterfalls. You can admire it from the ground and swim in the small ponds, or cross it and turn back, passing by the waterfalls (double time). The route is easier and lasts around 40 minutes, while it is worth visiting it during the sunrise or the sunset in order to capture breath-taking images.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: It attracts 120,000 visitors yearly!

The Spanish Mosque is 45 minutes away from the Medina of Chefchaouen, on the top of a hill. The abandoned mosque has been recently renovated, while the reason that hundreds of people visit it daily is the stunning panoramic view of the blue city, the mountaintops of Rif and the surrounding area. The Spanish Mosque is the ideal location to take your pictures with the blue pearl at the background. Visit it during the sunset to see the sun fade behind the mountaintops.

Suggested visit time: 1.5-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The mosque was never in operation!

Rabat

The Andalusian Gardens are located inside the Kasbah des Udayas and are referred to as a place for rest and endless conversations. In its lush green space you will find many plants, exotic trees and bushes. But the biggest attraction will be wandering around your feet and it is none other than the many cats that the Gardens host. From the Andalusian Gardens you have direct access to the Café Maure, where you can enjoy your tea with a view of the Atlantic, Rabat’s marina and the city of Salé.

Suggested visit time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Open: Sunrise-Sunset
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The Andalusian Gardens have been constructed according to the description of heaven in the Qur’an!

After you drink some hot mint tea at the Café Maure, go for a walk at the marina of Rabat and from there board a traditional boat. The boatman will recommend two routes, a ride in the Oued Bou Regreg River or a boat-ride to the city of Salé. On the first route you will fill your camera with images of the Moroccan capital, the imposing Udayas castle and the waters of the Atlantic. The second route will lead you to Rabat’s twin city, Salé. This city is picturesque, while its Medina and souks are more interesting than the ones of Rabat.

Suggested visit time: 10 minutes-40 minutes
Open: Sunrise-Sunset
Cost: Crossing to the opposite side: Around 0.25€, Ride in the river: price upon negotiation

 The know-it-all says: Salé was known as a lair of dangerous pirates!

Are you ready to try something different, leaving behind tourist guides and the common trails? Get ready for a Street Art Walk, outside the walls of Rabat. The city, during the last few years, has been converted into an outdoor art gallery, in light of the Jidar – Toiles De Rue Festival, which was organized in 2015. Back then, locals and international artists were called to draw images of everyday life in their own way. Walk as much as you can and try to decode the message that the graffiti want to get across.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: Since 2015 more and more festivals are being organized that attract artists from all over the world!

The Nouzhat Hassan Gardens are located between the old and the new city of Rabat. Inside 40 acres of greenery the locals find a cool refuge on hot days, relaxing with their families. There you have the chance to walk next to rare plants, sit on retro benches, feed the ducks and pass under tunnels made of pine trees from the Canary Islands. The Nouzhat Gardens might be the largest and oldest of the capital, but they are not as impressive as the Andalusian, which are located on the other side of the city.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Every day 07:00-19:00
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The garden was designed by the architect Marcel Zaborsky, of the National School of Landscape Architecture in Versailles!

Marrakech

In the area of Kasbah, next to the homonymous mosque, there is one of the most famous attractions in Marrakech, the Saadian Tombs. The royal mausoleum of the Saadi dynasty was discovered by accident and was renovated with much caution. 66 members of the family are buried in tombs with carved domes or intricate tiles, depending on their position and level of power. What steals impressions is the room with the twelve marble columns and the luxury befitting a royal tomb. The necropolis is harmoniously surrounded by rose gardens, palm trees, bougainvilleas and rosemary (!).

Suggested visit time: 20-30 minutes
Open: Every day 08:30-11:45 & 14:30-17:45
Cost: Around 7€

 The know-it-all says: At the Kasbah mosque there is a secret gate that leads to the tombs!

The Majorelle Gardens are located in the new city of Marrakech, in a quiet area. The gardens divide many. On one hand, you have the expensive ticket and limited space and on the other hand the rare plants and incomparable aesthetic, inspired by the great designer YSL. In the gardens prevail the blue Majorelle color and, of course, green! Apart from the rare cacti, plants and fish, in the space you will find the Berber museum, the Boutique and the Café Majorelle, as well as the Museum of Yves Saint Laurent (extra cost).

Tip: Visitors are many and the space is limited, so visit it at the opening

Suggested visit time: 1-1.5 hours
Open: Every day 08:00-17:30
Cost: Gardens General entrance 7€, Children <12 years old free, Students 3.5€. Museum YSL General entrance 3€, Children <12 years old free, Students 2.5€

 The know-it-all says: The blue Majorelle color was created exclusively for YSL!

Another palace worth visiting in Marrakech is the El Badi Palace (the palace of the miracle). It is located close to the Saadian Tombs and it used to be the largest and most beautiful palace in the entire Morocco. Nowadays, it looks pretty abandoned, while only by the ruins you can grasp the size of the once glorious royal complex. Tour the “open” rooms with the characteristic tiles, cross the enormous pool, photograph the storks (the only remaining residents) and get lost inside the maze. Before you leave, go up to the rooftop for an excellent panoramic view of the palace and the red city.

Suggested visit time: 1-1.5 hours
Open: Every day 09:00-17:00
Cost: Around 7€

 The know-it-all says: It is estimated that it had more than 350 luxurious rooms!

For a few breaths of cool air under the hot sun of Marrakech, visit the Menara Gardens. The botanical gardens are next to the airport and daily attract locals and visitors, offering them many moments of relaxation. You will notice that they are unusual gardens, as they consist of large orchards with various citruses and olive trees! After you have rested under their shades, sit on the lake’s platform and enjoy a postcard-like scenery, with the palace and the snow-clad mountaintops of Atlas (during the winter months) as the protagonists.

Suggested visit time: 20-30 minutes
Open: Every day 08:00-Sunset
Cost: Gardens: Free Palace: around 7€

 The know-it-all says: A 700-year-old plumbing system with underground channels brings water from the mountains of Atlas to the lake (crossing 30km)!

The Bahia Palace, otherwise the palace of glory, will transport you to another side of Marrakech that reminds nothing of the Medina’s poverty. It has 160 different rooms and stretches across 80,000m². The stained glass windows, carved ceilings, the yard with the mosaic floor and the gardens, will quickly make you forget its empty rooms. Even though entrance is allowed to only a part of it, it is enough to make you grasp the glory and power of the royal families.

Suggested visit time: 1-1.5 hours
Open: Every day 09:00-16:30
Cost: Around 7€

 The know-it-all says: It took 15 years for it to be constructed!

 

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