Choose from 68 Fun Things to Do in Morocco
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 68 listings.
Merzouga
Few places in Morocco offer the epic sunrises and beautiful sunsets found amid the towering sand dunes of the tiny village of Merzouga. Located in the unforgiving Sahara Desert near Erg Chebbi, this quiet destination is known for its iconic views, camel safaris and Berber culture.
Intrepid (and fit) travelers can attempt to climb the massive dunes that surround Merzouga, while less the adventurous embark on a 4x4, motorbike or camel trekking tour. While spotting wildlife in the barren desert landscapes can be a challenge, birders will find plenty of opportunities in spring months when a nearby lake fills with water and attracts rare winged wonders.
Practical Info
Travelers arriving from Marrakech can reach Merzouga via the Atlas Mountains towards Ourzazate. The distance requires an overnight stop or two in one of the nearby towns. The dunes are most easily accessible via Rissani.
Address: Merzouga, Morocco
From $ 17
Museum of Marrakech (Musee de Marrakech)
Housed in the 19th-century Dar Mnebhi Palace, at the heart of the medina, is the Museum of Marrakech (Musee de Marrakech). Founded by Moroccan journalist and activist Omar Benjelloun in 1997, the museum houses a small but impressive collection of Moroccan art and artifacts.
The Basics
Visitors can explore the museum as part of a tour of Mumbai’s highlights, or on a self-guided tour. Tickets include access to the temporary exhibitions, housed in the palace’s old hammam. Highlights of the permanent collection include ceramics, jewels, arms, costumes, calligraphy, and a collection of Judaica, reflecting the diverse cultural history of the city. Also on display is a fascinating series of etchings, which show Morocco over the centuries.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an admission fee to enter the museum.
- Signage within the museum is in Arabic and French only.
- On-site facilities include a café, gift shop, and restrooms.
How to Get There
The museum is located in the souks area of the medina and is best reached on foot; it’s about 15 minutes’ walk from Jemaa el-Fna square. It can be tricky to find your way amid the maze-like lanes of the medina, so it may be best simply to ask for directions to Ben Yousef Madrasa, which is right next door.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 9am to 6:30pm daily, year-round, and although small, it rarely gets crowded.
Marrakech’s Best Museums
Other museums of note are also located in the medina and can be reached on foot from the Museum of Marrakech. The Tiskiwin Museum is a restored riad (a house built around a courtyard) with a large display of North African arts and crafts. The Museum of the Palmery combines stunning gardens with traditional art, and the Photography Museum showcases photos of Marrakech through the ages.
Address: Place Ben Youssef, Marrakech, Morocco
From $ 35
Menara Gardens
Just minutes from the bustling medina of Marrakech, the Menara Gardens offer a tranquil oasis with olive groves, towering palms, and citrus trees. Arranged around a 12th-century pavilion, the botanical gardens feature a large lake and a stunning view of the distant Atlas Mountains.
The Basics
The Menara Gardens are often included on sightseeing tours of Marrakech, and a full-day tour might also visit central attractions such as Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Jemaa el-Fna square. Another popular choice is to combine a stroll around the Menara Gardens with a visit to the equally beautiful Majorelle Garden.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the gardens is free but there is an admission fee for the pavilion, a popular spot for picnicking.
- There are no facilities at the park, so bring everything you need, including water and sunscreen.
- The Menara Gardens are wheelchair accessible.
- Camel rides are sometimes available at the Menara Gardens.
How to Get to There
The Menara Gardens are in the Nouvelle Ville (New Town). A horse-drawn carriage (calèche) from Jemaa el-Fna makes a relaxing journey; alternatively, a taxi will get you there in 10 minutes.
When to Get There
Outside of the pavilion, there is little shade at the Menara Gardens, so it’s best to avoid visiting during the hottest part of the day. For the most beautiful views, time your visit to watch the sunset with a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
History of the Menara Gardens
The Menara Gardens were laid out during the 12th century by Abd al-Mu'min of the Almohad dynasty and initially served as a reservoir, fed by aqueducts. The pavilion was added later, during the Saadi Dynasty in the 16th century, and was used as a summer residence for the royal family into the 19th century.
Address: Avenue la Menara, Marrakech, Morocco
Admission: Free (gardens)
From $ 21
United Nations Place
Marking the boundary between the historic Old Medina and the new town built during the 20th century French rule, United Nations Square is not only one of Casablanca’s busiest public squares, but one of its most important navigational landmarks, fed by many of the city’s principal boulevards. Laid out in 1920 by Joseph Marrast, the former marketplace was initially dubbed La Place de France and along with the nearby Mohamed V Square, forms the nucleus of the modern city center, now linked by the a new tramway.
Despite being encircled by a glut of bank headquarters and office blocks, the square is still an elegant example of urban town planning, with its neat gardens set around a striking central fountain. Additional landmarks of the square include the futuristic Zevaco-designed cupola that frames the underpass, the swish Hyatt Regency hotel and the Anglican Church of St John.
Address: United Nations Place, Casablanca, Morocco
From $ 79
Royal Palace of Casablanca
A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, surrounded by picturesque orange groves and elaborate water features, the Royal Palace of Casablanca is a suitably grand royal abode. Located in the Habous district of the city’s New Medina, this is the King’s principal Casablancan residence and host to a number of important events and royal receptions.
The palace grounds, as with most Moroccan royal residences, are closed to the public, but that doesn’t stop it from being a popular attraction on city tours. If you’re lucky enough to peek through the ornate gates, you might catch a glimpse of the spectacular façade, flanked by a team of uniformed royal guards.
Address: Palais Royal de Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
From $ 69
Sahara Desert
Few places on earth compare to the Sahara Desert, a natural wonder of vast plains and sun-baked dunes that dominates the south and east of Morocco. The world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara stretches a staggering 5.6 million square miles (9 million square kilometers) over several countries. Hemmed in by the Atlas mountain range, the Saharan sands are one of Morocco’s many highlights.
The Basics
Popular Sahara experiences include trekking along ancient trade routes on a camel, sleeping out under the desert stars, and rising at the break of dawn to watch the sunrise over a sea of orange dunes. Most tours visit one of the two most accessible areas: the dunes of Erg Chebbi, close to the town of Merzouga, or Erg Chigaga, near the town of Zagora.
Although day tours are possible from Merzouga, most travelers opt for an overnight camping excursion, trekking out into the desert by camel or 4x4, then spending a night at a traditional Bedouin encampment. From Marrakech or Fez, a 3-day tour often includes a visit to the desert town of Ouarzazate, the Draa Valley, or the Kasbah of Ait-Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously used as a filming location for Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Star Wars.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It takes a full day to reach the Sahara Desert from Marrakech, so a multi-day trip is essential.
- Wear light, long-sleeved clothing to protect against the desert sun and bring a scarf to wrap around your face (the sand can get in your eyes and mouth if there’s a breeze). Pack something warm for the evening—the desert can be cold at night even in summer.
- For camel riding, comfortable trousers and closed-toed shoes are recommended.
- Expect very basic facilities at the desert campsites and no electricity, so bring a flashlight and an extra battery pack for your camera.
- A 4x4 is required for driving in the desert, mountains, and surrounding towns.
How to Get There
The easiest way to experience the Sahara Desert is on a guided tour from Marrakech, Fez, or Merzouga, with round-trip transportation included. Merzouga and Zagora are the gateway towns to the desert dunes. Both routes travel mountain and desert roads and take at least a full day. Buses run to Zagora and Merzouga from Marrakech, but you will still need to take a tour to explore the desert on arrival.
When to Get There
The most popular time for a trip into the Sahara Desert is May through October, but the summer months of June to August can get extremely hot during the day. Visiting in winter (December to February) means that daytime temperatures will be much more pleasant, but it can drop below freezing at night and sandstorms are more frequent.
Camping Out in the Sahara
Spending a night in the Sahara Desert is a cultural experience in itself. As well as watching the stunning desert sunset and sunrise, visitors stay at a traditional Bedouin camp and learn about Berber culture. Most campsites are accessible only by camel or on foot. Upon arrival, guests are treated to traditional Moroccan specialties such as tagine and sweet mint tea, with entertainment including traditional Berber music and dance. Additional activities may include sand boarding and quad-biking excursions.
Address: Marrakech, Morocco
From $ 70
Taghazout Beach
With a prime location on Morocco’s windswept Atlantic coast, just north of Agadir, Taghazout beach has made a name for itself as one of the country’s top surfing destinations. Running for just under four miles (six kilometers), the sandy beach south of Taghazout town is lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and surf shops, with ample opportunities to rent boards, learn to surf or join a beachside yoga class. Numerous surfing outfitters dot the sand, teaching visitors a thing or two about hanging ten.
The best time to catch a wave is between October and April, but surfing and windsurfing are possible all year-round. There are surf spots for all levels, including gentle waves for beginners and some more challenging breaks for seasoned surfers; Hash Point, Panorama, Anchor Point and Killer Point are among the most popular. When you’re ready to spend some time on land, head into the fishing village for a bite at a makeshift cafe on a warm summer night.
Practical Info
Taghazout Beach runs between Tamraght and Taghazout on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) north of Agadir.
Address: Agadir, Morocco
From $ 20
Photography Museum (Maison de la Photographie)
Get a very visual understanding of Morocco by visiting this small, photo-dense museum tucked away on a tiny street in Marrakech’s medina, or old quarter. Housed in a former fondouk—a building to lodge merchants and travelers—the museum’s collection of images highlight life in Morocco over the course of roughly 100 years, from the 1870s to the 1950s.
Not just photos are on display either: you’ll also find glass photographic plates, postcards, and documentaries, including the first color film taken in the High Atlas Mountains. The collective images – of which the museum has thousands --provide a thought-provoking and visually intriguing overview of the country’s culture and history, especially as it relates to its Berber people.
A relatively small venue, the Photography Museum spans several floors, on top of which sits a rooftop terrace. It is there that visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of Marrakech and even the Atlas Mountains beyond. The rooftop is also home to a café, so to take full advantage of your visit, plan to stop for a snack or even light lunch at this delightful and scenic spot.
Practical Info
The Photography Museum is located not far from the Medersa Ben Youssef College. The museum is open daily, and children under 12 enter for free.
Address: 46, rue Ahal Fes, Marrakech, Morocco
Hours: Daily 9:30am-7pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 40
Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral
All too often overshadowed by the magnificence of the Hassan II Mosque, the Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral is an important center of worship for Morocco’s Roman Catholic population and serves as a striking example of Casablanca’s modern architecture.
Built in 1954 by architect Achille Dangleterre, the cathedral’s imposing white concrete façade looks more like a warehouse than a church and a simple white cross is the only hint to its purpose. Step inside however, and the cathedral’s popularity becomes obvious – a dazzling kaleidoscope of floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows. Painstakingly crafted by French glassmaker Gabriel Loire, the masterpiece includes an incredible 800 square meters of glass and many visitors to the church come solely to admire its artistry.
Practical Info
The Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral is located just northwest of the Habous Quarter in central Casablanca and is open daily. Entrance is free.
Address: Casablanca, Morocco
Hours: Daily
From $ 69
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
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
Kasbah of the Udayas
On your visit to Rabat’s medina, take a few steps farther north to explore the 12th-century Kasbah of the Udayas, the city’s oldest quarter, which was built during the Almohad dynasty. Also called Kasbah les Oudaias, the tightly packed neighborhood has evolved through the centuries, with many of its signature, whitewashed and blue-based houses built by Moroccan refugees from Spain during the 16th century.
Today, there are many highlights to behold during a visit to Rabat’s wall- and tower-surrounded Kasbah. Entrance through the grand 12th-century Almohad gate of Bab Oudaia hints at the discoveries to come, including a walk down the neighborhood’s main street Rua Jamaa and past the city’s oldest mosque, El Atiqa; a visit to the palace-located Museum of Oudayas; and especially the unparalleled views of the river and sea (and inviting shoreline), best taken in from the various terraces.
Practical Info
Though the neighborhood can be explored guide-free, be advised that unofficial guides (especially located at the Bab Oudaia gate) may try to convince you otherwise. Therefore if you wish to explore the Kasbah with an expert, be sure to book a trusted guide in advance.
Address: Morocco
From $ 51
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
Majorelle Garden (Jardin Majorelle)
With its bold blue color scheme, towering palms, and gigantic cacti, set around pools of water lilies and gardens filled with exotic plants, the Majorelle Garden (Jardin Majorelle) is one of the most idyllic spots in Marrakech. Owned by designer Yves Saint Laurent, it’s also one of the city’s most visited attractions.
The Basics
A stroll through the Majorelle Garden is a highlight of sightseeing tours and a welcome change from the busy medina. Visit as part of a full-day tour that includes the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs, followed by lunch in Jemaa el-Fna square and shopping in the souks. Alternatively, combine a visit with a camel ride through the Marrakech Palmeraie, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the medina, or a tour of Menara Gardens.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an admission charge for both the garden and museum.
- Visitor facilities include a café, museum bookshop, and gift shop.
- The garden and museum are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Majorelle Garden is in the Nouvelle Ville (New Town) and can be reached in less than 10 minutes by taxi from Jemaa el-Fna.
When to Get There
Majorelle Garden is open daily. October through April, the hours are 8am to 5:30pm; May through September, the gardens are open 8am to 6pm. The shady gardens offer a chance to escape the midday heat, but the narrow walkways can get crowded by 11am. To avoid the crowds, visit first thing—the softer morning light is also best for photos.
Yves Saint Laurent and the Majorelle Garden
The Majorelle Garden was founded by French painter Jacques Majorelle during the early 20th century, and it opened to the public in 1947. After Majorelle’s death, the garden fell into disrepair until 1980, when it was purchased and restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. Saint Laurent’s ashes were scattered in the garden after his death in 2008.
Address: Avenue Yacoub el Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
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
Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret
The largest and most famous of Marrakech’s many mosques, Koutoubia Mosque is also the city’s most prominent navigational landmark. Just a short stroll from Djemaa el Fna square, the mosque’s soaring minaret stands proud at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina.
The Basics
Whether you’re exploring the medina on a walking or bike tour, sightseeing with a private guide, or visiting Marrakech on a day trip from Casablanca or Agadir, a photo stop at the Koutoubia Mosque is a must. Combine a stroll around the mosque’s beautiful grounds with a visit to the bustling Djemaa el Fna square, shopping in the souks, or other popular attractions such as Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The mosque interiors are only open to Muslim visitors, but the exterior grounds and gardens are open to all.
- The surrounding park has plenty of shady areas and benches, making it a great spot to take a break from sightseeing.
- The mosque grounds are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
It’s impossible to miss Koutoubia Mosque. Wherever you are in the medina, look up and you’ll spot the mosque’s distinctive minaret. Buses and taxis stop right outside the mosque, or walk two minutes southwest of Djemaa el Fna square.
When to Get There
The mosque is busiest during prayer times, and the call to prayer can be heard all around the medina. For the most atmospheric photos, arrive in time for sunset or ride past in a caleche (horse-drawn carriage) at night, when the minaret is dramatically floodlit.
Architecture of Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the most influential buildings in the Muslim world. Buildings from the Hassan II Mosque in Rabat to La Giralda in Seville, Spain, echo Koutoubia Mosque’s intricate geometric stone work, graceful arches, and imposing square minaret. The 220-foot (61-meter) minaret is the star attraction. It’s the highest point in the city, and local laws even prevent any building from exceeding its height.
Address: Avenue Mohammed V, Marrakech, Morocco
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Saadian Tombs
Constructed by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur during the 16th century, the Saadian Tombs are home to more than 200 crypts belonging to members of the Saadian dynasty. The magnificent mausoleums are renowned for their lavish design, featuring stunning zellige tiles, exquisite woodwork, and gold and marble embellishments.
The Basics
With a prime location, just a short stroll from El Badi Palace, the Saadian Tombs make a popular stop on Marrakech city tours, as well as day trips to Marrakech from cities such as Essaouira or Casablanca. Visitors can explore the two mausoleums—including the Hall of Twelve Columns, which houses the tomb of Ahmad el-Mansur—and stroll the beautiful gardens, where the centerpiece is the grand tomb of Sultan Ahmad el-Mansur’s mother.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an admission fee to visit the Saadian tombs.
- There is little information available in English at the site, so visiting with a guide is recommended.
- Plan at least an hour to visit the tombs.
- The site is wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
The Saadian Tombs are located at the southern end of Marrakech’s medina, close to the Mellah Jewish Quarter and El Badi Palace. The site can be reached on foot from Jemaa el-Fna (15 minutes), by taxi, or by horse-drawn carriage (calèche). The entrance is on the south side of the Moulay El Yazid Mosque.
When to Get There
The tombs are open daily. It’s best to visit early to avoid the crowds. Tour groups begin arriving at 10am, and there is often a line for tickets. The tombs also close daily from 12pm until 2:30pm.
The Medina of Marrakech
The Saadian Tombs are part of Marrakech’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina, the walled old town at the heart of the city, and medina tours often include a visit to the tombs. Additional highlights of the medina include the ruins of El Badi Palace, another of Sultan Ahmad el-Mansur’s masterpieces; the opulent Bahia Palace; Ben Youssef Madrasa; and Koutoubia Mosque.
Address: Rue de la Kasbah, Marrakech, Morocco
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Mount Toubkal
When you think of the Sahara, Northern Africa, or the sunny Moroccan plains, things like snow, ice, and crampons usually aren’t part of the picture. When climbing Mount Toubkal, however, conditions quickly go from hot to brisk, mountainside cold. Towering 13,751 feet above sea level, Mount Toubkhal is not only the highest mountain in central Morocco, but also the highest in the Atlas Range and all of Northern Africa. It’s a trail that’s accessible all year round to a wide range of hikers, and is more of a long, very steep stroll as opposed to a technical climb.
Trips begin from the town of Imlil about an hour south of Marrakech, where temperatures can still be blazingly hot despite the hillside perch. By the end of the first day of walking, however, the trail levels out at Toukbal Refuge near 10,000 feet elevation, where the air is suddenly crisp, cool, and a welcome break from the heat. Reaching the summit means rising early—often well before dawn—for the final, 3,000 foot vertical climb on a steep, scree-laden slope. Going up is often easier than down, though the view from the top is more than worth the six hour round trip climb. Finally, while climbing the mountain in two days is possible, most hikers break the journey up into a slower, three day climb.
Practical Info
The drive from Marrakech to the base camp at Imlil takes about an hour and 15 minutes. November-May can have winter conditions where ice axe and crampons are required, though the route is still a straightforward walk as opposed to climbing with ropes.
Address: Morocco
From $ 46
Meknes
The youngest of Morocco’s four imperial cities, Meknes makes a less-crowded alternative to nearby Fez or Rabat, and the comparative lack of tourists means you’ll be able to explore free from the chaotic pace and over-zealous vendors of its neighbors. Don’t let its lesser fame stop you from visiting though—Meknes’ striking landscape of palaces, gardens and mosques is well deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Start your tour at the Place el-Hadim, the lively central square that fronts the grand city walls, and then explore the walled medina, with its winding souks and array of architectural gems. Sultan Moulay Ismail erected many of the city’s most impressive buildings and his most fanciful designs include the monumental gate of Bab Mansour, the Koubba el Khayatine Ambassador’s Hall and the Heri el Souani stables. The opulent Tomb of Moulay Ismail is another fitting tribute to his legacy, while additional attractions of Meknes include the Museum of Moroccan Arts, the ornate Grand Mosque and the Madrassa Bou Inania.
Practical Info
Meknès is located around 70 km west of Fez in northern Morocco.
Address: Meknes, Morocco
From $ 23
Volubilis
Stretching along the high Jebel Zerhoun plateau in northern Morocco and blooming with wildflowers throughout the summer months, the Roman ruins of Volubilis are a striking sight. Renowned as the best-preserved ruins in Northern Africa, the archaeological site offers a unique glimpse into ancient Morocco and makes a popular day trip from nearby Meknes or Fez.
Initially founded as a Carthaginian settlement in the 3rd century B.C., Volubilis became an important Roman town from around 25 BC and later, the administrative center of the province of Mauretania Tingitana, producing and exporting commodities like grain and olive oil to Rome. Today, the ruins are conserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site and feature the ruins of a series of houses, temples, olive mills and public buildings, surrounded by the remnants of the city defense walls. The most notable highlights include the beautifully preserved Triumphal Arch of Caracalla, built to commemorate the death of the Roman Emperor in 217 AD and a series of exquisite mosaics preserved in situ.
Address: Road to Volubilis, Morocco
From $ 1,520