Morocco in 1 Week - Itinerary & Things to Do

🤩 My reflection

Morocco is such a unique culture... It’s somewhat similar to the Middle East in some ways, with its bazaars, religion, and food, but also feels very different at the same time. What you leave with is a rich mix of cultures, regions, sights, patterns, and flavors. One moment you’re in the desert riding a camel and sleeping under the stars, another moment enjoying delicious tagines on a rooftop in Marrakech, another bargaining your way through the souks in Fez, and then trying to trace scenes from the movie in Casablanca.

In this guide, you’ll find a week-long Morocco itinerary covering Fez, Chefchaouen, the Erg Chebbi desert, Marrakech, and Casablanca, including must-see sights, must-eat food, and practical travel tips.

🔍 Trip overview

• Day 1: Fez - Arrive in Fez and explore the royal palace, Mellah, and the old medina with its madrasas, souks, and tannery, ending with dinner in a riad. Spend the night in Fez.

• Day 2: Chefchaouen – Day trip to Chefchaouen to wander the blue streets, visit the Kasbah and main square, and enjoy viewpoints before returning to Fez. Spend the night in Fez.

• Day 3: Sahara  – Drive through the Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley to Merzouga, ride camels into the desert, and sleep in a camp. Spend the night in a Sahara desert camp.

• Day 4: Sahara – Watch the desert sunrise, travel through the Atlas Mountains, arrive in Marrakech, have dinner. Spend the night in Marrakech.

• Day 5: Marrakech – Explore palaces, tombs, gates, souks, and Jemaa el-Fnaa, ending with dinner in the medina. Spend the night in Marrakech.

• Day 6: Marrakech – Visit Majorelle, YSL Museum, Dar El Bacha, and Ben Youssef Madrasa, then rooftop dinner. Spend the night in Marrakech.

• Day 7: Casablanca – See Hassan II Mosque, walk the Corniche, explore the medina and Habous, end with dinner and drinks. Spend the night in Casablanca.

✍🏻 Itinerary

The order of each day is designed as a walking route, so you can follow it directly.

Day 1: Fez

• Royal Palace of Fez (Dar al-Makhzen) – massive golden gates and exterior landmark of the royal residence, not open inside but one of the most impressive façades in Fez

• Mellah – historic Jewish quarter of Fez, known for its different architecture, wider streets, and quieter atmosphere compared to the main medina

• Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate) – main entrance into the medina and iconic starting point with blue and green tilework marking the old city

• Bou Inania Madrasa – one of the most beautiful Marinid-era schools in Morocco, famous for its carved cedar wood, stucco, and detailed zellij tilework

Break at Cafe Clock – cultural café known for its famous clock (a symbol inside the space), relaxed rooftop atmosphere

• Talaa Street (Talaa Kebira & Seghira) – main spine of the medina, a long sloping street filled with shops, local life, and constant movement

• Nejjarine Fountain – richly decorated mosaic fountain located in a lively artisan square and one of the most photographed spots in Fez

• Funduq al-Najjariyyin – historic merchant inn (caravanserai) that reflects traditional Fez trade architecture and courtyard design

• Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts – museum inside a restored caravanserai showcasing traditional Moroccan woodwork, tools, and craftsmanship

• Attarine Madrasa – small but highly refined Islamic school known for its intimate scale and extremely detailed decoration

• Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University – spiritual and intellectual heart of Fez and one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world

• Place Seffarine – open square filled with copper artisans actively hammering metal, creating one of the most atmospheric craft scenes in the medina

• Chouara Tannery – iconic leather dye pits where hides are processed using traditional methods; best experienced from rooftop terraces above

Dinner at Dar Roumana

Accommodation at Fes

Bonus location if you have the time:

Borj Sud / panoramic viewpoint (10- 15 min walk uphill) – Best wide-angle view over the entire medina rooftops (this is your “wow Fez photo”)

Day 2: Chefchaouen

A day tour from Fez (Around 4 hours from Fez to Chefchaouen)

• Bab El Ain / Medina Entrance Gate – main entry point into Chefchaouen’s blue medina area and natural starting access into the old town

• Chefchaouen Medina – overall blue-washed old town filled with narrow alleys, staircases, and hidden corners; the main experience is wandering without a fixed route

• Souika Quarter (Blue Alleys) – the most photogenic part of the medina, known for narrow blue streets, flower pots, stairways, and iconic Instagram spots (fully inside the medina)

• Kasbah Museum of Chefchaouen – restored fortress with a small museum, gardens, and a tower with views over the medina

Break at Plaza Uta el-Hammam – main square of the medina with cafés, restaurants, and relaxed atmosphere

• Local artisan souks – small traditional shops selling woven blankets, wool garments, leather goods, and handmade crafts

• Grand Mosque Chefchaouen – central mosque next to the main square with its distinctive octagonal minaret

Dinner back in Fes at Dar Hatim

Accommodation at Fes

Bonus location if you have the time:

Spanish Mosque (Mosquée Bouzâafar) – hilltop viewpoint reached by a 30–45 minute hike, offering the best sunset panoramic view over the entire blue city

Ras El Maa Waterfall – small natural spring at the edge of the medina where locals gather and wash clothes; peaceful break from the blue streets

Day 3:  Desert

2-day tour with below stops:

• Ifrane Lion Statue – famous stone lion monument in the “Switzerland of Morocco,” a quick photo stop in the alpine-style town

• Ifrane National Park (Cedar Forest / Barbary Macaques area) – cedar forest where you can see wild Barbary macaques (often called monkey forest)

• Middle Atlas Mountains / Azrou – scenic drive through cedar forests and mountain landscapes with Berber villages

• Ziz Valley – dramatic palm-filled canyon with long oasis views and one of the most scenic driving stretches in Morocco

• Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes) – arrival point at the edge of the Sahara with massive sand dunes

• Camel ride into Erg Chebbi dunes – desert trek on camels across the sand dunes toward your desert camp

• Sahara desert camp (Merzouga) – overnight stay in Berber-style tents with dinner, music, and desert atmosphere under the stars

Accommodation at Desert Camp

Day 4: Desert

2-day tour with below stops:

• Sahara Desert Camp (Merzouga / Erg Chebbi) – overnight camp in the dunes where you wake up surrounded by the Sahara

• Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes – early morning desert sunrise viewed directly from the camp area

• Breakfast at desert camp – traditional breakfast served in the camp before departure

• Camel ride back to Merzouga base – return ride across the dunes from the camp back to the meeting point

• Merzouga → Atlas road trip – long drive out of the Sahara heading toward the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech

• Arrival in Marrakech – end of desert journey and arrival in the city in the afternoon/evening

Dinner in Marrakech at Café Des Épices – rooftop restaurant in the Marrakech medina, popular for sunset views over the old city rooftops

Accommodation at Marrakech

Bonus location if you have the time: I would have loved to see it, but it’s hard to do on a 2-day trip (I think you need a 3-day desert tour for this).

• Aït Benhaddou – UNESCO ksar (fortified village) and famous film location

• Atlas Studios – large film studio used for Hollywood desert movies

• Kasbah Taourirt – historic fortified kasbah in Ouarzazate

• Ouarzazate City – desert gateway city known as the “Hollywood of Africa”

Day 5: Marrakech

• Bahia Palace – early morning visit (best before crowds); ornate courtyards, tilework, and palace gardens

• The Mellah – historic Jewish quarter with synagogues, old streets, and a quieter traditional neighborhood feel

• Badi Palace – massive ruined palace complex with open courtyards and stork nests; best as a short walk-through and viewpoint stop

• Saadian Tombs – beautifully decorated royal tomb complex from the Saadian dynasty (ticket required, limited hours, closes early afternoon)

• Bab Agnaou – historic gateway into the old city and Kasbah district, one of Marrakech’s most important medieval entrances

• Kasbah Quarter – quieter historic district with old royal and military architecture, less chaotic than central souks

• Koutoubia Mosque – Marrakech’s most iconic landmark with its famous minaret

• Medina (Old Town exploration) – wandering through artisan streets, hidden alleys, and traditional souk areas

• Jemaa el-Fnaa – main square of Marrakech with street food, performers, and constant evening energy

• Souk Semmarine – main artery of the Marrakech souks filled with spices, textiles, leather, and crafts

Dinner at Le Jardin – calm garden restaurant inside the medina, good contrast to the chaos of the souks

Accommodation at Marrakech

Day 6: Marrakech

Morning:

• Jardin Majorelle – iconic blue garden designed by Jacques Majorelle

• Yves Saint Laurent Museum – fashion museum next to Majorelle dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent

Afternoon:

Break at Bacha Coffee – famous historic café inside Dar El Bacha known for its elegant courtyard and specialty Arabica coffees

• Le Jardin Secret – restored riad garden in the medina offering peaceful greenery and architecture

• Ben Youssef Madrasa – one of the most beautiful Islamic schools in Morocco, famous for its geometric design and courtyard

Dinner at L’Mida / M Rooftop – modern rooftop dining with views over the medina, ideal sunset dinner spot

Accommodation at Marrakech

Day 7: Casablanca

Breakfast at Holybrunch

• Hassan II Mosque – the city’s most iconic landmark and one of the largest mosques in the world; non-Muslims can only enter with a guided tour at specific times, so timing matters (dress modestly, guided entry required for interior visit)

• Atlantic Ocean Corniche Walk – coastal promenade walk along the ocean with sea views, cafés, and city skyline scenery

• Old Medina of Casablanca – compact historic quarter with narrow streets, local shops, and a more authentic, less tourist-polished feel

• Place Mohammed V – central colonial-era square surrounded by French architecture and administrative buildings (often included in walking tours)

• Habous Quarter (New Medina) – planned “new medina” built in the French protectorate era, known for artisan shops, bakeries, and calmer streets than the old medina

• Notre-Dame de Lourdes Church – modernist cathedral famous for its stained glass and architecture (often included in Casablanca art-deco tours)

Dinner at La Sqala – traditional restaurant set inside a historic fortress-style garden space near the medina

Drinks at Rick's Café Casablanca – atmospheric restaurant designed after the film Casablanca, popular for drinks and evening ambience

Accommodation at Casablanca

What to Eat in Morocco

• Tagine – Slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices, prepared in a traditional clay pot (I tried this)

• Mint tea – Sweet green tea with fresh mint, served as a symbol of Moroccan hospitality (I tried this)

• Kefta tagine – Meatballs cooked in a rich tomato sauce, often topped with eggs (I tried this)

• Msemen – Flaky, square Moroccan pancake, crispy outside and soft inside, served sweet or savory (I tried this)

• Harira – Hearty soup with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and herbs, especially popular during Ramadan (I tried this)

• Couscous – Steamed semolina grains topped with vegetables, chickpeas, and meat, traditionally eaten on Fridays (I tried this)

• Zaalouk – Smoky eggplant and tomato dip with garlic, olive oil, and spices, served with bread (I tried this)

• Pastilla – Sweet and savory pie made with thin pastry, filled with meat, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar (I tried this)

• Brochettes – Grilled meat skewers, commonly sold as street food (I tried this)

• Berber omelet – Eggs cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, served in a tagine (I tried this)

• Nous nous – Half espresso, half milk, similar to a latte (I tried this)

• Moroccan spiced coffee – Coffee flavored with spices like cinnamon and cardamom

• Mechoui – Slow-roasted lamb, tender and lightly seasoned

• Ktefa – Dessert made with crispy pastry or vermicelli, layered with cream and topped with sugar and almonds

• Fish chermoula – Fish marinated in a mix of herbs, garlic, lemon, and spices, then grilled or baked

📢 Essential tips

Here’s everything you need to plan your week in Morocco:

Best time to visit Morocco

The best time to visit Morocco is in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November), when the weather is warm but comfortable for exploring cities, mountains, and the desert.

What to wear in Morocco

Depends on when you go, Moroccan cities can get very hot. But at the same time, it’s a Muslim country, so it’s better to respect local norms and dress somewhat modestly. This can also matter when visiting religious sites. I usually opted for pants (like thin jeans or lightweight trousers) and a regular short-sleeve t-shirt. On days when I planned to visit a mosque, I also carried a scarf to easily cover my head and shoulders.

How to pay in Morocco

It’s required to have cash and good to have local currency. Euros are sometimes accepted, but the exchange rate is usually not in your favor. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, airports, and nicer restaurants, but in the medinas and street shops, cash is essential.

How to bargain

Bargaining is the norm, and not just for the sake of bargaining. Start at around 40–50% of the initial price and you’ll usually end up somewhere in the middle.

How to commute

For in-city travels - there is no Uber in Morocco, but there is Careem. Careem charged us around €25 to the train station, while regular taxis asked for €120. For the travel between cities - The train network between major cities is quite good. We traveled from Marrakech to Casablanca by train and had a smooth experience.

How safe it feels in Morocco 

I saw many solo women travelers. However, given the high number of men working in the streets and how persistent they can be when trying to sell something, it doesn’t always feel completely comfortable as a woman, especially at night and particularly in Fez or Casablanca (Marrakech felt more touristic and safer). We also experienced some common tricks - like people saying a street is closed and then asking for money to show you the “correct” way. So just be aware.

How locals interact in Morocco

Although people are very nice and chatty, there is often a sales angle. At one point we thought we were just having a friendly conversation, and suddenly found ourselves buying spices in their “recommended” shop.

Where to stay

We booked riads through Booking.com (please check the links below). Most places have very high ratings, so it can be hard to tell which ones are truly great. We were very happy with ours, so you can go ahead with those if you like.

How long to spend desert in Morocco

We needed a 2-day tour that would take us from Fez and drop us off in Marrakech, so there weren’t many options that checked all the boxes. If you have the time, I recommend allocating 3 days for the desert. 2 days feels like too much of a road trip since the distances are quite large, and with 3 days you can also see additional sights that we missed.

What Desert Camps Are Like 

The camp we stayed in was very luxurious; the tent was better than many hotel rooms. It does get quite cold in the evening and at sunrise, so bring a jacket. Friends who stayed in other camps said they were quite cold at night, while ours had heating/AC, so it really depends on the level of comfort of the camp you book.

How to navigate

We usually used Google Maps, and it worked well in all cities except the Fez medina. We did get lost and couldn’t find our hotel at one point, so we had to call them to come pick us up. So try to remember your route like Hansel and Gretel - technology doesn’t help much in Fez.

Where else to go

I got recommendations from two different friends to visit Essaouira. We didn’t have time, but sharing in case you do

🔗 All travel links

Accommodation:

Accommodation in Fes - You can book here

Accommodation in Marrakech - You can book here

Accommodation in Casablanca - You can book here

Tours:

2-Day Desert Tour - Ours is not available anymore, but we booked from here

Chefchaouen day tour from Fez - You can book here

Marrakech walking tour - You can book here

Casablanca Hassan II Mosque Guided Tour - You can book here

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