🇲🇦 Top 10 Things to Do in Morocco: The Ultimate 2026 Bucket List
- laurentobin20051
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 29
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Morocco is more than a destination; it’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. Whether you're navigating 1,000-year-old medinas or glamping under a billion stars in the Sahara, 2026 is the year to see the "Kingdom of Light."
1. Get Lost in the Marrakech Medina
The "Red City" is the beating heart of Moroccan tourism. Start at Jemaa el-Fnaa, which transforms from a market by day into the world’s largest open-air restaurant by night.
Pro Tip: For 2026, skip the crowded ground floors and head to a rooftop like Le Grand Balcon to watch the sunset over the chaos with a mint tea in hand.
2. Spend a Night in a Sahara Luxury Camp
No trip is complete without the dunes of Merzouga (Erg Chebbi).
The Experience: Trek into the dunes by camel at sunset, then spend the night in a luxury tent featuring real beds and hot showers. In 2026, stargazing sessions with local nomadic guides are the top-rated desert activity.
3. Wander the Blue Streets of Chefchaouen
Tucked into the Rif Mountains, the "Blue Pearl" is a photographer's dream. Every door and alleyway is painted in shades of azure and indigo.
Don't Miss: A short hike to the Spanish Mosque at sunset for a panoramic view of the blue city glowing against the mountain peaks.
4. Experience Medieval History in Fes
Fes is the intellectual and spiritual soul of Morocco. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, is the largest car-free urban area in the world.
Must See: The Chouara Tannery, where leather is still dyed in stone vats using methods unchanged since the 11th century.
5. Marvel at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
One of the few mosques open to non-Muslims, this architectural masterpiece sits right on the Atlantic Ocean. Its retractable roof and glass floor (which looks down into the sea) make it a 2026 "Global Top 100" attraction.
6. Hike the High Atlas Mountains
For adventure seekers, the village of Imlil is the gateway to Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
Low Impact Option: If you aren't a climber, take a gentle walk through the walnut groves to a local Berber village for a traditional homestay lunch.
7. Discover the "Wind City" of Essaouira
This coastal gem offers a relaxed alternative to Marrakech. Known for its white-and-blue medina and fresh seafood, it’s a hub for kitesurfing and world-class art galleries.
8. Step Onto a Movie Set at Ait Ben Haddou
This UNESCO-protected "ksar" (fortified village) is made of red mud bricks and has served as the backdrop for Gladiator and Game of Thrones. It is a stunning example of Southern Moroccan architecture.
9. Relax in a Traditional Hammam
A Moroccan spa day is a cultural rite of passage. Experience a full-body scrub with black soap (savon noir) and eucalyptus steam. For 2026, eco-friendly luxury hammams are the biggest trend in wellness travel.
10. Explore the Roman Ruins of Volubilis
Proof that Morocco’s history spans millennia. These exceptionally well-preserved ruins feature intricate floor mosaics that depict Roman myths, set against a backdrop of rolling olive groves.
What to wear in Morocco, your essential packing check list
1. The "Modesty First" Essentials
Morocco is a conservative country. While you don't need to cover your hair (except in mosques), covering your shoulders and knees is a sign of respect that often leads to better interactions with locals.
The Oversized Linen Button-Down: The ultimate 2026 staple. Wear it over a tank top during the day for sun protection, or button it up for the Medina.
Maxi & Midi Dresses: Flowy fabrics are your best friend. They allow airflow in the 35°C heat while keeping you covered.
Wide-Leg Culottes: Better than jeans! They are "wind-friendly" (unlike short skirts) and look chic with a simple tee.
A "Carry-Everywhere" Scarf: A lightweight silk or cotton scarf is a multi-tool. Use it for:
Covering your head in a mosque.
A makeshift headwrap in a Sahara sandstorm.
Shoulder coverage when the sun is too intense.
2. Sahara & Atlas Mountain Add-ons
The biggest mistake travelers make is forgetting that Morocco gets cold at night.
The Packable Puffer: If you’re heading to the High Atlas or the desert in 2026, a lightweight down jacket is essential for those 5°C nights.
Closed-Toe Shoes: You’ll want sneakers for the uneven cobbles of Fes and sturdy boots if you’re hiking Toubkal. Avoid flip-flops in the Medinas (the streets aren't always the cleanest!).
Polarized Sunglasses: The desert glare is real.
3. Wellness & Beauty (The Eco-Kit)
Solid Toiletries: Save space and plastic. Bring a shampoo bar and solid perfume—perfect for those smaller Riad bathrooms.
Mineral SPF: Protect your skin and the environment. Look for a tint to get that "Sahara Glow" without heavy makeup.
Reusable Water Bottle with Filter: Tap water isn't safe to drink in Morocco. A bottle with a built-in filter (like LifeStraw) is a game-changer for eco-conscious travelers.
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