Initially, Ouarzazate was just a stopover for me on my way to the coast. However, I quickly realised it deserved much more attention. So, is Ouarzazate worth visiting? Often overlooked by travellers, the best things to do in Ouarzazate include many hidden gems and local treasures.
Far from being a bustling city, it offers a peaceful experience with minimal harassment. The locals were kind, gave me tips, taught me about history, or showed me traditional Moroccan recipes.
Ouarzazate also has a rich cinematic history, with many films recorded there or nearby. This unique blend makes it one of the most interesting destinations in my travel itinerary through Morocco. Ready to explore Ouarzazate legacy?
Initially, Ouarzazate was just a stopover for me on my way to the coast. However, I quickly realised it deserved much more attention. So, is Ouarzazate worth visiting? Often overlooked by travellers, the best things to do in Ouarzazate include many hidden gems and local treasures.
Far from being a bustling city, it offers a peaceful experience with minimal harassment. The locals were kind, gave me tips, taught me about history, or showed me traditional Moroccan recipes.
Ouarzazate also has a rich cinematic history, with many films recorded there or nearby. This unique blend makes it one of the most interesting destinations in my travel itinerary through Morocco. Ready to explore Ouarzazate legacy?
The best time to visit Ouarzazate
Located in the arid part of central Morocco, between Marrakech and the Algerian border, most months are ideal for visiting Ouarzazate. However, if you want to enjoy the best things to do in Ouarzazate, a period of the year should be avoided.
The worst months are from May to October. The heat is unbearable, especially from June to August, and it is hard to enjoy the city and its surroundings without losing water litres. During this time, your visit timeframe will also be reduced because of the temperature.
The best months to visit Ouarzazate are from October to April. The weather is ideal, and the days are long enough to allow a deep and complete exploration.
Best time to visit Ouarzazate: October-April
Located in the arid part of central Morocco, between Marrakech and the Algerian border, most months are ideal for visiting Ouarzazate. However, if you want to enjoy the best things to do in Ouarzazate, a period of the year should be avoided.
The worst months are from May to October. The heat is unbearable, especially from June to August, and it is hard to enjoy the city and its surroundings without losing water litres. During this time, your visit timeframe will also be reduced because of the temperature.
The best months to visit Ouarzazate are from October to April. The weather is ideal, and the days are long enough to allow a deep and complete exploration.
Best time to visit Ouarzazate: October-April
How long do you need to explore Ouarzazate in Morocco?
To uncover the local gems, navigate through the best things to do in Ouarzazate, and explore the surroundings you should stay between 4 days and a week in this city. Ouarzazate in Morocco offers a diversity of things to see and experience. Whether you are a nature lover, a curious cook, a people seeker, or something else, there is something for your taste.
Shorter than this amount of time, I assume you don’t have time to understand what makes Ouarzazate a unique destination. It would be hard to grasp its essence and traditions while exploring its surroundings.
Plus, if you are a Slow Traveller, you know the importance of giving yourself the time to appreciate and immerse in your destination. Nothing in this world can be rushed without making some compromises. In the travel world, it would be scratching the surface only of the places you visit. Stay Longer and visit Ouarzazate differently.
To uncover the local gems, navigate through the best things to do in Ouarzazate, and explore the surroundings you should stay between 4 days and a week in this city. Ouarzazate in Morocco offers a diversity of things to see and experience. Whether you are a nature lover, a curious cook, a people seeker, or something else, there is something for your taste.
Shorter than this amount of time, I assume you don’t have time to understand what makes Ouarzazate a unique destination. It would be hard to grasp its essence and traditions while exploring its surroundings.
Plus, if you are a Slow Traveller, you know the importance of giving yourself the time to appreciate and immerse in your destination. Nothing in this world can be rushed without making some compromises. In the travel world, it would be scratching the surface only of the places you visit. Stay Longer and visit Ouarzazate differently.
Where to Stay in Ouarzazate?
I stayed at Afgo Hostel for a very affordable 90 MAD per night. Initially planning to stay for just 2 days, I ended up extending my stay to 5 days, thanks to the wonderful atmosphere. Each day starts with a delicious breakfast, included in the price, with the Berber omelette being a highlight.
The friendly staff and their cooking classes provided one of my best memories in Morocco. Plus, the beds are comfortable, and there is a kitchen for guests. However, I recommend avoiding the June-August period due to the extreme heat, which can make sleeping difficult.
Where to stay in Ouarzazate: Afgo Hostel
I stayed at Afgo Hostel for a very affordable 90 MAD per night. Initially planning to stay for just 2 days, I ended up extending my stay to 5 days, thanks to the wonderful atmosphere. Each day starts with a delicious breakfast, included in the price, with the Berber omelette being a highlight.
The friendly staff and their cooking classes provided one of my best memories in Morocco. Plus, the beds are comfortable, and there is a kitchen for guests. However, I recommend avoiding the June-August period due to the extreme heat, which can make sleeping difficult.
Where to stay in Ouarzazate: Afgo Hostel
Best Things to Do in Ouarzazate
Top local things to do in Ouarzazate
Visit the Kasbah
The Taourirt Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the best things to do in Ouarzazate. The architecture is splendid, and feels like you have stepped into a new dimension. This ancient fortress, once the residence of the Glaoui family, showcases intricate architecture and offers a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history.
The entrance costs 15 MAD, and a visit with an official guide is 20-30 MAD. This last option is worth it and offers precious insights into local lifestyle, art, and legends. However, be aware of higher prices. They are often false guides, one of the biggest Moroccan scam for tourist.
The Taourirt Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the best things to do in Ouarzazate. The architecture is splendid, and feels like you have stepped into a new dimension. This ancient fortress, once the residence of the Glaoui family, showcases intricate architecture and offers a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history.
The entrance costs 15 MAD, and a visit with an official guide is 20-30 MAD. This last option is worth it and offers precious insights into local lifestyle, art, and legends. However, be aware of higher prices. They are often false guides, one of the biggest Moroccan scam for tourist.
Immerse in Local Culture
Ouarzazate is a great place to dive into Moroccan culture. Usually only used as an entrance door to the desert, this is an off-beat destination for those staying longer. To immerse in the local Moroccan culture, you can participate in traditional music and dance performances, often organised by local cultural centres.
You can also engage with locals and learn about their customs and traditions by staying with a local family and experiencing their hospitality and daily routines firsthand.
The Bou Inania Madrasa is a must-see religious building in your Fes itinerary. Built in the 14th century, it was once a school.
Today, it is one of the few mosques in Morocco accessible to non-muslims (outside of prayer times). The best time to visit is early in the day, between 7 and 10 AM and entrance costs 20 MAD.
This is a chance to see one of the best things in Fes. Its extraordinary architecture, breathtaking marble courtyard, complex wood carvings, and captivating mosaic tilework are worth the detour.
The mosque is easy to access in the Medina centre. You can locate it by its green minaret, the tallest in town. Don’t miss out on this great thing to do in Fes.
Learn to Cook Moroccan Food
The best way to dive into local culture and travel slowly in Morocco is to cook. Many local establishments and cooking schools offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes.
From tagines to couscous, these classes often include a trip to the local market to select fresh ingredients. The accommodation I will present later on offers this kind of service.
The best way to dive into local culture and travel slowly in Morocco is to cook. Many local establishments and cooking schools offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes.
From tagines to couscous, these classes often include a trip to the local market to select fresh ingredients. The accommodation I will present later on offers this kind of service.
Enjoy a Traditional Hammam
Once again, this is the ultimate relaxation. These public baths are a cornerstone of Moroccan culture, offering a unique way to relax and learn. It is undoubtedly part of the best things to do in Ouarzazate. The entrance costs 20-30 MAD for an unlimited amount of time. I advise you to buy a scratching glove and a black soap packet, essential for the whole experience, at the Hamman entrance for 20 MAD.
Once again, this is the ultimate relaxation. These public baths are a cornerstone of Moroccan culture, offering a unique way to relax and learn. It is undoubtedly part of the best things to do in Ouarzazate. The entrance costs 20-30 MAD for an unlimited amount of time. I advise you to buy a scratching glove and a black soap packet, essential for the whole experience, at the Hamman entrance for 20 MAD.
Explore the Medina and witness the ash bread cooking
The Medina of Ouarzazate has a fantastic history. Once again, I advise you to go there with an official guide after the Kasbah visit. You will learn a lot about why it has been designed this way, its situation today, and the hidden meanings all around.
There is a traditional oven where women gather almost daily to cook the ash bread for the whole village. I had the chance to spend a moment with them, and it was one of the best things I did in Ouarzazate.
The Medina of Ouarzazate has a fantastic history. Once again, I advise you to go there with an official guide after the Kasbah visit. You will learn a lot about why it has been designed this way, its situation today, and the hidden meanings all around. There is a traditional oven where women gather almost daily to cook the ash bread for the whole village. I had the chance to spend a moment with them, and it was one of the best things I did in Ouarzazate.
Go to the local Market
Is there a better way to experience local life than going to the street market? I don’t know, but this is something you might enjoy a lot. The guy selling olives is a must-try. He has been there for 40 years, and his products are delicious.
Is there a better way to experience local life than going to the street market? I don’t know, but this is something you might enjoy a lot. The guy selling olives is a must-try. He has been there for 40 years, and his products are delicious.
Top things to do around Ouarzazate
Explore the Fint Oasis
Nestled about 10 km from Ouarzazate, the Fint Oasis is a tranquil spot where you can immerse yourself in nature.
Surrounded by palm trees and dotted with traditional Berber villages, the oasis offers a peaceful moment. Explore the Fint oasis now for a perfect day trip!
Nestled about 10 km from Ouarzazate, the Fint Oasis is a tranquil spot where you can immerse yourself in nature.
Surrounded by palm trees and dotted with traditional Berber villages, the oasis offers a peaceful moment. Explore the Fint oasis now for a perfect day trip!
Discover Surrounding Villages
The villages around Ouarzazate, such as Ait Ben Haddou and Skoura, offer unique experiences for your day trips. Ait Ben Haddou, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture, although it has started to be consumed by mass tourism.
To be honest, I didn’t enjoy Ait Ben Haddou. From the outside, it seems nice, but once inside, it’s packed with people, and dozens of shops are trying to sell the exact same stuff.
Then, Skoura is less popular and known for its palm groves. It provides a lush contrast to the surrounding desert.
The villages around Ouarzazate, such as Ait Ben Haddou and Skoura, offer unique experiences for your day trips. Ait Ben Haddou, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture, although it has started to be consumed by mass tourism.
To be honest, I didn’t enjoy Ait Ben Haddou. From the outside, it seems nice, but once inside, it’s packed with people, and dozens of shops are trying to sell the exact same stuff.
Then, Skoura is less popular and known for its palm groves. It provides a lush contrast to the surrounding desert.
Explore the Cinema Studio and Famous Spots
I haven’t been to the Cinema studios, or the Atlas film studios in Ouarzazate Morocco. Most travellers I met told me it wasn’t worth it. This is still a possible activity, although I will not include it in my personnel list of the best things to do in Ouarzazate.
However, one cool thing to do is to go to the less known and crowded spots where famous movie scenes have been recorded. One of them is the gas station set from “The Hills Have Eyes” located here.
Interestingly, despite this strong connection to the film industry, Ouarzazate didn’t have a movie theatre until recently.
I haven’t been to the Cinema studios, or the Atlas film studios in Ouarzazate Morocco. Most travellers I met told me it wasn’t worth it. This is still a possible activity, although I will not include it in my personnel list of the best things to do in Ouarzazate.
However, one cool thing to do is to go to the less known and crowded spots where famous movie scenes have been recorded. One of them is the gas station set from “The Hills Have Eyes” located here.
Interestingly, despite this strong connection to the film industry, Ouarzazate didn’t have a movie theatre until recently.
Top things to do in Ouarzazate - FAQ
Is Ouarzazate safe?
Fes is worth visiting and globally safe. Although the Medina might be impressive and oppressive at first sight, once you “get to know it”, it is nothing more than many alleys and streets.
Fes is worth visiting and globally safe. Although the Medina might be impressive and oppressive at first sight, once you “get to know it”, it is nothing more than many alleys and streets.
Where is Ouarzazate located in Morocco?
Ouarzazate in Morocco is located in the central part of the country between the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech, and the Algerian border.
Ouarzazate in Morocco is located in the central part of the country between the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech, and the Algerian border.
How to get around Ouarzazate in Morocco?
The best way to explore Ouarzazate is to use your legs. But you might need a taxi or to take the bus to shorten the distance. To avoid being scammed, dive into this guide called How to get around Morocco by taxis, train, and bus.
The best way to explore Ouarzazate is to use your legs. But you might need a taxi or to take the bus to shorten the distance. To avoid being scammed, dive into this guide called How to get around Morocco by taxis, train, and bus.
Is travelling slowly in Ouarzazate expensive?
Ouarzazate isn’t expensive. Especially if you stick to the local best things to do in Ouarzazate, a 5-day stay should cost you 1200 and 2000 MAD.
Ouarzazate isn’t expensive. Especially if you stick to the local best things to do in Ouarzazate, a 5-day stay should cost you 1200 and 2000 MAD.
How to reach Ouarzazate in Morocco?
Ouarzazate can be reached by train, bus, or car. Many public transports are going there as well as private bus companies such as CTM or Supratours. For the train, check the ONCF page.
Ouarzazate can be reached by train, bus, or car. Many public transports are going there as well as private bus companies such as CTM or Supratours. For the train, check the ONCF page.
Where should I go after Ouarzazate?
After Ouarzazate, the ideal destinations would be either Marrakech, Agadir, or Tamraght. All being within a 5-hour journey circle.
After Ouarzazate, the ideal destinations would be either Marrakech, Agadir, or Tamraght. All being within a 5-hour journey circle.
More than the Best Things to Do in Ouarzazate
Despite the above list, there are more than the best things to do in Ouarzazate. Each Slow Traveller has the power to create and foster its environment and journey. With a curious mindset and a bright smile, you can open multiple doors leading to unexpected encounters, moments, and memories.
Ouarzazate in Morocco has many secrets and gems you only can uncover, helped by this Ouarzazate travel guide. The answer to the question “Is Ouarzazate worth visiting is a big yes! For its culture, history, traditions, cuisine, and inhabitants, a detour to this city will be memorable.
Where will you go next? Will you explore the underrated Tamraght village? Wonder if Agadir is worth visiting? Or dive into a crazy Fès Itinerary?
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with heart.
Despite the above list, there are more than the best things to do in Ouarzazate. Each Slow Traveller has the power to create and foster its environment and journey. With a curious mindset and a bright smile, you can open multiple doors leading to unexpected encounters, moments, and memories.
Ouarzazate in Morocco has many secrets and gems you only can uncover, helped by this Ouarzazate travel guide. The answer to the question “Is Ouarzazate worth visiting is a big yes! For its culture, history, traditions, cuisine, and inhabitants, a detour to this city will be memorable.
Where will you go next? Will you explore the underrated Tamraght village? Wonder if Agadir is worth visiting? Or dive into a crazy Fès Itinerary?
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with heart.
