Things to do in Ait Ben Haddou

Aït Benhaddou

Aït Benhaddou is an ancient earthen settlement in the heart of the Atlas Mountains in southern Morocco, situated on the ancient trade route connecting the Sahara Desert and Marrakech. It was once an important transfer station for the transport of gold, salt, and spices in trans-Saharan trade. It is said that the village was founded in the 8th century. Although most of the existing buildings were constructed after the 17th century, they use earthen construction techniques that have been passed down for hundreds of years, making it a representative relic of earthen architecture in southern Morocco. The entire settlement is built along the hillside, with layers of red earthen walls, corner towers, and kasbahs connected to each other, forming a spatial pattern enclosed by narrow alleys and high walls. The towering defensive walls and corner towers were used to fend off raids in the past, while the layout of residential houses, mosques, and public spaces in close proximity reflects the lifestyle of the Berber community. At the higher part of the village is the former hilltop granary; climbing up here offers a panoramic view of the entire settlement and the valley. While walking through the alleys, you can also see small handicraft shops opened by local residents, and a few families still live in the old village today. Due to its unique ancient city view, this settlement has become a filming location for numerous film and television works. Films such as "Lawrence of Arabia," "The Jewel of the Nile," "The Mummy," and "Gladiator" were all shot here, and it also served as a filming location for the city of Yunkai in "Game of Thrones."

No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Morocco

Atlas Studios

Atlas Studiosis located on the outskirts of Ouarzazate in southern Morocco and attracts many visitors due to its unique film shooting environment and rich film sets. The studio features vast open-air shooting locations, and the overall environment is filled with exotic charm. Located in the arid region of southern Morocco, the studio is surrounded by an open desert landscape, with vast skies and abundant sunshine providing a unique natural backdrop for film shoots. The studio features a variety of distinct architectural sets, including temples with ancient Egyptian characteristics, magnificent palaces, intricately decorated building facades, and fortresses with ancient Roman styles. Visitors can walk along the tour route through the different sets, learn about the filming backgrounds and behind-the-scenes stories from guides, and gain a deeper understanding of the design concepts and practical uses of film sets.

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Morocco

Taourirt Kasbah

Taourirt Kasbah is located south of the Atlas Mountains on the edge of the Sahara Desert, guarding the strategic valley at the confluence of the Oued Draa and the Dades River. It was once an important station on the trans-Saharan trade route. The kasbah is built of rammed earth and mud bricks and is a typical representative of Berber architectural style. The complex is vast, with an interior that is a labyrinth of narrow passages, steep stairs, and hidden doors. Square towers stand at the four corners, and the outer walls are adorned with geometric patterns and niches. There are still some unrestored areas at the rear of the kasbah where local families continue to live, maintaining their original way of life. It has also served as a filming location many times, appearing in international films such as "Gladiator" and "Prince of Persia."

Ksar Aït-Ben-Haddou

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Jardin Majorelle

Jardin Majorelle was once a private villa built by French artist Jacques Majorelle, and was later purchased by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, who lived there for several years. It is now open as a popular attraction in Marrakech, with rare plants throughout the garden and fountains and pools interwoven in a scattered layout. At the center of the garden stands a Cubist-style villa, whose exterior walls are painted in the intense ultramarine blue that Majorelle created in 1937—"Majorelle blue"—a signature color that has since become the visual calling card of the entire garden. Strolling through the garden, the lush green vegetation forms a striking contrast with the deep blue buildings, and sunlight casts dappled shadows on the paths through the bamboo groves and palms, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Marrakech.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque is located on the Atlantic coast of Casablanca and was completed in 1993. It is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim travelers. A significant portion of the mosque extends over the sea, allowing worshippers to pray facing the ocean—a design inspired by the Quranic imagery of "the throne upon the water." Standing beside the mosque is its approx. 210 m tall minaret, topped with a laser beam pointing toward Mecca, visible from many parts of the city and even the sea. The mosque can accommodate over 100,000 worshippers simultaneously, both inside and outside, ranking among the largest in the world. Visitors must join guided tours to explore the mosque, which includes access to the prayer hall—a rare opportunity. The hall features polished marble floors, cedar wood carvings from the Middle Atlas Mountains, hand-cut glazed mosaics, and smooth plaster walls, all illuminated by Murano glass chandeliers. The central roof can open, allowing the hall to bask in sunlight on clear days. Outside, the seaside plaza and seawall offer iconic views, with white stone walls reflecting the Atlantic's blue hues and waves crashing nearby. Visitors are reminded to observe religious etiquette: shoes must be removed before entering, shoulders and knees should be covered, and women are advised to cover their hair (scarves are often available at the entrance). Photography is permitted during tours, but avoid pointing cameras at worshippers. In the morning, sunlight streams into the hall, highlighting the intricate mosaics and stonework. At dusk, the minaret framed against the sunset is a quintessential image of Casablanca.

Panoramic viewpoint Aït Ben Haddou

Nomad Horse Riding

No. 3 of Night Attractions in Morocco

Marrakesh

Marrakesh is located in southern Morocco and is known as the "Red City" due to the ochre-red earth used in most of its architecture. The heart of the city is the Medina, a World Heritage site densely packed with winding alleys and open-air markets. Souk Semmarine is one of the larger markets in the old city, offering everything from handmade carpets and leather goods to spices and copper lamps. Wandering through it is a cultural experience in itself. The center of the old city is Jemaa el-Fnaa. During the day, the square is filled with fruit juice stalls and handicraft booths, while at night it transforms into an open-air food street where snake charmers, storytellers, and traditional musicians take turns performing. Near the square stands the 12th-century Koutoubia. Its towering minaret is the city's landmark, and the gardens surrounding the mosque are also worth a visit. Bahia Palace showcases the craftsmanship of traditional Moroccan architecture, with its exquisite courtyards, carved wooden doors, and inlaid tiles. Outside the old city, the Majorelle Garden is famous for its unique "Majorelle Blue" architecture and exotic plants. It was created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored and preserved by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. At sunset, find a rooftop café in the old city, order a pot of mint tea, and watch the sunset cast an even richer glow on the ochre-red walls—this is one of the quintessential Marrakesh experiences.

Taman'Art Space