The magic of travelling is escaping your everyday to experience something completely new, immersing yourself in the culture, food and lifestyle of those that call your ‘holiday destination’ home. Visiting Morocco for many is like stepping into another world, bustling souks, ancient traditions and otherworldly landscapes. Go beyond the tourist hotspots with this guide and uncover 5 must-try local experiences in Morocco that will immerse you in the true essence of Moroccan life.
1. Take a Moroccan cooking class
If there’s one thing Morocco does better than stunning landscapes and intricate tiles, it’s food. And trust us – Moroccan cuisine is the kind of flavourful, spice-filled magic that deserves a front-row seat on your itinerary. Think bold colours, mouth-watering aromas, and recipes steeped in centuries of tradition. The best part? You don’t have to just eat it (although that’s a highlight). You can dive right in and learn how to make it yourself with a Moroccan cooking class!
In most Moroccan cooking classes, the adventure kicks off with a trip to the local souk (market), and trust us, that’s an experience in itself! Picture yourself wandering through rows of stalls overflowing with colourful spices, fragrant herbs, and the freshest produce you’ve ever seen. Your local guide knows the best places and will spill the tea (or mint, in this case) on how saffron, preserved lemons, and other magical ingredients make Moroccan dishes like tagines, couscous, and harira soup so unforgettable. It’s a crash course in flavour, and it’s as much fun as it sounds.
Once back in the kitchen, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start cooking. Under the guidance of a skilled chef or a welcoming home cook, you’ll master the art of preparing traditional Moroccan dishes. As you stir, chop, and spice your way to perfection, you’ll hear stories of how food plays a central role in Moroccan life, from family celebrations to everyday meals. The best part? Sitting down to enjoy your creations. Whether it’s a hearty lamb tagine or a delicate zaalouk (eggplant salad), you’ll love every bite. This local experience in Morocco not only gives you a new appreciation for Moroccan cuisine but also leaves you with recipes to take home with you!
2. Step back in time at Ait Benhaddou
Looking for local experiences in Morocco that feel straight out of a storybook? A visit to Ait Benhaddou is just the ticket. This ancient ksar (fortified village) isn’t just a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it’s a living slice of Moroccan history. Perched along the old caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara, Ait Benhaddou is a maze of earthen buildings, crumbling towers, and winding alleys that have been standing since the 11th century.
Exploring its sun-soaked streets is like stepping back in time, but the real magic is knowing that this isn’t just a historical set piece. A few local families still live here, preserving the traditions of their ancestors while adding a unique, authentic energy to the village. By visiting, you’re directly supporting these families and the local guides who share their knowledge and stories about the ksar’s incredible history.
Don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of the ksar for jaw-dropping views of the surrounding desert and the lush Ounila River valley. The panoramic scene is reason enough to visit, but sticking around to chat with locals or sip a mint tea at a nearby café adds that extra Moroccan touch to your adventure. Every dirham you spend, whether it’s on a guided tour, a handcrafted souvenir, or a refreshing tea, helps sustain the community that keeps Ait Benhaddou alive and thriving.
3. Get lost (the right way) with a guided tour of Fez’s Medina
Fez’s medina, Fes el Bali, isn’t just a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a maze of over 9,000 twisting alleys teeming with spice stalls, artisan workshops, and centuries-old landmarks, it’s easy to get swept up in its magic – and even easier to get lost! That’s why opting for a guided tour led by a local isn’t just a good idea, it’s the best way to experience the heart of Morocco’s oldest city.
Local guides aren’t just experts in navigating Fez’s winding streets, they’re the heartbeat of the medina. These storytellers know the rhythm of the city in ways that maps can’t capture, guiding you through its maze to spots off the beaten path where the true magic lies. Forget the usual tourist spots; your guide will lead you to hidden gems tucked away in the medina’s nooks, where centuries-old traditions still thrive. Along the way, you’ll visit inspiring landmarks like Al-Qarawiyyin University (the oldest continuously operating university in the world) and the bustling Chouara Tannery, where vibrant leather is still dyed using methods passed down through generations.
4. Explore Marrakech at night through street food
When night falls in Marrakech, the city really wakes up. The heat of the day disappears, and the streets start buzzing with energy. The Jemaa el-Fnaa square turns into a night-time playground, with food stalls lighting up, vendors calling out their specials, and the air filling with the mouth-watering smells of sizzling meats, spices, and sweet treats. It’s a whole different side of the city that you need to experience.
On a street food tour, you’ll dive right into the action, following your guide through the winding alleys and food stalls that line the square. From kefta kebabs sizzling on open grills to b’stilla (a flaky pastry stuffed with savoury pigeon or chicken) to msemen (crispy Moroccan pancakes), this is food that’s packed with flavour and history. It’s a chance to taste the kind of food that locals love, served up hot and fresh right in front of you. The vendors here have been perfecting their craft for generations, and your guide will fill you in on all the tasty details, where the recipes come from, why certain dishes are so important to local culture, and how to spot the best food stalls in the square. It’s more than just eating; it’s about connecting with the tradition and stories behind every bite.
5. Get creative with a Moroccan artistic experience
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at creating something uniquely Moroccan, then this artistic experience in Marrakech is a must. Imagine stepping into a local artisan’s workshop where you can get hands-on with traditional crafts like pottery, leatherwork, or textile weaving. No need to just watch from the sidelines, you’ll be rolling up your sleeves, learning the tricks of the trade, and creating your own piece of Moroccan art under the guidance of skilled local artisans.
Whether you’re shaping clay into a tagine pot, crafting a leather wallet, or weaving a colourful scarf, you’ll find yourself immersed in Morocco’s artistic soul. It’s more than just making something—it’s about connecting with centuries of tradition, and creating a piece of art that’s entirely your own. This isn’t just about souvenirs; it’s about taking home a tangible reminder of your time here.
What makes this experience truly special is the opportunity to support the local artisans who are dedicated to preserving these ancient skills. You’ll hear their stories, learn about the craftsmanship passed down through generations, and witness the dedication that keeps these artistic traditions alive. By joining in, you’re not just learning a new craft; you’re helping sustain the artistic community that gives Marrakech its unique cultural heartbeat.
Feeling inspired?
Morocco is a country that offers travellers so much. The magic of travelling here isn’t just about checking off famous landmarks; it’s about stepping into the world of the locals, experiencing their culture first-hand, and learning the stories that shape their way of life. By choosing to engage in local experiences in Morocco, you’re not just a visitor – you’re part of something much bigger: the preservation of traditions, the support of local communities, and the celebration of Moroccan culture (all whilst travelling responsibly).
