7 Days in Morocco: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Planning a trip to Morocco and not sure where to start? This 7-day Morocco itinerary is perfect if you want to explore the country’s top cities without feeling rushed. In just one week, you can walk through the colorful streets of Chefchaouen, explore historic Fes, shop the markets in Marrakech, and check out the coastal charm of Rabat, Tangier, and Casablanca. Each stop on this route gives you a different taste of Moroccan culture, from old medinas to modern city life. If it’s your first time in Morocco, this itinerary is a great way to see the highlights and get a real feel for the country.

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Here’s how I spent 7 days in Morocco:

Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca

Casablanca is a great starting point for your adventure and a first glimpse into Moroccan life. Though it’s a modern and somewhat commercial city, it’s home to one of the most spectacular and largest mosques in the world, the Hassan II Mosque, next to the Atlantic Ocean. Inside you can see the intricate tilework, an enormous prayer hall, and the location right next to the sea make it well worth a visit.

After your visit, walk along the seaside Corniche neighborhood and enjoy the views. There are many shops, bakeries and cafes along the way to stop and grab a bite to eat. Next stop by the Habous Quarter, known as the New Medina. Here you will find the Royal Palace, courthouse and the Notre Dame Lourdes Church. A great way to see Casablanca in one day is to take a guided tour of the city.

Don’t forget to have a coffee or tea at Rick’s Cafe, which was inspired by the cafe filmed in the movie Casablanca. 

Looking for a place to stay in Morocco? Checkout below for some recommended stays.

Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat 

Rabat is Morocco’s capital, but it feels more relaxed and laid back compared to other big cities in Morocco.

While in Rabat, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortress dating back to the 12th century with white and blue painted alleys overlooking the sea. Make sure to walk through the gardens and then visit the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V. You can’t miss the red stone tower, which is the remains of a mosque from the 1100s. Next stop by the Chellah Ruins, which is a beautiful ancient Roman and Islamic site with stork nests and peaceful gardens.

Day 3: Rabat to Chefchaouen

Head north to Chefchaouen, which sits in the Rif Mountains. The drive takes about 4–5 hours, but it’s scenic and worth every moment. This “Blue Pearl” of Morocco is easily one of the most unforgettable places. Every corner, staircase, and doorway is a different shade of blue.

The main square, Place Outa el Hammam, is lined with cafes and shops. A great place to spend your afternoon and then in the evening you can wander through the city streets, taking your instagram pics all over the neighborhoods. There are brightly colored doors and walls everywhere.

A perfect place to watch the sunset is the Spanish Mosque. It sits upon a hill, just a short uphill hike, but has amazing views of the city and in the dusk sky, the blue houses look even more blue than before. They seem to change color with the sun.

Day 4: Chefchaouen

Another day in the blue city is necessary to enjoy all its beauty. Have a morning coffee and then maybe shop for some handicrafts while enjoying the peace. Chefchaouen is known for its artisan goods and you’ll find some of the best shopping here without the aggressive haggling.

If you feel up for a mini adventure, a half day trip to Akchour Waterfalls might be a great choice for you. It’s easy to take a taxi or hire a driver to get there and back and not overly expensive.

Day 5: Chefchaouen to Fes

Today on to Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest and most cultural cities. The medina of Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with over 9,000 alleyways and one of the oldest walled cities in the world. I would recommend a guide if you want to tour the city because there are so many alleys it’s easy to get lost. I’ve been to the walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia and Fes el-Bali has a completely different look and feel to it. It was a vast difference.

From there, I went to the Chouara Tannery, where leather is dyed and you can see the process from above on a balcony. Be prepared for the strong smells!  They are overpowering, but it was a very unique sight to see the actual process of making colored leather.

If you have time you could stop at the Bou Inania Madrasa and gaze at the amazing architecture. A Madrasa is a college or university for studying Islam and the madrasa in Fes is known for its representative of traditional Moroccan architecture. 

Day 6: Fes to Marrakech

Next stop, Marrakech. From the olive fields and red hills you enter what feels like another universe. The city is full of color, sounds all around and the smell of fresh, delicious food. The Jemaa el-Fnaa is the center square and it has a variety of sights, snake charmers playing from a pungi, food vendors and never ending shops full of everything you could ever imagine. It’s crowded and feels chaotic, but unique to Morocco. I have never seen a person playing music to a snake to make it dance, that is definitely a once and a lifetime sight.

Day 7: Explore Marrakech

Spend your final day exploring Marrakech. Beginning with the Bahia Palace, which is a unique palace built in the 19th century. The tiled walls are amazing and it has a beautiful courtyard not to miss wandering through.

Then visit the Saadian Tombs, which were created in the 16th century for one of the rulers of the Saadian dynasty. Don’t forget to stop by the Koutoubia Mosque, it’s the largest mosque in Marrakech and people fill inside the mosque and in the courtyard during prayer time. The Saadian Tombs are behind the mosque, so it’s a convenient stop while visiting the mosque.

My favorite place in Marrakech was the Majorelle Gardens. It’s beautiful botanical gardens filled with exotic plants and has bright blue buildings all along the courtyard. I’m not a plant lover by any means, but I thought the gardens were amazing. It also gave me a little quiet time away from the business of the souks.

The souks are Morocco’s iconic markets. You can find everything from rugs to lanterns, spices and ceramics. Be ready to bargain, it’s expected. For me, it was a little overwhelming and I found people to be a little too aggressive for my taste, but you can’t visit Marrakech and not go in. It’s the biggest bazaar I’ve ever been in.

Many people take a trip to the Sahara Desert while in Morocco as well. I didn’t visit it this time, but it’s definitely worth considering on a longer trip. I did get my camel ride and desert visit while in Egypt. It seems there is always more to do in every country you visit, but then it also gives you a reason to return.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day trip gave me a taste of Morocco’s sights and diversity, without feeling rushed. It was a unique experience and a completely unforgettable trip. 

Travel Tips for Morocco

• Bring cash, especially for the smaller towns and markets.
• Don’t be afraid to say no politely but firmly when offered something you don’t want. Street sellers are persistent but usually respectful.
• Be open to trying new foods. I loved all the food I tried in Morocco. 
• Bring a scarf and something to cover your shoulders when you are visiting the mosques.
• Be alert while in large and crowded areas with your personal items and beware of pick-pocketing.

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