One of our top reader questions here at Conversant Traveller is where are the most instagrammable places in Morocco. It’s tough to answer, because there are just so many to choose from. Morocco is a destination that over delivers on all the senses, with its ancient architecture, fragrant markets, baking deserts, tasty tagines and haunting calls to prayer. It’s no secret that we are totally in love with Morocco, and on each visit we discover something new.
So if you’re heading out there and want to up your game on Instagram, here are our top tips to find the most instagrammable places in Morocco.
Most instagrammable places in Morocco
1. The Sahara Desert
No visit to Morocco is complete without spending the night at a nomadic camp in the desert, either at Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga. The golden sand glinting at sun set, the blue Berber robes, and of course the grumpy camels all make the desert one of the top most instagrammable places in Morocco.
Top tip: If you’re getting up early to climb a dune for the sunrise make sure to set your alarm even earlier than the camp staff suggest – it’s hard work walking up dunes, and they can do it twice as quickly as us so are often a little optimistic about how long it will take visitors to do the climb.
Read More: How to choose between visiting Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga.
2. Mosque Hassan II – Casablanca
Casablanca doesn’t really have much to offer the casual tourist, but what it does have, it does very well. Mosque Hassan II is one of only two mosques in Morocco (the other is Tin Mal, see 13 below) that allow non-Muslims to enter. It’s truly one of the most jaw-dropping buildings you’ll ever see in your life, and personally I think it’s probably the most instragrammable place in Morocco!
Top tip: You are allowed to take photographs inside, and believe me, you’ll want to! Visitors can only enter on a tour, but these are informative, surprisingly relaxed and worth the small entrance fee. You don’t have to cover up like nuns, but you will need to remove your shoes, so make sure you have socks with you as those marble floors are freezing cold.
Read More: Is Casablanca worth visiting?
3. The Royal Palace – Fes
You can’t go inside the Royal Palace in Fes, but you can pose outside these gorgeous and iconic golden doors. Morocco is the place to go if you’re into amazing doors, as the architecture here is just out of this world, but none are quite as brilliant or instagrammable as these.
Top tip: Fes is definitely somewhere that’s best done with a guide to tell you about the history and culture of the city, as well as being able to show you where you can and can’t go!
Read More: Top things to do in Fes.
4. Inside a traditional riad – Marrakech
One of the reasons we keep returning to Marrakech is the luxury riads in the medina. Plain and unobtrusive on the outside, once you step through those doors you enter a whole new world of opulence, elegance and charm found nowhere else in the world. We’ve spent hours photographing the many Moroccan riads we’ve stayed in over the years, and sometimes have to remind ourselves there’s more to see out there in the city. If you’re looking for the most instagrammable places in Morocco, then make sure you stay in a Marrakech riad. You won’t be disappointed.
Top tip: If you’re coming from the UK your flight will arrive quite late in the evening. Pre-order dinner at your riad so you can enjoy the first evening sitting under the stars on the roof terrace, tucking into tagine and getting used to the heat whilst planning your sightseeing for tomorrow.
Read More: Here are some of our favourite instagrammable riads in Marrakech
5. Tagines – pretty much anywhere!
Food in Morocco is some of the best in the world. Not only is it downright tasty, it’s also incredibly photogenic and you don’t need to be a professional photographer to get a decent shot. This was taken at the Kasbah du Toubkal in Imlil in the High Atlas Mountains on a cheap camera phone. It was as delicious as it looks!
Top tip: There are so many places in Morocco where you can eat good food in beautiful surroundings, and nowhere more so than in Marrakech.
6. Souks – Marrakech
Love it or hate it, haggling in the souks of Marrakech is something you really shouldn’t miss on your trip to Morocco, and not just because it’s a great place to take photographs. As well as colourful lanterns, spice mountains and neat rows of garish leather babouches, there are also people. Get to know them through a bit of light-hearted banter over the price of a kaftan, or share a glass of mint tea whilst discussing the qualities of a cactus silk rug.
Top tip: Treat the souks as a bit of fun, and don’t worry if you get lost (which you will!). You’ll be able to find your way back to the main square and start again if that happens. If you take photos of people do ask beforehand, and keep an eye out for the signs that some stalls have saying photos aren’t permitted.
Read More: How to haggle in the Marrakech souks.
7. Ameln Valley – Tafraoute
If you’re into hiking and gorgeous mountain vistas then you should head straight to the Ameln Valley near Tafraoute. It’s quite a sleepy backwater compared to most other spots in Morocco, and all the more beautiful for it. It’s certainly deserving of being on the list of most instagrammable places in Morocco, and is the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet in stunning surroundings. We went hiking through remote Berber villages, explored some houses, had mint tea with a family we met, saw wild boar and a snake and took lots and lots of photos.
Top tip: The best place to stay in the Ameln Valley is undoubtedly Chez Amaliya which surely has one of the most spectacular settings you’ve ever seen? They also provide walking route cards with photos so you don’t get lost on the trails!
Read More: Snakes, boars and lions in the Ameln Valley.
8. Koutoubia Mosque – Marrakech
The magnificent and imposing 12th Century Koutoubia Mosque sits at the edge of the Djemaa el Fna (the main square in Marrakech) and should be on every itinerary to the city. Whilst tourists can’t go inside, they can admire the exterior and listen to the calls to prayer several times a day.
Top tip: It’s quite difficult to photograph the mosque without traffic in from Djemaa el Fna, so head over to the gardens behind the mosque for a much better setting with palm trees!
Read More: What to see and do in Marrakech.
9. Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
Ait Ben Haddou is a ksar (a fortified village) in a magnificent location in the rocky desert near Ouarzazate. It’s a great place to stop on your way between Marrakech and the desert, and the best view is definitely from the road looking across the river back to to fortress. You can cross the bridge (or use the stepping stones!) and climb to the top for equally impressive views looking back. Ait Ben Haddou has been used as a filming location in numerous movies, including Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and even Game of Thrones!
Top tip: you don’t need a guide, although there are plenty of touts who will try to tell you otherwise. Just follow your instincts and keep walking up, you can’t go wrong! Some of the guest houses here have stunning views of the ksar from their balconies, and many popular instagram photos have been taken from here.
Read More: Quad biking around the Ouarzazate film sets and Ben Haddou.
Check availability in Ait Ben Haddou here
10. Chefchaouen
You’ll probably have seen pictures of this stunning blue painted town at the foot of the Rif Mountains in the east of Morocco, and although it’s a bit of a detour from the popular Marrakech – desert – Fes circuit, it’s well worth the effort if you have time. The city of Chefchaouen is one of the top most instagrammable places in Morocco, thanks to it’s blue painted streets and stunning mountain views. Chefchaouen was founded in the 15th Century by Moorish and Jewish refugees escaping persecution by the Spanish, and the blue colour represents heaven and peace. The city is a really laid back place to relax after busy adventures exploring the rest of Morocco, and around every corner is a photo opportunity!
Top tip: Try and stay in one of the colourful guest houses in the blue medina for the full ‘Chefchaoeun experience’. Or if you prefer a bit of a view from your bedroom, head up the hillside to Dar Echchaouen which has fabulous vistas out across the city as well as a pool.
Check availability in Chefchaoeun here
11. Infinity pools at Kashab Bab Ourika – Ourika Valley
Everyone loves a pool picture, and they don’t come much better than this with the stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. The kasbah is a luxury countryside retreat just an hour from Marrakech and comes with several suites with their own private infinity pool. The grounds are just as gorgeous, making Kasbah Bab Ourika one of the most instagrammable places in Morocco.
Top tip: The water is actually quite chilly so unless you’re visiting during the warmer months, be warned that you may not be spending hours actually in the pool. It’s still plenty warm enough to relax on the patio in the sun though!
Read More: What it’s like to stay at Kasbah Bab Ourika.
12. The Heritage Museum – Marrakech
The Heritage Museum is a relative new kid in town, but really packs a punch when it comes to stunning architecture. The museum itself is fascinating, with an eclectic collection of Moroccan artefacts ranging from Berber costumes and jewellery to ancient art, pottery and rugs. The building is a beautifully restored 17th Century riad, with photography opportunities around every corner. There are many museums in Marrakech, but we think this is the most beautiful, and certainly one of the most instagrammable places in Morocco.
Top tip: mint tea is included in your ticket and the little rooftop cafe is a tranquil and secret little retreat to relax after a bit of sightseeing.
Read More: Top things to do in Marrakech.
13. Tin Mal Mosque – Tizi n Test
Tin Mal is one of only two mosques (the other is in Casablanca) in Morocco that non-Muslims are allowed to visit. It’s located about 100 km south of Marrakech in a small Berber village in the Atlas Mountains. Built in the 12th Century as the seat of the mighty Almohad empire, the unassuming exterior hides some stunning internal architecture that makes this worthy of being labelled one of the most instagrammable places in Morocco. Very few tourists visit Tin Mal so the chances are you’ll have it all to yourself!
Top tip: To gain entry you’ll have to find the day warden who will be happy to let you in. If it’s closed when you arrive, just hang around and he’ll appear before too long! Tip him around DH10 per person. The mosque is closed to visitors on Fridays.
Read More: A road trip on the Tizi n Test, stopping at Tin Mal Mosque.
14. The Gardens at Kasbah Tamadot – Imlil
Morocco is often seen as quite an arid and often barren country, and although that is true in some areas, it couldn’t be further from the truth in others. We love the gardens at Kasbah Tamadot, the famous fortress hotel belonging to Richard Branson in the valley of Imlil in the High Atlas Mountains, just an hour from Marrakech. The gardens are lush, the backdrop is beautiful and the hotel isn’t bad either. You could easily spend the whole time wandering around the extensive grounds with your camera like we did. Definitely worth a bit of a splurge to stay the night here to enjoy one of the most instagrammable places in Morocco.
Top tip: combine a stay at Kasbah Tamadot with a day hike in the mountains surrounding Imlil, or if you’re really intrepid, there’s always Mount Toubkal (the highest mountain in North Africa) to climb!
Read More: A stay at Kasbah Tamadot – what it’s really like.
15. Mint Tea – Paradis du Saffran – Ourika Valley
Mint tea will soon become part of your daily routine on any trip to Morocco. It’s offered as a welcome in riads, museums, and even sometimes shops when they think it’ll help make a sale. Love it or hate it (we’re firm fans!) you can’t escape it, but that’s not such a bad thing when it’s so pretty and perfect for Instagram. One of our favourites was the saffron infused mint tea at a saffron farm in the Ourika Valley. It came with added rose petals and was actually really tasty.
Top tip: Have your cameras ready and get a photo of the pouring of the tea (after asking if that’s okay first!). It’s quite an art to pour mint tea, and very theatrical.
Read More: You can read about how to visit the saffron farm here.
16. Legzira Beach – wild Atlantic coast
Morocco isn’t all about imperial cities, mesmerising deserts and lofty mountain peaks. Whilst the coast isn’t exactly in competition with European Mediterranean resorts, there is a desolate wild quality that makes it worth a visit. The most photogenic place is Legzira, famous for it’s sea arches and long sandy beaches. Unfortunately one of the sea arches collapsed recently, but there are others still standing.
Top tip: Keep an eye on the tides to make sure you don’t get cut off whilst walking to the end of the beach.
Read More: Visiting the beaches at Legzira.
17. Moulay Ismail Mausoleum – Meknes
Meknes is often overlooked in favour of Marrakech and Fes, but is home to some of the most instagrammable places in Morocco so do make a little detour here if you can fit it in. If you’re after some good door shots, then the place to go is the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, which is open to tourists at certain times of the day.
Top tip: Meknes is like a ghost town on Fridays when all the residents gather together inside their homes to share couscous and enjoy a day off. Most places will therefore be shut, but it does mean you’ll have the streets to yourself which is great for photos!
Read More: What to see and do in Meknes.
18. Tamdaght Oasis – near Ouarzazate
This place used to be our favoured stop over enroute to Ouarzazate from Marrakech, but we love it so much that we now treat it as a destination in itself. It’s well off the beaten tourist trail so quite a gem to enjoy more or less all to yourself. The oasis is a lush green garden with a river, troglodyte caves and local people going about their daily business. Towering above the oasis is the hamlet of Tamdaght, complete with crumbling kasbah (also used in films!) and a gorgeous guest house with views of it all.
Top tip: This is a great alternative to staying in Ouarzazate or Ait Ben Haddou (it’s still close enough to visit both as half day trips). It’s peaceful, pretty, and there are lots of activities available, from hiking and camel trekking to learning how to bake bread with the locals and chilling by the pool.
Read More: Staying in a kasbah at the Tamdaght oasis.
19. I Rocha Guest House – Tisselday – High Atlas Mountains
This cute little French run guest house is another perfect stop over between Ouarzazate and Marrakech, full of cosy little corners worthy of any Instagram feed. I Rocha overlooks a pretty valley and has a pool from which you can see an ancient crumbing kasbah up on the hillside.
Top tip: I Rocha is a popular place for artists retreats, so if you’re into painting and sketching, this could be the spot!
Read More: Staying overnight at I Rocha
20. Essaouira – Atlantic coast
Essaouira is a great side trip from Marrakech, and whilst most people visit for the day, we recommend a night or two here. The cooling sea breezes and relaxed pace of life is a world away from the bustle of the city. The best vantage point for photographs of the harbour and city is from the walls of the fort, and certainly worth the small entrance fee. Visitors agree that Essaouira is one of the most instagrammable places in Morocco thanks to it’s colourful blue boats and ancient defensive walls.
Top tip: There’s a circular window in the side of the fort which many people like taking photographs through! You can’t miss it as there are wooden steps leading up to it, and often a bit of a queue. We loved staying at Dar Liouba, an ancient merchants house that looks a bit like a windmill inside!
Read More: Things to do in Essaouira.
21. Dar Najmat – Mirleft
No infinity pool in Morocco comes with a more spectacular view than at Auberge Dar Najmat in Mirleft! It’s a much better location than Agadir (which is really a bit of a dump and probably why you rarely see good photos of it on Instagram!), and an ideal stop over if you’re heading along the coast between Essaouira and Legzira.
Top tip: There’s not a whole lot to do in Mirleft besides walk on the beach and enjoy the pool at Dar Najmat, so one night is enough if you’re just passing, or take two if you want a bit of relaxation.
Read More: A review of our stay at Dar Najmat.
22. Ouirgane Reservoir
This impossibly turquoise lake is hidden away in the Atlas Mountains in the gorgeous Ouirgane Valley, just an hour from Marrakech and a great place to go if you want to escape the heat of the city for a few days. It’s the perfect spot for hiking, swimming and relaxing.
Top tip: You’ll pass this reservoir if you’re driving the famous Tizi n Test road that wends it’s way up though the mountains and over a high and twisting pass. It isn’t a trip for the faint hearted but definitely worth the effort if you’re heading down towards Taroudant.
Read More: Driving the Tizi n Test to Taroudant.
23. L’Iglesia – El Jadida
If you’ve been following us for a while you’ll know that we love finding luxurious yet unusual places to stay, and were excited when we discovered that a stunning renovated church in the coastal town of El Jadida had been turned into a hotel. We were the only guests and had the entire church (it was enormous!) to ourselves. We spent a long time photographing all the little alcoves and cathedral-like balconies, before settling down to do a bit of work beneath the altar! Definitely one of the most instagrammable buildings in Morocco.
Top tip: El Jadida isn’t exactly on the tourist trail, which is why it’s such a great place to visit. There’s a lot of history here, as well as good views from the ramparts out to sea. One night will be enough, then you can hop on the train for a short journey to Casablanca to see that mosque!
Read More: Here’s what it was like staying at L’Iglesia in El Jadida.
24. Volubilis – near Fes and Meknes
Volubilis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site best visited on a day trip from either Fes or Meknes. It’s an ancient Roman city with some of the best preserved mosaics in all of Africa, the colours still surprisingly vivid despite centuries of exposure to the sun. There are enough monuments and ruined buildings to satisfy any Instagrammer, just try to avoid the mid-morning coach tours.
Top tip: It gets really hot at Volubilis and there is no shade, so take plenty of water and a sunhat, especially if you’re there during the afternoon (a good time to avoid the crowds).
25. Souss Plains
Yes goats do climb trees – here’s proof! Often dismissed as a myth, the concept of a goat in a tree is rather bizarre to those of us who don’t live in Morocco. The best place to see this strange occurrence is on the Souss Plains on the way to Taroudant, after the long drive over the Tizi n Test pass from Marrakech. The goats are after the argan nuts that grow up in these scrubby trees, and they are geniuses at balancing on the branches!
Top tip: There will often be a goat herder looking after the animals nearby, and it’s polite to tip him a few dirham if he approaches.
Read More: Seeing the tree climbing goats on the Souss Plains.
Do you have any more of the most instagrammable places in Morocco to add?
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Hi Heather!
Oh how I love to visit those places like Ait Benhaddu, Sahara Desert, and the Ouirgane Reservoir, etc.
Do you think backpacking ….all by myself is possible?
Are there transits goin back?
Thanks very much!
Eddie
Toronto Canada
Hi Eddie, yes backpacking by yourself is absolutely possible, and a lot of people do it this way. The easiest way to see the desert as a backpacker is to join a tour leaving from Marrakech. We tend to hire a car and driver, which is more expensive. To get around the country there are buses, have a look at the Supratours website. Have a wonderful time!
Hi Heather, Really enjoyed your article and it gave me more will power to go. One question, though… is it safe to go on my own, being a middle age woman? Thank you, Margarida
Hi Margarida, glad you found it useful and are thinking of going to Morocco. You should perhaps read our article on safety here: https://www.conversanttraveller.com/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-morocco/ and this one on common scams might help reassure you too: https://www.conversanttraveller.com/scams-in-marrakech-how-to-avoid/
Really, Morocco is no less safe than many other countries, and plenty of women of all ages travel around quite safely. It’s a great country for independent travel and no-one will blink an eye at you being there alone. Go for it, and have an adventure (and let us know how you get on!!). Good luck.
Thank you very much for spreading the the moroccan culture the way it should be. Perfect shots.
Hi Heather! I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog! All of these locations are amazing and lovely! I’ll be in Morocco for my first time in August – will I need to drive a car around? I’d love to see those goats! lol
Hi Melissa, thanks for stopping by, and hope you have a fab time in August! If it’s your first time I don’t recommend self driving (unless you’ve done it lots elsewhere in similar places), best way is to join a tour or hire a driver like we do! Good luck seeing the goats!
What a wonderful article, so much off the beaten path
Fantastic photos Heather!
Thanks 🙂