Chefchaouen is known as Morocco’s Blue City and it’s easy to see why. The old town is almost entirely painted blue. From the cobbled streets to the stepped alleyways, from cafes and market stalls to the local’s homes. It is all blue! There is plenty to see and do in the city as well as marvel at the colours. Here are some of the top things to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco. Keep reading to find key information on getting to Chefchaouen and how long to spend there.
1. Wander around the old town
The best thing you can do when you first arrive in Chefchaoen is to walk through the arched gateway to the old town and simply explore. Wander around the blue-tinted streets and soaked it all in. Look up and down and really take your time as there is so much to see. Look out for handmade woven banners above you head and colourful tiles beneath your feet.
2. Take photos on the steps
You will have no doubt seen various photos of Chefchaouen on Instagram and Pinterest and wondered how truly representative those images are. Whilst Chefchaouen really is that blue everywhere there are some spots that are definitely curated for the picture-perfect scenes. There are hotspots around town, usually around steps where locals have hung out decorations to entice you in to snap photos. Many of these spots ask for tips or donations, but it really isn’t very much at all. Some even provide costumes.
3. See the Ras El Maa waterfall
To the east of the old town, likely the opposite side of town to the one you will enter through, you’ll find a small stream and waterfall. Follow the market stalls and walk through Bab El Onsar to find Ras El Maa waterfall.
As the water flows downstream it trickles over rocks past a few cafes. Each of these have absolutely made the most of the available space with chairs and tables placed precariously on the rocks around the water. It could make a very scenic lunch spot but I’m not sure I would personally be able to eat a whole meal there without falling in!
4. Try Moroccan food
I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities for you to try Moroccan food throughout your trip to Morocco. There are lots of great restaurants and cafes within Chefchaouen serving up traditional tagines and couscous. I would recommend Cafe Assada. It is just round the corner as you enter the old town along Rue Assaida Alhorra, so perfect if you’re peckish as soon as you arrive! The cafe offers veggie and meat options plus some delicious fresh fruit juices. All very well priced as well!
5. Visit the Kasbah
Chefchoen’s Kasbah is a fortress within the old town. Kasbah is a Moroccan term for a fortified structure. It happens to be one of the few non-blue buildings in the old town. The Kasbah was originally built in the 15th century for military use to defend from Portuguese attacks. It housed soldiers and even had prison cells.
Now, inside you will find an oasis garden in the courtyard. There is a small ethnographic museum, although none of the displays were in English so I’m not entirely sure what the exhibits were about. Similarly the written guides handed out to visitors were only offered in French, Spanish or Arabic. Nonetheless, it is a nice space to explore.
Entrance to the Kasbah costs 70 MAD (£6 or €6)
6. Enjoy the views from the tower
The Tower of the Kasbah is perhaps it’s biggest selling point. From the top of the tower you have spectacular views over the Rif Mountains and the sprawling blue city that nestles in the valley. Beneath the tower, you will find the remains of the fortress’ prison cells.
7. Look out for the cats
Whilst meandering around the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen, look out for the timid local cats. Once you start noticing them they’re hard to miss! You’ll find them bathing on steps and sprawled out across the cobbles. They seem to be very friendly and won’t bother you if you don’t want them to! See how many you can spot!
8. Explore the markets
Like all Moroccan cities there are plenty of market stalls, souks and boutiques to explore in Chefchaouen. You’ll find the tiniest spaces crammed full of items for sale, sometimes even spilling out on to the streets. There are plenty of food shops selling fresh bread and baked goods and jars of colourful herbs and spices. Plus clothing boutiques with vibrant garments and hand-crafted bags and accessories.
My favourite shops to explore were the ones selling art and handmade goods. All around the streets you’ll find woven banners and tapestries. Plus plenty of pottery, including the traditional tagines are widely available. Treat yourself to a souvenir!
How long to spend in Chefchaouen
The old town of Chefchaouen is fairly small so you could easily see everything in a day trip. We managed to do everything on the above list in an afternoon. I would recommend arranging your transport so you have at least 3-4 hours to fully explore Chefchaouen.
How to get to Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is roughly 4 hours away from Fes and around 2 hours from Tangier. If you’re travelling from either cities, I would recommend taking the public bus. From Fes the bus to Chefchaouen is approximately 100 MAD. The bus from Tangier is a little cheaper at 75 MAD. You can book this in advance at CTM, which is recommended.
We only went to book a day or two before and found that the only times left available would mean we would have hardly any time in Chefchaouen. Instead we booked an excursion via Trip Advisor, which was a little more expensive but included a guided tour – or so we thought. There was no guide and the pick up time was far later than we had booked. Luckily we got half our money back but I do think the public bus might be easier and less risky. If you are looking for the comfort of a private or small group transfer option, there are lots of well-reviewed options on Viator for Fes and Tangier.
Unfortunately it isn’t possible to do a day trip from Marrakesh to Chefchaouen as they’re on opposite ends of the country. It is still possible to visit them both in the same trip (we did!) I would just recommend stopping off in other places in between, like Fes, to break up the journey.
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