Chefchaouen, also known to locals as Chaouen, is a city in Morocco.
The name of the city might not be very popular, but you’ve definitely seen pictures of it on social media. The Moroccan city’s old town was painted blue almost in all of its entirety back in the 1900s.
The paint job was done in an effort to instill the power of God in people. It also represents the sky and heaven, sending an overall positive message to the citizens and visitors of Chefchaouen.
If you’re looking for things to do in Chefchaouen, you’ve come to the right place! Let us share with you some beautiful places to visit and things to see. Bring your camera and prepare for a thorough photoshoot!
Chefchaouen’s beautiful architecture
1) Get Lost in the Chefchaouen Medina
Visiting the Medina is on every traveler’s list of things to do in Chefchaouen. The Chefchaouen Medina is the city’s old town area. Walking through the area will leave you feeling like you’re walking through the sky. All the buildings are painted blue, creating an unforgettable atmosphere and an even better background for your next Instagram photo.
Make your way through the picturesque plazas and alleyways and get lost in the Medina. There’s no need to get a guided tour or visit any specific sights. Just walk around and enjoy all the different shades of blue. The district is often compared to Greek towns and islands that are painted white.
Picturesque alleyways of Chefchaouen
2) Visit the Kasbah Museum
The Kasbah Museum in Chefchaouen is also known as the Ethnographic Museum. The museum was built in 1985. It is located right in the center of the old town. Currently, it displays musical instruments, folk dresses, weapons, wooden utensils, and more. Visit the museum to see traditional clothing belonging to the local tribes of Lakhmas, Bani Msara, Rhouna, and Ghzawa.
On the site, you will find a tower that will give you an overview of the whole Chefchaouen. If you have some extra time, don’t hesitate to climb it; you won’t regret it! Before you venture out to visit the Kasbah Museum, read up on its history and exhibits. You will find the overall experience much more enjoyable if you know what you are looking at!
Chefchaouen Kasbah Museum
3) Enjoy the Scenic Views from the Spanish Mosque
The Spanish Mosque is a beautiful structure on the top of a hill in Chefchaouen. It is located only a 15-minute walk from the Medina. The structure was built by the Spanish, though it enjoyed no popularity among the locals. As time went on, the mosque was abandoned and nobody took the time to maintain it. Now, it is the spot for the best view of Chefchaouen.
Though the walls of the mosque are still standing, you won’t see much of its interior. The site of the mosque is most commonly used as a viewpoint for tourists and locals. When you hike up to the Spanish Mosque and reach the top, you will see the town of Chefchaouen unfold underneath. It is a wonderful spot for picture taking.
Scenic Views from the Spanish Mosque of Chefchaouen
4) Dine at a Rooftop Restaurant
Chefchaouen has a number of rooftop terraces that are worth a visit if you’d like to experience local cuisine while enjoying a beautiful view. Here are three recommendations that you shouldn’t miss if you’re looking for things to do in Chefchaouen.
Beldi Bab Ssour
This rooftop terrace offers the best dishes from Moroccan cuisine for tourists and locals. The place is always busy, which can only attest to the quality of the dishes. Despite that, the restaurant is less expensive than the popular tourist joints.
Restaurant Morisco
This restaurant is located on the square in Chefchaouen. The location couldn’t be better, the food is magnificent, and the view from the rooftop terrace is breathtaking. Go there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
5) Find the Best Instagrammable and Photography Locations in Chefchaouen
The city is basically one big photoshoot backdrop. Think about Chefchaouen Medina alone! That’s not all there is. If you look a little harder, you will find a number of beautiful, Instagrammable locations. Here are some of the most breathtaking ones!
The Paid Set
Let’s start with the most professional one. The Paid Set is someone’s private property. The owner of the property had the brilliant idea to create a paid set for photographers and tourists to take pictures.
For a small price of 5 MAD (0.5 €), you can have a whole photo session and take as many photos as you like. The set has beautiful decorations that you won’t find anywhere else. In addition to that, you won’t have to worry about taking up the whole street for your photoshoot.
Callejon El Asri
Otherwise known as the steps with colorful pots. If you’ve never seen these steps in real life, you’ve definitely seen them in stock images and tourist photos. If you want to take a photo, get in line! The picturesque street is very popular among tourists and is considered one of the best photography locations in Chefchaouen.
Calle Sidi Bouchouka
Calle Sidi Buchuka is best described as a street with beautiful doors. The little staircase alleyway leads to a number of interesting doors that will make a wonderful background for your Instagram photo. The classic blue color of the city is combined with colorful mosaics and authentic patterns.
El Ouhabi House
The El Ouhabi House can be described simply as the tall house with the cute staircase. The blue (duh) house is very narrow and its red staircase is covered with all kinds of greenery. The house is located in the center of the old town, though it’s hidden from your casual tourist. Here’s a tip: follow the red fountain.
6) Taste the Traditional Moroccan Cuisine on a Food Tour
There’s no better way to learn about the history of Morocco than through a food tour. You can combine education with pleasure and create unforgettable memories from your trip to Chefchaouen. Taste local Moroccan cuisine, visit the most authentic restaurants and cafes in town, and get to know the cultural heritage of the country.
Moroccan food tours are guided, so you will get an explanation of all the main dishes, where they came from, and how they became a part of Moroccan cuisine. Discover the culinary history of the country with a guided tour of your choosing. Here are some options:
Morrocan cuisine chicken tajine, couscous and salad.
7) Hiking in the Rif Mountains
The Rif Mountains are located in the north of Morocco. The area is very famous for its picturesque hikes. All the tourists and locals make their way to the Rif region from Chefchaouen to enjoy nature. Hikes usually start from the village of Akchour, which is located a 40-minute drive from Chefchaouen. If you fancy an active beginning or end to your trip to Morocco, take a taxi to Ackhour and hike in the Rif Mountains.
You can take a day trip to the mountains and enjoy your lunch in nature, picnic-style. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can embark on a 4-day hike through the mountains! The hike starts and ends in Chefchaouen, taking you through Azilane, Taourarte, and Akchour. You can book a private tour and allow an experienced tour guide to take you through the Rif Mountains.
Chefchaouen city viewpoint
8) Swim in the Cascades d’Akchour
If you’re going to take a trip through the Rif Mountains, you might as well pull over in the small village of Akchour. Near the village, you will find the Cascades d’Akchour, otherwise known as Akchour Waterfalls. The waterfalls are located less than an hour’s drive from Chefchaouen. You can get there by taking a shared taxi. To find them, walk along Boulevard Hassan 2 down to the roundabout by the police station. You will see a bunch of taxis on the right side.
The waterfalls are breathtaking, so they are definitely worth a visit, even if just for the picture. If you enjoy nature, you can relax and unwind in the cool water, and appreciate the majestic view from down below. If you are looking for things to do in Chefchaouen that don’t involve walking around the city, you will surely appreciate the Cascades d’Akchour.
You can take a dip in the waterfall’s swimming area. If you’re feeling up to the challenge, climb all the way up the waterfall and wave down to your lazier friends. While you’re there, take a 3-hour hike to the Bridge of God.
Cascades d’Akchour
9) Walk on the Plaza Uta el-Hammam
Plaza Uta el-Hammam is a grandiose square in the center of the Chefchaouen Medina. The plaza can be considered the heart of the city; it’s always busy with tourists and locals. The center of the town also offers a line of cafes and restaurants that hardly have the best local food, but are great for a midday cup of coffee. Sit in the square and observe the life happening around you. It is the central spot for people watching.
Plaza Uta el-Hammam / Chefchaouen
10) Grab a Drink at Hotel Parador
Hotel Parador is located a short 2-minute walk from the Kasbah Museum and Plaza Uta el-Hammam. If you’re staying in this hotel, you’re staying right in the heart of the old town. If you’re a seasoned traveler, you might consider the four-star hotel quite regular, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve. If we disregard the authentic room decor and delicious breakfast buffet, we’ll be left with its most important feature – the rooftop terrace.
Regardless of whether or not you’re staying in Hotel Parador, you should go to its rooftop terrace for a drink. Pick a beautiful, warm day and watch the sunset from the roof of the building with a cocktail in hand.
11) Check Out the Chefchaouen Souks
If there’s one thing you’ve heard about Morocco, it’s probably its busy markets (or souks). Wherever you are staying, chances are there will be a souk near you. The markets usually take place on Mondays and Thursdays. That’s when the local farmers choose to come down from the mountains and sell their produce to the inhabitants of the town.
Visiting a local market is among the most interesting things to do in Chefchaouen on a weekday. You probably can’t take fruit or vegetables home, so you should shop around for more durable souvenirs. Local vendors also sell handmade goods and herbs for cooking. Both can make great gifts or souvenirs for your loved ones.
Chefchaouen souks
12) Shop for Souvenirs
No matter if your trip is just beginning or coming to an end, you need to think of something to bring back home to your loved ones. Perhaps you also want to commemorate your trip with a little souvenir that will hang on your wall, sit on your desk, or even hang in your closet. It’s never too late or early to shop for souvenirs!
Chefchaouen offers a wide selection of souvenirs that go beyond silly fridge magnets and postcards. For starters, local vendors will offer you fine leather goods. Leather poufs, biker jackets, and belts are just a few examples of the souvenirs you can leave with. Look out for tea, straw bags, and argan oil too! For authentic Moroccan rugs, visit Local Berbere Artisanal.
Tip: always bargain the price and don’t be shy about checking the quality of the product you are about to buy.
Souvenirs of handcrafted Moroccon doors
How to Get to Chefchaouen
Though Chefchaouen is a popular tourist destination, the town doesn’t have its own airport. Therefore, you need to fly to a nearby airport.
Getting to Chefchaouen from Tetouan
Your best bet is flying to Tetouan from Casablanca, Spain, or Belgium. The city is located only around 45 km away from Chefchaouen.
Getting to Chefchaouen from Tangier
The airport of Tangier is located a bit further, 85.6 km away. You can get there from Casablanca, Lisbon, and multiple cities in Spain, France, and Belgium.
Getting to Chefchaouen from Fes
If these options are not available to you, you can also fly to Fes or Malaga, which is one of the most widely accessible airports in Spain.
Once you get to your first stop, take a taxi from the airport to the local bus station. The national bus company in Morocco is called CTM and you can find all its stations on their website.
Then, you can take a bus to Chefchaouen from Tetouan or Tangier, or Fes. The trip from Tangier will take around 3 hours, depending on the starting point.
Where to Stay in Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen has a number of hotels that you can stay in. If you like to travel in comfort and enjoy a breakfast buffet in the morning, there is no reason why you shouldn’t stay at a hotel. Check your favorite booking engine for hotels and you will find a number of options to choose from. The city also offers guest houses that boast luxurious rooms and amenities. You can find accommodation for as little as $14 a night.
Properties like Ryad Lina and Dar Eschaouen have a private pool that you can sunbathe and read by or swim in. If you’ve come to Chefchaouen for relaxation, finding a property with a pool is an excellent choice.
[Bonus] Best Chefchaouen Day Trips
Perhaps you’re not actually staying in Chefchaouen, but you would still love to visit. If that’s the case, you can plan a day trip to the blue city from your original destination. Here are two options!
From Tangier
If you’re staying in Tangier, visiting Chefchaouen will not be a problem. Take a full-day trip to the famously blue town and walk around for a few hours. The trip there should take no longer than two hours. Locals and visitors say that you don’t need more than two days to get to know Chefchaouen. One day should give you an idea of what the city is about and leave you with unforgettable memories.
The trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen focuses on the Medina and the souk. You will be shown around a local market and the old town, where you’ll get the chance to shop around and bargain with the salesmen. A local tour guide will tell you everything you need to know about the history of the town and show you the most interesting places.
Cap Spartel Tangier Morocco
From Rabat
Those who are staying in Rabat might want to take some time away from the big city and swap it for a smaller village. You can take a day trip to Chefchaouen to get away from the rush for a moment. The trip there will take about 4 hours. It will show you both sides of Morocco and teach you about the culture of the country.
The blue city will greet you with a local tour guide that will show you around all the most beautiful places. Take pictures and submerge yourself in the atmosphere of the Moroccan mountains.
Final Words about Chefchaouen
There are so many things to do in Chefchaouen, even though it is just a small village! Submerge yourself in the blue heaven that is Chefchaouen and taste the local flavors. Discover the unforgettable nature in the area, hike in the Rif Mountains, and swim in the Akchour Waterfalls. The Blue City will be waiting!
