Top 10 Things to do in chefchchaouen
Top 10 Things to do in chefchchaouen
Getting lost in the Medina, finding hidden alleyways and streets all decorated in bright colours and (to my surprise) the beautiful mountain scenery that surrounded the city, all made for one of the prettiest cities I think I’ve visited in my entire life.
Chefchaouen has a relatively quiet, friendly and peaceful vibe compared to the touristic neighbours of Marrakesh and Fes.
It’s more laid back, so you can wander freely and just enjoy your surroundings here.
There’s not so much hassle or hard selling and I never once felt unsafe here as a solo female traveller, even at night.
Although the blue city is obviously the main draw, there’s more to this quaint place than just taking pictures of the blue houses which I don’t think many people talk about.
You can go trekking in the mountains, relax in the main square and listen to the buskers, have orange juice sitting on a waterfall and even see a Cannabis plantation or two (lol, more on that later).
So, I’ve compiled a list of fun and unique things to do in Chefchaouen. Are you ready? Here we go!
These are the top things to do in Chefchaouen
1. Pay to pose infront of someone’s picturesque house
Yes, my dear friends, it’s true. Those pretty curated scenes in the squares of Instagram aren’t just here in Chefchaouen for you to stumble upon. This insta-famous location is actually someone’s house and their porch is total goals. You will have to pay to pose but as it’s only 5MAD (75p) it won’t break the bank and rightly so. I mean, if I had a porch this pretty I would be charging people too!
You may be queuing for your shot, but you can take as long as you want inside when it’s your turn. Beyond using it for your camera roll, make sure you chat to the owners as well. They’re super friendly.
It’s open from 9am-5pm but to avoid the harsh lighting, I would come in later in the afternoon.
2. Get really lost in the blue Medina
This will definitely be a Medina you won’t mind getting lost in as every street is like something out of a postcard. It’s a relatively small souk so before you know it you will be able to find your way around quite well.
The blue streets, mixed with the colourful plant pots, cute boutiques, bazaars, cafés and restaurants will make you swoon and you may not want to leave. If you do get completely lost, just ask a local to help. Contrary to Fes and Marrakesh, people aren’t always after your money and will be more than happy to help you.
So, get lost! You never know what’s waiting around the corner.
3. Queue for a photo in the Instagram hotspots
Again, you didn’t think you’d have this place to yourself, did you? It’s definitely an Instagram vs. reality moment here at times.
Personally, I was here just after sunrise in the blue city to shoot photographs but even then, I wasn’t the only one. But, the earlier you get here the less you have to queue and you can really capture the place without the tour groups.
The above spot is located in Calle Sidi Buchuka and the steps below are just down the way from that. These are the busiest spots in the whole city, you won’t have to pay, but you will have to queue for photos most of the time. It’s so worth it!
4. Meet all the cute kittens and cats
There were so many cute cats in Morocco! But, I must admit seeing them in the blue city was really something special. There were also these really cute kittens that would follow me around and I so wanted to take one home. There little mews and big eyes were enough to make me become a cat lady for the rest of my life.
On a serious note however, be really careful around undomesticated cats. Recently, a British tourist was bitten by a cat that had rabies here and died. You can only contract rabies by a bite (if the saliva goes into your blood stream) so scratches won’t be as much of a risk. But, if you get bitten by a cat/dog here, go immediately to the hospital even if they look clean etc. Having a rabies jab doesn’t immunise you against the virus, it just gives you more time to seek a vaccine. Better to be safe than sorry. Just my two cents.
5. Buy some (admittedly touristy) souvenirs
I absolutely loved the shopping in Chefchaouen. It’s not the cheapest by any means and a lot of the products are imported from Fes, but the experience is unparalleled. Textiles, rugs, straw bags and hats, leather stools and slippers, dresses, blankets, artwork, handmade crafts are all here to purchase at a reasonable price.
You can always buy the tourist souvenirs as well, my personal faves were the magnets which were shaped like a Moroccan slipper and the blue doors with each one had a picture of a different part of Chefchaouen. It’s the little things..
6. Take in the views from the Kasbah
Located in the middle of the Medina in the main square is the Kasbah, which used to be a working prison but now is a converted art gallery and museum. As you walk into the fort, you’ll find a beautiful oasis like garden where you can relax. It’s not a cheap ticket at 60MAD (£5ish) and the museum is nothing to write home about but the views are worth their weight in gold from the huge watch tower.
The whole way round here I had Rock the Casbah by The Clash in my head haha.
7. Watch the buskers play awesome music in the evenings
At night, most tourists gather around the main square for a home made Tagine or a mint tea before they head back to their hotels for the evening. But, one of the things that made this square really special was the buskers who play here each night. You’ll be singing along with the crowd and dancing before you know it..
8. Climb up to the Spanish mosque for sunset
This is without doubt the best viewpoint of the blue city for sunset and it’s located around a 15 minute walk from the medina as you walk pass the waterfall. It’s quite an easy uphill hike but in the heat it can be quite uncomfortable so hiking it in the middle of the day wouldn’t be fun. It’s FREE to visit and watch but, you will not be alone, as pretty much all the tourists visiting Chefchaouen will be up here eagerly awaiting the sun to set. Sunrise will most definitely be quieter and the light would be better to capture those pretty blue houses.
9. Drink fresh orange juice on a waterfall
So, this was something I had never done before; drinking orange juice, on a waterfall. Yes, I’m totally in! When I say waterfall, I’d like to manage your expectations a little. This isn’t Niagra falls by any means but it is a beautiful little falls that trickles down stream and is a wonderful respite from the searing heat.
Locals and tourists come here for a spot of lunch or a fresh juice. The breeze is so refreshing and you really can’t beat the feeling of dipping your feet into the cold water after a long day of getting lost in the souks.
A juice here will cost you around 10MAD (£1) so it’s a super cheap and fun thing to do that’s quite unique. I mean how many times can you say you’ve ate dinner and sipped juice on a waterfall?
10. Or.. just drink orange or fruit juice from the stands
The fresh juices here were incredible and super cheap! Look out for the fresh juice stalls dotted around, they will prepare you one of the tastiest drinks.
My personal favourite is orange but they will do you a variety of flavours including strawberry, watermelon, pomegranate, pineapple and all sorts. A juice typically cost around 10MAD (80p) so it won’t burn a hole in your wallet and they are so healthy!
Credit © To thirdeyetraveller
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