7 Best Things to Do in Chefchaouen, Morocco

Are you looking for the best things to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco? Chefchaouen is one of the most visited places in Morocco, so you can’t miss it on your Morocco Itinerary.

Wondering what to do in Morocco’s Blue City? Explore the winding labyrinth of blue streets, find the best photo spots, shop in the bazaars, drink orange juice, and enjoy the beautiful sunset over Chefchaouen.

This ultimate guide to visiting Chefchaouen includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco. Use the map at the bottom of our post to easily plan your content creation route and find the most Instagrammable places in the Blue City.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

NO TIME TO READ NOW? PIN IT

Where is Chefchaouen?

Chefchaouen, known as “the Blue Pearl” of Morocco, is about 2 hours from Tangier, 3.5 hours from Fes, and 5 hours from Casablanca.

Is Chefchaouen Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! It is a picturesque, small mountain town famous for its blue and white houses & streets, relaxed atmosphere and photogenic locations.

Best Time to Visit Chefchaouen

Morocco is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit Chefchaouen is spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the nearby attractions.

Chefchaouen has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average annual temperature is 18°C. When we visited in March, the weather was quite cool, so bring a light jacket and jeans!

TIP
In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

Recommended post → Ultimate Morocco Itinerary

How to Get to Chefchaouen

You can easily get to Chefchaouen by bus, rental car, taxi, shared or private transfer. Most travelers arrive from Tangier or Casablanca to the Blue City, spend 1-2 nights there, and then continue their journey to Fes. But you can also do a day trip from Fes.

We have a detailed post on how to get from Fes to Chefchaouen with all the information you need.

Chefchaouen does not have its own airport or railway station!

The nearest airport to Chefchaouen is Tétouan Sania Ramel Airport (airport code TTU), which is 1.5 hours away. Another option is to fly to Tangier-Ibn Battouta Airport (airport code TNG), about 2 hours away. After arrival, you can take a bus, taxi, or private transfer to Chefchaouen.

TIP
Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights to Morocco.

We took a bus from Casablanca to Chefchaouen, and the journey time was about 6.5 hours. The cheapest bus tickets start from 93 MAD (9.3 USD).

You can check the current timetable and buy bus tickets on the CTM Maroc. We recommend purchasing your bus ticket at least 1 week in advance.

When you arrive at the CTM bus station in Chefchaouen, take a taxi to the Medina (Old Town), which costs 20-30 MAD (2-3 USD). We arrived at around 8 PM.

Another way to get to Chefchaouen is to join a 3-day tour from Marrakech. During the tour, you can also visit Ifrane, Fes, Rabat, and Casablanca.

Book this excellent Imperial Cities Tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.

Where to Stay in Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a small city in the Rif Mountains, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Chefchaouen

Luxury: Lina Ryad & Spa
Mid-Range: Dar Jasmine or Vancii Hotel
Budget: Dar Hannan or Hotel Alkhalifa

more hotels in Chefchaouen

Best things to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco

1. Explore the Blue Streets

No one knows for sure why Chefchaouen is blue. Some people say the walls are blue because they keep mosquitoes away, and others think the blue helps keep houses cool in the hot summer months. Another theory is that the Jewish refugees painted the walls blue. Did you know that the walls are repainted every year?

Chefchaouen is a very walkable city. But for the best experience, join a private walking tour.

Be respectful when taking pictures at doors/staircases, and don’t disturb the locals.

As we had already been to the Blue City of Jodhpur in India, we were not too excited about visiting Chefchaouen. But it was a much better experience! This city has an incredibly charming atmosphere and beautiful photo spots. We would have loved to stay longer.

Buy an eSIM and data package for Morocco.

2. Find the Best Photo Spots

One of the best things to do in Chefchaouen is to find the most beautiful photo locations. The Blue City is stunningly beautiful, and every corner provides the perfect backdrop for creative content creators. One of our favorite places was the Orange Shop.

Chefchaouen is also famous for oranges, so don’t forget to try it.

A super fresh orange juice costs just 20 MAD (2 USD). If you buy one, you can take some fantastic pictures for free.

3. Enjoy the View from the Rooftop Terrace

Looking for more top things to do in Chefchaouen? Our favorite breakfast spot in Morocco was Cafe Clock. This restaurant can also be found in Fes and Marrakech.

Breakfast is available daily from 9 AM to noon, and we recommend you try the Berber Eggs and Pancake Stack. The breakfast of your choice costs 55 MAD (5.5 USD) and includes fresh orange juice and coffee or tea.

You can return for lunch to enjoy the fantastic view. We highly recommend you sample these Moroccan dishes, such as chicken pastilla, couscous, and vegetable tajine with fresh mint tea. You can also try the Camel Burger at Cafe Clock.

Read our → Marrakech Guide

4. Visit Kasbah Museum

The historic Kasbah is located in Place Outa el Hammam, next to the Grand Mosque. The building was previously used as a governor’s residence, a military arsenal, and a prison.

You can learn more about the history of Chefchaouen at the Ethnographic Museum. However, the information signs in the Kasbah are not provided in English. You can also explore the beautiful interior garden and enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the tower.

The entrance fee to the Kasbah Museum is 60 MAD (6 USD) for foreign adults.

Here are all your hotel options in Chefchaouen.

5. Shop in the Bazaars

Although exploring the souks in Marrakech or Fes is a much better experience, it is also worth a visit to the bazaars of Chefchaouen. You can easily find the best vendors by wandering the narrow, winding blue streets.

You can buy Berber carpets, blankets, lanterns, ceramic, straw bags, and traditional handicrafts. But don’t forget to bargain!

TIP
Save money, avoid ATM transaction fees when traveling abroad, and pay in local currency with a Wise Card.

6. Watch the Sunset from the Spanish Mosque

One of the top things to do in Chefchaouen is to watch the magical sunset from the Bouzafer/Spanish Mosque. The mosque is about a 30-minute walk from the city center. As this is a popular sunset spot, we recommend arriving early.

On the path to the Spanish Mosque, you’ll pass the stunning Ras El Maa Waterfall, an ideal place to relax, drink orange juice, and meet other tourists.

Keep reading → What to Do in Fes

7. Enjoy the Nightlife

Wondering what to do in Chefchaouen at night? The Place Outa el Hammam (main square) has plenty of great rooftop restaurants, colorful bazaars, the Kasbah Museum, and the Grand Mosque, making it the perfect place to wander.

We recommend visiting at different times of the day, as the experience at night is completely different from the day. The square is more cozy in the evening, as most tourists only take a day trip to the city, so you can enjoy strolling around without the crowds.

Morocco is an Islamic country, and therefore, many bars and restaurants do not serve alcohol at all. If you want to drink alcohol, we recommend the bar at the Hotel Parador.

Is it Safe to Travel to Chefchaouen?

Yes, it is generally safe. But small thefts and pickpockets can happen everywhere. So always take care of your valuables!

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

How many Days do you Need in Chefchaouen?

Most people take a day trip to the Blue City, but for the best experience, spend at least 2 days and enjoy the best things to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco. If you have more time, we recommend visiting Talassemtane National Park, and God’s Bridge & Akchour Waterfalls.

Recommended post → How to Get from Chefchaouen to Fes

Where to Eat in Chefchaouen

In the city, you can find many local restaurants, vegetarian options, national foods, and the best places to eat with all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best restaurants in Chefchaouen

Cafe Clock (The best place for breakfast with a rooftop terrace)
Bilmos (Moroccan food and vegan/vegetarian dishes)
Restaurant Morisco (Popular restaurant with a great view)
Café Restaurant Marisco Twins (Delicious food)
Tissemlal (Best place for lunch or dinner)
Assaada (Cheap, tasty local food)

Join a Moroccan Cooking Class.

Map of the Best Photo Spots in Chefchaouen

We hope our list of the best things to do in Chefchaouen will help you plan your next trip to Morocco. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM: – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

7 Best Things to Do in Chefchaouen, Morocco