This guide shares the best things to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco, and helpful tips for your visit.
Chefchaouen is a charming small town nestled in Morocco’s Rif Mountains. Aptly nicknamed The Blue City, Chefchaouen’s claim to fame is its bright blue and white buildings that pop against the lush greenery surrounding it.
It’s one of those destinations that’s a draw for travelers who appreciate slow-paced travel, photogenic destinations, and small-town charm.
You’ll find Chefchaouen in northwestern Morocco, located about 68 miles (110 kilometers, 2.25 hours) south of Tangier and 130 miles (210 kilometers, 3.5 hours) northeast of Fes.
It’s a bit out of the way from Morocco’s other primary destinations like Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, and the Sahara Desert, but well worth the effort to get there.
Here’s everything you need to know when visiting Chefchaouen, including what to do, where to stay, and more.
Read more: The Ultimate 10 Day Morocco Itinerary
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Table of Contents
How many days in Chefchaouen
Why is Chefchaouen blue?
Where to stay in Chefchaouen
Things to do in Chefchaouen
Where to eat in Chefchaouen
How to get to Chefchaouen
How many days in Chefchaouen?
You could easily see Chefchaouen in a day or spend a few days soaking up the charm of Morocco’s Blue City.
But I’d say the sweet spot is two nights in Chefchaouen so you have at least 1 or 1.5 full days to explore the city.
As a small city, there aren’t as many things to do in Chefchaouen as in Marrakech. But let me be clear: it is still definitely worth visiting Chefchaouen! And with 2 nights, you’ll have time to explore and relax, the perfect travel balance.
Why is Chefchaouen blue?
There are a lot of legends swirling around about why Chefchaouen is blue, and no one seemingly can pinpoint which is the true origin story. But here are some of the most common explanations.
One explanation is that during World War II, a large population of Jewish people moved to Morocco and Chefchaeoun precisely to escape persecution. It is believed they painted the 15th-century city blue to represent the sky, a symbol of God and heaven.
Another possibility is that the people of Chefchaouen painted it blue to deter bugs and mosquitos, which is actually the same legend people use for the Blue City of Jodhpur in India!
Other explanations include that it was painted blue to beat the heat, to attract tourists, or to represent the beauty of the glittering Mediterranean Sea.
Where to Stay in Chefchaouen
While in Morocco, I highly recommend prioritizing staying in a Riad or Dar, traditional Moroccan homes built around a central living space, sometimes with an open-air courtyard and garden.
Moroccan architecture is beyond stunning and is known for its eye-catching tilework, keyhole archways, exposed wooden elements, and more.
We stayed at Dar Echchaouen and were absolutely blown away by how magical, cozy, and peaceful it was, all while staying at the edge of the Blue City.
Here are more options for where to stay in Chefchaouen:
$ Casa Blue Star: A charming Riad in the heart of the old town
$$ Casa Amina: Boho guesthouse dripping with charm in the old town
$$$ Dar Echchaouen Maison d’hôtes & Riad: A pretty, four-star Riad on the edge of the old town
$$$$ Dar Jasmine: Upscale meets boho four-star with panoramic views from the pool
Hostel: Dar Dadicilef is a cute hostel in the heart of the city that offers dorms and private rooms.
Read more: Best Riads in Chefchaouen + A Review of Dar Echchaouen
12 Best Things to Do in Chefchaouen, Morocco
Without further ado, here are some of the best things to do in Chefchaouen.
1. Get a history lesson at the Kasbah of Chefchaouen
Entry: 60 MAD ($6) for foreigners, 10 MAD ($1) for Morrocans
The Kasbah of Chefchaouen is a 15th-century fortress that stands out in contrast against the surrounding mountains and the downtown blue city. The landmark has been restored multiple times and today features a small museum, a tower with great city views, and a lush garden courtyard.
The Chefchaouen Kasbah sits in the Utta el Hamman square, one of the central points of the sprawling medina.
2. Get lost in Chefchaouen’s sprawling medina
Chefchaouen’s medina is a network of alleyways lined with various shops and vendors in the heart of the old portion of town. Wandering the narrow streets is one of the best things to do in Chefchaouen and is where you’ll discover the best photo spots, shops, and views.
3. Hike to the Spanish Mosque to enjoy the sunset
The Spanish Mosque is an iconic landmark perched atop a hill overlooking the sprawling blue of Chefchaouen. Those who aren’t Muslim aren’t allowed to enter, but that’s ok! Because the major draw is hiking to the top in time to watch the sunset.
The walk up the hill is located on the edge of town and takes only about 10-15 minutes to climb. Be sure to get there early to find a good spot to sit before the crowds arrive.
4. Have a fun photo shoot at Chefchaouen’s paid set
Entry: 5 MAD ($0.50)
It’s a little cheesy, but stopping by the Instagram paid set is a fun stop in Morocco’s Blue City. The paid set is a perfectly blue courtyard walled off from the pedestrian alleyways.
The photo area has colorful props and a little tea table set up where you can strike a pose with your partner, friends, or family. The owner or door attendant indulged us and not only let us take a million pictures but also took a bunch of our group, too!
5. Find and snap photos of the famous blue street
The famous Blue Street is another iconic photo spot in Chefchaouen that’s often the image you see when the blue city is advertised. It’s a side street leading away from one of the main streets.
It features stairs that give perspective and is lined with colorful planters that contrast nicely. It can be hard to find if you don’t know where or what to look for. But there may also be a little line formed if visiting in peak season.
We had it to ourselves in the late morning but seemingly inspired others to post for their turn once we were done! There’s no entry technically, but there was an older woman there directing us so I gave her 5 MAD in thanks.
6. Experience a scrub and wash at a Hammam, a traditional bathhouse
Entry: 15 MAD ($1.50), 50 MAD ($5) for scrub and massage
Hammam El-Maslouhi is one of the oldest traditional baths in Chefchaouen and offers an authentic Moroccan experience. In Morocco, a bathhouse is gender segregated and a place where women come to bathe, get scrubbed, and steam in the nude in a shared space.
As a traditional bathhouse, attendants likely do not speak English and it may be an eye-opening experience for those who are not used to being naked in front of strangers. The scrub is also quite vigorous, meant to thoroughly exfoliate your skin.
Having been scrubbed at a Hammam in Turkey and a jjimjilbang in South Korea, it is quite an experience, unlike any Western spa you may be used to. I absolutely love it but it’s not for everyone.
7. Learn how to prepare traditional food with a Moroccan cooking class
Moroccan food is delicious and unique, with dishes like pickled veggies, lentils, couscous, and tagines. You’ll quickly become acquainted with all the flavors during your visit!
If you enjoy cooking, love Moroccan food, or want to try something new, signing up for a Chefchaouen cooking class may be a perfect activity for you!
8. Enjoy a Moroccan tea and epic views on a rooftop
Moroccan tea is an integral part of Morocco’s dining and hospitality, and I really enjoyed it. It’s made by steeping green tea with spearmint leaves and usually a few lumps of sugar.
When served, the tea is poured from the kettle into the cup at high heights to create a foamy top. Pair a cozy cup of tea with a rooftop view, and you’re in for a good time (or a nice rest break).
Why not pair it with an epic view from a rooftop? Chefchaouen’s biggest draw is its beauty, and I love a good lookout.
Some rooftops in Chefchaouen to check out:
- Cafe Clock: A popular cafe serving up great grub with locations in Fes and Marrakech.
- Restaurant Morisco: A rooftop restaurant overlooking the Chefchaouen Kasbah.
- La Lampe Magique casa Aladin: A popular rooftop restaurant with cool interiors with food reviewers often rate as “okay”.
- Veranda Cafe & Restaurant & Spa: A cafe with a panoramic view of the entire Blue City.
A bonus rooftop lookout is from the Chefchaouen Kasbah, which offers a great bird’s eye view of the courtyard, Blue City, and surrounding mountains.
9. Shop for the best souvenirs from Morocco
Morocco is the land of handicrafts and works of art so shopping is a fun thing to do basically anywhere! In Chefchaouen, you’ll find colorful bags, textiles like rugs, Moroccan cosmetics, linen clothing, leather goods, and so much more!
It’s also a great place to grab a new painting to remember your time in the famed blue city.
Read more: Best Souvenirs from Morocco You’ll Love
10. Spend a sunny afternoon relaxing by the pool
If you can, I highly recommend booking a hotel or riad in Chefchaouen with a swimming pool, especially if visiting in the summer/when it’s hot! We visited Morocco at the end of August, and it was pretty hot and sunny. We loved having a pool everywhere we went.
Plus, if you have a jam-packed itinerary packed with lots of driving, having a pool at your accommodation provides the perfect place to relax and unwind, too.
11. Take a day trip to explore the Akchour Waterfalls
Not far from Chefchaouen lies a hidden natural wonder where you can witness turquoise waters and lush mountainsides. Hikers and nature lovers should consider booking a day trip to the scenic Akchour Waterfalls and the iconic Bridge of God rock formation in Talassemtane National Park.
Tours can be booked once in the city with this highly-rated company on Get Your Guide or via DM on Instagram.
12. Go hiking in the Rif Mountains
The waterfall isn’t the only worthwhile hike in the Rif Mountains! Mountain lovers should check out the other worthwhile trails that take you to some of the most beautiful landscapes outside of Chefchaouen.
I didn’t have the time to hike in Chefchaouen, but it’s certainly something I wish I had, and I plan to do if I ever return!
Read more: 25 Need to Know Travel Tips for Morocco
Where to Eat in Chefchaouen
When hunger strikes, here are some of the best places to eat in Chefchaouen. Depending on where you stay, your Riad likely offers a pleasant, homecooked, traditional Moroccan meal for dinner, too!
- Cafe Clock: A popular rooftop cafe and restaurant serving Western plates, Moroccan dishes, and iced coffee.
- Galito’s: This place was absolutely delicious and had a nice, upscale yet casual atmosphere.
- Restaurant Al Wiam: A highly reviewed restaurant for traditional Moroccan food.
- Restaurant Lalla Messaouda: A popular restaurant within a beautiful Moroccan building near the famous Blue Street.
- Restaurant Bab Ssour: Known for its location in the heart of the medina and its rooftop terrace, providing panoramic views of Chefchaouen.
- Restaurant Sofia: A restaurant often receives positive reviews for its service, atmosphere, and traditional Moroccan cuisine.
How to Get to Chefchaouen
You have quite a few options for getting to Morocco’s Blue City.
Via Bus
Taking a national bus in Morocco is a budget-friendly way to travel. The leading bus companies include CTM, SATAS, and ONCF’s Supratours.
Some of the most common routes to get to Chefchaouen via bus include:
- From Tangier on CTM and Nejme Chamal buses about 2 hours and 15 minutes
- From Fes on CTM bus 3 hours and 40 minutes
Via Car Rental
Renting a car and driving to Chefchaouen is a popular way to travel around Morocco and provides the most convenient way to reach the Blue City.
Road-tripping around Morocco is a very common way to explore since many popular destinations are far away and not easily accessible via public transportation.
Via Organized Tour
Another common way to get around Morocco is via an organized tour. Booking an organized tour is surprisingly affordable and offers the utmost peace of mind. However, it does mean that your departure times may need to be more flexible.
We opted to explore the country with Morocco Countryside Tours, a locally owned tour operator specializing in private tours and personalized itineraries.
Via Private transfer
It’s also easy to book a private transfer from wherever you are to Chefchaouen. You can find private transfers on TripAdvisor and tour websites like Get Your Guide.
Here are some quick access private transfers: