It’s seriously hard to take a bad photo in Morocco. Sweeping desert, ancient architecture, bustling streets, epic mountain ranges, and seaside towns it’s no wonder Morocco sets everyone’s wanderlust (and cameras) on fire.
So if you want to step up your insta game, see our top 10 most instagrammable spots in Morocco:
Written by Erin McNeill
Travel Talk Contributor
1. Camel ride through the Sahara Desert
On top of the bucket list for most, riding a camel through the orange Saharan sands is a unique experience. Strike a pose with a camel, we dare you!
Capture the magic of the endless dunes as they stretch to the horizon, creating a perfect backdrop for any photo. As the sun sets, the desert transforms into a surreal landscape, with the sky painted in hues of pink, purple, and gold.
The play of light and shadow on the rippling sand dunes creates an ethereal atmosphere, ideal for capturing breathtaking sunset shots.
And if you’re up for an overnight adventure, a night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp offers a unique opportunity for some stellar astrophotography. The Sahara Desert is a visual feast, arguably one of the most instagrammable spots in Morocco.
2. A night under the stars
So a little bit cheeky, but the Sahara definitely deserves two spots. Spend a night in the desert and don’t forget to look up at the stars. Trust us, your Instagram feed will thank us later for it.
To make the most of your Saharan adventure, consider staying at a luxury desert camp, such as the Merzouga Luxury Desert Camps or the Erg Chigaga Luxury Desert Camp. These camps offer not only comfortable accommodations but also guided tours and photography sessions to ensure you capture the best shots.
Pro Travel Tip: Pack a lightweight tripod for those perfect starry night shots and a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the desert. If you’re traveling during a new moon, the lack of moonlight will make the stars even more dazzling.
3. The blue city
I’m blue da be dee da ba daa… 90’s flashback over, stroll through Chefchaouen’s famous blue walls and alleyways, it makes the perfect Instagram backdrop.
Chefchaouen is among the most instagrammable spots in Morocco for most travelers. To capture the best photos, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer and the streets are less crowded. The gentle morning light enhances the vibrant blue hues, while the late afternoon glow adds a warm touch to your images.
Pro Travel Tip: For a panoramic view of the town, hike up to the Spanish Mosque located on a hilltop just outside Chefchaouen. The short hike offers a stunning vista of the blue city against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains, particularly beautiful at sunset.
4. Explore the souks and leather tanneries in Fez
Wander through Fez’s souks and leather tanneries to admire local craft, immersive culture, rich aromas and colours! It will certainly stimulate your senses.
For the best experience, start your exploration early in the day to avoid the afternoon crowds and heat. The tanneries, especially the Chouara Tannery, are a highlight, where you can witness traditional leather-making techniques that have been used for centuries.
Pro Travel Tip: To get a great view of the tanneries and their vibrant dye pits, head to one of the rooftop terraces of the nearby shops, such as the Terrasse des Chouara.
5. Visit Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca
The largest Mosque in Africa, located right next to the sea in Casablanca, Mosque of Hassan II is decorated with intricate patterns, mosaics and designs, which will fit perfectly into your Instagram feed.
For an unobstructed view of the mosque, head to the nearby promenade along the Atlantic Ocean. This vantage point provides a stunning perspective of the mosque with the sea as a backdrop, especially during sunset.
Pro Travel Tip: To fully appreciate and capture its grandeur, plan your visit during the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight casts beautiful shadows and highlights the intricate details.
6. Relax on the coast
See the old city walls of Essaouria, where the sea meets medina. Relax by the ocean, wander through the old town and make sure to take a snap or two.
Visit the Essaouira Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to capture the essence of this fortified town. The narrow, winding streets of the medina are lined with whitewashed buildings and blue shutters, making for charming and colorful photographs. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal for photography, casting a warm glow over the city.
Pro Travel Tip: For a unique perspective, visit the port of Essaouira, bustling with fishermen and vivid blue boats. Make sure to capture the vibrant atmosphere as fishermen unload their catches and haggle with buyers.
7. Wander through Ait Ben Haddou
Forget Star Wars, Gladiator and Game of Thrones star in your very own insta story and see why Ait Ben Haddou has been enchanting visitors for generations.
This ancient ksar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a fortified village made of mud bricks. To capture its timeless beauty, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is soft and golden, casting a magical glow on the mud-brick structures.
Pro Travel Tip: To get the best views, hike up to the old granary at the top of the hill. From here, you can see the entire village with the lush Ounila Valley in the background, providing a stunning contrast to the earthy tones of Ait Ben Haddou.
8. Get lost in Djemaa el-Fna square
A maze of markets, performers, street food vendors and merchants selling their wares, but be quick to take a photo before you get swept up in the manic of Marrakech.
The heart of this vibrant city is the Djemaa el-Fna square, a bustling hub of activity, especially in the evenings. To capture the square at its liveliest, visit at dusk when the square transforms into a carnival of food stalls, snake charmers, musicians, and storytellers. The golden hour light adds a magical quality to your photos, enhancing the colors and atmosphere.
Pro Travel Tip: For the best vantage point and instagrammable spots in Morocco, head to one of the rooftop cafes surrounding the square, such as Café de France or Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier.
9. Food glorious food
You haven’t been to Morocco, if you didn’t have a tagine. Become the ultimate foodie grammer and take a pic before your food goes too cold…
Tagine, a slow-cooked stew braised at low temperatures in a clay pot, is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. To capture the perfect shot, head to traditional restaurants like Dar Yacout in Marrakech or Café Clock in Fez.
Pro Travel Tip: When photographing your tagine, pay attention to the presentation. The colorful ingredients, often including a mix of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and meats, are beautifully arranged.
10. Find paradise in a Moroccan Riad
A traditional home built around a courtyard, a riad is a small oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and makes an amazing backdrop for an insta pic!
To find the most photogenic riads, consider staying at places like Riad Yasmine or Riad BE in Marrakech, both known for their stunning decor and serene courtyards. These riads often feature intricately designed tilework, lush greenery, and inviting plunge pools, perfect for capturing that quintessential Moroccan vibe.
Pro Travel Tip: For the best photos, take advantage of the natural light that floods the courtyard during the morning or late afternoon.
FAQ About Taking Photos in Morocco
Yes, it’s important to respect local customs and privacy. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in more intimate or religious settings. In some areas, photography of certain buildings or military installations may be restricted, so it’s best to check locally or with your guide.
Early mornings and late afternoons generally provide the best natural light for photography, especially for capturing landscapes and architecture. The soft, warm light enhances colors and textures, while midday light can be harsh and wash out details.
Generally, no permits are required for personal photography in public spaces or tourist sites. However, some historic monuments or cultural sites may charge a small fee for photography or restrict the use of tripods. Professional photographers or those intending to use photos commercially may need special permits.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. For women, this often means covering shoulders and knees. In more touristy areas like Marrakech or Casablanca, Western attire is more common, but it’s respectful to dress conservatively when entering mosques or conservative neighborhoods.
If you want to ‘do it for the gram,’ take a trip to Morocco with Travel Talk. Our Morocco tours range from 8-15 days in duration and run year around. Also don’t forget to tag us #traveltalktours in the most instagrammable spots in Morocco!
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