THINGS TO DO IN Ouarzazate: 1-DAY ITINERARY

What once used to be a tiny Berber settlement is now a city of Hollywood blockbusters and movie sets. Welcome to Ouarzazate, a unique city in south-central Morocco famed for its rugged landscapes and well-preserved kasbahs.

Ouarzazate is best known for its film studios where scenes from Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Cleopatra were shot. Just a short drive away, visitors will find the iconic clay town of Ait-Ben-Haddou and a 17th-century residential castle that is a masterpiece of Berber architecture. Nicknamed "The door of the desert", Ouarzazate is also a popular stopover for desert tours.

What we have to mention is that everything is really spread out here in Ouarzazate. Therefore, the best option is to rent a car or go on guided tours with one of the local agencies.

In this 1-day travel itinerary, you will find a list of the best tourist attractions to visit in and around Ouarzazate, as well as useful tips on where to eat and where to stay in the area.

Day 1

The Old Synagogue

Your Ouarzazate morning walk begins in the Old Synagogue which also serves as a museum for Jewish artifacts. The synagogue has historical books which date back to hundreds of years. You can go on a free tour of the synagogue and learn more about Jewish heritage in Morocco.

The in-house guide, Abdul is super friendly and knows everything about the history, traditions, and culture in the area. He will take you through all of the rooms and tell you how people lived inside the old synagogue, and how they learned, read, and talked.

You will hear stories about Berbers, Jews, and Hindus who coexisted in this sacred place. Ask Abdul to take you to the gorgeous rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy incredible views of the Kasbah. Don’t forget to tip before leaving.

Taourirt Kasbah

Your next stop is the most important attraction in Ouarzazate, the stunning Taourirt Kasbah. Built by the Glaoui family, this well-preserved residential castle is a masterpiece of Berber architecture and one of the most impressive buildings in Morocco.

Taourirt Kasbah boasts 300 opulently decorated rooms and halls, as well as beautiful balconies and angular towers. 1/3 of this charming Kasbah is open to the public and you can hire a local tour guide who can take you through restored areas of the old palace. There is no furniture or furnishings inside the rooms, but you really get the idea of how the Glaoui family lived here.

Souk de Ouarzazate

Take a break from all the sightseeing and visit a nearby souk. Modest in size, Souk de Ouarzazate looks like an outdoor swap meet and attracts hundreds of vendors. It is a place where you can purchase about anything you can think of from clothes, shoes, leather, ceramics, rugs, and palm tree baskets to fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats. There are also all kinds of tools and machinery available for purchase. We should probably mention that Souk de Ouarzazate is a cash-only place.

Cinema Museum

Located right across the impressive Kasbah Taourirt, the Cinema Museum is a paradise for movie buffs visiting Ouarzazate. Originally a movie studio used to produce films, it was converted into a museum in 2007. Today, this small, yet interesting museum houses a nice collection of cinematic equipment, costumes, statues, and decorations from previous film productions. You will come across a bunch of objects and decorations from popular movies like Asterix and Obelix while visiting the Cinema Museum.

Day 1 - Ouarzazate Tour Map

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Other things to see in Ouarzazate

• Sunday Souk: Open on Sundays from 6 am to 1 pm, this weekly market is a place to experience the daily life of Moroccan people and purchase a little bit of everything. Whether you wish to score handwoven rugs and second-hand clots or get organic veggies and fruits from the region, the Sunday Souk has it all.

• Ait Ben Haddou: You will find this well-preserved fortified village 30 kilometres from Ouarzazate. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait-Ben-Haddou is an authentic clay village with ancient houses from the 1600s and desert castles nestled against a hillside. Because of the village’s ancient looks, it’s been used as a filming location for many famous movies and series including the Gladiator, the Lawrence of Arabia, and the Game of Thrones. Visitors can purchase souvenirs from one of the small shops located along the paths.

• Sainte-Thérèse Church: Stop by this small Catholic Church in Ouarzazate. Built in 1929, Sainte-Thérèse Church used to serve as a spiritual base for the French Army. Nowadays, a priest comes to the church every Sunday at 11 am to celebrate Mass.

• Atlas Studios: As we mentioned before, Ouarzazate is famous for its film studios. There are two main film studios here, the smaller CLA Studios which is located in the centre of Ouarzazate, and the larger, Atlas Studios located a few kilometres outside the city gates. Covering 433, 00 square feet, the Atlas Cooperation Film Studios is responsible for film productions such as The Mummy and the Gladiator. You can go on a tour of the Atlas Studios for just 80 dirhams or pay 110 dirhams and combine it with a visit to the nearby Kingdom of Heaven Set.

• CLA Studios Ouarzazate: Travelers interested in knowing more about the cinema industry in the region can pay a visit to the CLA Studios. Popular movies like Cleopatra, Le Bible, and Asterix and Obelix were shot here in the CLA Studios. Check out a variety of decorations used in some of these famous movies. The entrance ticket gives you access to the main studio, as well as three more studio buildings. Keep in mind that you will need a car to get to these three external studios.

• ATV quad tour: Wish to experience Ouarzazate from a different perspective? Check out ATV Adventure Ouarzazate, a local company from Ouarzazate that offers amazing quad tours. Explore miles of desert tracks and visit tourist attractions such as Ait Ben Haddou and Fint Oasis with a quad bike. The owners, Mouchine and Ismail are knowledgeable and provide helmets and other protective gear. They can even take amazing pictures and videos of you. This is definitely one of the best ways to see what the region has to offer in just a few hours.

Day Trips from Ouarzazate

• Kasbah Amridil: One of the country’s grandest kasbahs, this well-preserved 17th-century architectural treasure is located in Soura, just 40 kilometres from Ouarzazate. With a picturesque courtyard and an indoor museum that houses everything from manuscripts and gold coins to traditional clothing and bread ovens, the Kasbah of Amridil is a wonderful place to visit. You can visit the kasbah on your own or with help of a guide.

• Telouet Kasbah: Abandoned more than half a century ago, this off-the-beaten-path site is basically a mix of ruins and restored sections. The red sand palace is home to beautiful reception rooms decorated with wood carvings and mosaics. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get from Ouarzazate to Telouet Kasbah. Unfortunately, the Kasbah was seriously damaged by the 2023 earthquake and is closed at the moment. Hopefully, the site will be restored one day and open to the public.

• Fint Oasis: Located a 40-minute drive from Ouarzazate, this collection of four small villages in the middle of the desert is a relatively undiscovered tourist attraction. Fint Oasis is known for its dreamy landscapes and beautiful palm groves. It is a place where life is unhurried and animals are more common than cars. Plan to spend an hour or two to wander among the historic houses and palm trees. Don’t miss the fabulous La Terrasse des Delices, a charming family-run hotel and restaurant. The views from their terrace are magnificent and the lamb tagine here is delicious.

• Skoura’s Palmeraie (palm grove): Nature lovers can go on a day trip to the palm grove of Skoura to see an endless sea of palm trees watered by an age-old underground irrigation system. In addition to palm trees, the area is home to over 100 bird species and a variety of plants. It will take you about an hour by car to reach this palm grove from Ouarzazate.

• Marrakech: The 3rd largest city in Morocco, Marrakech is known for its small oriental palaces, vast gardens, and a historic medina lined with bustling souks. Admire the beauty of the Koutoubia Mosque and its palm tree-lined gardens, discover Marrakech tanneries, explore the 19th-century Bahia Palace, and reconnect with nature at the Jardin Majorelle. The distance between Marrakech and Ouarzazate is 193 km, and it will take you about 3 hours and 30 minutes by car to get there.

Sahara camps near Ouarzazate

Also known as the gateway to the Sahara desert, Ouarzazate is located just a few hours from some of the best desert camps in Morocco. Therefore, starting your desert tour in Ouarzazate may be a good option. You can either book one of the desert tours with the local agencies or go on an independent desert trip and stay at one of these properties.

• Erg Chigaga Luxury Desert Camp (Nick & Bobo's): Book your stay at Nick & Bobo's, a luxurious all-inclusive camp set in the most beautiful part of the Moroccan Sahara. With tastefully decorated authentic Moroccan tents with lavish pillows and duvets, this charming desert camp feels more like glamping than camping. There is a stylish lounge, as well as sun loungers and hammocks where guests can relax. There are actually three camps to choose from: the main camp with 16 tents, a private camp with 5 tents, and the exclusive camp that has just one tent. These camps are all-inclusive which means that drinks, camel rides, and other activities are included in the price. Activities at Erg Chigaga Luxury Desert include climbing the dunes, sandboarding, camel rides, and quad rides.

• Zagora Desert Camp: Looking for a reasonably priced camp in the desert? Located in the heart of the Zagora desert, this camp offers tastefully decorated tens set up in the traditional Barber shape. Each tent comes with a private terrace and an attached bathroom. Zagora Desert Camp also has an on-site restaurant tent where you can enjoy breakfast and dinner. As for the activities, the camp offers everything from sunrise/sunset camel rides and quad excursions in the desert to hiking and visiting nearby local markets (souks).

Where to eat in Ouarzazate

• Jardin des Aromes: With a lush and verdant garden, ambient lighting, traditional Moroccan furniture, and mouthwatering dishes, Jardin des Aromes is one of the most popular restaurants in Ouarzazate. Located in the centre of the city, this traditional Moroccan dining establishment offers a collection of mezze dishes, mains, and desserts. Couscous tfaya has a very nice mixture of buttery, sweet, and fragrant and the sauce which is served with the dish is delicious. You can also try the restaurant’s signature lamb shank which is cooked for over 7 hours. Jardin des Aromes also offers an extensive wine list.

• Chez Dimitri: This legendary restaurant is situated inside a historical building that dates back to the 1920s. The building served as a gas station, dance gall, and post office. Nowadays, it is home to Chez Dimitri, a family-owned restaurant that offers everything from Greek to Moroccan and French cuisine. Located just a stone’s throw from Jardin des Aromes, the restaurant boasts a nice décor with signed photographs of many Hollywood actors on the walls. So, what’s on the food menu? The lamb tagine melts in your mouth and Dimitri’s Moussaka is also great. Craving something sweet? Go for the lemon tart or check if they have crème brulee with orange blossom. Looking for alcohol? This is one of the few places that serve booze in Ouarzazate.

• La Kasbah des Sables: With a cute internal pond, lovely Moroccan traditional furniture and art, and different dining areas each with a unique decorative theme, La Kasbah des Sables is a beautiful restaurant. The food is imaginative with a mix of French and Moroccan dishes available on the menu. The beef fillet is exemplary, as well as the confit of rabbit with peach sauce and honey. If you are searching for a romantic restaurant in Ouarzazate with a classy, yet laid-back vibe, look no further than La Kasbah des Sables.

• La Gironde: Welcome to La Gironde, a casual restaurant in the centre of Ouarzazate that serves a diverse selection of traditional Moroccan dishes at a fair price. Located on a quiet street, the restaurant has a small terrace with just a few tables. Start with the Moroccan salad or try the vegetarian couscous. La Gironde also offers dishes such as grilled meatballs with fried potatoes and beef tagine. Pair your meal with a refreshing apple/banana smoothie. The owner, Mustafa is a hospitable man who is always more than happy to recommend house specialties.

• Restaurant Relais Saint Exupéry: Foodies staying in Ouarzazate will want to make a reservation at the prestigious Restaurant Relais Saint Exupéry. Bordeaux chef, Jean-Pierre is in charge of the kitchen where he prepares both Moroccan and French dishes. Start with the pumpkin soup or try the exotic camel or shark meat. Vegetarians can order the tasty spaghetti Neapolitan. The restaurant does homemade bread and the olive oil here is produced by the owner. In addition to beer and various alcoholic beverages, the restaurant also offers excellent wines from Morocco.

• Douyria: Located just a few minutes from Taourirt Kasbah in the centre of Ouarzazate, this fabulous restaurant is known for its Moroccan cuisine with Mediterranean influences and spectacular views of the city and the mountains from the stunning rooftop terrace. Guests can order goat meat in argan oil and sesame, Moroccan couscous with chicken and veggies, or meatballs served with eggs and tomatoes. The fresh goat cheese is delicious, as well as the camel tagine. They have a liquor license, so you can order something from their extensive wine list.

• Restaurant Ovelix Ouarzazate: Wish to have a memorable dining experience in Ouarzazate without breaking the bank? Pay a visit to Ovelix Ouarzazate, a lovely eatery that offers both Moroccan and international cuisine. Aziz Boukbout is a great chef who prepares high-quality dishes such as chicken tagine, eggplant with mixed veggies and tomato sauce, and different versions of meat tagine. The décor is inviting with cool Pharaonic drawings on the walls. There is also a nice terrace with a few tables outside for al-fresco dining.

• Restaurant Bahja: Offering authentic Moroccan food, Restaurant Bahja is not an upscale dining establishment. It is a local eatery with a simple décor (plastic chairs and tables) that offers cheap, yet delicious foods. Try their grilled chicken brochettes and the lamb tagine which is only served for lunch. Meat lovers should also try the mildly hot merguez sausages. If you are searching for a restaurant filled with locals, Bahja is where you want to go.

• The Full Sun: Located on the tourist strip in Ouarzazate and a few minutes from the popular Ibis Hotel, the Full Sun focuses on both Moroccan and international cuisine. They have a cute outdoor terrace with nice views of the mountains and the city. What’s good to order? The food menu is extensive and includes everything from burgers, mixed tacos, and chicken pastille to goat tajin with lemon and pizza. Guests with a sweet tooth should not leave before trying the delicious chocolate mousse.

• Bakery Pastry Café Restaurant Habous: Located right on the main square in Ouarzazate, the Bakery Pastry Café Restaurant Habous is a touristy restaurant known for its high-quality cakes and pastries, tasty international/Moroccan dishes, and a cute outdoor terrace. The menu is extensive with pizza, sandwich, salad, and burger options. The restaurant also serves Moroccan dishes such as tagine kefta, vegetarian couscous, and pastille. They don’t do alcohol, but you can order their tasty mocktails or get a cup of Moroccan mint tea.

Where to stay in Ouarzazate

• Le Berbere Palace: This is one of the few 5-star hotels in the region. If you are searching for upscale accommodation in Ouarzazate, book your stay at Le Berbere Palace. Popular Hollywood actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt have stayed here. The hotel itself looks amazing with offers a wide range of modern comforts including a giant outdoor pool, three on-site restaurants, and a luxurious spa centre with a hammam and a sauna.

• Dar Kamar: Welcome to Dar Kamar, an artistic guesthouse decorated with North African art. Situated inside a 17th-century courthouse, the hotel offers a wide variety of spacious suites and rooms, each fitted with comfy beds, a private bathroom, and a private seating area. Located close to the Atlas Film Studios, this charming property boasts a magnificent restaurant where breakfast is served every morning. Guests can relax with a drink at the on-site bar, enjoy city views from the terrace, and book massage treatments.

• Dar Rita: Located a few minutes by car from the centre of Ouarzazate, this boutique hotel offers 7 rooms and a two-bedroom suite. You can sit on the picturesque rooftop terrace to enjoy the views and try a typical Moroccan breakfast in the morning. Guests like the Berber-style decoration of the hotel and say how the owner is super kind and helpful. There are lots of books, board games, and cards for entertainment.

• Oscar Hotel by Atlas Studios: Movie buffs visiting Ouarzazate can book accommodation at the legendary Oscar Hotel by Atlas Studios. This stylish hotel with traditional Moroccan décor is located right next to the Atlas Studios and just a short drive from some of the best tourist attractions in the area. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy a refreshing drink on the shady outdoor terrace or go for a dip in the outdoor swimming pool. The on-site restaurant specializes in traditional Moroccan cuisine and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Côté Sud: Wish to stay outside the city gates and enjoy some peace and quiet? Make a reservation at Côté Sud, a lovely hotel with beautifully decorated rooms, an outdoor pool, and a wonderful terrace with majestic mountain views. This is the place to get away from it all and recharge your batteries. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine by the swimming pool, dine at the luxurious on-site restaurant which offers Spanish/Moroccan dishes, and book activities and day trips at the front desk.

• Maison d'hôtes Dar Farhana: Welcome to this really beautiful and authentic riad. Located a short drive from Taourirt Kasbah and the Atlas Film Studios, this luxury bed and breakfast riad has everything needed for a memorable vacation in Morocco. There is a lovely rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains, a picturesque garden full of trees and flowers, and a small outdoor pool where guests can cool off after a day of sightseeing. You can book desert excursions at the front desk if you wish.

• Riad Dar Chamaa: This boutique riad located on the outskirts of the city looks really nice and offers panoramic views of the Atlas Mountain. Riad Dar Chamaa has a nice cactus garden and a small outdoor swimming pool. The interiors are just as lovely with traditional Arabic decorations and plenty of authentic furniture spread across the common areas. A tasty breakfast is served daily and included in the price.

• Le Petit Riad: With a picturesque garden filled with beautiful flowers and trees, an outdoor swimming pool with shaded sun loungers, and a spectacular rooftop terrace that has the best sunset views ever, this luxury Berber-style riad in Ouarzazate is a perfect place to spend a few days. The enchanted riad offers beautifully decorated guestrooms with luxury linens and spacious bathrooms with exquisite tilework. In the mornings, guests can enjoy a tasty continental breakfast in the dining room. There is a lovely guest lounge with a fireplace where you can unwind with a drink in the evenings.

• Guesthouse Les Tourmalines: Located right between the city of Ouarzazate and the Palm Grove of Skoura, Les Tourmalines is a beautiful guesthouse with majestic lake and mountain views. Go for a swim in the infinity pool overlooking the lake, choose a bottle of wine from the on-site wine cellar, and enjoy a delicious breakfast served on the terrace perched right above the lake. There are only about 10 rooms to choose from, each decorated in traditional Moroccan style and fitted with tiled bathrooms and comfortable bedding. Guesthouse Les Tourmalines is about half an hour’s drive from the centre of Ouarzazate.

The best time to visit Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate is the gateway to the desert, so it comes as no surprise that the summers in this region are extremely hot with high temperatures and little rain. As for the winter season, the weather is dry and relatively warm. However, it can get quite windy in Ouarzazate in winter. Therefore, the best time to visit Ouarzazate is in spring (March to May) and in fall (September to November). During these shoulder seasons, the temperatures are wonderfully pleasant, there is little chance of rain, and there are fewer crowds.

Ouarzazate Festivals

• Oasis Festival: Forget about Ibiza and come check out the Oasis Festival in Ouarzazate. This three-day event hosts some of the biggest names in today’s electronic scene such as Honey Dijon and DJ Koze. The festival was actually held in Marrakech until 2023 when the organizers decided to move Oasis to the Atlas Studios of Ouarzazate.