Fun Things to Do in Ouarzazate | Travel Guide (2023) | Best Places to Visit

The best time to visit Ouarzazate is from April to May and again from September to October. The weather during these months is usually moderate and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city. Average temperatures in spring and autumn range between 25°C (77°F) during the day and 12°C (54°F) at night. Summer temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F), so it's not particularly inviting for tourists during this period. Rainfall is rare, but thunderstorms may occur occasionally throughout the year.

The best area to stay in Ouarzazate is the city centre. It offers easy access to all of the main attractions, including the Taourirt Kasbah, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and Cinema Museum. The streets are lined with cafes and restaurants, so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to eat or drink. Additionally, there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options available for travellers looking for a comfortable stay.

Popular attractions in Ouarzazate include:

1. Taourirt Kasbah: This 18th century kasbah was once the residence of the last Pasha of Marrakech and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah: The sprawling mudbrick fortress has appeared in many films including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and The Mummy.

3. Cinema Museum: Find out all you need to know about Moroccan cinema at this museum located in an old movie theatre.

4. Skoura Palm Grove: Spend some time exploring this amazing oasis surrounded by desert landscapes.

5. Dades Valley & Gorge: Take a scenic drive through the rocky canyon before stopping to admire the stunning views.

6. Kasbah Tifoultoute: Admire the beautiful architecture of this Berber castle and explore its gardens.

7. Telouet Kasbah: See magnificent carpets, jewellery, and other handicrafts on display at this former palace.

8. Fossil & Mineral Museum: Learn about Morocco’s geological history at this museum located in a traditional kasbah house.

9. Dadès Gorge & Valley: Visit one of Morocco’s most spectacular gorges and soak up the breathtaking views from above.

The best places to eat in Ouarzazate include:

1. Kasbah Café: Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine with a modern twist at this chic restaurant.

2. Restaurant La Tourmente: Sample delicious local specialities such as tagine and couscous dishes at this popular eatery.

3. Chez Maâmouna: Indulge in classic Moroccan fare made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

4. Le Pacha Grill: Savour some of the region’s finest grilled meats in a rustic atmosphere.

5. Don Giovanni Restaurant: Sip on Italian wines while feasting on homemade pasta and pizza dishes.

6. L'Unico Pizza & Pasta Bar: Sample the finest Italian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere at this popular spot.

7. Dar Ayour: Enjoy freshly prepared Moroccan dishes served with a view of the nearby kasbahs.

8. Cafe Maure: Try some of the city’s best traditional dishes, such as tajine and pastilla at this casual cafe.

9. Le Relais du Dades: Experience modern French fine dining in an elegant setting.

10. La Kasbah des Sables: Savor delicious tagines infused with spices and herbs from Morocco's souks.

The best places to do shopping in Ouarzazate include:

1. Souk El Had: Browse through an array of stalls selling everything from clothes and carpets to handicrafts and spices.

2. Taourirt Kasbah Market: Shop for handmade items such as jewellery, leather goods, pottery, soaps, and oils.

3. Ait Ben Haddou Market: Explore the vibrant bazaar atmosphere while browsing wares such as carpets, antiques, and souvenirs.

4. Kasbah des Sables Shopping Mall: Take a break from sightseeing and browse the stores offering clothing, footwear, bags and accessories.

5. Carpet Souks: Bargain away with one of the many local merchants selling handcrafted carpets, kilims, and rugs.

6. Dades Valley Artisans: Shop for traditional Moroccan art such as paintings, sculptures, and pottery.

7. Ksar Ait Ben Haddou Souk: Buy unique items such as handmade jewellery and leather goods at this bustling market.

8. Leather Market: Visit one of Ouarzazate's leather markets to purchase jackets, belts, wallets and other items made from locally sourced leather.

9. Spice Market: Take a trip to the city's spice market and stock up on saffron, turmeric, cumin and other spices used in Moroccan cooking.

The best nightlife options in Ouarzazate include:

1. L'Unico Pizza & Pasta Bar: Sip on a glass of Italian wine or craft beer while listening to live jazz and pop music.

2. Café Maure: Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere accompanied by local musicians playing traditional Moroccan tunes.

3. Dar Ayour Restaurant: Spend an evening under the stars while feasting on gourmet meals and sipping cocktails.

4. Bar Boubouche: Dance the night away at this chic bar where DJs spin house, hip hop, and electronic music.

5. La Kasbah des Sables: Relax with friends over some drinks while admiring the stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.

6. Club Le Grand Bleu: Head to Ouarzazate's most exclusive club for an evening of dancing, drinking and VIP treatment.

7. Café Zouina: Groove along to modern beats while sampling one of the bar’s signature cocktails.

8. Nuit Blanche Lounge: Unwind with a cold beer or glass of wine at this popular lounge in the city centre.

9. Don Giovanni Restaurant: Enjoy live music and entertainment as you indulge in some of their delicious Italian dishes.

10. Bar de la Place: Get ready for a night out with a few drinks at this vibrant spot located right in the heart of town.

The best day trips near Ouarzazate include:

1. Ait Ben Haddou: Explore the oldest ksar in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Dades Valley: Wander through the breathtaking valleys and gorges of this region known as "the valley of a thousand Kasbahs".

3. Dadès Gorges: Visit one of Morocco's most impressive natural attractions and admire its striking landscape.

4. Todra Gorge: Hike through the stunning canyons carved by the Todra River and take in amazing views from atop its cliffs.

5. Skoura Palm Grove: Take a stroll through this beautiful oasis filled with thousands of palm trees.

6. Zagora: Explore the ancient city and its many sites, including the old Kasbah Museum, Timadrite Mosque, and Adrar Moulay Ali Cherif Fort.

7. Ouarzazate Dam: Spend a day at this tranquil spot surrounded by lush gardens and enjoy some water sports activities.

8. Tizi N'Tichka Pass: Drive through the winding roads of this mountain pass to reach Marrakech in just 2 hours.

9. Meghan National Park: Get up close with nature on a wildlife safari and spot animals such as ibexes, gazelles and ostriches.