The best things to do in Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate is a city founded on April 4, 1928. It is characterized by having 3 districts, which are further divided into a total of 10 neighborhoods, with a population of 121,618 inhabitants.

This metropolis of tall buildings has the Ouarzazate International Airport (OZZ) located approximately 2 kilometers southwest of the city center if you wish to travel by plane. There are also 4 bus terminals if you prefer to arrive in Ouarzazate by bus.

There are also transportation systems like taxis and buses. Finally, there are 10 kilometers of bike lanes for cycling around the city.

Ouarzazate is a city to experience in Morocco because, in addition to offering must-see places, it is renowned for being the charming city of Ouarzazate in Morocco, famous for its stunning desert landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and as a setting for iconic movies.

It is also known for its traditions, such as the Ouarzazate International Film Festival in October, the Rose Festival in May, and the Palm Festival in April. But above all, it is known for its welcoming climate, as the climate in Ouarzazate during most of the year is desert-like, with an average annual temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius.

Now, regarding the beautiful places in Ouarzazate, they are diverse and cater to different types of tourism. For example, one attractive aspect of historical tourism is visiting beautiful places in Ouarzazate where you can take photos without any problem. Some main attractions include Taourirt Kasbah, Aït Ben Haddou, Atlas Film Studios, Fint Oasis, Tifoultoute Kasbah, Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Skoura Palm Grove, Draa Valley, and Lake Mansour Eddahbi.

Another great plan in Ouarzazate for a day is walking through landscapes or parks like the Sahara Desert, Valley of Roses, Dadès Gorges, Todra Gorges, and Fint Oasis. Most of these tourist sites in Ouarzazate require little money to visit.

Other attractions in Ouarzazate that you should visit to spend the day are the museums, some of the most important being the Cinema Museum and the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions.

Also, if you prefer nocturnal plans in Ouarzazate and enjoy traveling alone or going out as a couple, you should visit some emblematic places in Ouarzazate for the night. Some recommended ones are Taourirt Kasbah, Atlas Film Studios, and Glaoui Palace.

But if you prefer to travel with your family, among the beautiful places in Ouarzazate for children are the Cinema Museum of Ouarzazate, Kelaat M'Gouna Rose Garden, and Toubkal National Park.

Before traveling to this marvelous city and experiencing some tourist places in Ouarzazate, we recommend you to get to know the rich customs of the Ouarzazatí people and some curious facts about the metropolis. Some important ones are:

• Ouarzazate is known as the "Gateway to the Desert" due to its strategic location in southern Morocco, near the Sahara Desert.
• The city is famous for being a significant center of film production. Many international movies and series have been filmed at the Ouarzazate film studios, including "Gladiator," "Game of Thrones," and "Lawrence of Arabia."
• Ouarzazate is home to the Cinema Museum, which displays a collection of artifacts related to the Moroccan film industry.
• The city has several historic kasbahs (fortresses), such as Taourirt Kasbah and Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Ouarzazate is renowned for its beautiful desert and mountain landscapes, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
• Berber culture has a strong presence in Ouarzazate, with local inhabitants preserving many ancestral traditions and customs.
• Handicrafts are an important part of Ouarzazate's culture. Local artisans produce textiles and ceramics.

As one of the important cities in Morocco, Ouarzazate is a hub for gastronomic trade. So, one of the many essential things to do is to eat in areas like the Ouarzazate Souk, which are favorites among foodies.

You will find the best restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets, perfect for trying some local specialties such as Lamb Tajine, Moroccan Couscous, Chicken Pastilla, Harira (traditional soup), Mechoui (roast lamb), Zaalouk (eggplant salad), Briouat (stuffed pastries), Kefta Tagine (meatball stew), Bastela (puff pastry with chicken and almonds), and Msemen (Moroccan pancakes). Some recommended restaurants are Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou restaurant, La Terrasse des Delices restaurant, Le Petit Riad restaurant, and Chez Dimitri restaurant.

As for accommodation, if you want to stay in one of the most exclusive and safe areas of Ouarzazate, we recommend staying in Ait Ben Haddou, Skoura, or the Draa Valley. These are where the most recommended famous hotels in Ouarzazate are located, such as Berbère Palace Hotel, Le Temple des Arts, La Perle du Sud Hotel, and Dar Ahlam.