Things to Do in Chefchaouen: Best Sights & Local Experiences

Chefchaouen may be famous for its blue streets, but there is more to do here than take photos. You can explore the Medina, visit the Kasbah, walk to Ras El Ma, watch sunset from the Spanish Mosque, shop for local crafts and use the town as a base for a trip to Akchour.
I’m Kamal, a licensed Moroccan tour guide, and I recommend experiencing Chefchaouen slowly rather than trying to race through every sight. Most of the main attractions are close together, which gives you time to wander, stop for tea and enjoy the mountain setting between visits.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best things to do in Chefchaouen, including the places I would prioritize on a first visit and a few experiences that are easy to miss.
If you are still deciding how many days to stay, when to visit or how to get here, start with my Chefchaouen Travel Guide.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Explore the Blue Medina

The blue-painted Medina is the main reason most travelers come to Chefchaouen, and it is best explored on foot without following a strict route.
Start early in the morning if you want quieter streets and softer light for photography. Later in the day, the most famous stairways and blue corners become much busier, especially around the central Medina.
Do not rely too heavily on Google Maps inside the old town. The lanes are compact and part of the experience is wandering through small alleys, stairways and residential streets until you find your way back toward the main squares.
Remember that many of the blue doors and staircases belong to private homes. Take photos respectfully, avoid blocking entrances and ask permission before photographing people.

2. Walk to the Spanish Mosque for Sunset

The Spanish Mosque is one of the best viewpoints over Chefchaouen, especially in the late afternoon when the light begins to soften over the blue Medina and the Rif Mountains.
The walk starts near Ras El Ma and climbs gradually above the town. It is not a long hike, but wear comfortable shoes because the path is uneven in places.
I recommend arriving before sunset rather than at the last minute. That gives you time to enjoy the view while there is still daylight and watch the colors change as the sun goes down.
The viewpoint can become busy around sunset, so if you prefer a quieter experience, go earlier in the afternoon or in the morning.

3. Spend Time in Uta el-Hammam Square

Uta el-Hammam is the main square in the Chefchaouen Medina and one of the easiest places to stop between walks.
The square is lined with cafés and restaurants, with the Kasbah on one side and the Grand Mosque nearby. It becomes busier through the day, but it is still a useful place to sit, have tea and watch the rhythm of the town.
I would not treat the square as a major attraction that needs a long visit. It works better as a natural pause while exploring the Medina, especially around lunch or in the early evening.

4. Visit the Chefchaouen Kasbah

The Kasbah sits directly beside Uta el-Hammam Square and is one of the main historic sights inside Chefchaouen’s Medina.
Inside, you can explore the old fortress, gardens and small museum, then climb the tower for views over the blue rooftops and surrounding mountains.
I like the Kasbah because it gives you a different perspective on Chefchaouen. Most visitors spend their time looking at the town from street level, while the tower helps you understand how compact the Medina really is.
You do not need a long visit. Around 30 to 45 minutes is enough for most travelers, depending on how much time you spend in the museum and enjoying the views. For official information about Chefchaouen and its cultural attractions, see the Moroccan National Tourist Office.

5. Walk to Ras El Ma

Ras El Ma sits just outside the eastern edge of the Medina, where fresh mountain water flows down toward Chefchaouen.
It is a simple stop rather than a major attraction, but I like it because it shows another side of the town. You will often see local families, small cafés and people sitting near the water, especially later in the day.
Ras El Ma also works naturally with the walk to the Spanish Mosque because the uphill path begins nearby. If you are planning sunset at the viewpoint, stop here first and then continue up the hill.
You only need a short visit, but it is worth including while exploring the eastern side of the Medina.

6. Shop for Local Crafts in the Medina

Shopping is part of the Chefchaouen experience, especially if you enjoy small artisan shops rather than large souks.
You will find woven blankets, wool clothing, leather goods, handmade bags, pottery, soaps and other locally made products throughout the Medina.
I recommend taking your time and comparing a few shops before buying. Quality can vary, and the first price is not always the final price, so polite bargaining is normal in many places.
Chefchaouen is smaller and calmer than Marrakech or Fes, which can make shopping feel more relaxed. Even if you are not planning to buy much, wandering through the small workshops and shops adds another layer to exploring the old town.

7. Relax at a Café or Rooftop Terrace

One of the easiest things to do in Chefchaouen is simply stop for tea or coffee and enjoy the view.
Small cafés inside the Medina are good for people-watching, while rooftop terraces give you a wider view over the blue houses and surrounding mountains.
Late afternoon is my favorite time for a rooftop because the light becomes softer and the town starts to cool down.
You do not need to search for the most famous café. In Chefchaouen, the atmosphere and the view usually matter more than the name of the place.

8. Try Local Food in Chefchaouen

Trying local food is another simple way to enjoy Chefchaouen, especially if you want a break between walking through the Medina.
Look for dishes such as tagine, kefta, couscous, lentils, bissara and local goat cheese, which is common in northern Morocco.
I usually prefer smaller restaurants with short menus rather than places trying to serve every Moroccan dish at once. A terrace with a view can also be a good choice, especially around lunch or early evening.
You do not need to make food the main focus of your visit, but one relaxed local meal fits Chefchaouen perfectly.

9. Take a Day Trip to Akchour

Akchour is the most popular nature trip from Chefchaouen and a good choice if you want to combine the blue Medina with a day in the Rif Mountains.
The area is known for rivers, waterfalls and mountain trails. You can choose a shorter walk near the water or spend longer hiking, depending on your fitness, the weather and local conditions.
I recommend wearing proper walking shoes, carrying water and checking conditions before setting out, especially after rain or during hotter periods.
If you are staying two nights in Chefchaouen, Akchour fits very naturally into the second day without making the trip feel rushed.

FAQs About Things to Do in Chefchaouen

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Chefchaouen

The best things to do in Chefchaouen are not spread across a huge city. Most are close together, which is exactly why I recommend slowing down rather than trying to fill every hour.
Explore the blue Medina, visit the Kasbah, walk to Ras El Ma, enjoy the view from the Spanish Mosque and leave time for a café or rooftop. If you have an extra day, Akchour adds a completely different side of the Rif Mountains.
For help with how many days to stay, when to visit, transport and where to stay, continue with my Chefchaouen Travel Guide. For help with how many days to stay, when to visit and transport, continue with my Chefchaouen Travel Guide. If you are choosing a riad or hotel, see my Where to Stay in Chefchaouen guide.

Disclosure: Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you choose to book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend experiences and services that I genuinely believe add value to your trip.