Instagrammers rejoice! The blue city that seems like something out of a fairytale is real, and it’s in Morocco. The city of Chefchaouen is famously known as the Blue Pearl or the Blue City. It is one of the most unique places in Morocco and is full of cute shops, friendly locals, and winding blue alleyways. This Chefchaouen guide will talk about all of the best things to do in Chefchaouen and why it should be a part of your Morocco Travels!
Chefchaouen Guide: How to get to Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is accessible by bus from both Tangier and Fes. It was the second stop on our trip through Morocco after Tangier (we then continued to Fes). The CTM bus and Supratours run to and from Chefchaouen daily. I recommend purchasing your next tickets from the station when you arrive in Chefchaouen, as you will have to walk back to the station to purchase them. The lines can be long, and as Chefchaouen is a popular destination, buses can fill up. Purchase in advance!
Chefchaouen Guide: Things to Do in Chefchaouen
Hire a Private Tour Guide to Take You Around the City
This was a great experience and something I would totally recommend. I’m not usually one for hiring tour guides (I sometimes join free city walks). But Chefchaouen is such a winding city that a guide was helpful and taught us a lot about the history and culture of the city. Our tour guide, Amina, is the only female tour guide in Chefchaouen, and she was awesome. This is her Instagram if you want to get in contact with her. (Not an ad – I just really liked her!) Whoever you choose – be sure to ask lots of questions!
GUIDED TOURS OF CHEFCHOUENE ON VIATOR
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Wander the Medina
Honestly, this is the best thing to do in ANY Moroccan city, but especially in Chefchaouen. To get that perfect Insta-shot, you are going to want to wander long and hard, my friends. Crowds can be thick, and there are, of course, the famous ‘steps’ to take photos on – but there are tons of different alleyways as well. There are several different shades of blue to be found. Get lost. Take your camera. Wander around. It will be worth it, and this is where your best photos will come from.
Walk up to the Spanish Mosque for Sunset
If you’re up for a small hike, the walk up to the Spanish Mosque on the outside of town is well worth it. It takes about 30 minutes of strolling to get to the top, but the view about halfway up is just as pretty. We stopped there in order to not fight the crowds and were greeted with a small wooded area and a stunning sunset over the city. Mountains were the backdrop for the city, and it was well worth the walk.
Ras el Maa
Just before the walk to the mosque is a small set of waterfalls. This is where the women do their laundry, and kids and some men splash in a little swimming area. (Sorry, no women allowed.) This is a great place to sit and have an orange juice and just people-watch. The area is usually bustling with people selling merchandise, peacocks, a few donkeys, and kids running around.
Hammam
I did not experience this hammam for myself, but I have heard that the Hammam in Chefchaouen is the real deal. It is a true traditional Hammam, and while it won’t be a ‘spa’ experience, it is well worth the time. It shouldn’t cost you anything more than 11 dollars and will be an experience of a lifetime. If you want to read more about the hammam experience, I absolutely loved this article from Emily Style. It is both hilarious and educational—my favorite!
Bridge of God
If you are visiting for more than a few days, there are several hikes just outside of town. We weren’t able to go on any due to time, but I have heard that the Bridge of God hike is awesome. If you have time to do it, please send me a message and let me know how it was!
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Where to Stay in Chefchaouen
This hotel, which has fantastic reviews, is beautifully decorated and has a stunning courtyard, a traditional Arabic interior, a pool, and a rooftop terrace.
This hotel has a rooftop garden terrace, little nooks to hide away in, and fantastic reviews from visitors. It also has a great location in town.
Alojamiento Chauen – These rooms are some of the biggest you will find in Morocco, and even in Chefchaouen. They are brightly decorated in traditional Arabic style. This 4-star hotel has a beautiful balcony that overlooks the city.
Hostels in Chefchaouen
“Felicidad,” spelled backward—is an adorable hostel in Chefchaouen. It is an almost entirely blue riad, complete with a cute little courtyard.
This hostel is one of the highest-rated in Chefchaouen. It is the closest you will get to a standard backpacker hostel in Chefchaouen.
Where to Eat in Chefchaouen
Restaurant Assaada
I loved this little cafe/ restaurant down a little alley. The upstairs overlooked the street, where we could watch kids hit each other with a stick (how fun!) There was a cute balcony where we took some pics and had a good time. The food was delicious, and I would totally recommend it.
Cafe Restaurant Sofia
This cafe doesn’t look like much, but the staff was super friendly, and the food was really good. Plus, there are tons of cute cats roaming around. One decided she was going to cuddle me and love me forever. 10/10 for cats and food.
Chefchaouen Guide: General Tips For Visiting
Chefchaouen is a very different place from Marrakech, Fez, or even Tangier. The city is very small, and the people are super friendly — so friendly, in fact, that some boys asked me to film them doing backflips and post the video on YouTube! They gave me a hug, and although they didn’t speak any English or French, I have a feeling we became close friends that day.
Chefchaouen is a place where you can let your guard down a little bit. I’m not saying be a target for pickpockets – but chat with people. Start a conversation. You never know you who might meet! Even French Montana filmed a music video in Chefchaouen, as did Daddy Yankee.
General Tips for Visiting Chefchaouen.
- The city is located in the mountains, which means there are many hills within the city itself. Make sure you are wearing good walking shoes! I recommend wearing Birdies or Tevas! You can check out my complete guide on What to Wear in Morocco here.
- Have your camera always ready to go! There is a new spot to shoot around every corner in this little city. Here is a list of all my favorite travel equipment.
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Thank you! This is such a sweet comment, I don’t know how I have just now seen it! Safe travels, I hope you were able to get to Chefchaouen!
Cheers,
Sydney
I love EVERYTHING about this post! Thank you for recommendations on where to stay! I cannot wait to visit this beautiful place!
THANK YOU!!!! Chefchaouen truly is an amazing place to visit, if you ever need to know anything before traveling there, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Your guide perfectly captures the magic of Chefchaouen. I spent a few days there last year, and getting lost in those quiet, blue-washed alleyways was the highlight of my trip to Morocco. Your tip about visiting the Ras El Maa waterfall in the early morning is excellent—it was so peaceful before the day-trippers arrived.
This guide is exactly what I needed. I’ve been dreaming of visiting Chefchaouen for years, and your tips on the best time to photograph the blue streets are invaluable. I’m curious, did you find any particular local café or spot that felt like a hidden gem away from the main paths?