The Traveling Taylors

Chefchaouen is a photographer’s dream—but finding those iconic blue corners without the crowds? That takes a little insider knowledge. We wandered every twisty alley with camera in hand, and this practical guide shares the exact Chefchaouen photo spots you’ll want on your list—plus the best times to shoot and how to respect the locals while doing it.

1. The Famous Flower Pot Staircase (Callejon El Asri)

Where: Near the upper medina, off Rue Targui
Why it’s iconic: Bright blue stairs, rainbow flower pots, and perfectly framed windows.
Best time: 8–9 a.m. for soft light and fewer influencers.

Pro tip: Be quick and kind—it’s a residential area. To do this scene justice in that gentle morning light, many photographers reach for a lightweight mirrorless camera like this one. If you’d rather have a local lead you to the best angles, you can join a blue city photography walking tour.

2. The Arch with the Blue Door and Rug Display

Where: Just below the Kasbah on a quiet alley
Why it’s iconic: A bold blue door framed by a rug display—simple but striking.
Best time: Late morning light hits just right.

Pro tip: The rugs are often for sale, so ask permission before snapping too long.

3. The “Staircase to Heaven” on Rue Sidi Abdelhamid

Where: Near the Spanish Mosque trailhead
Why it’s iconic: Steep steps painted in shifting blue tones with layered plant pots.
Best time: Afternoon, when the shadows soften and fewer people pass through.

Pro tip: Watch your footing—these stairs are narrow and often wet. A pair of grippy walking sneakers like these makes climbing the damp, uneven steps much safer.

4. The View from the Spanish Mosque

Where: 20-minute uphill walk from the medina
Why it’s iconic: Full panoramic view of the entire blue town backed by mountains.
Best time: Sunset—golden hour magic.

Pro tip: Bring a lightweight tripod if you want long exposure shots as the city lights come on. A packable selfie stick tripod like this one is perfect for steadying those twilight panoramas. Prefer company for the uphill climb? You can take a private guided walk up to the mosque.

5. The Alley with Hanging Baskets (Unnamed)

Where: Tucked near the eastern side of the medina, just off Rue Targui
Why it’s iconic: Dozens of woven baskets suspended over a tight alleyway with patchy sun.
Best time: Mid-morning—light filters down just enough.

Pro tip: It’s easy to miss—just keep wandering and look up!

6. The Blue Alley with White Door and Ivy

Where: Behind Hotel Casa Hassan
Why it’s iconic: A unique contrast—blue walls, a bright white door, and green ivy cascading above.
Best time: Early morning before the sun washes it out.

Pro tip: This one’s tricky to find—ask a local or staff at nearby cafés.

7. Rooftop Views from a Riad or Café

Where: Casa Perleta, Chez Aziz, or Aladdin Café
Why it’s iconic: Rooftop mosaics, minaret silhouettes, and mountain views.
Best time: Sunrise or twilight

Pro tip: Order a tea or meal to shoot respectfully—don’t treat it like a photo studio. A long day of shooting from sunrise to twilight drains a battery fast, so a portable power bank like this one keeps your phone or camera going.

Bonus: 3 Photo Tips for Chefchaouen

📸 1. Use Portrait Mode to isolate subjects and bring out texture—Chefchaouen is full of details.
🌤️ 2. Avoid midday—the harsh sun bleaches the blue and creates strong shadows.
🙏 3. Ask before shooting locals—many prefer not to be photographed, especially women. If you shoot mostly on your phone, a secure phone holder like this one makes composing steady shots in the narrow alleys much easier.

Respect the Space: Don’t Be That Tourist

The most beautiful photo spots in Chefchaouen are often in residential alleys. Locals live here. Kids play here. Treat every location with quiet respect. Don’t block walkways or climb on doors and walls for the perfect shot.

Capture Chefchaouen Without the Chaos

With the right timing, approach, and a bit of patience, you can capture Chefchaouen’s most iconic photo spots—without turning your trip into a photoshoot. Let the blue walls pull you in, but remember to see the city too, not just shoot it. And if you want to trade the alleys for waterfalls for a day, you can reserve a day trip to the Akchour waterfalls.

For more tips on what to actually do in the Blue City, check out our 10 dreamy things to do in Chefchaouen or read our honest answer to Is Chefchaouen worth visiting?