The Traveling Taylors

We had seen countless photos of Chefchaouen—the famous Morocco blue city—before finally visiting it ourselves, but nothing compares to walking those blue-washed alleys in person. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen feels like a fairytale. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Morocco’s blue city.

How to Get to the Morocco Blue City

Chefchaouen is beautiful but remote—it doesn’t have its own airport. Since you’ll be logging plenty of steps once you arrive, it helps to break in a pair of supportive walking sneakers like these before the trip.

🚗 Best Ways to Reach Chefchaouen:

• From Tangier: 2.5–3 hours by car or shared taxi
• From Fes: About 4 hours by bus or taxi
• From Casablanca: 6+ hours, better broken up with a stop in Rabat or Fes

💡 Insider Tip: Buses (CTM or local lines) are the most affordable option, but booking early is essential during peak season. Private transfers are faster but more expensive.

When to Visit Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen can be busy, especially with Instagram fame bringing crowds.

• Best Months: March–May and September–November (pleasant temps and fewer tourists)
• Summer: Hot but manageable, though July–August see heavier crowds – When exploring in hot weather, many travelers stay cool with a powerful rechargeable handheld fan like this one, providing a refreshing breeze that’s perfect for sightseeing, outdoor attractions, and long days in the sun.
• Winter: Quiet and cool—great for photographers who want empty streets

🌅 Bonus: Visit early morning or late evening for photos without tourist traffic. Travelers who love solo shots often pack a compact selfie stick tripod like this one to capture the empty streets at golden hour.

Where to Stay in Morocco’s Blue City

Chefchaouen is full of charming riads and guesthouses, many with rooftop views of the blue medina.

Top Picks for Every Style:

• Budget: Cozy hostels near the medina gates
• Mid-Range: Riads with courtyards and mountain views
• Luxury: Boutique stays with rooftop terraces and Moroccan design flair

🏡 Tip: Stay inside the medina if you want to wake up right in the middle of the blue streets.

Regardless of which style of hotel you choose, many travelers keep a pack of disinfecting wipes like these in their suitcase so they can wipe down bedside tables, bathroom counters, and other surfaces when they first check into their hotel room.

Best Things to Do in Chefchaouen

The Morocco blue city is small, but there’s plenty to see: With every corner practically begging to be photographed, it’s worth bringing a lightweight mirrorless camera like this one to do those blue walls justice.

1. Wander the Blue Streets – The alleys are the main attraction, each corner begging for a photo. To learn the stories behind the blue-washed medina, you can book a private guided walk through the old town.
2. Shop Local Crafts – Chefchaouen is known for handwoven blankets, pottery, and leather goods. When exploring markets, some travelers like carrying a hidden money belt like this one to keep their passport, credit cards, and cash secure.
3. Hike to the Spanish Mosque – A short walk uphill leads to a panoramic sunset view of the entire blue city. For the best light and secret vantage points, you can join a blue city walking and photography tour.
4. Relax in Uta el-Hammam Square – The main square where locals gather; perfect for people-watching over mint tea.
5. Visit Ras El Maa Waterfall – Just outside the medina, where locals cool off and do laundry.

Food to Try in Morocco’s Blue City

Chefchaouen may be small, but it serves up big flavors.

• Tagine & Couscous: Classic Moroccan comfort food.
• B’ssara Soup: A hearty fava bean dish, especially popular at breakfast.
• Goat Cheese: Chefchaouen’s specialty, often served fresh with bread.

Sampling local cuisine is always exciting, but maintaining good oral hygiene while traveling is just as important, which is why many travelers pack a portable water flosser like this one.

🍴 Dining Tip: Skip the overly touristy restaurants in the main square and explore side streets for authentic eats. Those cozy little cafes make a fun backdrop, so some visitors love snapping prints on the spot with an instant camera like this one.

Tips for Visiting Chefchaouen Like a Pro

• Stay at least 2 nights—you’ll want time to soak up the slow pace.
• Bring cash—many shops don’t accept cards. For travelers who want quick access to small amounts of cash, a compact wristlet wallet like this one is perfect for carrying cash while walking around.
• Respect locals’ privacy—always ask before taking someone’s photo.
• Pack layers—mountain evenings can get chilly, even in summer. Many women stay warm in the evenings with a quilted women’s jacket like this one that is the perfect travel layer for chilly mountain evenings.

Why Chefchaouen Deserves a Spot on Your Morocco Itinerary

The Morocco blue city isn’t just photogenic—it’s soulful. Between its laid-back mountain atmosphere, striking blue walls, and welcoming locals, Chefchaouen offers a calmer side of Morocco that contrasts beautifully with the buzz of Marrakech or Fes. Plan your visit wisely, and you’ll experience the blue city at its best.

Planning your Morocco adventure? Don’t miss our guide to 7 Morocco Currency Hacks to prepare like a pro.