The Best 7-Day Morocco Itinerary for Solo Travellers
Having explored (almost) every corner of Morocco as a solo traveller, I find it hard to condense its highlights into just a week.
It encompasses not only labyrinthine medinas and breezy coastal cities but also rugged mountain scenery and windswept desert dunes.
So where should you visit in Morocco if you only have 7 days? This itinerary is my personal suggestion, blending culture, history and unforgettable landscapes.
For solo travellers, it offers something that I always crave: a balance of adventure and accessibility. No rental car needed!
With a well-connected rail network, affordable tours and a strong culture of hospitality, Morocco is surprisingly easy to navigate alone.
And with this 7-day Morocco itinerary for solo travellers, you’ll get to experience its diversity. Every day feels completely different from the last.
The main drawback? It doesn’t include the Sahara Desert. If you want to explore its iconic dunes, I suggest extending your trip by a few days and following this 10-day itinerary instead.
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Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech
Start your journey in Marrakech, one of the country’s most visited and accessible entry points.
The “Red City” is popular for a reason – the architecture is amazing, the rooftop restaurants legendary and it feels quintessentially Moroccan.
After settling into your riad (you’ll find some of my top recommendations for solo travellers here), head straight into the medina.
Let yourself get lost among the souks, where vendors sell everything from spices to handwoven rugs.
As evening falls, make your way to Djemaa el-Fnaa, an iconic square that comes alive with food stalls, musicians and storytellers.
Solo tip:
Choose a centrally located riad (within 15 minutes’ walk of Djemaa el-Fnaa). This makes navigating the medina much easier, especially at night.
For more information about exploring Marrakech, including things to see and getting around, check out my Solo Traveller’s Guide to Marrakech.
Day 2: Explore Marrakech
Spend a full day exploring Marrakech’s cultural and historic landmarks.
Visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque (you’ll need to admire it from outside if you’re not Muslim), then wander the elaborately painted rooms and courtyards of Bahia Palace.
I also highly recommend visiting the gorgeous Ben Youssef Madrasa (it’s quietest first thing in the morning and in the late afternoon).
If you’re craving something calmer, head to the legendary Jardin Majorelle (it’s also home to two museums) or unwind with a rigorous scrub in a traditional hammam.
In the afternoon, consider joining a guided food tour. It’s a great way to meet fellow travellers while sampling local dishes that you won’t necessarily find on tourist restaurant menus.
In Marrakech, there is honestly so much to see and do that you won’t be able to cover everything in a day. That’s why I suggest you do your research and decide on what you really want to see (and what you can skip) beforehand.
If you don’t have the time (or inclination) to research yourself, I’ve highlighted all of my favourite things to do in this one-day Marrakech itinerary. It combines architectural sights with engaging museums, some of which aren’t on the main tourist trail.
Day 3: Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains or Ait Benhaddou
While you could spend a second day exploring Marrakech, I highly recommend venturing out of the city to discover what lies beyond.
Option one: Head into the Atlas Mountains to enjoy its fresh air and hiking trails, all while getting a glimpse into Amazigh village life. Explore the dramatic scenery around Imlil, witness the impressive Ouzoud Waterfalls or join one of the ever-popular 5 valleys tours.
Option two: Visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar that has appeared in countless films and is endlessly enchanting. The drive takes you over the famous Tizi n Tichka Pass, which offers magnificent views of the Atlas Mountains.
Return to Marrakech for your final night in the “Red City”. Splurge on dinner at a rooftop restaurant or book in for a hammam if you haven’t yet had the opportunity.
Day 4: Travel to Fes (via train)
Today is a travel day, but a scenic one.
Leave Marrakech behind and take the train north to Fes, with the journey taking around 6.5 hours. Yes, it’s a long time in a carriage, but it’s a great opportunity to connect with locals AND see a lot of Morocco along the way.
You could consider breaking the journey with a stop in Casablanca to see the Hassan II Mosque – the journey will take you right through Morocco’s biggest city. And honestly, the mosque is really impressive!
Simply jump in a taxi at Casa Voyageurs (after negotiating a fare) and they will whisk you to the entrance. Then be back at the station in time for your connecting train to Fes.
Arrive in Fes by evening and settle into your riad (check out some of my favourites for solo travellers here). I suggest choosing one near Bab Boujloud – it will be easy to access and you won’t be walking around dimly-lit streets after dark.
For more information about exploring Fes, including things to see and getting around, check out my Solo Traveller’s Guide to Fes.
Day 5: Get lost in Fes
Fes is considered Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart…and it’s one of the country’s most ancient cities.
Spend a full day exploring Fes el-Bali, the city’s UNESCO-listed medina. It’s filled with narrow alleys, artisan workshops and beautifully preserved madrasas.
There are also some excellent museums in Fes and it’s just a fascinating place to wander amidst all the intoxicating sights, sounds and smells.
In Fes, don’t miss:
- The University of Al Quaraouiyine (now a mosque, so the interior is not accessible to non-Muslims, although the doors are usually open and tourists are welcome to look in from the periphery)
- The Chouara Tannery with its colourful vats (its elevated terraces also offer wonderful views across Fes el-Bali)
- The traditional madrasas of Al Attarine and Bou Inania
- The newly restored Dar Batha Museum of Islamic Arts (one of my favourite museums in Morocco!)
For more inspiration, check out my article detailing the best things to do in Fes as a solo traveller.
Solo tip:
Consider joining a small-group, half-day tour (ideally in the morning). It will help you understand the medina’s layout…and avoid getting completely lost! Most take in the highlights of Fes, while giving you plenty of time to explore independently in the afternoon.
Day 6: Travel to Chefchaouen
Catch the first CTM bus leaving Fes for Chefchaouen. Departing at 8 am, it will have you in the “Blue Pearl” by midday.
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is relaxed, photogenic and the perfect place to slow down after the hustle and bustle of Fes.
With a half day to explore, you can easily cover the medina and kick back beside the cascades of Ras el-Maa. Then, climb to the hilltop Spanish Mosque to watch the sunset over Chefchaouen.
Many of Chefchaouen’s artisan stalls stay open well into the evening, so you can even do some shopping after dark.
Chefchaouen has a great choice of affordable “casas” where you can spend a night, not to mention restaurants serving Spanish-inspired dishes and northern Moroccan specialties.
For more information about exploring Chefchaouen, including things to see and getting around, check out my Solo Traveller’s Guide to Chefchaouen.
Day 7: Travel to Tangier
Return to the CTM bus station for the final leg of your journey to Tangier, a whitewashed coastal city that has good flight connections to Europe and beyond.
If your itinerary allows, overnight here and spend the afternoon exploring Tangier’s Kasbah district and excellent museums.
For more information about exploring Tangier, including things to see and getting around, check out my Solo Traveller’s Guide to Tangier.
Map for this 7-day Morocco Itinerary for Solo Travellers
Why This 7-Day Morocco Itinerary Works for Solo Travellers
For me, this 7-day Morocco itinerary balances independence with connection, making it perfect for solo travellers.
The bus and train journeys are easy and efficient to navigate, while the addition of group tours and riad stays make it simple to meet others (if that’s what you’re craving).
I also love the variety that is squeezed into the space of a week – you’ve got ancient medinas, you’ve got rugged scenery, you’ve got atmospheric mountain towns – all without overloading your schedule.
Yes, there’s a lot of moving around. But there’s also space to explore at your own pace.
Morocco can feel intense at first, but that’s part of what makes it…well…Morocco! As a solo traveller, you’ll quickly find your rhythm.
And like many people, that first 7-day Morocco trip will likely inspire you to return to explore further afield.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVOURITE RESOURCES:
Find hotels via Booking
Book tours and attractions via Viator or GetYourGuide
Find a rental car via Discover Cars
Book flights via Kiwi or Booking
Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
Get travel insurance via SafetyWing
Buy a digital eSIM with Airalo
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I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home.
Over the last 10 years, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and solo.
