Things to do in Ouarzazate

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Morocco

Sahara Desert

Sahara Desert spans multiple countries in North Africa and is one of the world's largest deserts. Rolling sand dunes feature wavy textures, interspersed with scattered black volcanic mountains. Prehistoric hunting murals and petroglyphs preserved on rock faces record the ecological changes and human activity from thousands of years ago. The unique climate has shaped a distinct ecosystem where drought-resistant plants and animals, such as fennec foxes and desert lizards, thrive. Oases sustained by underground water sources dot the desert's edge. Villages surrounded by palm groves preserve traditional mud-brick architecture, and nomadic peoples continue to maintain their traditional lifestyle alongside camels. Travelers can experience desert camping, observe the Milky Way under a night sky with minimal light pollution, or explore desert fossils and geological views.

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Morocco

Taourirt Kasbah

Taourirt Kasbah is located south of the Atlas Mountains on the edge of the Sahara Desert, guarding the strategic valley at the confluence of the Oued Draa and the Dades River. It was once an important station on the trans-Saharan trade route. The kasbah is built of rammed earth and mud bricks and is a typical representative of Berber architectural style. The complex is vast, with an interior that is a labyrinth of narrow passages, steep stairs, and hidden doors. Square towers stand at the four corners, and the outer walls are adorned with geometric patterns and niches. There are still some unrestored areas at the rear of the kasbah where local families continue to live, maintaining their original way of life. It has also served as a filming location many times, appearing in international films such as "Gladiator" and "Prince of Persia."

No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Morocco

Atlas Studios

Atlas Studiosis located on the outskirts of Ouarzazate in southern Morocco and attracts many visitors due to its unique film shooting environment and rich film sets. The studio features vast open-air shooting locations, and the overall environment is filled with exotic charm. Located in the arid region of southern Morocco, the studio is surrounded by an open desert landscape, with vast skies and abundant sunshine providing a unique natural backdrop for film shoots. The studio features a variety of distinct architectural sets, including temples with ancient Egyptian characteristics, magnificent palaces, intricately decorated building facades, and fortresses with ancient Roman styles. Visitors can walk along the tour route through the different sets, learn about the filming backgrounds and behind-the-scenes stories from guides, and gain a deeper understanding of the design concepts and practical uses of film sets.

Aït Benhaddou

Aït Benhaddou is an ancient earthen settlement in the heart of the Atlas Mountains in southern Morocco, situated on the ancient trade route connecting the Sahara Desert and Marrakech. It was once an important transfer station for the transport of gold, salt, and spices in trans-Saharan trade. It is said that the village was founded in the 8th century. Although most of the existing buildings were constructed after the 17th century, they use earthen construction techniques that have been passed down for hundreds of years, making it a representative relic of earthen architecture in southern Morocco. The entire settlement is built along the hillside, with layers of red earthen walls, corner towers, and kasbahs connected to each other, forming a spatial pattern enclosed by narrow alleys and high walls. The towering defensive walls and corner towers were used to fend off raids in the past, while the layout of residential houses, mosques, and public spaces in close proximity reflects the lifestyle of the Berber community. At the higher part of the village is the former hilltop granary; climbing up here offers a panoramic view of the entire settlement and the valley. While walking through the alleys, you can also see small handicraft shops opened by local residents, and a few families still live in the old village today. Due to its unique ancient city view, this settlement has become a filming location for numerous film and television works. Films such as "Lawrence of Arabia," "The Jewel of the Nile," "The Mummy," and "Gladiator" were all shot here, and it also served as a filming location for the city of Yunkai in "Game of Thrones."

Place Al-Mouahidine

Cinema Museum

Musée Du Cinema is a museum dedicated to the preservation, exhibition, and research of cinema. It houses a vast collection of films, artifacts, documents, and memorabilia related to film history. The museum features a wide variety of exhibits that explore the evolution of filmmaking from its early days to the present. Visitors can explore various aspects of cinema, including the development of film technology, the art of cinematography, iconic movie posters, costumes, and props. It is a center for film enthusiasts, researchers, and students interested in exploring the rich history and cultural impact of cinema.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Jardin Majorelle

Jardin Majorelle was once a private villa built by French artist Jacques Majorelle, and was later purchased by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, who lived there for several years. It is now open as a popular attraction in Marrakech, with rare plants throughout the garden and fountains and pools interwoven in a scattered layout. At the center of the garden stands a Cubist-style villa, whose exterior walls are painted in the intense ultramarine blue that Majorelle created in 1937—"Majorelle blue"—a signature color that has since become the visual calling card of the entire garden. Strolling through the garden, the lush green vegetation forms a striking contrast with the deep blue buildings, and sunlight casts dappled shadows on the paths through the bamboo groves and palms, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Marrakech.

Ecolodge La Palmeraie Ouarzazate Maroc

Camping Ouarzazate

Tifoultoute Kasbah