10 best things to do in Taroudant, Morocco

Looking for the best things to do in Taroudant? This hidden gem is known as Little Marrakech and will give you an authentic, more low-key experience.

To me, Morocco has always seemed like a magical, majestic landย with snake charmers, charming souks, mysterious alchemists, and ancient history – which might have to do with how it’s presentedย in my favorite book “The Alchemist”.

While Agadir is modern, the fortifiedย Berber town of Taroudant, also known asย “Little Marrakech”, has itsย mystique. Taroudant has never really caught on with tourists and while its old city walls are some of the best preserved in Morocco, there aren’t any other must-see sights.

The very absence of attractions though has helped preserve the city, making it the perfect place to seeย everydayย Moroccan life in a relaxed atmosphere.

And, as I found out, it’s also theย place to be asked if someone can buy you for however many camels. But we’ll get toย that later.

Let’s take a look at the best things to do in Taroudant.

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About Taroudant

First, let me introduce you to the traditional Berber market town. Unlike Marrakech and Agadir, there are no stoplights here, no McDonald’s, and no fancy all-inclusive resorts.

Taroudant isย more laid back; well hidden in the Souss Valley and surrounded by fragrant orange trees with the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas beckoning beyond.

In the streets, lamb tripe dry in the open air, and horse carts take locals around town as a cheap alternative to taxis. Taroudantย has that traditional Moroccan feel, that’s for sure.

Taroudant, Morocco

Visit Taroudant from Agadir

You can explore Taroudant in a day, so there’s no reason to stay for much longer.

From Agadir, you can take a day trip to Taroudant and experience all the highlights.

Book here – Taroudant + Tiout with homestay lunch

Things to do in Taroudant

There are plenty of things to doย in Taroudant and around the city, like these:

1. Explore the ancient city walls

The soleย noteworthy monument in the town isย the medieval cityย walls. They’re 7,5ย kilometers long, set with 130 towers, 19 bastions, and punctuated by 9ย gates that are still in use.

Walls and towers were built in the 16th and 17th centuries and kept in good shape.

The triple-arched Bab el-Kasbah is the main gate from where you access the walls. It’s the only place in town where you can walk onย them.

Taroudant, Morocco
Taroudant, Morocco
View from Bab el-Kasbah

2. Visit the Arab souk

Aside from the city walls, souks are a funย attraction in Taroudant.ย The souksย sell all kinds of things: from traditional tagine pots and crafts to vibrant spices, wriggling lizards, and Moroccan Argan oil.

Taroudant has two main markets: a Berber market, called Jnane al-Jaami, that sells clothes, spices, and dried fruits, and the largerย Arab souk that specializes in jewelry, antiques, and leather, but also has fish and meat. They’re very close (5 minutes walk from each other).

In the noisy alleys,ย women sell henna used for temporary tattoos during weddings or they give a henna tattoo on the spot. There’s a surprise around every corner.

All souk vendorsย have the best quality and the best price. Or so they want you to believe. But the Taroudant sellers are known to be friendlier and less aggressive than their counterparts in Marrakech.

I never felt hassled or pestered in Taroudant. On the contrary, actually.

Locals were eager to help when I asked for directions and several of them walked with usย to make sure we got to the right place. In general, the souk vendorsย were very chatty and friendly.

At one of the shops, this vendor tried to buy me for 100 camels. I never did manage to work him up to 1,000 camels, but then again where would Thomas put them in Denmark?ย 

Taroudant, Morocco

3. Jnane al-Jaami berber market

The thing I love most about Moroccan souks isย the tantalizing smell of paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and coriander that fills the air. It’s intoxicating.

On Sundays, there’s also a weekend market just outside the city walls. You can buy a donkeyย or a goat there. Clothes, food, and handicrafts are also for sale – just remember to bargain.

Taroudant, Morocco
Taroudant, Morocco
Taroudant, Morocco

4. Relax in the Arab Quarter

In the Arab Quarter of Taroudant, you can explore narrow streets filled with history.

Stop at a local cafe to enjoy Moroccan tea and browse shops for handmade crafts. It’s a great way to connect with the city’s culture and lifestyle.

Taroudant, Morocco

5. See the Palais Salam

I’m a total sucker for Moroccan decor so havingย lunch at the Palais Salam was a major highlight. This place is an old imperial palace, built into the town walls.

Inside there’s a tiled courtyard with fountains, a lush garden and patios, fruit trees, and colorful hallways. Rooms and interiors are decorated in Moorish style, one part veryย traditional and the other more modern.

Palais Salam is the only 4-star hotel in Taroudant and it dates back to the 16th century. Once the former residence of the pasha of Taroudant, it’s now open to guests and it’s a lovely place to relax in the shade and see real Moroccan architectural style.

Another thing I was drooling over at Palais Salam was the doors, which made this even more of a Moroccan paradise.

Taroudant, Morocco
Entrance to Palais Salam
Taroudant, Morocco
Taroudant, Morocco
Taroudant, Morocco

6. Enjoy a day trip to the Tiout Oasis

At the Tiout Oasis, you can experience the Moroccan countryside.

Here, you can ride donkeys through palm groves, explore a traditional kasbah, and enjoy the serene landscapes. It will give you a glimpse into rural Moroccan life.

Atlas Mountains, Morocco

7. Experience a Moroccan hammam

Visiting a Moroccan hammam is a chance to treat yourself to an amazing spa experience. You’ll enjoy a steam bath followed by a soothing exfoliating scrub.

8. Go horseback riding

Going horseback riding is a fun way to explore the scenic landscapes around Taroudant.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll find trails that suit your level.

9. Visit a nearby traditional Berber village

Visiting a nearby traditional Berber village lets you see a different side of Morocco.

You’ll get to learn about the Berber way of life, and their traditions, and maybe even try some local food.

10. Look for beautiful Moroccan doors

Moroccan doors are unique, and the amount of precision and detail make them an attraction in themselves.ย Most of them haveย arches, domes, decorative tile work, and bold colors.

Some doors are more than a hundred years old.

There’s just something about Moroccan style that’s magical and captivating. Maybe it’s because the decor is so exotic and warm.

Vibrant colors, jewel tones, detailed tile works – entering a Moroccan home or traditional town is like being transported to another world.

Taroudant, Morocco
Taroudant, Morocco

A word about photographing locals

Just so you know, most Moroccans don’t feel comfortable havingย their picture taken for religious reasons.

So be aware of the local culture and ask permission before taking a picture if it’s a close-up.

Sometimes locals, especially street performers, willย ask for or expect a tip, but never give more than 10 Dirhams ($1 US).

Taroudant, Morocco

A thousandย thanks toย the Moroccan National Tourist Officeย and Marokko Eksperten for hosting me. I was a guest on this press trip, butย all opinions are myย own as always.

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Discover the best things to do in Taroudant, Morocco. From exploring the ancient city walls to relaxing in the Arab Quarter and experiencing the traditional Moroccan hammam, this guide covers all the top Taroudant things to do. #Taroudant #MoroccoTravel #CulturalExploration

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27 Comments

  1. I was offered 100 camels for my daughter in Ait Ben Haddon. There is a great pizza place just outside the souq in Taroudant (my daughters lost their appetite when offered rabbit or chicken from the hutch for dinner at our riad). I hope you get to drive (or travel) on the road inland from Taroudant toward Ourrzazate and see the goats in trees “processing” the organ seeds.

  2. What an amazing adventure! Morocco looks like a fascinating place to visit — so far I haven’t been in Africa, but will put this one on my bucket list.

  3. Sounds like an amazing place! The 100 camels thing is quite funny. Really makes me wonder about how many camels I’m worth… Your photos are amazing!

  4. A well-written article on TAROUDANT city, a city which hasn’t been discussed in much detail before.
    The city has been covered well too with a lens of the camera.
    Keep up the good work.

  5. wow, you grabbed some stunning photos. I am in the Travel productiveness, and argon oil is a hot item right now, cool to see photos of the organic knowledge youโ€™ve had with the people who arrangement with these plants first hand.

  6. Hi there, I am planning my trip to Morocco and I am thinking to include Taroundat and the Paradise Village on my trip. Have you visited also the Paradise Village. Is a day trip from Marrakesh to Taroundat worth? Thanks for the suggestion

    1. Depends what you are looking for in terms of comfort and price. But I’ve stayed in hotel Taroudant, right on the central square. Basic and clean, friendly staff. You can get food outside on the square. Price – about ยฃ15 per night.

  7. Just back yesterday after an amazing week holiday – lovely place and people and no one pesters – I was lost ( easy) twice and on both occasions locals shepherded me back to my guest house and refused payment for their time and trouble. I wore modest clothing and a headscarf as all women do – then stripped off down to the knickers in the Hammam for a hot bathe and scrub – magic.

    1. We stayed 5 days and the hammam trip was definitely a highlight, along with a visit to local Berber villages, we loved Taroudant

  8. Morrocco is captivating in every sense. It is good to see that there are no fancy malls, resorts, and
    lots of buildings, making it laid-back. For transportation, it also offers cheaper options in the form of
    horse carts that reflect its vibrant traditions.

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