Top 10 Things to Do in Essaouira, Morocco
Last Updated on 22nd July 2025 by Jessie
Planning a trip to Essaouira? This guide rounds up the top 10 things to do in this laid-back coastal city—from cultural highlights to breezy, budget-friendly adventures.
Whilst I have a particular fondness for the rural villages of Morocco, Essaouira is hands-down my favourite city. It offers all the buzz of a city like Marrakech: an ancient medina, beautiful riads, great restaurants and bars, and endless opportunities to discover the perfect handcrafted treasure.
But unlike Marrakech, Essaouira offers a slower, calmer pace. You feel less caught up in the hustle and bustle, and more able to appreciate the beauty of the city: the history within its walls; the richness of its culture; and the warm depths of its people.
Essaouira is the kind of place where simply wandering the streets is an event in itself. But if you’re seeking a little more direction, here are my suggested top 10 things to do in Essaouira.
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Moroccan Travel Essentials
- First and foremost, get travel insurance with SafetyWing. They’re super affordable and one of the few companies that let you buy insurance mid-trip.
- Book the dreamiest Moroccan abode on Booking.com. They’re my go-to for accomodation because you can save loooaads with their loyalty discounts.
- Or if you’re after the one-stop-shop, BookSurfCamps is the best place to find surf camp packages in Morocco.
- Find the best local tours with GetYourGuide. It’s the easiest way to visit places like Paradise Valley or Timlalin Dunes.
- Make sure you’re connected as soon as you get off the plane with Airalo’s Moroccan eSIM.
- Set up a Wise travel card to save on international transaction fees.
- And if you’re working online (or want to watch Netflix in your downtime) I highly recommend getting set up with a SurfShark VPN.
And you’re sorted.
Free Things to Do in Essaouira
A quick heads-up for my budget-conscious pals, these are the activities you can do in Essaouira without spending a cent:
- Wander the medina – It’s free to explore Essaouira’s UNESCO-listed old town, with its blue doors, whitewashed walls, and buzzing atmosphere.
- Watch the sunset from the ramparts – The city walls offer epic Atlantic views at golden hour, completely free and unforgettable.
- Stroll the beach promenade – Enjoy a long, breezy walk along the coast, watching kitesurfers and camels go by.
- Visit the fishing port – Watch the catch come in, admire the traditional blue boats, and soak up the local rhythm.
- Browse local art and street music – Essaouira is full of galleries, murals, and musicians playing Gnawa and jazz in the streets – no ticket required.
- Window shop in the souks – Even if you’re not buying, browsing Essaouira’s artisan stalls is a cultural experience in itself.
Top 10 Things to Do in Essaouira
1. Shop for carpets
The quintessential Moroccan souvenir: a handwoven carpet. If you have your heart set on taking home a beautiful Moroccan rug, then Essaouira is the place to splash your cash.
Shopping in Essaouira feels much more leisurely than in the bigger cities, and I’ve heard that you’re more likely to get a better deal.
Below are a few stores worth perusing, but feel free to wander the streets and see where your heart takes you.
2. Wander the medina
The Essaouira medina is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, and it’s a beauty to behold. In the 1700s, the Moroccan king enlisted a French engineer to design the walled city, and we can thank them both for the alluring blend of Arabic and European architecture that remains today.
In the 19th century, Essaouira became the first trading port of Morocco, opening the gates to an influx of international products, visitors and influences. The synthesis of cultures and religions lies in the foundation of the city; a melting pot of Amazighs, Arabs, Africans and Europeans.
Get lost in the meandering back streets. Or head over to Moulay Hassan Square. In peak season, it’s a vibrant little melting pot of busking musicians, artists and street food vendors. Europe meets Maroc.
3. Hunt for treasures in the Medina
Whilst the architectural wonders of the city will draw you in, it’s the treasures hidden between the labyrinth of streets that will hold you captive. There are vendors specialising in all manner of crafts.
Whether you’re searching for a leather bag or raffia sandals, handmade ceramics or Beldi soaps and Argan oil; you can find what you’re looking for in Essaouira. And a whole bunch of other stuff you didn’t know you needed.
Shopping in Essaouira feels far less chaotic than Marrakech. The medina follows a grid pattern, which is a blessing for those of us who are geographically challenged.
The shopkeepers feel more relaxed too. I suppose there’s less competition, and thus less pressure to rope you in. You can take your time; accept the store owner’s offer to join him for a mint tea whilst you peruse his bounty of antique jewels. L’humdulilah.
Bartering is expected when shopping in Morocco. I have compiled a list of handy Darija words and phrases to help you out.
4. Visit the fishing port
Essaouira is one of the main hubs for sardine fishing in Morocco. As a tourist, you can wander the bustling fishing port and watch the fishermen haul in their daily catch. All of the wooden boats are painted in a deep azure blue; a colour that supposedly lures in fish. Arguably a trait that humans can resonate with.
You can buy fresh seafood directly from the fishermen and have it cooked for you at one of the restaurants within the harbour. Sea-to-table dining at its simplest.
The fishing harbour sits aside the ramparts and Sqala du Port (fortified walls and defence tower), remnants of the city’s military era. It’s pretty incredible to picture the city as it once was. Alternatively, you can imagine yourself on the set of Games of Thrones if you’re more fictionally inclined.
For a quainter Moroccan fishing town experience, I highly recommend a visit to Imsouane. See my full Imsouane travel guide.
5. Peruse the art galleries
Essaouira has a huge art scene. The city itself acts as an open-air gallery; the streets are lined with art stores and boutiques and artists selling their creations from makeshift exhibitions on the pavement. It’s a feast for the eyes.
There are several art galleries showcasing local and international talent that are well worth visiting. Below are a few of my favourites:
6. Go windsurfing
Essaouira has a bit of surf when the winter swells bring suitable waves for beginners. But if you’re looking for waves with a bit more oomph, you’re better off checking out the surf breaks near Tamraght and Taghazout.
With that said, if windsurfing or kitesurfing is more your forte, then Essaouira will be your windy paradise. There are plenty of local businesses catering to the sport, offering lessons and gear hire and everything in between.
7. Get a hammam
No trip to Morocco is complete without indulging in the traditional bathing ritual of a hammam. In a city that feels inherently regal, the queen-like pampering is appropriate.
Essaouira is dotted with hammams and spa houses. Below are a few of the best:
For a full rundown of the best spas in the city, check out my guide to hammams in Essaouira.
8. Check out the local souk
Every town and city in Morocco has a local souk. It’s an open-air marketplace where farmers and craftsmen sell produce and livestock alongside secondhand clothes and various knick-knacks. They’re the best places to shop for fresh groceries or to score a vintage bargain.
Essaouira’s souk is located 25 minutes out of the city, in the village of Had Draa. From the Grand Taxi station, north of the medina, you can catch a collective taxi to Had Draa for 10dh (€1) per person. The Had Draa souk only operates on Sundays until 12pm. Dress appropriately and remember to bring cash.
9. See some live gnaoua music
Essaouira is the home of Gnaoua music, a traditional genre originating from sub-Saharan slaves brought to Morocco in the 11th century. The music is rhythmic and trancelike, blending African, Berber, and Islamic spiritual traditions to create a powerful ceremonial experience.
If you have the opportunity to see some live music in Morocco, don’t let it slip. Moroccans are soulful by nature, and the atmosphere created when they’re allowed to express themselves collectively is infectious.
Gnaoua music calls for audience involvement. Many of the songs invite the listeners to join in on the chants, creating a powerful back-and-forth greater than any performer could achieve alone. Move over Freddie Mercury.
Each summer, Essaouira holds the Gnaoua festival: three days of concerts held between the beach and Moulay Hassan Square. It’s well worth timing your visit to Essaouira around this.
10. Brunch like a Moroccan
With a strong Euro influence, Essaouira is known for its café culture. The outward-facing chairs of the cafes on the main strip are ripe for hours spent with a cuppa and a good book. But I suggest skipping the oat milk lattes and brunching the Moroccan way.
Chez Miloud will show you how. It’s a low-key, bare-bones cafe by the entrance of the medina. They have a minimal menu, but what they do, they do damn well. Their specialties include fresh harcha bread with olive oil and honey, and hot flaky msemen. Throw in a pot of mint tea and expect to pay no more than 30 or 40 dirhams (€3-4). The perfect treatie for a budget traveller.
For a proper Moroccan feast, check out all my top Essaouira dining recommendations.
More tips:
- Best Coworking Spaces in Essaouira
- Best Bars in Essaouira
- Essaouira Travel Guide
- Top 10 Things to Do in Imsouane
- Surf Village Guides
For more Maroc info and a little less of my own opinions, I’ve created a travel wisdom-sharing hub over on Facebook. Join the group here.
