Like in your home country, you can count on most Moroccan cities—regardless of size—to offer basic staples that cater to the population’s needs and culture. When you Morocco travel, you’re bound to find something to do wherever you are. If you ever wonder how to pass some time, consider some of the activities below.

Browse the market.

Large cities have lively medinas, lined floor to ceiling, with impressive displays of regional handicrafts, colorful wares and culinary delights. Less populated towns tend to have smaller, often open-air, markets.

While a village might have only a shop or two open daily to sell basic necessities, the scene changes dramatically on the weekly “market day,” when residents in and around the community gather to buy and sell anything anyone might need. Expect to maneuver around bikes with baskets, load-bearing donkeys and dusty pick-up trucks.

Spot the mosque.

If you’re road tripping through the countryside, you can attempt to “spot the mosque” in the communities you pass along the way by looking for their signature square minaret—it should tower above all other structures in the community.

If time allows, pull over and appreciate its unique qualities. Maybe even peer in through an open door.

In larger cities, the exterior designs and landscaping that surround many mosques are more elaborate than what you typically see in smaller towns. In fact, the most decorated mosques are often among a city’s main tourist attractions.

Sample local fare.

Even in villages, you’re likely to find a guy grilling kebabs somewhere. And nearly every town has a café where men go to unwind (fortunately, male-dominated cafes tend to be quite tolerant of female patrons, even if you’re the only woman there).

If you’re in a large city for a few days, wander beyond the main square and try a café in a different part of town.

Order a mint tea and some food, and observe the area. Many cafes arrange all the chairs to face the street, allowing for prime people watching.

Check out a park.

Speaking of people watching, strolling through parks is a fun way to observe groups of locals. Depending on when you’re there, you may see women visiting quietly while young children run about, giggling teens or men engrossed in checkers.

Admire a view.

Morocco is a nation full of mountains and hills, and the outskirts of many communities offer fantastic views overlooking the city. Notice how various areas appear clustered from afar—particularly the “old” and “new” areas of larger cities.

If a city’s walls are visible east of city limits, consider checking out the view in the early morning, when the sun-drenched walls look especially vibrant.

Learn from a museum.

Though museums are rare in villages (unless the village sits along a route frequented by tourists), many small towns maintain at least a modest exhibit of local artifacts. As with anywhere in the world, larger cities and tourist trails often feature sophisticated museums among the area’s main attractions.

Cleanse at a hammam.

Almost every town in Morocco has a hammam, and large cities often pepper them throughout the neighborhoods. Visiting a hammam offers a novel experience and an opportunity to refresh, which is especially appreciated after long bouts of travel.

Written by Shelley A. Gable, instructional designer and freelance writer.

Photo by Milamber.