Where to actually go in Chefchaouen

Where to eat, drink and go out in Chefchaouen: 7 picks for study-abroad students, with student-vetted picks marked and prices in dollars.

Eat & drink in Chefchaouen

Restaurant · Medina

A small medina restaurant serving tagines, couscous and Moroccan soups, popular with travellers.

Best for: a cheap tagine dinner

Best time: lunch or dinner

Walk · Medina

Steep, winding lanes washed in every shade of blue; the reason the town is famous.

Best for: photos, wandering

Best time: early morning

Heads up: Go early for empty lanes and soft light, and respect the residents.

Area · Medina

The main square under the kasbah walls, ringed with cafés and restaurants.

Best for: dinner, mint tea, people-watching

Best time: evening

Museum · Plaza Uta el-Hammam

A red-walled fortress with a shady garden and a tower to climb for a view over the rooftops.

Best for: a short visit, the rooftop view

Best time: morning or late afternoon

Sight · edge of the medina

A mountain spring and little falls just outside the old walls, where locals still wash clothes.

Best for: a cool break, a short walk

Best time: afternoon

Viewpoint · hill east of the medina

An abandoned 1920s mosque on the hill opposite town: a 30–45 minute climb for the best view of the blue city.

Best for: sunset, the classic panorama

Best time: sunset

Heads up: Bring water and a light for the walk down.

Activity · Talassemtane National Park

A river valley walk in the Rif mountains to waterfalls and a natural rock arch.

Best for: a hiking day, swimming in pools in summer

Best time: full day

Heads up: Wear proper shoes and carry water; agree the taxi price and pick-up time before leaving.