- Tagine in the town's restaurants.
- Tanjia, the Marrakech specialty, travels well here.
- Dates from the Draa valley.
Ouarzazate City Guide
The ksar of Aït Benhaddou, near Ouarzazate. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Ouarzazate is the door of the desert: the last real town before the Draa valley and the dunes, and Morocco's film capital. Atlas Studios and CLA Studios have hosted everything from Lawrence of Arabia to Gladiator, and the sets are open to visitors.
The town itself is a staging post; the great sight, Aït Benhaddou, is 30 km northwest. Most travelers pass through on the way to the Todra gorges or Merzouga.
What to do in Ouarzazate
Town
- 1
Taourirt Kasbah The great Glaoui kasbah in the town center. - 2
Atlas Studios The film studios: sets from Gladiator, Kundun and Game of Thrones. - 3
CLA Studios The second studios, with Egyptian and Roman sets. - 4
Fint Oasis The palm oasis 10 km south, a quiet half day.
Day trips
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Aït Benhaddou The UNESCO ksar, 30 km northwest on the old caravan route.
Ouarzazate Hotel Guide
How to choose the best places to stay in Ouarzazate. Verified properties below; for the full list, search live availability on Booking.com.
Luxury
Le Berbère Palace
The landmark palace hotel, a long-time base for film crews.
View on Booking.com
Where to eat
Getting there and around
Ouarzazate (OZZ) has domestic flights. CTM buses cross the Tizi n'Tichka from Marrakech (4 to 5 hours). 4x4 desert tours to Merzouga start here.