What are the best free things to do in Morocco?

One of the things I love most about Morocco is that so much of its magic is completely free — the country's greatest experiences are atmospheres and landscapes, not ticketed attractions, so even a tight budget can have a rich trip. Let me run through the genuinely free or near-free joys that I'd put at the top, because they're not consolation prizes, they're often the highlights.

Top of the list is simply wandering the medinas. Getting (gently) lost in the souks of Marrakech or the medieval labyrinth of Fes el-Bali, soaking up the colour, smells, and craftsmanship, watching coppersmiths and weavers and dyers at work, costs nothing and is the heart of the whole experience. The Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech after dark — that free nightly carnival of musicians, storytellers, and food stalls — is pure spectacle for the price of a stroll. And the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen are one of the most photogenic free walks anywhere on earth; you just climb and explore.

Nature gives away its best for free, too. Sunset over the Sahara dunes (once you're there), the view from a rooftop terrace as the Koutoubia glows, hiking in the High Atlas foothills around villages like Imlil or Setti Fatma with its waterfalls, the Menara and Agdal gardens in Marrakech (free or a token fee), and the Atlantic surf and ramparts of Essaouira — all cost nothing but your time. Sitting in a café nursing a cheap mint tea while life flows past is itself a quintessential, almost-free Moroccan pastime that I'd encourage you to indulge daily.

A few honest notes to keep it realistic. Many of the headline monuments — the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Majorelle Garden, museums — do charge entry, though usually only a few dollars, so 'free' won't cover everything you want to see. Most mosques are closed to non-Muslims (the grand Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is a notable exception with a paid tour, and its exterior and plaza are free to admire). And budget a little for the small dignities that make wandering pleasant — tipping a guide, a coin for a toilet. But the core truth holds: the best of Morocco is being out in its streets, mountains, and light, and that, gloriously, is largely free.