A bustling trading port through the ages, Essaouira’s roots date back to the rule of the Phoenicians. On top of its harbor, the town is home to a multitude of attractions, bound to intrigue any traveler, from its spectacular art galleries to its deserted Jewish quarter.

Those who wish to gain a thorough introduction to this remarkable destination can do so via a free walking tour in Essaouira. With a friendly local at your side, you’ll learn insider facts about the town and roam its medina, surrounded by enchanting 18th-century city walls.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Essaouira.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Essaouira have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours differ from walking tours in that they are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Essaouira?

Free walking tour in magical Essaouira

You’ll begin this free walking tour in Essaouira at Place Moulay Hassan, which is famed for hosting the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival. Here, you’ll meet your guide and get acquainted with your group before setting off through the old city of Essaouira, which, although founded in the 18th century, has a history that stretches back as far as the 7th century B.C.

You’ll discover the 18th-century gates that allow visitors to access the medina. In total, there are four gates, each of which was built in its own unique style over the course of a 200-year period.

Your local guide will educate you on the most esteemed restaurants in the city as you stroll past a multitude of food outlets, breathing in the aromatic scents of traditional cuisine, which includes tagine, couscous and fresh seafood. As well as food, your guide will show you the best terraces to enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee, where to find the town’s frostiest brew and the hotspots for listening to live music, enabling you to make the most of your vacation.

You’ll also discover one of Morocco’s most famed exports as you pass by several traditional carpet shops. These carpets have been made for centuries using locally sourced sheep wool and are created using different piles depending on their location. The thickest of these rugs is usually reserved for customers in the Atlas Mountains.

Another highlight of this free tour in Essaouira is the town’s fishing port, which began the destination’s history as a significant spot for global trade. The port was used by many civilizations throughout the centuries including the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans.

While today, this part of Morocco is known as a sardine fishing port, it has been historically used for trading a wealth of goods, including gold, ivory and ostrich feathers. Some also used the port for slave trading in the 19th century.

You’ll also pass by several of the town’s art galleries, showcasing local talents. There are more than 10 galleries in Essaouira, from those featuring the work of one artist, such as the oil painter Tourass Hicham, to those exhibiting a multitude of masterminds through pottery, sculptures and carpets.

Free discovery walking tour in Essaouira

This free walking tour in Essaouira is suitable for those looking for a more relaxed and chatty experience than on a typical walking excursion. With a friendly native English-speaking guide by your side, you’ll leave Place Moulay Hassan to discover the many gems of the town.

While you’ll see the major tourist highlights, you’ll also gain a behind-the-scenes peek at spots locals keep to themselves, enabling you to gain a more thorough understanding of the historic destination. Like on other tours, you’ll visit Essaouira’s fishing port, however, you’ll also see a number of different attractions, such as Skala de la Ville.

These 18th-century ramparts were used to protect the town from the tempestuous waves of the Atlantic Ocean and, thanks to its bronze cannons, pirates, and raiders were also kept at bay. Today, the monument is best known for its appearance in “Game of Thrones” as the fictional city of “Astapor".

You’ll also discover how a sizeable Jewish population came to settle in the town during the 19th century through the area of Mellah. At one time, Jews made up 40% of the population in Essaouira, living harmoniously with the Islamic community that was already developed in the town.

While the Jewish community abandoned the region after the founding of Israel in 1948, you can still see the remnants of this once-thriving corner of Essaouira through its architecture, which includes schools and synagogues.

Another interesting spot on this free tour in Essaouira is an argan oil cooperative where you can see how the product is manufactured from fruit kernels and learn of its beneficial properties. Finally, you’ll meander through a maze of stalls at the town’s traditional fish market, exploring the freshest catch of the day before waving your tour guide goodbye.

In which languages is it operated?

Free walking tours in Essaouira always operate in English, making them accessible to a multitude of national and international travelers. In some cases, you may find excursions offering other European languages as well, including French.

While the language options on offer are currently limited, as the popularity of these guided walks grows, tours may begin to operate in more languages. This will make them suitable for a wider range of tourists from across the globe.

Where does it start?

While free walking tours in Essaouira may meet at any public place in the town, they tend to begin at Place Moulay Hassan — one of the destination’s most famed squares.

This spot is located between the medina and the port, making it easily accessible to those staying in the city, as well as cruise passengers. Upon arrival, you’ll typically find your guide wearing or holding an item that makes them easy to recognize.

It’s worth noting that the end point of these excursions is often different from the starting location so bear this in mind when arranging your transportation.

How long does it last?

Free walking tours in Essaouira typically last between 2 and 3 hours. The town is compact, meaning that it’s easy to see its main highlights in this short stretch of time. While you can’t expect to see everything the destination has to offer in just a couple of hours, these guided walks provide a great introduction to Essaouira, enabling you to determine which attractions are worth a second visit.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Free tours in Essaouira are generally wheelchair-friendly meaning that everyone can enjoy exploring this fascinating destination.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Essaouira?

The best time for a free walking tour in Essaouira is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods you'll experience moderate and pleasant weather, as well as fewer tourists than the peak summer months.

Should you book tickets online?

Booking free walking tours in Essaouira online ensures your participation, as they are popular and get booked up very quickly. These tours also have limited spots available to ensure the quality of the tour— with some maximum capacities being limited to as few as 10 people.

Reserving your spot on a tour is completely free and can be done with a few simple clicks through the online booking platform. Arrive in the Essaouira with your tour already booked and make the most out of your time.

Free Walking Tours in Essaouira