Best things to do in Laayoune

Find out more about those top places in Laayoune

Things to do in Laayoune - Western Sahara

Laayoune Travel Guide: Unexpected Adventures in Western Sahara’s Hidden Gem

If your idea of adventure includes discovering less-traveled places, sipping mint tea in desert breezes, and pretending you're in an indie travel documentary—then Laayoune (also known as El-Aaiun) might just surprise you. Tucked away in the heart of Western Sahara, this off-the-radar city is where history, resilience, and sand meet in equal parts.

Founded by Spanish colonizer Antonio de Oro in 1938 (yep, it’s got that colonial past), Laayoune was declared the capital of Spanish Sahara by 1940. Since then, it’s been through quite the geopolitical rollercoaster, including a long-standing territorial dispute that slowed its growth. But today, Laayoune is rising steadily as a peaceful and welcoming place to visit, complete with quirky charm and quiet appeal.

Things to Do in Laayoune: Where the Desert Meets Curiosity

Let’s be honest—Laayoune isn’t trying to compete with Paris or Marrakech, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s low-key, relaxed, and still relatively untouched by mass tourism. Think of it as the introvert of travel destinations, and we love a good underdog.

Here are some of the top attractions and places to visit in Laayoune:

Place Mechouar – The city's central square where locals gather, markets bustle, and your inner flâneur will feel right at home. Perfect for people-watching, grabbing a bite, or pondering life over mint tea.
Laayoune Cathedral – A leftover from Spanish rule, this quirky and surprisingly modernist church is worth a peek—especially if you're a fan of unexpected architecture.
Mosquée Moulay Abdel Aziz – With its unique Saharan-style design and striking minaret, this mosque is a visual gem (though non-Muslim visitors will have to admire it from the outside).
The Desert Coastline – Yes, Laayoune is near the Atlantic Ocean, and the beach here is vast, raw, and beautifully windswept. Don’t expect beach clubs, but do expect peace, dunes, and the occasional camel photobomb.
Souk ez-Zaj – A small market where you can shop for local spices, crafts, traditional fabrics, and perhaps the world's friendliest dried dates.

More Fun Things to Do and Day Trips Around Laayoune

Saguia el-Hamra Riverbed – A dry riverbed that slices through the city. During the rare rainy season, it can even flow with water (cue dramatic desert rain scene).
Explore Saharan Sand Dunes – Just outside the city, you’ll find epic stretches of dunes where you can ride camels, attempt some sandboarding (yes, it’s a thing), or just admire the sunset like a poetic desert wanderer.
Museo de la Resistencia – A small but meaningful museum showcasing the region’s history and independence movement. It’s a crash course in Western Sahara’s cultural identity.
Try Sahrawi Cuisine – Sample unique local dishes like camel meat tagine (yes, really), semolina-based couscous, or grilled fish freshly caught from the Atlantic.

Laayoune Travel Tips & Fun Facts

Currency: Moroccan dirham (yes, Laayoune operates under Morocco’s administration).
Language: Arabic, Spanish, French—and a whole lot of friendly smiles.
Best time to visit: October to April when the desert heat is less dramatic and more “pleasantly toasty.”

Oh, and bring sunglasses—between the sun, sand, and all the whitewashed buildings, it’s basically a real-life Instagram filter.

Why Laayoune Deserves a Spot on Your Travel Bucket List

It’s not flashy, it’s not loud, and it definitely won’t trend on TikTok just yet. But Laayoune is a unique place to visit for curious travelers who love discovering overlooked gems. It’s a city with layers of history, warm hospitality, and the kind of quiet charm that sticks with you long after you leave.

So, if you’re the type who likes to veer off the beaten path, sip tea under Saharan skies, and tell people you’ve been “somewhere different”, this Laayoune travel guide is your official nudge to start planning.

Place Mechouar

Situated near the old medina of Tiznit, the Place Mechouar is one of the most popular places in Western Sahara. Built at the end of 19^th century the park has played a major part in the history of the nation, often being the location for royal ceremonies, religious ceremonies and rallies. Surrounded by restaurants and cafes, it comes alive during the market day which is held every Thursday giving it a totally different outlook when compared to the other days of the week - the market offers the best opportunity to buy all what you desire.
Stade Sheikh Mohamed Laghdaf

If you are searching where to spend your weekends, then visit the Stade Sheikh Mohamed Laghdaf stadium. It is a 15,0000 capacity stadium that is considered a multi-purpose one, although it is mostly used for football matches with the occasional events and rallies at the stadium. Built in 1984, it was renovated in 2010 – it is the home stadium of JS Massira Football Club - it is best to visit when the national side has a game because that is when the stadium really comes alive.
The New Mosque

One of the best architectural works in the city, the New Mosque is simple but elegantly designed with an Islamic style. Located near the Place Mechouar the mosque is surrounded by a few lonely palm trees - it was built in a bid to foster community spirit and increase peace in the capital. Visitors are generally allowed to visit the mosque but there is a need to comply with the Islamic dress code.
St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral

A little similar to the New Mosque in its simple design, the cathedral is quite a symbolic one being one of the few churches in a Muslim country. Built in a 60s modernist architectural style, it is one of the reaming fragments of the city’s Spanish colonial era. If you decide to visit, you are most likely to be welcomed by one of the priests and given a tour of the cathedral.
Western Sahara Cuisine

Western Sahara might not be the most exciting of places, but the same cannot be said about its variety of dishes. Influenced by neighboring countries (Morocco, Algeria) and Spanish colonization, its cuisine offer a rich blend of choices. Its main dishes include the Tajin made solely from dromedaries, Ezzmit and Melfrisa – they can be purchased from most of the local restaurants around.