Morocco, a North African jewel, is a land of fascinating culture, stunning scenery, and breathtaking cities. Visitors are drawn to its rich cultural heritage, modern metropolises, and year-round sunshine. With its diverse landscapes ranging from arid deserts to snowy peaks, Morocco offers a unique travel experience. This guide will help you explore the best cities to visit in Morocco, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.
Here are some of the best cities to visit in Morocco, each offering its own unique charm and attractions:
1. Marrakech: The City of Senses and Romance
Marrakech is arguably the most well-known and popular city on the list of best cities to visit in Morocco. Marrakech is a shock to the senses. While the rest of the country is mostly chill, Marrakech is LOUD and pretty in-your-face. Though it can be overwhelming at times, Marrakech is also one of the most beautiful and fun cities. Explore the bustling medina and haggle for souvenirs.
Marrakesh is one of Morocco's must-sees - all your senses come to life here. Soak up the city's charm in the rosy hues of the medina or the heavy scent of citrus trees when in season. Weave your way past the horse carriages into Djemaa el Fna, packed with performers and street food vendors. Explore the lantern-lit alleys of the souqs and the walled confines of Jardin Majorelle, as well as flamboyant historic palaces and a flourishing art scene in the Ville Nouvelle.
Things to do in Marrakech:
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- Explore the bustling medina and haggle for souvenirs.
- Visit Djemaa el Fna, the main square, for a taste of local culture.
- Discover the serene Jardin Majorelle with its exotic plants and cobalt blue fountains.
- Visit the Koutoubia Mosque which is surrounded by rose gardens and orange trees.
Consider staying in one of the Red City's enchanting riads, such as Dar Attajmil, where every detail has been thoughtfully attended and hospitality awaits. Marrakesh has some of the country's best spas and hammams, from Royal Mansour to Hammam de la Rose. Watch the sunset over the Atlas Mountains from the exquisite roof terrace at El Fenn and enjoy cozy candlelit dinners in this gastronomic city with international chefs from Australia to Japan.
Planning tip: For a touch of desert romance, the Agafay Desert and its luxury glamping options are within easy reach of Marrakesh, perfect for a night under the stars.
2. Aït Ben Haddou: A Journey into Blockbuster Movie Scenes
Travel on the former trading route from Marrakesh to the Sahara and you’ll reach sun-scorched Ouarzazate. The region is home to majestic Aït Ben Haddou, an 11th-century mud-brick ksar (fortified village) that's one of Morocco's most striking, well-preserved ancient sites. Still inhabited and now protected by UNESCO, it was made famous in the TV show Game of Thrones. The Ksar of Aït Benhaddou is a centuries-old fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tons of movies and TV shows have been filmed here like The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. First of all, if you’re a fan of any of these shows/films, you’ll definitely want to see this place in person. Beyond that, it’s a fascinating little village to explore.
After my visit in Aït Benhaddou I stayed at the Kasbah Cigogne which was totally unique. Besides being greeted with a truly unforgettable sunset (followed by a sky filled with stars), the staff here is so, so nice. My room was pretty simple but I don’t require much so it was fine.
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Planning tip: Aït Ben Haddou is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Walk through the village to take in the incredible scale of this remarkable site.
3. Taghazout Bay: Embrace the Chill Beach Vibes
Highlights: Junior Pro Taghazout Bay - Final Day
The stretch of the Atlantic Ocean from Essaouira to Sidi Ifni has the largest concentration of Morocco's surfing beaches. At its heart is the quaint village of Taghazout, a fishing community with painted steps, colorful houses and a mix of cafes, grills and surf shops. With the surf comes yoga, and days here flow easily between sunrise and sunset rooftop yoga classes.
Even if you're not into surfing, Taghazout Bay, with its 5km (3 miles) of sandy beach, gives off year-round summer vacation vibes, and its excellent choice of accommodations, from five-star resorts to bohemian homestays, make it one of the best places in Morocco for a beach holiday.
Planning tip: Travel in January or February to watch the world's best surfers compete at Taghazout’s showstopper wave, Anchor Point. Come in September for quieter, mellower and warmer waves.
4. Anti-Atlas Mountains: A Hiker's Paradise
The Anti-Atlas are Morocco's lesser-explored mountains, with plentiful plateaus, valleys and soaring peaks. Travelers here can blaze through hiking trails, roam empty archaeological sites and connect with the Imazighen people who share their timeless valleys with generosity and warmth.
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Plentiful short hikes and climbing routes cross the Ameln Valley, home to the 2359m (7740ft) Jebel Lkest - jebel meaning "mountain" - and Tafraoute’s dramatic granite boulder-strewn landscapes, including Le Châpeau de Napoléon (Napoleon’s Hat) and the Pierres Bleues (Painted Rocks). Drive or pedal your way along winding mountain passes to the date-palm filled Aït Mansour Gorges.
The 3305m (10,843ft) Jebel Siroua has longer treks, including a dramatic volcano, for hardy hikers looking to spend several nights wild camping.
5. Sahara Desert: An Escape from Reality
No trip to Morocco would be complete without a trip into the Sahara. The drive to the Sahara is long, but when you arrive on the edge of the world's largest hot desert, the pavement stops and the sand begins - an endless ocean of dunes ahead. Whether you continue by 4WD or camel deeper into the desert, the emptiness of the Sahara is a supremely rare experience.
Visiting the Moroccan Sahara is a choice to disconnect and simply enjoy being in the middle of nowhere. This stark and barren environment comes to life with a good guide, especially at night when the sky, free of light pollution, fills with stars.
Planning tip: Pick a camp away from the crowds. Erg Chigaga has some of the highest sand dunes and the most remote places to stay.
6. Essaouira: The One-Stop City and Beach Vacation
If you have to choose but one destination across Morocco's broad spectrum, Essaouira is a great pick. This relaxed city has an oceanfront location with a sandy beach, watersport centers, a working fishing port and a noisy fish market for fresh-off-the-boat seafood. At its historic heart is a pedestrianized medina, with venders selling ceramics and traditional riads to sleep in.
Many riads have been upgraded to suit the artsy crowd attracted to the annual Gnaoua and World Music Festival. Galleries and historic ramparts sit alongside contemporary restaurants, cocktail bars and stores.
Highlights: Junior Pro Taghazout Bay - Final Day
Planning tip: Many people come to Essaouira for the wind, and it's one of the country's best places to kitesurf. If it's too windy for the beach, countryside retreats sell pool day passes to nonguests.
7. Fez: A Haven for History Buffs
Of all the cities I’m declaring the best to visit in Morocco, Fez is definitely one of my favorites. Top Two, for sure. This is another that can quickly overwhelm people, so I definitely wouldn’t visit here without a guide who’s willing to quite literally hold your hand, as mine so graciously was. Fez is the second largest (behind Casablanca) and one of the most ancient cities in Morocco and just all-around awesome.
The oldest city in Morocco, Fez proudly keeps one foot firmly planted in the past. Its medieval medina is vast, and it's almost guaranteed that you will get lost wiggling your way through the maze of workshops, apothecaries and stalls. The Kairaouine Mosque and University houses the world's oldest library and is a renowned spiritual and study center.
Planning tip: While you're in the area, visit the imperial city of Meknes and the fantastically preserved ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
8. Tangier: The Gateway Between Worlds
The ferry between Spain and Tangier takes just one hour, and seeing Spain from Africa's coastline brings to light Morocco’s proximity to Europe. The White City, so-named for its whitewashed buildings, has a buzzing art scene, tapas restaurants and cafe culture - Café Hafa has some of the best ocean views.
Spanish is still widely spoken, adding to the Euro-Afro vibe, and open plazas such as Grand Socco and beautiful Mediterranean beaches make it a smooth entry point for travelers to Morocco.
Planning tip: Combine your time in the city with a trip to Grottes d’Hercule and Cape Spartel’s lighthouse and rugged coastline. You could also use Tangier as a base to visit the famously blue city of Chefchaouen and Spanish-infused Asilah. Hop on Al Boraq, the high-speed train, and you’ll be in the capital city of Rabat in an hour and a half.
9. Rabat: The Capital of Calm
Lots of people skip Rabat, but I'd argue that it's a great place to start. It's much calmer than some of the other major destinations, which makes it a good way to ease yourself into the whirlwind environment that can be Moroccan travel! You can see cool ruins called Chellah, the Kasbah of the Oudayas, Hassan Tower, the old medina, and more.
The city features unspoilt public beaches, palm-lined boulevards, cosmopolitan cafes and a fairy-tale 12th-centruy kasbah that overlooks the glistening water. The architecture throughout Rabat reflects the country’s French-colonial and Islamic heritage and can be viewed within the city’s different areas including the elegant ville nouvelle and the attractive walled medina and old quarter.
A trip to Rabat is not complete without a visit to the evocative Kasbah of the Udayas. Perched above the ocean, this Berber-era royal fort is dotted with blue and white houses, pretty Andalusian gardens and charming art galleries.
10. Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl
Perched in the dramatic Rif mountains in the shadow of Jbel ech-Chaouen, the beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen is one of Morocco’s best kept secrets. Known for its powder blue-washed buildings dotted with colourful hanging baskets and keyhole shaped doorways, this unique and pretty city is fast becoming one of Morocco’s most sought-out destinations.
As the city cascades down the mountainside, it is easy to lose yourself admiring the architecture and darting in and out of the charming cafes enjoying fresh mint tea. Founded in the 15th century under Spanish rule, the old medina offers a wonderful blend of both Andalusian and Islamic architecture and is not to be missed.
The main thing to do in Chefchouen is really just to walk and explore. The entire place is a large blue maze, but not so large that you risk never coming out. Really, just take the day and wander all the streets. There’s a lot of (blue) things to see and tons of cats to photograph.
11. Meknes: The Imperial City
The imperial city of Meknes situated in the north of Morocco rivals the likes of Fes and Marrakech yet doesn’t quite attract the same loyal following. This quaint and scenic hilltop city has however plenty to offer and for those curious and intrepid travellers is one of the best places to go in Morocco.
Visit the magnificent Bab Mansour gate, built in 1732 this iconic gateway decorated with lavish embellishment including geometric tiling, inscriptions and marble columns leads to the city’s old medina. Within the medina you will find bustling souqs selling crafts, spices and textiles, ornate riads, the twelfth-century Grand Mosque and boutique teahouses in secluded courtyards. The Dar Jamai museum is also a popular stop on any Meknes itinerary.
12. Casablanca: The Modern Metropolis
Often overlooked by visitors in favour of the atmospheric medinas and souks of Marrakech and Fes or the exotic beaches of Tangier and Essaouira, Casablanca is the perfect destination for those that want to feel like a local, rather than a tourist. This vast port city and commercial hub is where Morocco’s money is being made; where creative industries prosper and young Moroccans seek their fortunes. Casablanca isn’t always on the top of visitors’ must-see lists when they come to Morocco, but I certainly believe it’s worth a visit. Casablanca is one of the best cities to visit in Morocco if only for its mosque.
Casablanca is known for its diverse and fascinating architecture ranging from traditional Moroccan style and handsome Moorish buildings to Art Deco and radically modern styles. Highlights of the city include the intricate Hassan II Mosque which is the largest in Morocco and took more than seven years to build, the French-influenced palm-lined Boulevard Mohammed V in the heart of Casablanca, the Gothic-Art Deco Église du Sacré-Couer which hosts art exhibitions and concerts and the beautiful Cinema Rialto.
13. Agadir: The Coastal Paradise
After the devasting earthquake in 1960, the seaside city of Agadir was completely rebuilt and is now the country’s premier destination for sun, sand and sea attracting thousands of visitors every year. Boasting 300 days of sunshine a year and tranquil sea, Agadir mainly attracts package holidaymakers, however it is a great destination that can be added to any independent travellers’ itinerary.
The biggest draw to the city is the waterfront promenade which feels free and spacious to the rest of the city, and is dotted with bobbing boats, charming cafes and vibrant bars that lead down to the wide crescent beach.
14. Ouarzazate: The Door to the Desert
Situated in the south of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains, Ouarzazate is the gateway to the Draa Valley’s lush palm groves and the towering dunes of the Sahara Desert. Historically Ouarzazate acted as a crossing point for African traders, however, grew into a sprawling garrison town in the 1920’s to oversee France’s colonial interests.
After the French protectorate left in the 1950’s, the movie business bloomed in Ouarzazate giving it the name ‘Oaullywood’ due to the exotic backdrops it provided emanating locations such as ancient Rome, Egypt and Tibet. Some of the biggest films to be shot at Ouarzazate include Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy and Gladiator.
15. Ifrane: Switzerland in Morocco
When you enter the city of Ifrane in the Middle Atlas Mountains, no part of you will be convinced you’re still in Morocco. Ifrane is known for its skiing and lodges, its forests and waterfalls, and its alpine-style architecture. Ifrane is one of the best cities to visit in Morocco because it’s just so different. (And perhaps because I’m already obsessed with the Alps as it is.) It’s so unlike the rest of the country. It was even dubbed the “second cleanest city in the world,” just behind Calgary, Canada.
Go for a hike through Ifrane National Park to see the monkeys!
16. Merzouga: Gateway to Erg Chebbi
Next on the list of the best cities to visit in Morocco is Merzouga, location of the Sahara Desert’s famous Erg Chebbi sand dunes. No trip to Morocco would be complete without a trip into the Sahara. No matter how you spend your time in Merzouga, this is such an awesome and unforgettable experience.
While visiting the area I stayed at the Golden Camp Sahara. This is a “luxury” Sahara camp and, though I have nothing else to compare it too, I would certainly agree. Even though these are technically “tents,” they still have showers with hot water, a sink, an actual flushing toilet, lighting, heating, comfy beds, and tons of space to chill out in.
17. Volubilis: Roman Ruins in Africa
On the list of best cities to visit in Morocco, Volubilis will certainly stand out from all the others. In fact, you’ll feel like you aren’t even in Morocco at all. Whether or not you’ve visited your fair share of Roman ruins before, these are pretty unique since you’re in Africa, remember? There are numerous spots to check out here, like the triumphal arch, the mosaic tiled floors, and the aqueduct.
There are bath houses and temples and ancient olive oil presses too. Volubilis is kind of “in the middle of nowhere,” and the vast majority of people visit Volubilis from either Fez or Meknes. So, that’s definitely where you want to stay if you plan to visit Volubilis.
18. Zaida: A Glimpse into Rural Life
Well, the reason you’re going to want to visit Zaida is for lunch. Specifically, what they call “barbecue.” Mohamed told us that’s what Zaida is known for, and he’s not wrong. Once your eyes adjust, you’ll then notice all the… umm… animal corpses hanging from the storefronts. Grab a seat at one of the eateries and go nuts. (I ate at a place I believe is called Xaluca.) Ask your server for what he recommends or do like we did and just order a little bit of everything.
Also, Zaida is located in the Midelt region, aka the apple capital of Morocco. This place is so off-the-radar that I can’t find a single tour that’ll get you here. If you’re checking out all the best cities to visit in Morocco in your own (rented) vehicle, that’s probably the only way you’ll be able to visit Zaida. But if you can, it’s worth this interesting look into rural Moroccan life.
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