Morocco is a land steeped in history, with its roots woven through ancient cultures, diverse architectural influences, and vibrant traditions. It’s no wonder the country is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, each preserving a unique piece of Morocco’s cultural tapestry. From bustling medinas to serene desert fortresses, these sites are absolute must-sees for anyone exploring Morocco.
Iconic Sites and Moroccan Landmarks
Iconic landmarks can be found all over Morocco. Morocco has many large cities as well as scenic landscapes that make it a great place to visit. Morocco is found in the northern region of Africa. Tourism is a prominent industry in Morocco and continuously growing. It attracts visitors from around the world to experience such a dynamic country.
Marrakech
Marrakech, known as the “Red City,” is a blend of traditional and modern, where history lives within its walls. The bustling and vibrant buzz of Marrakesh medina sums up Morocco for many visitors and is a major tourist attraction. Marrakesh is one of Morocco's must-sees - all your senses come to life here.
Founded in 1070, the medina of Marrakech is a maze of narrow alleyways filled with bustling souks, beautiful palaces, and lush gardens. Explore the iconic Koutoubia Mosque and marvel at the intricate architecture of the Bahia Palace.
The old city is entered from the vast plaza of Djemma el-Fna Square where, it seems, half the city converges throughout the day and into the evening to hang out with the stall vendors, traditional musicians, snake charmers, and random acrobats. The plaza is at its most vibrant after dark, when entertainers flood into the square and the restaurant stalls (which set up at dusk daily) are selling their grilled meat meals.
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Once inside the medina itself, you enter a world of maze-like alleyways and shopkeeper hustle. Although the medina was affected by Morocco's devastating September 2023 earthquake, and a few of the larger government-run historic tourist attractions have been closed to visitors for an indefinite period while they await full inspections for damage, the smaller privately run museums are all fully operational and open. As are all the souqs, cafés, restaurants, and other tourist facilities.
Marrakech Landmarks at a Glance:
| Most-visited landmark: | Jemaa el-Fnaa |
| Oldest landmark: | Almoravid Koubba |
| Tallest building and largest mosque: | Koutoubia Mosque |
| Largest market: | Souk Semmarine |
Jemaa el-Fnaa
Situated in the heart of the old city, Jemaa el-Fnaa is an 11th-century market square that attracts visitors from around the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this bustling plaza is Marrakech’s most-visited cultural hub, known for its stores, historical buildings, and some of the best street food in Morocco. You’ll also find various street performers, including musicians, magicians, and storytellers.
Visit Jemma el-Fnaa at dusk, when dozens of food stalls pop up all over the square. You can enjoy all the staples of Moroccan cuisine, as well as international dishes.
Souk Semmarine
Souk Semmarine, which has existed in one form or another since the 11th century, is not only the largest market in Marrakech, but the whole of Morocco. Jam-packed full of stalls and shops, you’ll find everything from antiques to local spices, making this souk one of the best for Marrakech shopping experiences.
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Like other souks in Marrakech, Semmarine has several covered alleys, making it extremely warm. Visit in the early morning or evening when the heat is more bearable.
Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs are the resting place for several members of the Saadi family, the dynasty that ruled Morocco in the 16th and 17th centuries. A must-do during your first time in Marrakech, make sure to not miss the chamber of Sultan Ahmad El-Mansu and the extensive gardens with tall palm trees and rose bushes.
The marble work used to construct the tombs turns a golden hue in the late afternoon sunlight, making it a great time to come here.
Jardin Majorelle
Designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, Jardin Majorelle definitely isn’t the oldest sight in Marrakech. However, this sprawling garden, which spans over 9,000 sq. feet, is a hallmark of early 20th-century landscaping. Home to flowers and plants from around the world, this botanical masterpiece surrounds Art Deco and Moorish-influenced buildings, offering tranquility from the hustle of the big city.
Jardin Majorelle is one of the most popular places to visit in Marrakech, so it can get busy during the day. Consider exploring it in the early morning instead. Also, the last entry to the garden is at 5:30 PM.
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Almoravid Koubba
Established by the Almoravid dynasty in the 12th century, Almoravid Qubba is the oldest surviving building in Marrakech, making it a must-see for fans of early Northern African architecture. Once a place of worship, this monument is known for its ornate dome, which includes decorative elements like pine cones and tree leaves.
Almoravid Qubba should only take you around 15 minutes to explore. However, it’s close to other historical landmarks in the Medina area of Marrakech, such as the Ben Youssef Madrasa, so you can mark several items off your itinerary at once.
Koutoubia Mosque
Also located in the Medina area, Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech. It’s also one of the most elaborate, boasting stunning gardens and decorative arches. The 12th-century mosque has a 77-meter minaret that adds to the unique view of Marrakech’s skyline.
Wear modest clothing when visiting the Koutoubia Mosque, which remains one of the most popular places of worship in Marrakech. Also, you might want to book a guided tour of the building to better understand its history and religious significance.
Bahia Palace
Marrakech is full of picturesque palaces, but Bahia is perhaps the most famous. Built in the 1860s, the building features marble floors and stucco walls carved with geometric patterns and Arabic inscriptions. This historic landmark has plenty to explore, including its grand courtyard and gardens. In total, Bahia Palace has 150 rooms and covers eight hectares.
To gain more of a historical appreciation of the Bahia Palace, you could book a private tour of this famous landmark. Some tours let you jump the line so you don’t have to stand outside in the heat.
Fes
The medina of Fes is not only one of the oldest cities in Morocco but also one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Fes has a special atmosphere. Along with Marrakesh, Fes is Morocco's other big cultural destination. Compared to its sister Imperial City to the south, Fes is much less gentrified.
Founded in the 9th century, it’s known for its intricate maze of streets, vibrant souks, and historic sites. Highlights include the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest existing and continually operating degree-granting institution in the world, and the stunningly decorated Bou Inania Madrasa.
The medina here (called Fes el Bali) is a maze of skinny, back alleyways where it's near impossible to not get lost. Amid the souqs area, you'll find the tanneries, where the huge vats of colored dyes are one of the city's iconic sights.
As well as the city's artisan heritage, with souq streets full to the brim with traditional handicrafts, and the scatter of palaces and monuments hidden amid the twisting streets, the main attraction of Fes el Bali is simply heading out on aimless wanders amid the lanes.
The city of Fes has everything you come to expect from a Moroccan city: a medina, beautiful architecture, and centuries of history waiting to be explored. It is also the location of the oldest continually operating university not only in Africa but the world. Al-Karaouine (also known as Al-Quaraouiyine and Al-Qarawiyyin) was founded in the 9th century and its distinctive ceramic green tiled roofs house a mosque, university, and library, with all four sides connected to the labyrinth of alleyways and streets.
Ait Ben Haddou
Ait Ben Haddou is a striking fortified village on the ancient caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Ait Ben Haddou is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Walk through the village to take in the incredible scale of this remarkable site.
This golden-stoned adobe ksar (fortified village) thrusts dramatically out of the earth amid scenery that wows all who visit. This ksar, made of clay brick, is one of Morocco’s most photographed sites and has appeared in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You can even sleep within the ksar if you want the full Ait Ben Haddou experience, though those who like their creature comforts should be aware that there's no electricity within the mud brick walled building itself.
The region, dubbed "Ouallywood," is Morocco's version of Hollywood, and Atlas Film Corporation Studios has been the setting for such classics as Gladiator, Prison Break and Kingdom of Heaven. Its beautiful architecture and dramatic desert backdrop make it a truly magical site to explore.
Essaouira
Essaouira’s medina blends Portuguese, French, and Berber influences. Morocco's most charming seaside town is laid-back Essaouira, which became one of the country's major hippie hangouts during the 1970s. If you have to choose but one destination across Morocco's broad spectrum, Essaouira is a great pick.
Situated on the Atlantic coast, this UNESCO site is known for its blue and white buildings, relaxed atmosphere, and active arts scene. Walk along the historic ramparts for views of the ocean. Explore the medina’s narrow alleys filled with artisans and lively souks. Every June, the Gnaoua World Music Festival adds a new layer of cultural energy.
For visitors, Essaouira's seafront medina, encased within fortified walls, is the main attraction. 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 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.
Rabat
Rabat, Morocco’s capital, offers a unique blend of modernity and rich history. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Rabat showcases landmarks from various eras. These landmarks reflect both Islamic heritage and French colonial influences. Explore every corner of Rabat, starting from the Hassan Tower, where the mausoleum is well represented on its esplanade.
Key sites include the Hassan Tower, a 12th-century unfinished minaret, and the Chellah Necropolis with Roman and medieval ruins. The Kasbah of the Udayas, with Andalusian-style gardens, overlooks the Atlantic.
Mausoleum Mohammed V, home to the Royal tomb, is a small architectural masterpiece. Contemplate this glorious architecture, while feeling the fresh Atlantic breeze. Made of white marble, granite floors and green tiled roof, this architecture has stories to tell you about.
Volubilis
The ruins of Volubilis offer a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s ancient Roman history. Morocco's number one Roman-era ruin, and its most famous historic site, is a feast for history lovers. The hilltop location allows the ruins to lord over the surrounding countryside, adding to the romantic ambience of lost glory.
Located near Meknes, this archaeological site boasts impressive mosaics, towering columns, and grand arches that once adorned a bustling Roman city. Dating back to the 3rd century BCE, Volubilis is one of the best-preserved Roman sites in North Africa and offers breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.
This rambling site is packed full of tumbled columns and temple remnants, standing as reminders that even the greatest empires eventually crumble. The major highlight here, though, is the clutch of intricate mosaic floors amid the ruins, which have been left in situ where they were unearthed. Head up through the ruins to the Capitol and Forum for excellent panoramic views over the site and surrounding countryside.
Tetouan
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, the medina of Tetouan is smaller than other Moroccan medinas but offers an incredibly unique blend of Andalusian, Islamic, and Berber influences. Both Tetouan and Chefchaouen are the main bases from which to launch yourself out on a Rif Mountains adventure.
After the Spanish Reconquista, many Muslims and Jews settled here, bringing their distinct cultural and architectural styles. Tetouan’s medina is known for its white-washed buildings, narrow alleys, and intricate tilework.
El Jadida
El Jadida, formerly known as Mazagan, is a coastal town with a strong Portuguese influence. The city of El Jadida is full of historical sites that cannot be overlooked.
This UNESCO site boasts a unique blend of Portuguese and Moroccan architectural styles. The ancient Mazagan, follows the footprints of its early settlers : the Portuguese. The Portuguese cistern describes best these footsteps as it is a cultural heritage monument. This stunning monument, housed in the centre of the Portuguese city, was used as an arsenal during the Portuguese period, before it turned to a cistern, which was unwittingly discovered in 1916. Inside the cistern, you’ll see a poetic and mysterious atmosphere, created by spooky reflections and shadow-play.
Chefchaouen
Sitting snug amid the lush Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a labyrinth hill town of blue-on-blue buildings that has an incredibly photogenic glow. You could also use Tangier as a base to visit the famously blue city of Chefchaouen and Spanish-infused Asilah.
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There isn't much actual sightseeing to be done, and that's one of the town's main attractions. A visit here is simply about wandering the medina alleys and lapping up all that colorful architecture. It's a peaceful, easygoing town and a great place to recharge for a while if you've been spending a lot of time amid the cities of Fes and Marrakesh beforehand. Keen shoppers should beeline here for rugs and blankets, woven in the Riffian style using bright, primary colors.
Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert covers the southern region of Morocco. 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.
One of the iconic landmarks of the Moroccan portion of the desert is called Erg Chebbi. Erg Chebbi is a sea of sand dunes made from a unique orange sand. For those seeking soothing silence and untouched beauty, look no further than the vast expanse of the deserts in Morocco. 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.
The most popular destination for grand and rippling sand dunes is Erg Chebbi. This is prime territory for dune surfing, four-wheel-drive dune-bashing, and sunrise and sunset camel trekking, usually combined with an overnight stay in a tented desert camp.
Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca's major point of interest and landmark building, the Hassan II Mosque is a lavish symbol not only of the city, but also of Morocco itself. Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Africa, and the 7th largest in the world.
This modern mosque (finished in 1993) doesn't do things by halves. The decoration detail covering every centimeter of the mammoth two-hectare site took 10,000 artisans to complete. This is the only mosque that non-Muslims can enter in Morocco. Free, informative tours are run by the mosque regularly.
With a minaret that reaches two hundred meters high, and being boarded by a Medersa (Koranic school), a library, hammams, and a musuem, Hassan II Mosque is a huge cultural complex. All admiration is brought to this building: frescoes and zelliges with geometrical motifs, painted and carved wood, stuccoes with inextricable designs, arabesques with drawn or calligraphic motifs.
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