Morocco is a country of dazzling diversity, a chaotic and intense merging of cultures that will explode your senses. The best cities in Morocco to visit offer a fusion of traditions and lifestyles of the Ottoman, North African, and Arab cultures.
In tourist hotspots like Fes, Marrakech, and Chefchaouen, visitors can explore the ancient Medinas, haggle in the souks, rock the Kasbahs, admire the old Moorish architecture, and tuck into some savory Mediterranean/African fusion cuisine. And you won’t break the bank sightseeing in the best cities in Morocco!
Morocco's diverse landscape offers a backdrop for its beautiful cities.
Awaken your senses in the north African jewel of Morocco. Awash with colours, spices and mystery, Morocco is a land of fascinating culture, stunning scenery and breathtaking cities.
Few visitors will travel the entire length, breadth, and depth of Morocco; those who do will be awestruck by the beauty and diversity of its architecture, cultures, and landscapes. From the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, from modern cities to ancient kasbahs, from Sahara dunes to snow-capped mountain peaks, and from indigenous tribes to suited city dwellers, Morocco offers an abundance of beautiful places.
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Top Cities to Visit in Morocco
- Chefchaouen
- Essaouira
- Marrakech
- Fes
- Tangier
- Meknes
- Rabat
- Casablanca
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. This small city is what had drawn me to visit Morocco, and it did not disappoint! Chefchaouen, also known as “the Blue City,” is considered one of the top ten most colorful cities in the world and one of the best cities to visit in Morocco.
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.
Chefchaouen, the "Blue City," is famous for its stunning blue-washed buildings.
We loved exploring the maze of the medina, looking for the famous Instagram places. We even got lost and wandered around for about an hour trying to find our way out. Far from a hidden gem, the city can be overrun with tourists and locals, especially on weekends. It’s a bit out-of-the-way from the more visited cities of Fez or Tangier, but worth the extra effort to stroll around the mesmerizing cobbled streets.
The tradition of painting the city blue is said to have started in the 1930s by Jewish refugees fleeing Hitler’s regime. Their choice of color may have come from the Jewish tradition of entwining blue thread into prayer shawls to symbolize heaven.
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A highlight of exploring the colorful medina of Chefchaouen was the opportunity to try a camel burger. We also explored the main square of Place Outa el Hammam, the red-walled Kasbah, a 15th-century fortress, all the leather and souvenir shops, and of course, more photo ops.
One of the best things to do is embark on the uphill hike through the village of Ras El Mas up to the Spanish Mosque for the best sunset views of the stunning city below. It’s worth the sweat equity!
Located on Morocco’s west coast, the ‘Wind City of Africa’, is a picturesque seaside town which has retained its traditional character and culture due to the hoards of sun-seeking tourists bypassing this beach destination due to its windy conditions. Dubbed the “Wind City of Africa” for its very breezy coast, Essaouira (pronounced ess-uh-WEE-ruh) aka ancient Mogador is known as the “Bride of the Atlantic.”
More laid-back than more popular cities like Casablanca or Marrakech, the port city does have things to do in addition to a relaxing holiday. Discover the winding alleys of the medina; stroll along the crenelated walls, watchtowers, and ramparts that were used as Astapor, the red city of the hit series Game of Thrones.
Along the fishing port, you’ll see blue wooden fishing boats hauling in the day’s catch which can be purchased at the nearby fish market. In the 19th century, many artists, writers, and musicians made Essaouira their home. Cat Stevens, Bob Marley, and Frank Zappa are among those who found inspiration in Essaouira in the 70s.
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Essaouira is a great place for windsurfing, although not very many swimmers venture into the rough waves.
Essaouira's fishing port and medina offer a relaxing and culturally rich experience.
Marrakech is the epitome of Morocco and the setting for many of the country’s best known tourist attractions. Set amidst the arid foothills and snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a kaleidoscope of colours, scents and sounds. Compared to some of the other chill cities, it can be a shock to the senses.
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Paying homage to the song by Crosby, Stills & Nash, we took the train from Fes to Marrakech. The trains in Morocco have been great - clean and on time. It’s loud and frenzied, with souks with pretty aggressive vendors, an old medina, and historic landmarks and cultural sites.
We arrived in Marrakech in the late afternoon, and after checking into our hotel to drop our luggage, we headed to the city’s main attraction - the frenetic Jemma el Frnaa, the city’s large main square, awash in street food stalls, henna painters, performers, magicians, souvenir shops, spice vendors, and yes, the ubiquitous snake charmers.
We tried spiced coffee uniquely brewed in hot sand - it was delicious! For dinner, we ate at a nice restaurant with a sunset and nighttime view of the square below and the lit-up Koutoubia Mosque in the distance.
Our second day in Marrakech was spent in the historic medina, exploring the palaces of El Bahia and El Badi Palace, lunch in palm-lined Tinsmiths Square in the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), and a walk to the Koutoubia Mosque. Although we ran out of time, also recommended are the Jardin Majorelle, Menara Gardens, and Saadian Tombs.
Marrakech's Djemaa el-Fna square is a hub of activity, especially at night.
UNESCO-listed Fes (also Fez), in northeastern Morocco, dates back to the 9th century and has one of the most extensive and best-preserved old towns of the Arab-Muslim world, and often referred to as the country’s cultural capital. Located in the Middle-Atlas Mountains, the old imperial city of Fes served as the country’s capital until 1925 and is now known for its cultural and historical delights making it one of the key places to visit in Morocco.
In its heyday, Fes attracted philosophers, scholars, astronomers and theologians who would study at the University of al-Qarawiyyin, now the world’s oldest functioning university, and would enjoy the grand houses that local craftsman had built for them and the finest wares from the sub-Saharan trade routes. Today, the city is a treasure trove of mosques, palaces and fountains, some of which are the most magnificent in Morocco.
Fes el Bali, the impressive Medina (old town) is the largest urban car-free space in the world and the main tourist attraction. However, even though there were no cars, it was also one of the most chaotic places I’ve ever visited. The medieval labyrinth of over 9000 frenzied narrow alleys will overload your senses in every way.
The medina is not for the fainthearted; we would have gotten infinitely lost if we had not had a guide. We spent a lot of time dodging people and work donkeys and grew accustomed to hearing the shout “balak!” which means “get out of the way!”
Not to be missed is a visit to the ancient tanneries (one is 1200 years old) where animal skins and hides are processed using the same method as they did 1000 years ago. The only way to see the tanneries is by going through one of the leather shops and climbing steps to a balcony with a panoramic view of the whole tannery. Due to the stench, you’ll be handed a bundle of fresh mint to hold up to your nose.
There’s no fee to visit the tanneries but since you access via a leather shop, you’ll be pressured to explore their wares. The variety of goods and colors of leather are astounding. The quality was great and the prices were actually quite reasonable.
In Fez, I ate one of my two favorite meals in all of Morocco - chicken pastilla, a savory, flaky pie made with layers of crispy warqa (similar to phyllo) dough, filled with shredded chicken, onions, almonds, and spices, and dusted with cinnamon sugar which is often served on special occasions.
The Chouara Tannery in Fes is a must-see, offering a glimpse into traditional leather-making.
The white port city of Tangier situated between the Mediterranean and Atlantic on the Strait of Gibraltar has been a gateway between Africa and Europe since Phoenician times. For some reason, I was expecting Tangier to be dirty and seedy. It was not! The whitewashed hillside city on the Strait of Gibraltar has been a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe since Phoenician times.
Historically Tangier carried a slightly seedy and sleazy reputation, however contemporary Tangier couldn’t be more different. The white-washed hillside medina is home to the 17th-century sultans palace, the Dar el Makhzen, which now houses an excellent museum displaying Moroccan artefacts. The medina also is dotted with many cafes, boutiques and galleries which contribute to a cosmopolitan Tangier.
We enjoyed an afternoon in this lovely coastal town on the Mediterranean. After rocking the Kasbah, we explored the Caves of Hercules where tradition claims the Greek god slept. Archaeology has shown that the caves were first used in 6000 BC by the Neolithic people.
We had a picnic lunch with a view of Gibraltar (in the distance) and spent some time at the Cap Spartel Lighthouse which overlooks where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. It has also been the summer site of the Moroccan royal residence since 1962. For the first half of the 20th century, bohemian Tangier was one of the Mediterranean’s most upscale and popular resorts.
Tangier's coastal location and blend of cultures make it a unique destination.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meknes is known as the former imperial city featuring Bab Mansour, a huge gate with arches and mosaic tiling. 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.
Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement, Meknes became a capital under Sultan Moulay Ismaïl (1672-1727), the founder of the Alawite dynasty. The walled-in medina contains an impressive blend of Spanish-Moorish architecture.
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.
We stopped at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meknes on our way from Chefchaouen to Fes. I would recommend spending one day and night exploring Meknes, Volubilis (#2 below), and Moulay Idriss (#6 below).
Meknes features the impressive Bab Mansour gate and a rich imperial history.
Located on the Atlantic Coast resting along the shores of the flowing Bou Regreg River, Rabat is the capital city of Morocco and an enchanting place full of charm and character. This is the fourth and final of the Imperial Cities on the list. This is one of the best cities in Morocco to experience where old meets new and is the country’s capital.
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.
Rabat, the capital of Morocco, blends its modern and historic personalities beautifully.
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. Casablanca isn’t always on the top of must-see lists for Morocco tourism. Primarily a port city dedicated to industry and commerce on Morocco’s northern coast, visitors tend to fly in and then head off to more well-known and tourist-centered cities. But Casablanca warrants a day’s visit.
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 is known for its diverse and fascinating architecture ranging from traditional Moroccan style and handsome Moorish buildings to Art Deco and radically modern styles.
The highlight of Casablanca is the opulent Hassam II Mosque. Built at great expense, the mosque stands sentry on a dramatic location cantilevered over the ocean. It is one of the largest mosques in Africa. I admired the striking architecture from my windy perch on the rocks…along with hordes of other people.
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.
“Of all the gin joints…” Of course, we could not go to Casablanca and not visit Rick’s Café. The enchanting and elegant eatery was inspired by the “gin joint” in the 1942 film “Casablanca,” complete with cocktails and piano. Some online reviews warned us that it was touristy, but we went anyway and were not disappointed.
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