Best Places to visit in Morocco

The Imperial Cities: Morocco’s Historic Heart

The four Imperial Cities—Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat—are the historical cornerstones of Morocco. Each has served as the capital at some point, and each boasts a legacy of grand palaces, intricate mosques, and sprawling medinas that narrate the story of the nation’s powerful dynasties.

Marrakech: The Red City

Vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly captivating, Marrakech is the quintessential Moroccan experience. Known as the “Red City” for its pink-hued buildings, it’s a place where ancient traditions meet contemporary energy.

Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

The city’s main square is a theater of Moroccan life that transforms dramatically throughout the day. By morning, you’ll find snake charmers playing their hypnotic tunes, fresh orange juice vendors, and henna artists ready to adorn your hands. As dusk settles, Jemaa el-Fnaa metamorphoses into a colossal open-air dining room. Smoke rises from dozens of food stalls serving everything from tagine to grilled meats, while the air fills with the sounds of Berber musicians, Gnaoua dancers, and traditional storytellers captivating eager crowds.

The Medina and its Souks

Beyond the main square lies the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a labyrinth of narrow, winding alleyways. Dive into its famous souks, a dizzying network of markets where you can find handcrafted leather goods, colorful babouches (slippers), shimmering lanterns, aromatic spices, and handwoven carpets. Getting lost is part of the adventure.

Jardin Majorelle

A tranquil oasis amidst the city’s bustle, the Jardin Majorelle is a stunning botanical garden famed for its intense cobalt blue accents. Once owned by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, the garden is a beautifully curated space filled with exotic plants, bamboo groves, and serene fountains.

Bahia Palace

Meaning “brilliance,” the Bahia Palace is a magnificent 19th-century palace that showcases the pinnacle of Moroccan craftsmanship. Wander through its opulent courtyards, apartments, and gardens, admiring the intricate zellij tilework, carved stucco, and painted cedarwood ceilings that adorn every surface.

Koutoubia Mosque

The largest mosque in Marrakech, the Koutoubia Mosque is the city’s most iconic landmark. Its elegant minaret, a masterpiece of Almohad architecture, has served as a model for other famous towers, including the Giralda of Seville. While non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque itself, its impressive exterior and surrounding gardens are well worth admiring, especially when illuminated at night.

Fes: The Cultural Capital

Fes is Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual heart. Home to the world’s oldest university, its ancient medina, Fes el-Bali, remains one of the most authentic and well-preserved historic centers in the Arab world.

Fes el-Bali (The Old Medina)

Step into Fes el-Bali and you step back in time. This sprawling, car-free urban landscape is a maze of over 9,000 alleyways, where donkeys are still the primary mode of transport for goods. Every corner reveals a new sight, from bustling souks to hidden riads and historic mosques.

Chouara Tannery

A visit to the Chouara Tannery is an unforgettable sensory experience. From the terraces of the surrounding leather shops, you can watch artisans at work in a scene that has remained unchanged for centuries. The powerful, pungent smell of the hides and dyes is immediately striking, but it is countered by the incredible visual of the stone vats filled with vibrant pigments, creating a honeycomb of earthy and jewel-toned colors.

Al-Attarine Madrasa

This 14th-century Islamic school is a jewel of Marinid architecture. The Al-Attarine Madrasa is renowned for its harmonious design and stunningly intricate decoration, featuring elaborate zellij mosaics, carved plaster, and elegant cedarwood detailing surrounding a peaceful central courtyard.

Bou Inania Madrasa

Another architectural masterpiece, the Bou Inania Madrasa is one of the few religious buildings in Fes open to non-Muslim visitors. It functions as both a school and a congregational mosque and is celebrated for its exquisite tilework, marble floors, and detailed woodwork.

The Merenid Tombs

For a commanding view over the entire Fes medina, make the short journey up the hill to the ruins of the Merenid Tombs. These monumental 14th-century tombs offer a breathtaking panoramic perspective of the ancient city, especially as the sun sets and the call to prayer echoes from countless minarets below.

Meknes: The Versailles of Morocco

Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Meknes is a relaxed Imperial City with a rich history and monumental architecture, largely shaped by the powerful 17th-century Sultan Moulay Ismail.

Bab Mansour Gate

Considered one of North Africa’s most beautiful gates, the Bab Mansour is an awe-inspiring example of Moroccan architectural grandeur. Completed in 1732, its immense size and intricate zellij tilework make it a truly impressive entrance to the former imperial city.

Heri es-Souani (Royal Stables and Granaries)

This vast complex is a testament to the grand vision of Sultan Moulay Ismail. The Royal Stables were ingeniously designed to house up to 12,000 horses, while the adjacent granaries were built with thick walls and a clever underground water system to keep grain cool and protected.

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

An important site for Moroccans, this lavish mausoleum is the final resting place of the sultan who made Meknes his capital. It is one of the few holy sites in the country accessible to non-Muslims, offering a glimpse into the serene beauty of Islamic funerary art.

Lahdim Square

Facing the Bab Mansour, Lahdim Square is the heart of the Meknes medina. It’s a lively public space, a more intimate version of Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa, where locals and visitors gather in the evenings to enjoy food stalls, entertainers, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Rabat: The Modern Capital

Morocco’s political capital, Rabat, is a more tranquil and orderly city than Marrakech or Fes. It blends its rich history with a modern, cosmopolitan feel, offering wide boulevards, clean streets, and fascinating historical sites.

Kasbah of the Udayas

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Bou Regreg River, the Kasbah of the Udayas is a stunningly picturesque fortress. Lose yourself in its narrow, blue-and-white-washed streets, relax in the serene Andalusian Gardens, and enjoy the sweeping ocean views from its fortifications.

Hassan Tower

This striking, unfinished minaret is Rabat’s most prominent landmark. It was commissioned in the 12th century by Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour, who envisioned building the world’s largest mosque. The project was abandoned upon his death, leaving behind the 44-meter tower and a field of some 200 stone columns.

Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Directly opposite the Hassan Tower lies the magnificent Mausoleum of Mohammed V. This modern masterpiece of Alaouite architecture contains the tombs of the former Moroccan king and his two sons. Visitors can admire the stunning interior of white marble, intricate plasterwork, and a grand ceiling of gold leaf.

Chellah Necropolis

The Chellah is an atmospheric and evocative site that layers centuries of history. It began as a Roman settlement, the ruins of which are still visible, before being transformed into a royal necropolis by the Marinid dynasty in the 13th century. Today, it’s a peaceful garden of ancient walls, crumbling tombs, and a towering minaret now home to a large colony of storks.

Sahara Desert Adventures: Dunes and Stars

No journey to Morocco is truly complete without venturing into the vast, silent expanse of the Sahara. It’s an experience that transcends mere sightseeing, offering a profound connection to nature and a glimpse into the timeless traditions of the Berber people. The journey eastward reveals a dramatic shift in landscape, as bustling cities give way to rocky plains and, finally, to the magnificent seas of sand.

Merzouga and Erg Chebbi

Merzouga is a small town that serves as the most popular gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. These are the iconic, wind-sculpted dunes of popular imagination, with some reaching heights of over 150 meters. Their striking orange and pink hues shift dramatically with the changing light, creating a photographer’s paradise from sunrise to sunset.

• Camel Trekking into the Dunes: The classic Saharan experience involves a camel trek into the heart of the dunes. The slow, rhythmic pace of the caravan allows you to fully absorb the scale and silence of the desert as your guide leads you toward a camp for the night. The journey, typically undertaken in the late afternoon, culminates in a spectacular sunset over the endless sand.
• Overnight in a Berber Desert Camp: Arriving at a traditional camp is a memorable experience. After settling into your tent, you are welcomed with mint tea before enjoying a hearty dinner, often a delicious tagine cooked over an open fire. The evening is spent gathered around a campfire, where your hosts play traditional Berber drum music under the vast desert sky. With no light pollution, the stargazing here is simply breathtaking, offering a clear and brilliant view of the Milky Way and countless constellations.
• Sandboarding and 4×4 Tours: For those seeking a bit more activity, the dunes offer ample opportunity for adventure. You can try sandboarding down the steep slopes for a thrilling ride or take a 4×4 tour to explore more remote parts of the dune sea, visit local nomadic families, and discover desert oases.

Zagora and Erg Chigaga

For travelers seeking a more rugged and less-frequented desert adventure, the journey to Zagora and the Erg Chigaga dunes offers a sense of true exploration. Reaching these dunes is more challenging, typically requiring a multi-hour 4×4 journey from the nearest town, but the reward is a feeling of profound isolation and untamed beauty.

• A More Remote Desert Experience: Unlike the more contained dunes of Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga is a vast, wilder expanse of sand. The camps here are often more rustic, and the experience feels less curated, appealing to those who want to feel truly off the grid. The silence and scale of the landscape are immense.
• Visiting the “Gateway to the Sahara”: The town of Zagora itself is historically significant as a starting point for ancient trade caravans. A famous, albeit recreated, signpost still points the way, reading “Timbuktu, 52 days,” a potent reminder of the region’s storied past.
• Exploring the Draa Valley en route: The journey to Zagora is an attraction in itself. You will travel through the magnificent Draa Valley, a lush ribbon of green that stretches for over 100 kilometers. This fertile oasis is home to one of Morocco’s largest palm groves, dotted with crumbling kasbahs and traditional mud-brick villages that seem to have stood still in time.

Coastal Charms: Atlantic Breezes and Port Towns

Beyond the bustling medinas and the vast desert lies another of Morocco’s great treasures: its Atlantic coastline. Here, the energy shifts from the intensity of the imperial cities to a more relaxed, wind-swept rhythm. Historic port towns, world-class surf spots, and artistic enclaves offer a refreshing counterpoint, where the scent of salt air mixes with the aroma of grilled seafood.

Essaouira: The Windy City

Once known as Mogador, the fortified city of Essaouira is a coastal gem with a distinctly bohemian soul. Its whitewashed medina, accented with vibrant blue shutters and doors, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a more tranquil experience than its larger counterparts. The city’s persistent trade winds, the Alizé, have shaped not only its landscape but also its culture.

• The Skala de la Ville: Walk along these impressive 18th-century sea ramparts, where ancient bronze cannons still point towards the ocean. The stone walls offer commanding views of the crashing Atlantic waves and the rocky islands offshore, providing a perfect backdrop for photography, especially as the sun sets.
• The Historic Medina: Lose yourself in the charming, well-ordered streets of Essaouira’s medina. Unlike the labyrinthine alleys of Fes, this medina is easier to navigate. It’s filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and workshops where artisans craft beautiful objects from local thuya wood.
• Fresh Seafood at the Port: A visit to the bustling fishing port is an essential Essaouira experience. Watch as fleets of iconic blue boats return with their daily catch. You can select your own fish or seafood directly from the fishermen and have it grilled to perfection at one of the simple, open-air stalls right by the water.
• Kitesurfing and Windsurfing Hotspot: The city’s nickname is well-earned. The powerful and consistent winds make Essaouira’s bay a world-renowned destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Numerous schools along the beach offer lessons and equipment rentals for all skill levels.

Taghazout and the Surf Coast

What was once a quiet fishing village has transformed into Morocco’s premier surf destination. Taghazout, and the coastline stretching from it, is a magnet for wave riders from around the globe. The vibe here is unapologetically laid-back, centered on surf culture, wellness, and a deep connection to the ocean.

• World-Class Surfing for all Levels: The area boasts a collection of legendary surf breaks. Seasoned surfers flock to powerful point breaks like Anchor Point and Killer Point, while beginners can find gentler waves at Panorama Beach. Dozens of surf camps and schools provide lessons and board hire, making it accessible to everyone.
• Yoga Retreats and a Laid-Back Vibe: Complementing the active surf scene is a thriving wellness culture. Yoga studios with ocean views, holistic retreats, and healthy cafes are abundant. It’s a place to stretch out after a day in the water and embrace a slower, more mindful pace of life.
• Paradise Valley: A popular day trip inland leads to Paradise Valley, a stunning oasis nestled in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. A short hike reveals a series of natural rock pools and small waterfalls, offering a refreshing opportunity for swimming and cliff jumping in a beautiful canyon setting.

Asilah: The Artistic Seaside Town

Situated on the northern Atlantic coast, Asilah is a tranquil and picturesque fortified town that feels like an open-air art gallery. Its pristine, whitewashed medina is remarkably clean and peaceful, offering a quiet escape for those seeking culture and relaxation by the sea.

• The Blue and White Medina: The town’s primary draw is its stunning medina. The defensive walls, built by the Portuguese in the 15th century, enclose a maze of narrow streets where buildings are painted in brilliant white and shades of blue. The walls themselves are adorned with colorful murals, making every corner a discovery.
• Annual International Arts Festival: Each summer, Asilah hosts a renowned arts festival that attracts artists from around the world. They are invited to paint new murals on the medina’s walls, ensuring the town’s visual landscape is constantly evolving. This tradition infuses Asilah with a vibrant, creative energy.
• Relaxing on the Town’s Beaches: Asilah offers several pleasant beaches for unwinding. The main town beach is easily accessible, while a short trip south leads to Paradise Beach, a vast and often quiet stretch of sand perfect for long walks and enjoying the coastal serenity.

The Atlas Mountains: Peaks, Valleys, and Berber Culture

Stretching across the country, the Atlas Mountains offer a dramatic contrast to the bustling cities and sprawling desert. This is a realm of rugged peaks, fertile valleys, and the enduring culture of the Amazigh (Berber) people. Here, the air is crisp, the landscapes are vast, and life moves at a pace dictated by the seasons. Understanding the geography of Morocco helps to appreciate the diversity of these landscapes.

Imlil and Toubkal National Park

Nestled in the heart of the High Atlas, the small village of Imlil serves as the primary base camp for adventurers seeking to explore Toubkal National Park. It’s a place where the rhythm of daily life is intertwined with the flow of trekkers and mountaineers.

• The Base for Trekking Mount Toubkal: Imlil is the starting point for the ascent of Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet). This is a serious undertaking recommended for experienced and physically prepared hikers, typically completed over two or three days with a guide. The reward for the challenging climb is an unparalleled panoramic view across the Atlas range and towards the Sahara.
• Exploring Berber Villages: The valleys surrounding Imlil are dotted with traditional Berber villages, built from local earth and stone, that seem to cling to the steep hillsides. A visit offers a genuine insight into the Amazigh way of life, their agricultural traditions, and their renowned hospitality.
• Guided Hikes and Mule Treks: For those not aiming for the summit of Toubkal, the park offers countless trails. Guided day hikes or multi-day treks, often supported by mules to carry supplies, allow visitors to explore the stunning scenery of walnut groves, terraced fields, and rushing mountain streams at a more relaxed pace.

Dades Valley and Todra Gorge

Further south, where the mountains begin to yield to the desert, lies a region of spectacular canyons and fortified history. The drive through this area is as much a part of the experience as the destinations themselves.

• The “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs”: This famous route winds through the Dades Valley, a vibrant green ribbon of agriculture flanked by arid, rose-hued plateaus. The landscape is punctuated by the silhouettes of kasbahs and ksour—ancient fortified citadels made of packed earth that once protected caravan routes.
• Dramatic Canyons and Rock Formations: The journey leads to two of Morocco’s most impressive natural wonders. The Todra Gorge is a trenchant canyon with sheer limestone walls that rise over 300 meters, leaving only a narrow pass for a crystal-clear river. Nearby, the Dades Gorge features a series of winding switchbacks and fascinating rock formations, sometimes referred to as “monkey fingers.”
• Opportunities for Rock Climbing and Hiking: The solid rock walls of the Todra Gorge have made it a world-renowned destination for rock climbing, with routes suitable for various skill levels. Both gorges also provide excellent opportunities for hiking, from simple walks along the riverbeds to more demanding treks up into the surrounding hills for expansive views.

Iconic Gems and Photogenic Wonders

Beyond the grand imperial cities and vast landscapes, Morocco is dotted with unique locations that seem almost mythical. These are the places that capture the imagination, offering unforgettable visuals and a deep sense of history and culture.

Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl

Nestled in the rugged Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is an otherworldly escape known for its calming palette of blue. The entire medina is a labyrinth of alleyways, homes, and doorways washed in every conceivable shade of blue and periwinkle. The atmosphere is more relaxed than in the larger cities, inviting unhurried exploration and endless photography.

• Exploring the Blue-Washed Streets: The primary activity in Chefchaouen is simply to wander. Meander through the narrow, cobbled lanes of the medina, discovering hidden squares, artisan shops selling woven goods and leatherwork, and countless charming scenes that make the city a photographer’s dream.
• Hiking in the Rif Mountains: The city’s location provides excellent access to the surrounding mountains. Trails lead out from the town into the verdant hills, offering a refreshing contrast to the blue medina and opportunities to visit nearby natural attractions like the Akchour Waterfalls.
• Ras El Ma Waterfall: This small cascade is where the city’s freshwater source bubbles out of the mountain. It’s a lively social spot where local women come to do their laundry and children play, offering a pleasant glimpse into daily life.
• The Spanish Mosque for Sunset Views: For the most iconic view of the city, take the 30-minute uphill walk to the Spanish Mosque. Perched on a hill opposite the medina, it is unequivocally the best photo spot for an overview of the city, especially as the setting sun casts a warm, golden glow over the blue buildings below.

Aït Benhaddou: The Ancient Ksar

Rising dramatically from the semi-arid landscape on the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, Aït Benhaddou is a breathtaking example of southern Moroccan earthen architecture. This fortified village, or ksar, is a collection of earthen buildings crowded together within defensive walls, appearing as a natural extension of the hill upon which it stands.

• A UNESCO World Heritage Fortress City: Recognized for its remarkable preservation, the ksar offers a window into a pre-Saharan way of life. Exploring its narrow, winding passages feels like stepping back centuries, with its high-angled walls, corner towers, and traditional homes.
• Famous Hollywood Filming Location: The timeless, epic quality of Aït Benhaddou has not gone unnoticed by filmmakers. Its striking scenery has served as a backdrop for numerous productions, including cinematic classics like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, as well as the acclaimed series Game of Thrones, where it stood in for the city of Yunkai.
• Climbing to the Granary for Panoramic Views: The effort of climbing the steep paths to the fortified granary (agadir) at the ksar’s highest point is rewarded with magnificent, sweeping views. From here, you can appreciate the scale of the fortress and gaze out over the Ounila Valley and the vast, rocky desert beyond.

Planning Your Moroccan Itinerary

Morocco is a country of immense diversity, and a little planning goes a long way in crafting the perfect journey. From the timing of your visit to how you’ll navigate its landscapes, these practical tips will help you structure your adventure.

Best Time to Visit

While Morocco is a year-round destination, the shoulder seasons offer the most comfortable climate for exploration. The country’s varied geography means that the ideal time can depend on the regions you plan to see.

• Spring (March to May): Widely considered the best time to visit. The weather is pleasantly warm, the landscapes are green and lush after the winter rains, and wildflowers blanket the countryside. It’s an excellent season for hiking in the Atlas Mountains and exploring the Imperial Cities without the intense summer heat.
• Autumn (September to November): Another fantastic window for travel. The scorching heat of the summer has subsided, making for warm, sunny days and cool, comfortable evenings. The Atlantic is still warm enough for swimming, and the cities are vibrant.

Visiting during other seasons is certainly possible, but it’s wise to be prepared. Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot, especially in inland cities like Marrakech and Fes, and in the Sahara Desert. The coastal towns, however, offer a pleasant escape. Winter (December to February) can be cold and damp in the north, with snow capping the Atlas Mountains, which can be a beautiful sight but may limit high-altitude trekking. During the holy month of Ramadan, business hours are often reduced, and while it presents a unique cultural experience with festive nightly feasts, it requires sensitivity from travelers.

Getting Around Morocco

Navigating Morocco is part of the adventure, with a range of options to suit different travel styles and budgets. The country has a surprisingly efficient public transport infrastructure connecting its most popular destinations.

• Train Travel: The national rail network, ONCF, is a comfortable and reliable way to travel between the major cities, including Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech. The high-speed Al Boraq line between Tangier and Casablanca is particularly impressive.
• Buses: For destinations not served by the train, reputable bus companies like CTM and Supratours offer an extensive network of clean, air-conditioned coaches. They are a safe and affordable way to reach mountain towns, coastal villages, and desert gateways.
• Grand Taxis vs. Petit Taxis: You’ll encounter two types of taxis. Petit Taxis operate within city limits, are usually metered, and are ideal for short trips. Grand Taxis are larger, shared vehicles that run on fixed routes between towns. You pay for a seat, and the taxi leaves when full—an authentic and economical way to travel shorter inter-city distances.
• Renting a Car: For the greatest flexibility and the freedom to explore remote kasbahs and scenic mountain roads at your own pace, renting a car is an excellent choice. Main roads are generally in good condition, but driving within the chaotic medinas is not recommended.

Sample Itinerary Ideas

Morocco’s diversity can make it hard to know where to start. These sample routes can be adapted to your interests and timeframe, serving as a starting point for your personal journey.

• The 7-Day Imperial Cities Express: This classic tour focuses on Morocco’s historic and cultural heart. A typical route connects Marrakech, Fes, and Meknes, with a possible stop in the capital, Rabat. It’s a perfect introduction to the country’s rich history, intricate architecture, and bustling medinas.
• The 10-Day Mountains, Desert, and City Tour: For a more varied experience, this itinerary blends urban exploration with natural wonders. You could begin in Marrakech, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, explore Aït Benhaddou, and venture into the Sahara at Merzouga for a camel trek and a night under the stars before heading north to Fes.
• The 14-Day Grand Morocco Adventure: With two weeks, you can truly immerse yourself in all that Morocco has to offer. This comprehensive journey could include the Imperial Cities, the Sahara Desert, the Todra and Dades Gorges, the “Blue Pearl” of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, and the windswept Atlantic coast at Essaouira.