BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MOROCCO
Planning a trip but not exactly sure where to go in Morocco? If so, then this list offers a quick rundown of the Morocco tourist places that you need to see. You can use this list to plan the perfect Morocco itinerary.
Marrakech
If you only visit one city in Morocco, Marrakech is probably it. That’s partly because of cheap Ryan Air flights from Europe and partly because Marrakech is home to some of the most famous attractions in the country.
Either way, Marrakech is easily one of the prettiest places in Morocco. It’s home to a vibrant, UNESCO-protected medina that is filled with vibrant souks, red walls, arched gateways, intricate doors, and stunning tile mosaics.
In particular, the Saadian Tombs, Bacha Coffee, El Badi Palace, Jardin Secret, Koutoubia Mosque, and Jardin Majorelle are all beautiful and worth visiting if you want to enjoy some of the top attractions in Marrakech.
Bahia Palace is also exceptional and one of the nicest palaces in Marrakech. Visit the Grand Riad and see marvelous examples of traditional Moroccan architecture through tile mosaics, stained glass windows, muqarnas, carved wood, etc.
You can also shop for cool Marrakech souvenirs in the souks before digging into delicious cuisine at some of the coolest restaurants in Marrakech. Also, be sure to stay at some of the best luxury riads in Marrakech since they are stunning.
Beyond the city, embark on a tour of the Agafay Desert and try camel riding, quad biking, and horseback riding. It’s a great place and one of my tips for visiting Morocco is to be sure to visit.
Just don’t forget to get the best Marrakech SIM card so that you can stay connected with everyone back at home.
Essaouira
Honestly, Essaouira is easily one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. It’s this charming little seaside town where the people are nice, the weather is cool, and you can see little blue boats bobbing up and down in the water.
Feel free to spend the day in Essaouira strolling through the quaint blue and white medina as you stop at Driss Patisserie for some traditional sweets or grab a traditional Moroccan breakfast in Essaouira at Al Jazira.
You can also visit some of the city’s cool local shops and pick up nice souvenirs from Morocco while you’re here.
Afterward, admire the panoramic views from atop the Skala de Port or catch a beautiful sunset from the Old Skala. In fact, you’ll probably recognize both spots since they were featured in the hit series, Game of Thrones.
You can also head to Moga Surf to try kite surfing in Essaouira or surfing in Essaouira since the winds that come off of the Atlantic Ocean make this one of the best places to kitesurf in Morocco.
For the best and most comprehensive experience possible, try doing a surf camp in Essaouira.
Local Tip: If you want to see where Jimi Hendrix used to hang out then head to the Jimi Hendrix Cafe in Diabat.
It’s a fun place and is about a 45-minute walk away from the medina in Essaouira and is where a lot of the best horseback riding tours in Essaouira depart from as well as many quad bike tours in Essaouira.
You can also attend the Gnaoua World Music Festival at the end of June. However, you will need to book your hotel in Essaouira at least two months in advance since this is a popular time to visit Essaouira.
You also don’t need to worry too much about crime since this is one of the safest Moroccan cities of them all. It’s also an easy place to visit since you can take the bus in between Marrakech and Essaouira.
Chefchaouen
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is an enchanting town with a history that adds to its allure. Founded in the 15th century by Moorish refugees fleeing Spain, Chefchaouen has retained much of its Andalusian influence, visible in its distinctive, blue-painted streets and architecture.
One of the key reasons to visit Chefchaouen is its serene and photogenic atmosphere. The town's iconic blue hues create a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Wandering through its charming medina, you'll find narrow winding streets, artisanal shops, and a laid-back ambiance that invites you to relax and soak in the surroundings.
It is an ideal destination for those seeking a picturesque getaway.
Merzouga Sahara Desert
Many people come to Morocco because they dream of riding camels through the vast dunes of the Sahara Desert.
Real talk? This experience is just as magical in person as it is in your imagination. Just be sure to bring a scarf and sunglasses since strong winds can blow a lot of sand into your face.
Also, camels lean forward as they try to stand up. So, it’s a good idea to lean back as your camel gets up. Yeah, I may or may not have fallen off as my camel was trying to stand up the first time (whoops).
Anyway, your trip to the Sahara begins at Merzouga. It is a tiny town near the Algerian border and is where you’ll find the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
Just meet your Berber guide, hop on a camel, and ride into the dunes. After about an hour and a half, you’ll get to your desert camp and can watch the sunset. You can even try sand boarding down the dunes too.
Afterward, enjoy a gourmet dinner and listen to the rhythmic beats of drums and traditional Berber songs around the campfire.
Later, stargaze before retiring for the night inside a cosy tent equipped with a comfy bed, electricity, WIFI, running water, and a full bathroom at more luxurious sites.
Local Tip: It takes between 8 and 10 hours to get here from Fes or Marrakech. So, I highly recommend doing a 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes to break up the trip or planning a Morocco road trip itinerary instead.
High Atlas Mountains
What you might not know is that the High Atlas Mountains are actually the tallest mountain range in all of North Africa.
Therefore, it is a playground for hiking enthusiasts who want to get out there and traverse across ancient paths that have been used by local Berber villages for centuries.
However, even if you are not a big hiker you can always check out the shops and restaurants at Imlil before taking im impressive views from the Tizi n’Test Pass.
I stopped at this pass during my 3 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour and the views were truly astounding. However, you can also visit the Atlas Mountains as part of an epic day tour from Marrakech.
But, the real highlight of any trip to the High Atlas Mountains is a trek to Mount Toubkal. It is the single tallest mountain in North Africa at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet) tall and is a great place to enjoy stunning panoramas of Morocco.
The hike is challenging, but not technically difficult. I personally would do it in the warmer months when there isn’t snow all over the ground. You can also opt for either a 2 or 3-day climb.
Just be aware that many facilities and guest houses were damaged during the earthquake. Therefore, I would suggest opting for the 2-day climb instead.
Fes / Fez
Often referred to as Morocco's spiritual and cultural heart, Fez is a city with a storied past that continues to thrive today. Its history dates to the 8th century when it was founded as Morocco's first capital. Fez's appeal lies in its UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali, a sprawling medieval medina characterized by labyrinthine alleys and historic sites.
When you visit Fez, you'll step back in time as you explore the bustling medina, witness traditional craftsmanship, and visit tanneries where leather is dyed using age-old techniques. The city's rich cultural heritage, marked by Arab, Berber, Jewish, and Andalusian influences, provides an immersive experience for travelers.
Whether you're drawn to its history, fascinated by the mystique of Sufi and Jewish saints, intrigued by artisanal practices, or simply eager to explore its vibrant medina, Fez offers an exceptional glimpse into Morocco's past and present.
Tangier
Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, Tangier is a historic port city with a unique blend of European and Moroccan influences. Its old medina, the Kasbah, and the Grand Socco Square offer a glimpse into its rich history and diverse culture.
The cosmopolitan city has long been an inspiration for artists and writers, including the likes of Henri Matisse, Jimi Hendrix, Paul Bowles and William S. Burroughs. Visitors can explore numerous museums, art galleries, and the Caves of Hercules while enjoying scenic views of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Tangier is an absolute must-see. Its ability to seamlessly meld the old and the new, the traditional and the avant-garde, makes it a captivating destination for culture enthusiasts, and its unique position as a gateway between continents, along with its rich history and ongoing artistic legacy, ensures that every visit is an exploration of both time and creativity.
Asilah
Tucked away on Morocco’s North Atlantic coast, the seaside town of Asilah is a favorite summer destination among tourists and locals who want to hang out at Paradise Beach since it’s one of the coolest beaches in Morocco.
After all, Asilah is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches and the amazing art murals that line the city walls. In fact, both things make it one of the prettiest places to go in Morocco.
If you visit in August, be sure to check out their annual Arts Festival, a highlight for many travelers. Personally, I would stay in Tangier and visit from there since Asilah is only about a 50-minute drive from Tangier.
Plus, it’s a fairly small town. So, all the hotels there fill up pretty quickly, especially during the festival.
Afterward, explore the souks, check out the art at Aplanos gallery, and grab lunch at Oceano Casa Pepe.
Ouzoud Falls
I can personally attest to the fact that Ouzoud Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Morocco.
I first visited as part of a day trip from Marrakech and really enjoyed my tour. Yes, the drive is a bit long at just under three hours each way.
However, you get to meet local monkeys, learn a bit more about Berber culture, and can enjoy sweeping views of the falls. You’ll also get to hike down to the base of the falls and do a fun little traditional boat ride.
Sure, it’s a bit touristy, but I thought it was a nice way to get an up-close view of the falls. Afterward, my group stopped for a traditional Moroccan lunch overlooking the falls before returning to the parking lot.
TBH, the food was actually good and I enjoyed my Berber Omelet, even if it took a while for them to cook it for me.
All in all, I would highly recommend doing a day trip to Ouzoud Falls from Marrakech. The falls are beautiful and stand at 110 meters (330 feet) tall, making this the tallest waterfall in Morocco.
Todra Gorges
Todra Valley and Todra Gorge sit about an hour east of Dades Valley. It is easily one of the country’s most popular hiking destinations since you can walk through narrow canyons divided by local rivers and surrounded by lush palm trees.
While most people walk along the paved path by the river (you’ll find it at the entrance to the gorge), you can get off the beaten path and explore some of the trails that take you through one of the most beautiful places in Morocco.
Rock climbing is also an option and some of the area’s more challenging hikes will take you to secluded parts of the gorge that offer sweeping views of the area.
Just be sure to stop at small Berber villages along the way and visit the stunning Tinghir oasis.
Ait Ben Haddou
Ait Ben Haddou is this magical, fortified town (or ksar) that sits high atop a hill. It exudes old-world charm with narrow streets and homes made out of mud/straw bricks.
In fact, a stroll through place transports you back to the 11th century when this place was first built.
Initially, it was designed as a trading post for salt and gold. Travelers liked to stop here and rest before continuing through the Sahara to Timbuktu.
The caravans traveling along this treacherous route attracted many thieves and bandits. So, this tiny town needed to sit high on a hill and have extra fortifications.
At its peak, over 100 families lived in this ancient city. Today, though only a few remain, with most of the population currently living in a settlement across the river.
Visitors can explore the town, walk along the narrow streets, visit the granary, explore the synagogue, and enjoy the impressive views from the top.
It’s also worth noting that Ait Ben Haddou is a popular filming location for famous movies and TV shows like Game of Thrones, Ben Hur, Gladiator, The Mummy, Prince of Persia, etc.
Therefore, it is easily one of the top tourist attractions in Morocco.
Dades Gorges
Hidden away in central Morocco, Dades Valley sits right in between Ait Ben Haddou and Merzouga. It is a super beautiful place in the High Atlas Mountains that is well worth exploring if you have the time.
Here, the majestic Dades River flows through the valley and it creates an oasis of beautiful greenery that sits next to unique pink-and-red terrain.
In fact, one of the best things to do in Morocco is to drive along the winding Zik-Zak Road, which spans over 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) and takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the canyon.
So, get ready to explore charming villages and admire sweeping panoramas from stellar viewpoints. You can even go for a beautiful hike along the Monkey Fingers Trail.
It’s an amazing trek that takes you through a narrow slot canyon and up into these incredible rock formations that look like fingers.
Ifrane
Famously known as the “Switzerland of Morocco”, Ifrane is a city in Morocco that looks like it belongs in Switzerland.
It is filled with these cute little chalets and receives a fair amount of snow annually due to its location in the Middle Atlas Mountains.
On average, the town receives around 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) of snow annually. So, contrary to popular belief, all of Morocco isn’t a giant desert.
So, if you like skiing then be sure to visit Ifrane in January since this is the best time to go skiing at Michlifen Ski Station.
Beyond skiing, Ifrane National Park is worth exploring since visitors can enjoy mountain vistas, stroll through cedar forests, and see the macaque monkeys who call these forests home.
Yup, Ifrane is a small, sleepy town that is a great place to stop as you make your way from Merzouga to Fes.
I know we stopped at the park in the center of town and even sad hello to the mischievous macaque monkeys during our 3 day Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes. It was a great experience, and I cannot wait to go back.
Meknes
Often overshadowed by its imperial city counterparts, Meknes offers a quieter and more relaxed exploration of Morocco's historical grandeur. Its monumental gates, particularly the Bab Mansour gate, showcase exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship and architectural brilliance.
The Royal Stable are another highlight. Compared to the chaotic medinas of Marrakech and Fez, Meknes offers a more tranquil experience, making it an excellent place to soak in Morocco's architectural beauty without the crowds.
VOLUBILIS ROMAN RUINED CITY
Unlike Meknes, Volubilis is well worth visiting. It’s super close to Fes (even though it’s closer to Meknes) and makes an excellent day trip from the city.
Plus, there’s hardly anyone here. So, get here early enough in the day and you’ll probably have this place all to yourself as you walk along the ruins and enjoy epic views of the surrounding landscape.
It’s also one of the most beautiful places to visit in Morocco for history lovers since the ruins of this ancient Berber-Roman city date back to the 3rd century BC.
I love that they are super well-preserved, and that the entire area is protected by UNESCO.
So, stop by and see the basilica, Capitoline Temple, the Triumphal Arch, and the Roman mosaics that line the floors of several homes.
Just avoid visiting in the middle of the day since there is no shade and the area can get very hot very quickly.
Taghazout
This sleepy beach town is just a 30-minute drive away from Agadir. It’s a beautiful, but small place where you can find lots of backpackers relaxing on the beach and surfing the day away.
The vibe here is just amazing and it’s a great place to chill or go for a swim. If you want, you can even visit as part of a day trip from Essaouira before heading to Agadir. The main highlight here is just hanging out by the beach and surfing.
All in all, I really like the chill, hippie vibe of this beautiful town in Morocco. But it’s not a big place and the wind isn’t as strong as in Essaouira. So, don’t spend too much time here unless you want to sleep til noon and beach bum it up.
Agadir
Like Essaouira, Agadir is a charming coastal city that is famous for its beautiful beaches. However, most of the city was destroyed by a horrific earthquake in the 1960s. So, Agadir is bigger and more modern than Essaouira. But, you can easily visit both since travel between Agadir and Essaouira is a breeze.
Therefore, you’ll find lots of big beach resorts here where you can sit on the beach. However, you could also do a day trip to Paradise Valley, ride the cable car, take in the views from Agadir Oufella, or visit Croco park (Crocodile Park).
Just be sure to visit the Medina too since the souk here is the largest in the country. Souk El Had is also laid out like a grid, so you won’t have to worry as much about getting lost.
Like I mentioned earlier, I also highly recommend visiting Taghazout since it’s a small beach town that is only about 30-minutes away.
Rabat
Morocco's capital city is steeped in history and offers a compelling reason to visit. Its origins date back to the 12th century when it was founded as a fortress. Over the centuries, it evolved into an important cultural and political center.
Today, Rabat showcases a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Visitors are drawn to Rabat for its well-preserved historical sites, such as the Kasbah of the Oudayas and the Chellah necropolis. Exploring these ancient architectural wonders allows you to delve into Morocco's rich history, marked by various dynasties and cultural influences.
Rabat's calm and cultured atmosphere sets it apart from the bustling chaos of popular Moroccan cities like Marrakesh. It's an ideal starting point for your Moroccan adventure, offering not only historical intrigue but also a sense of tranquility and authenticity that makes for a memorable visit.
Casablanca
While relatively modern in the context of Moroccan history, movie-famous Casablanca is a thriving city where people from across the country flock for work opportunities. As one of Africa's largest and busiest cities, Casablanca has a gritty and authentic vibe that draws travelers seeking a deeper Moroccan experience.
The iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the world's largest, stands as a marvel of architecture and spirituality. The city comes alive at night along the Corniche, with a bustling nightlife scene near the seaside promenades. Its vibrant markets and the delightful fusion of French colonial and Moroccan influences in architecture and cuisine make it a dynamic stop on any Moroccan itinerary.
The city offers a range of cultural attractions, including the Moroccan Jewish Museum and several iconic cinemas and coffee shops.
However, for many tourists, Casablanca may not fit the typical holiday destination mold. Still, it can appeal to certain travelers and is worth a day or two for the average visitor.
Just be sure to keep your expectations in check regarding Casablanca's historical or touristic appeal.
Ouarzazate
If you’ve always been captivated by gorgeous desert scenes in Hollywood films then you’ll love visiting Ouarzazate.
Positioned as the "Gateway to the Sahara," Ouarzazate is a crucial base for desert adventurers and film enthusiasts. It's home to Atlas Film Studios, where iconic movies like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Gladiator" were filmed. Visitors can tour the studios and explore film sets, gaining insight into the cinematic history of Morocco.
It’s home to the Atlas Film Studios and is where movies like Cleopatra and Kingdom of Heaven were all filmed. In fact, the studio has been welcoming Hollywood directors since the 1960s.
Beyond the studios, Ouarzazate provides access to striking desert landscapes, the palm oasis of Skoura, and the Taourirt Kasbah. It's a destination for those keen on desert exploration and cinematic experiences.
Rose Valley
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Morocco, then you can’t beat the Rose Valley. As the name suggests, the area is filled with stunning pink roses that bloom to life between April and mid-May. Visit at this time of year and you’ll see them spring up between stone walls, all along farmer’s fields, and in between bushes.
In total, the region produces roughly 3000 to 4000 tons of roses annually, So, spend the day outside exploring the beautiful natural landscape of the area. You could even time your visit for the annual Festival of the Roses in May.
Dakhla
Located at the southern end of the country, Dahkla is becoming one of the best tourist destinations in Morocco.
It was founded by the Spanish in 1844 and stretches out across 40 kilometers of sandy beaches that sit along the Tropic of Cancer.
As a result, impressive desert scenery is an iconic part of this Moroccan city, as are beautiful beaches like Puerto Rico Beach.
During your visit, try fun sports like kitesurfing and surfing. You can also explore Imlili Desert or go shopping at the Dahkla Souk.
Map of the Most Beautiful Places in Morocco
