Morocco is an enchanting destination where history, culture, adventure, and natural beauty collide. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the serene desert landscapes of Merzouga, there's something for every type of traveler. Morocco is a unique blend of Arab, Berber, and French influences, a gateway to the Sahara Desert, coastal cities, the Atlas Mountains, and historical treasures like UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Choosing which Moroccan gems to explore might leave you delightfully overwhelmed. In this article, you'll get a full guide to the best cities to visit in Morocco, including the famous cities in Morocco, Travel Tips, the best time to visit, and even the best places to find plane tickets.
Morocco Imperial Cities rise from the landscape like ancient dreams made real, each stone and archway whispering tales of sultans, scholars, and artisans who shaped the kingdom's magnificent legacy. These regal capitals—each having cradled Morocco's throne during different epochs—stand today as living museums where history doesn't simply rest behind glass but continues to breathe through every ornate doorway and sunlit courtyard.
Rabat is the capital of Morocco and is home to cultural landmarks like the Hassan Tower. It offers a fascinating blend of history and contemporary life that sets it apart from other famous cities in Morocco. Unlike its imperial siblings, Rabat balances its historical treasures with a distinctly modern character, making it an ideal introduction to Morocco's urban landscape.
Famous for its vibrant medina, palaces, and gardens, Marrakech radiates as the jewel among all top Moroccan cities for tourists, captivating travelers with its intoxicating blend of ancient traditions and vibrant energy. Known as the "Red City" due to its distinctive rose-hued buildings, Marrakech offers an unforgettable sensory experience that makes it one of the top Moroccan cities for tourists.
Fez stands out among Morocco's cities with its medieval character. The UNESCO-listed medina of Fes el-Bali looks just like it did centuries ago. Its 9,000 narrow streets still use donkeys as the main way to get around. The city takes pride in its traditional crafts, especially the leather work at its famous tanneries.
Meknes might not be as famous as other Imperial Cities, but it rewards visitors with grand gates, impressive walls, and fewer tourists. The massive Heri es-Souani shows off the city's glory - these royal granaries and stables once housed 12,000 horses.
If you're planning a tour to the Imperial Cities of Morocco, you need to check out our Morocco Imperial Cities Guide!
The Atlantic coastline features a string of beautiful coastal cities in Morocco that contrast with its inland imperial treasures. These oceanfront gems blend rich maritime history with modern beach culture and create unique experiences for travelers.
Casablanca stands as the economic powerhouse of Morocco and combines big-city energy with traditional charm. The city's crown jewel, the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, sits dramatically over the Atlantic Ocean with its 210-meter minaret—the tallest religious structure in the world.
This relaxed haven among prominent cities in Morocco features pristine beaches where windsurfers ride Atlantic breezes. The bustling port filled with blue fishing boats shows daily Moroccan life, while local artisans create intricate woodwork from thuya wood. Fans of Game of Thrones might spot Essaouira's scenic fortifications from the series.
Phoenix-like, Agadir rose from devastating earthquake ruins in 1960 to embrace an entirely new identity. Unlike her ancient sisters, Agadir wears her modernity proudly—wide boulevards lined with swaying palms lead to seaside promenades where families gather for evening constitutionals.
Morning light here has a particular quality—clear and silvery—that draws photographers and painters to capture the interplay of shadow and brilliance against alabaster walls. Asilah's beaches offer solitude rarely found elsewhere, perfect for contemplative walks where only your footprints mark the sand, the Atlantic's constant murmur providing nature's perfect meditation soundtrack.
The Sahara whispers ancient stories across its endless golden waves, calling to adventurers with a siren song impossible to resist. Beyond Morocco's bustling medinas and sea-kissed shores lies this magnificent wilderness – a vast sea of sand stretching an astonishing 5.6 million square miles. Here, time seems suspended beneath star-scattered night skies that humble even the most seasoned travelers.
Nestled against the Algerian border, humble Merzouga rises from the earth like a mirage, its sand-colored buildings blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Mounting a camel at sunrise, you'll embark across rippling orange sands that stretch roughly 50km from north to south, the silence broken only by the soft padding of camel hooves and your awed breathing. As night falls, Berber drums echo across moonlit dunes while campfires cast dancing shadows across smiling faces.
For souls seeking quieter communion with the desert, Zagora offers a sanctuary away from well-trodden paths. The journey itself becomes part of the magic. Here, smaller dunes whisper their secrets only to those patient enough to listen, rewarding visitors with authentic experiences far from clicking cameras and souvenir sellers.
Desert-hued Ouarzazate stands where ancient caravan routes once converged, its strategic position now attracting a different kind of traveler – filmmakers enchanted by its otherworldly beauty. Atlas Film Studios sprawls across the landscape – the world's largest film studio, where blockbusters like Gladiator and Game of Thrones have captured this region's dramatic essence. Walking through abandoned film sets feels like stumbling through forgotten dreams, where fantasy and reality blur beneath the desert sun.
Just beyond Ouarzazate rises the breathtaking vision of Aït Ben Haddou, its mud-brick towers glowing amber in afternoon light. This UNESCO treasure, fortified by walls of dark red pisé, seems to grow organically from the earth itself. Though now standing empty, this most famous ksar in Morocco speaks eloquently of desert ingenuity and the human spirit's resilience against nature's harshest elements.
Imagine the joy of desert travelers discovering Skoura's emerald oasis amid unforgiving aridity. The magnificent 17th-century Kasbah Amridil stands sentinel over a sea of rustling palms, offering shaded respite and testament to the precious gift of water in this thirsty landscape.
Near drowsy Tinghir, the earth itself splits open, revealing the majestic Todra Gorge – where sheer rock walls rise dramatically from narrow passages once carved by rushing waters. After days immersed in endless horizons of sand, these towering cliffs provide heart-stopping contrast, reminding us of Morocco's astonishing diversity and the desert's ability to surprise even its most intimate friends.
Northern Morocco is known for its scenic beauty, unique blend of cultures, and proximity to Europe, making it an exciting destination for those seeking a different experience. This magical corner of the country stands as a living museum where centuries of cross-continental exchanges have painted themselves onto whitewashed walls, cobblestone streets, and the very souls of its cities.
Tucked lovingly beneath the rugged Rif Mountains' watchful gaze, Chefchaouen's beauty steals your breath away – a heavenly vision of blue-washed buildings tumbling down the hillside like sapphires scattered by a careless giant. Its poetic name, meaning "two horns," nods to the twin peaks that cradle this dreamy mountain town.
Tetouan's soul burns with the fiery spirit of Andalusia – a living legacy from 1492 when refugees fled Granada's fall during the Spanish Reconquista. Their tears may have dried centuries ago, but their artistic genius lives on in every carved doorway and tiled fountain.
The Atlas Mountains slice through Morocco's soul, offering a sweet escape from bustling medina life and Saharan heat. These ancient giants stretch their rocky spine 2,500km across North Africa, greeting visitors with snow-dusted peaks, verdant valleys, and timeless Berber villages where life unfolds much as it has for centuries.
These mountains graciously welcome trekkers of every ability. Gentle souls might wander day paths through the Ourika Valley, where terraced gardens burst with cherry blossoms in spring, and the air carries whispers of distant village life. Meanwhile, hardy adventurers can lose themselves on multi-day journeys winding through remote Berber communities nestled in hidden valleys, crossing high mountain passes where eagles soar on thermal currents below you.
Most Toubkal adventures begin with sweet mint tea in an Imlil guesthouse before morning light guides your ascent. Mules carry supplies while you drink in mountain vistas, eventually reaching Toubkal Refuge (3,207 meters) where mountaineers gather, sharing stories before dawn summons them to the final climb.
Ifrane charms visitors with its natural treasures. Wander through fragrant cedar forests where playful Barbary macaques swing through branches overhead. Marvel at the famous Lion Rock, carved during WWII, standing guard over alpine meadows. Winter transforms this curious town into a snowy playground where Moroccan families glide down ski slopes beneath North African skies – perhaps the most unexpected delight in a country famed for deserts and ancient medinas.
The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, making it ideal for exploring the country’s diverse landscapes. These are considered shoulder seasons, offering comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Summer (June to August) marks peak tourist season, with coastal areas bustling with visitors. However, inland cities like Marrakech and Fez can be extremely hot, especially in July and August, making them less ideal for travel during this time.
If you're looking for a sun-filled, exotic getaway this summer, look no further. Morocco is waiting for you to explore its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly people. Here are some tips our Morocco Travel Guide will give to you to help you prepare before your visit:
1. Get to know the country before you go. You should also read up on their customs to ensure they don't take offense at any of your actions or beliefs.
2. Keep your documents handy. To travel to Morocco, you'll need a passport which must have six months left on it and a visa stamp.
3. They speak Arabic or Berber languages at home, but French (a legacy from the colonial period) is also widely used as a second language among educated people and government officials. So, English speakers should be prepared to communicate using their hands or other non-verbal gestures like pointing instead of speaking out loud.
4. If you're not used to hot weather, be aware that it can get very hot in Morocco during the summer months; temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays.
5. Women should dress conservatively when exploring villages and rural areas; especially those with more traditional populations, it is wise to dress conservatively to avoid offending locals who may misinterpret Western clothing as sexually provocative. These tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable trip abroad.
Morocco is famous for a variety of things, including its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Think bustling souks filled with exotic spices, intricate tilework adorning ancient mosques and palaces, and the vast Sahara Desert. Morocco is also known for its argan oil, leather goods, and mint tea. The unique blend of Berber, Arab, and European influences makes it a truly captivating destination.
The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Yes, Morocco is an excellent holiday destination! It offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring historic cities and relaxing on beautiful beaches to trekking in the Atlas Mountains and camping in the desert. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Morocco has something to offer everyone.
The ideal length of a trip to Morocco depends on your interests and how much you want to see. A 7-10 day trip is a good starting point to explore some of the major cities like Marrakech and Fes, and perhaps venture into the desert. For a more comprehensive experience, including hiking in the mountains or visiting smaller towns, 10-14 days or more would be ideal.
The best time to visit Morocco is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) months. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. Summer can be very hot, especially in the interior, while winter can be cold in the mountains.
Generally, Morocco is considered a safe country for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas. It's always advisable to check current travel advisories from your government before you travel.
Before traveling to Morocco, it's helpful to learn a few basic Arabic phrases, be prepared to bargain in the souks, and dress respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites. It's also a good idea to research local customs and traditions. Be aware that public displays of affection are not common, and it's respectful to ask permission before taking photos of people. Finally, remember to stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months, and be mindful of the food and water you consume.