Morocco packs an enormous variety into its tiny borders, from sprawling deserts to historic cities with cobbled streets. Discover all its wonders with our guide of 8 best places to visit in Morocco.
Spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) are excellent times to travel, when landscapes bloom. But winter travel can also be fantastic with smaller crowds and milder temperatures.
1. Marrakech
Take in the vibrant chaos of Marrakech, a city which artfully blends ancient with contemporary. Step inside its majestic red walls of its medina to witness snake charmers and shop touts plying their trade amid an unparalleled cacophony that captures Morocco’s true essence.
Explore the souks for an array of items ranging from dyed wool and silk textiles, spices, dried fruit and even plastic toys – don’t be intimidated into haggling, most vendors simply want to make a living and are not out to take advantage of you!
Spend an afternoon relaxing in the lush Jardin Majorell. Meander through its botanical gardens or indulge in Moroccan fare at one of its eateries before discovering some history at Ben Youssef Madrasa or Mellah (Jewish quarter). Saadian Tombs feature lavish mausoleums gilded in pure gold gilding and intricate mosaic tiling; you can also visit Maison de la Photographie to view an eclectic selection of Moroccan photography.
2. Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is a city where history comes alive from ancient walls and cinematic dreams swirl in the desert breeze. Dubbed “The Door of the Sahara”, Ouarzazate should not be missed when visiting Morocco’s largest film studio and Morocco’s Route of One Thousand Kasbahs.
The film museum located adjacent to Taourirt Kasbah offers visitors a more in-depth glimpse into filmmaking. Filled with classic film sets such as Game of Thrones, Gladiator and The Mummy films as well as cinematic equipment used during filming processes, visitors will gain a fascinating understanding of film-making techniques.
Backyard of the kasbahs are also well worth exploring and are full of Moroccan families still living there – for a small fee, some even offer tours and mint tea! Nearby Fint Oasis boasts lush palm-filled oasis filled with several kasbahs to discover and admire.
3. Rabat
Morocco is famed for its breathtaking mountain ranges and vast desert expanses, while Rabat – its capital city – can often be overlooked by travellers but provides plenty of attractions for them to explore.
Rabat Gardens offer visitors an ideal place for relaxing strolls while shopping or admiring Rabat’s bustling medina offers shopping opportunities or admiring architecture; other reasons could be visiting Rabat itself and exploring Ville Nouvelle which exudes French culture.
There’s also the Palace Museum which houses breathtaking exhibits of Moroccan art and history as well as an old Kasbah once used by sultans to reside. If you want a closer look at Morocco’s animals, make sure you visit Rabat Zoo; this massive zoo features over 1,500 animals including hippotamuses, giraffes, African elephants, mouflons, addaxes and Nile crocodiles in enclosures designed to resemble their natural environments for optimal animal experiences – plus turtles lizards & snakes!
4. Essaouira
Essaouira has earned the nickname ‘Wind City of Africa’ thanks to its strong Atlantic swells, making this picturesque coastal town an attractive surfing hub. However, Essaouira offers more than its charming beach cafes and idyllic shorelines – its shaded medina streets boast independent art galleries and local artisans; visitors can also learn Moroccan cooking techniques at L’Atelier Cookery School situated within a former almond warehouse.
Be sure to visit Had Dra Market if visiting on a Sunday; this lively flea market offers retro goods, cheap clothing and local produce at its most authentic. This experience provides the opportunity for deep cultural immersion while exposing you to local traditions.
Gnawa music, which draws its influence from Africa, Berber and Arabic cultures, is especially celebrated here. Experience a live performance or gain more information on argan oil production by visiting one of many locally owned cooperatives.
5. Asilah
Asilah was once a Spanish outpost and as such has an entirely unique atmosphere compared to most Moroccan towns. The compact medina is packed with artisan shops and vibrant art, while wandering its rabbit warren of alleyways can be truly thrilling, discovering sculptured doorways and colorfully painted windows and doors along the way. Plus there’s also a fantastic street market where you can practice haggling for souvenirs!
Asilah boasts an excellent selection of hotels, ranging from Riads and guesthouses to campsites for visitors who seek closer contact with nature.
Asilah is not as large as Marrakech, making getting around easy enough. Most sights can be reached on foot while longer journeys may require taking a petit taxi service. Arabic is spoken most commonly here while French may also be heard occasionally (most commonly at touristy spots). To learn a few Moroccan Arabic words quickly I highly recommend downloading and using Duolingo app, which has proven itself an invaluable way for me to acquire new vocabularies.
6. Todra Gorge
Between Morocco’s desert and mountains lies <a href=”https://www.placesofjuma.com/tinghir-and-todra-gorge-morocco/”> Todra Gorge </a>, a narrow canyon cut by sheer rock walls. Rock climbers love it for its steep rock walls; hikers can discover Berber villages and castle ruins there as well. At its base lies Ksar Tinerhir kasbah; its maze-like rooms feature Moorish, Jewish and Berber designs which give a great insider’s look into Morocco with an old man willing to show you around for just a small donation.
Fez is located further north, where its sprawling fort encloses its old town and boasts a relaxing ambience, offering souk browsing without being bombarded by aggressive sales techniques found elsewhere in Morocco. Not to be overlooked in Fez are two incredible landmarks: Mosque Ikalane and an antique leather tannery both worth checking out!
7. Tizi n’Tichka
Tizi n’Tichka Pass in Morocco offers an exhilarating road trip route, taking visitors through breathtaking landscapes into the High Atlas Mountains. Although often described as dangerous and treacherous, this drive provides a rare and authentic opportunity to witness Morocco at its finest and rugged best. Along our travels we encountered an old man selling brightly-coloured geodes outside his basic hut along the route before stopping to admire this part of our nation’s natural beauty.
Ait Benhaddou is a hilltop town and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Morocco that showcases an ancient kasbah, with red mud-brick walls intermixing with deep green hues. Local families still reside here today, keeping its rich tradition alive. Plus it’s close enough for short drives to Ouarzazate’s Atlas Film Studios where films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones were shot!
Rabat, Morocco’s tranquil capital city with an intriguing old medina, offers visitors an enjoyable visit. Wander its cobblestoned streets and take in beautiful palaces and cathedrals; or get an authentic taste of Moroccan life at one of many super cheap cafes; watch copper being bashed into leather as dye is applied; visit leather dyers who craft leather clothing (follow the banging!); experience Amazigh New Year celebrations that involve communal feasting, dancing and singing to pay homage to nature at Yennayer in March.
8. Chefchaouen in 8 Best Places to Visit in Morocco
Chefchaouen (also spelled Chaouen) is one of Morocco’s most picturesque cities, situated among the Rif Mountains in northwest Morocco and featuring an old town known for being painted blue. Shady streets run alongside leather and weaving workshops, while its iconic octagonal minaret crowns the Great Mosque.
Chefchaouen boasts Roman fortresses, Moorish palaces and tanneries – among many other top attractions – that make up its main points of interest. However, for an authentic experience, venture beyond the plazas into its narrow alleyways to discover its medina where local shops serve mint tea and baba ganoush!
Find cheap restaurants outside the Old Town by exploring Uta el Hammam square and Rue ibn Asskar for some fantastic cuisine at reduced costs.
Berber villages dot the surrounding countryside like jewels. Ait Benhaddou stands out as being particularly picturesque and has been featured prominently in various films and TV series such as Gladiators and Game of Thrones.
conclusion
Morocco is a tapestry of sensory experiences, woven with the threads of ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the dizzying maze of Marrakech’s markets to the silent majesty of the Sahara, each of the 8 best places to visit in Morocco offers a glimpse into a country that defies expectation and transcends the ordinary. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the Atlas Mountains, serenity by the sea in Essaouira, or the mystical allure of ancient cities like Fes and Chefchaouen, Morocco beckons with the promise of discovery. These destinations, each unique and captivating in their own right, are not just places to visit but worlds to explore, offering endless stories to those who tread their paths. As you plan your journey, remember that the real magic of Morocco lies not just in its landmarks but in its ability to enchant, surprise, and inspire at every turn.