Planning a visit to Morocco and wondering which cities are the best to explore? Here are our top 20 picks for the best cities to visit in Morocco, based on what they have to offer travelers.
Morocco is a country with something for everyone – from bustling urban centers and vibrant souks to stunning coastal towns and ancient medinas. And with so many different places to visit, it can be hard to know where to start.
This list of the best cities to visit in Morocco will help you start planning your trip and if you need some help planning the rest of your trip, our Morocco Travel Guide is packed with useful information.
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Before you visit: Here are 20 things you should know before you go
Where to go: Check out the 30 most beautiful cities to see in Morocco
Is Morocco safe: Follow these tips to stay safe when visiting Morocco
Pack your bag: Download our Morocco packing list
Getting around: Rent a car in Morocco or use public transport
Going on a Sahara tour: Things to know before visiting the Sahara
Visa: If not visa-free, get your Morocco e-visa
Flights: Search for flights to Morocco
Accommodation: Find a room in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse, or desert camp
Tours and activities: Find customized tours in Morocco
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Map of the best cities to visit in Morocco
The following map is intended to give you a basic idea of the locations of the top cities to visit. This map does not include all of Morocco.
How to use this map? Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
20 cities in Morocco to visit at least once in your life
Marrakech
If you’re looking for an exotic and culturally rich travel destination, look no further than Marrakech city in Morocco. This ancient city is bursting with vibrant colors, fascinating architecture, delicious food, and hospitable people.
In Marrakech, you will be soaking up the rich history while you are enjoying a relaxing vacation in the sun. The heart of the city, the old Medina, has been for centuries and still is an attraction for many tourists from around the globe.
This charming city is colorful, vibrant, and easy to fall in love with from the first visit. Plus, you will never get bored in Marrakech. It is home to a lot of landmarks, monuments, historical mosques, gardens, and Riads to enjoy and explore.
Wanna know more about what to do in the city, check out our Marrakech city guide. And if you have just 3 days to spend in Marrakech, reading our 3-day Marrakech itinerary is a perfect start to plan your trip.
Meknes
Think of Morocco and a few images are likely to come to mind: the sand-colored cityscape of Marrakesh, locals selling brightly patterned rugs in the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, or perhaps even a dromedary trek through the Sahara. But, visitors would be wise not to overlook the country’s lesser-known destinations, like Meknes—a former imperial city nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
With its picturesque old quarter, tranquil gardens, and fascinating history, Meknes makes for an enchanting and offbeat travel destination in Morocco.
The city later served as the capital of The Alaouite Kingdom under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Sultan Moulay Ismail turned Meknes into an impressive Moroccan city in the iconic Spanish-Moorish style.
Surrounded by high walls with great gates, Meknes offers a lot of historical monuments and natural sites that reflect its unique influences. It is also the nearest city to the Roman ruins of Volubilis which can be visited on a day trip from Meknes.
I have written a detailed guide on the top things to do in Meknes, Morocco, check it out!
Chefchaouen (Chaouen)
One of the most popular cities to visit in Morocco is the city of Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen is famous for its blue buildings, which make it one of the most photogenic cities in the world. If you’re looking to make unforgettable memories, be sure to add Chefchaouen to your list!
The city is really an enchanting escape. This picturesque town is nestled in the Rif Mountains and is known for its brightly-painted blue buildings, narrow streets, breathtaking mountain views, and much more.
Chefchaoune is simply a Moroccan city that takes your breath away. If you are looking for a place to relax after exploring the country’s more hectic cities, then this city must be on your Morocco itinerary.
Plus, the locals are friendly and there are plenty of restaurants and shops to check out.
Not sure what to pack for a trip to Morocco? read this packing guide and you will be on your way.
Fez (Fes)
Fez was a former capital, cultural and economic hub in Morocco. The ancient city boasts a mixture of Arab, Amazigh, and Andalus heritage that can be clearly seen in its impressive sites, buildings, and architecture.
Unsurprisingly, Fez is home to the oldest university in the world, an al-Qarawiyyin university which was established by Fatima Al Fihri in AD 859.
Visiting the old city of Fez is a truly magical experience. It is the closest you will ever get to the past without a time machine. The souk consists of a maze of long narrow streets packed with traders, artisans, and traditional craftsmen displaying age-old artifacts.
Fez consists of 3 different main districts: the old medina, the new median, and the Jewish medina. The mosques of Fes el-Bali and Fes el-Jdid are located in UNESCO world heritage sites. Both districts offer a spiritual journey into Morocco’s history through narrow streets, palaces, markets, madrasas, and many more.
I have spent 3 amazing days in Fez and I simply recommend it to anyone who’s visiting Morocco.
Ifrane
Ifrane is unlike any other city in Morocco. Located at an altitude of 5460 feet above sea level in the Middle Atlas region, this small hill town has a Swiss Alpine feel to it with its red-roofed buildings, blooming flower beds, and snowy winters. The reason why Ifrane is often referred to as the little ‘Switzerland’ of Morocco.
Ifrane is known for its cold weather and ski resort. Despite being a small city, there are plenty of things to do in Ifrane. From exploring the natural surroundings and parks to shopping in the local markets, and enjoying the snow if you visit in Winter.
Probably not your typical Moroccan city to visit, but if you are looking for some tranquility and interested in seeing monkeys in the wild, Ifrane is your perfect pick.
Essaouira
Breezy and dreamy Essaouira is one of the best cities to visit in Morocco, and one of my personal favorites. It is located along the Atlantic coast in the western region and it’s often considered a perfect day trip from Marrakech.
Essaouira’s inner walled city (Medina) was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001. Famous for its white-colored houses, bustling souq, super windy beaches, and stunning gates and castles, Essaouira offers a mixture of what every avid traveler needs.
And if you are a music lover, visit this beautiful city during the Gnawa music festival held every year around June/July.
Read more: Essaouira, top things to do and see!
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is an exotic and off-the-beaten-path travel destination in Morocco. This small town in the Atlas Mountains is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country, as well as a variety of cultural attractions.
Ouarzazate is basically a prominent filmmaking location that hosts some of the big film studios. The city was featured in some well-known productions such as Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator, The Hills Have Eyes and many others.
Being very close to both the Sahara and the Atlas mountains, Ouarzazate is the perfect starting point for excursions to the Sahara Desert and to the famous Daa Valley in the Atlas.
That’s not to say that Ouarzazate is lacking in tourist sites. In fact, Ouarzazate hosts some of the best historical kasbahs, green Oasis, and film Studios.
Read more: Top things to do & see in Ouarzazate
Merzouga/ Sahara Desert
Discovering the Sahara on the hump of a camel has always been the Moroccan desert dream experience for so many tourists. Waking up early and watching the sunrise in this landscape is a breathtaking experience.
Whether you decide to rent a car or take part in a group / private trip, you must allow yourself 3 to 4 days to discover this stunning southern landscape.
You will get to see, on the way, so many beautifully surprising attractions such as the Atlas Mountains Ait ben Haddou, Ouarzazate city, Dadès Valley, and Todra Gorges.
At Merzouga, you can explore and wander in the beauty of the Erg Chebbi dunes on top of a camel, jump into a 4X4 for a desert adventure, enjoy a night party in a desert camp with tented accommodation, and most importantly, savor the local food and drinks.
Casablanca
Casablanca is a great Moroccan city that’s hiding in plain sight. For so many Moroccans, it is the heart and soul of Morocco. Casablanca is where you will find beautiful french architecture, delicious street food, and plenty of opportunities for adventure and business.
Casablanca is also one of the few Moroccan cities where you can explore the winding Medina streets, go shopping in a fancy mall and relax on a sandy beach on the same day.
One of the most popular historical sites you don’t want to miss when visiting Casablanca is Hassan II mosque, the second-largest functioning mosque in Africa and the 7th largest in the world. So why not spend a day or two enjoying the sights and sounds of Morocco’s largest and busiest city?
Agadir
If you would like to experience Morocco and go for a swim, then look no further than one of Morocco’s best beach cities, Agadir.
Agadir is a growing city with a mix of old and modern architecture. The seaside is beautiful and the city offers some interesting sites like the Passage Ait Sous Museum and the Agadir Souk. If you are a nature lover then be sure to visit the Sous National Park.
Tangier
The city of Tangier lies on the Northern tip of Africa, a stone’s throw from mainland Europe. This Moroccan city is one of the oldest, going back thousands of years. Tangier has benefitted from the free flow of trade, people, and ideas for all of its history. Today, Tangier is not known for any one thing in particular. Rather, it is a city that is awash with color and culture.
everything about Tangier is just cool. the cafes on the beach, the museums, the old Kasbah, it is just all in a class of its own. Tangier needs to be experienced, not for its big things, but for its many little things, that when combined, make Tangier a top Morocco travel destination.
Al Hoceima
Unlike Marrakech and Fez, Al Hoceima is one of the underrated and less-known cities in Morocco. Located on the northern edge of the Rif Mountains and on the Mediterranean coast, Athe Riffian city boots both golden beaches and mountainous rocky areas.
Cala Iris, Bades, Torres, Quemado, and Tala Yussef are just a few of the many clean beaches you can enjoy in Al Hoceima. In recent years, the city featured a lot of tourism developments making it a fast-growing resort destination for locals and tourists alike. Certainly an opportunity not to be missed!
Asilah
If you are not a great fan of large busy cities, go visit Asilah city in Morocco. Asilah is known for its surrounding walls and gates that date back to the 15th century and it was built by the Portuguese.
Asilah is now one of the interesting cities in Morocco that offer an introduction to the country’s culture and history. Asilah is also famous for several music and art festivals that attracts many avid travelers and locals.
Tinghir
Morocco has many beautiful cities but Tinghir beats them all. Located on the foothills of the Atlas mountains, Tinguir city boosts natural valleys, gorges, and walking trails. The old town is great for old architecture and history lovers.
There are also plenty of artisanal shops and markets to shop for traditional Moroccan souvenirs such as handmade rugs and poufs.
You can visit Tinguir city on a day trip or spend a few days. Both standard hotels and local accommodation options are widely available in the town if you decide to stay.
Tetouan
Looking for a city with some character? Tetouan, or Titawin as it is sometimes called, should definitely be on your list. This is a particularly interesting city to visit if you are interested in Moroccan culture and history, as it was the first city to be founded by the Moorish exiles from Spain.
Tetouan has a distinctly Spanish feel to it, with its white-washed buildings and red-tiled roofs. Be sure to explore the Old Medina, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Morocco.
Tetouan is also worth considering if you are looking for a city that’s both charming and affordable. If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating city, check out this blog post. I’ve compiled some of the best information and photos to help you get the most of Tetouan
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