Morocco is a country of dazzling contrasts, from the snow-capped Atlas Mountains to the sweeping dunes of the Sahara Desert. For a first-time visitor, figuring out an itinerary can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin?
We’ve broken down the 10 best places to visit in Morocco to help you build the perfect trip. This list covers the iconic imperial cities, coastal escapes, and must-see natural wonders. These are the sites to visit in Morocco that you truly can’t miss.
And once you’ve picked your dream destinations, the next crucial step is planning when to go. Be sure to read our complete guide on the best time to visit Morocco to match your trip with the perfect weather.
Here are the best places to visit in Morocco for an unforgettable adventure.
1. Marrakech (The Red City)
Best for: First-time visitors, vibrant energy, and culture.
No list of places to visit in Morocco is complete without Marrakech. It’s the beating heart of the country, a dizzying, intoxicating blend of old and new. The central medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a maze of narrow alleyways, bustling souks, and hidden riads (traditional guesthouses).
The city’s main square, Djemaa el-Fna, is an open-air theater of snake charmers, storytellers, and food stalls that comes alive at night. It’s often considered the best city to visit in Morocco for a first trip because it’s a perfect, sensory-packed introduction to the country.
Don’t Miss:
- Djemaa el-Fna: The main square, especially at sunset.
- Jardin Majorelle: The stunning blue botanical garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
- Koutoubia Mosque: The city’s most famous landmark.
- Bahia Palace: A masterpiece of Moroccan architecture.
2. Fes (The Cultural Capital)
Best for: History, authentic culture, and getting lost in time.
If Marrakech is the heart, Fes is the soul of Morocco. As the country’s oldest imperial city, Fes is a step back into the medieval world. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world and a UNESCO site.
Here, you’ll find the world-famous Chouara Tanneries, where leather is still dyed in massive stone vats just as it has been for centuries. The medina is a labyrinth of over 9,000 alleys, and getting lost is part of the experience. Fes is less polished than Marrakech but offers a deeply authentic and intellectual atmosphere.
Don’t Miss:
- Chouara Tanneries: For the iconic (and pungent) overview of the leather-dyeing pits.
- Bou Inania Madrasa: An ancient Islamic college with stunning tilework.
- The Merenid Tombs: For a panoramic view over the entire medina.
- Fes el-Bali: The main medina itself.
3. Chefchaouen (The Blue Pearl)
Best for: Photographers, mountain scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Tucked away in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco, Chefchaouen is world-famous for one thing: it’s blue. Nearly the entire old town (medina) is washed in a brilliant blue, creating a surreal, calming, and incredibly photogenic atmosphere.
Unlike the hustle of Fes and Marrakech, Chefchaouen is wonderfully laid-back. The main activities are simply wandering the beautiful streets, taking photos, and hiking in the surrounding mountains. It’s a breath of fresh air and a favorite for many travelers.
Don’t Miss:
- The Medina: Wander aimlessly and take photos of the blue streets.
- Spanish Mosque: A 30-minute hike up the hill for the best sunset view over the city.
- Ras El Ma: The small waterfall where locals gather to do laundry and chat.
4. Merzouga (The Sahara Desert)
Best for: Bucket-list adventures, stargazing, and unforgettable landscapes.
A visit to Morocco isn’t truly complete without seeing the Sahara Desert. Merzouga is the gateway town to Erg Chebbi, a massive expanse of towering, wind-swept sand dunes.
The classic experience is to take a camel trek into the dunes in the late afternoon, watch a spectacular sunset from the top of a dune, and spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp. Waking up to a sunrise over the silent, golden sands is a moment you will never forget.
Don’t Miss:
- Overnight Camel Trek: The essential desert experience.
- Stargazing: The lack of light pollution makes for an incredible night sky.
- Sunrise Over Erg Chebbi: Waking up early is a must.
5. Essaouira (The Windy City)
Best for: Coastal vibes, seafood, and a bohemian art scene.
After the heat and intensity of the inland cities, Essaouira is a literal breath of fresh, salty air. This 18th-century port city on the Atlantic coast is a fortified town with a laid-back, European feel. Its medina is a UNESCO site, protected by stone ramparts that starred as the city of Astapor in Game of Thrones.
Known as the “Windy City of Africa,” it’s a world-renowned hub for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The bustling fishing port, art galleries, and fresh seafood stalls make it a perfect place to relax for a few days.
Don’t Miss:
- The Ramparts (Skala de la Ville): Walk along the old sea walls for great views.
- The Fishing Port: See the iconic blue boats and the daily catch.
- Medina Souks: Much more relaxed and easier to navigate than in Marrakech or Fes.
6. Aït Benhaddou
Best for: History lovers and film fanatics.
One of the most impressive sites to visit in Morocco, Aït Benhaddou is a ksar, or fortified village, made entirely of earthen clay. This UNESCO World Heritage site was a crucial stop on the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech.
Today, it’s famous as a filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy. Walking through its ancient, winding alleys feels like stepping onto a movie set. It’s a popular stop on the drive from Marrakech to the desert, and well worth the visit.
Don’t Miss:
- The Ksar: Explore the ancient village and its narrow passages.
- The Granary: Climb to the top for a stunning view over the ksar and the surrounding valley.
7. Atlas Mountains (Imlil & Toubkal)
Best for: Hiking, trekking, and seeing Berber culture.
The Atlas Mountains show a side of Morocco that many visitors miss. Just a 90-minute drive from Marrakech, the village of Imlil is the main base for trekking. It’s a world away from the city heat, with cool mountain air and stunning valley views.
You can take easy day hikes to nearby Berber villages or embark on the challenging two-day trek to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. This region offers a raw, natural beauty and a warm welcome from the local Berber people.
Don’t Miss:
- Day hikes to surrounding Berber villages.
- Kasbah du Toubkal: A stunning, restored fortress-hotel (stop for mint tea).
- Mount Toubkal: For serious trekkers, this is the ultimate prize.
8. Rabat (The Capital)
Best for: A relaxed, clean, and modern introduction to Moroccan history.
Often overlooked for its more famous neighbors, Rabat is one of Morocco’s best cities in morocco to visit. It’s the country’s capital, and it’s clean, relaxed, and uncrowded. It perfectly blends historic sites with a modern, European-style new town.
The city’s highlights are the stunning Kasbah of the Udayas, a 12th-century fortress neighborhood with blue-and-white streets, and the ancient Hassan Tower, a minaret of an incomplete mosque.
Don’t Miss:
- Kasbah of the Udayas: A beautiful, quiet “city within a city” overlooking the Atlantic.
- Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V: The city’s most important historical landmarks.
- The Chellah: An ancient Roman ruin taken over by lush gardens and storks.
9. Tangier (The White City)
Best for: Literary history, European-Moroccan fusion, and a gateway from Spain.
Perched on the northernmost tip of Morocco, just a short ferry ride from Spain, Tangier has a unique and storied past. As a former “international zone,” it was a magnet for Beat poets, writers, and spies (like William S. Burroughs and Paul Bowles).
Today, the city has been revitalized and is a fascinating blend of North African and European influences. The white-washed medina and the legendary Caves of Hercules are must-sees.
Don’t Miss:
- The Kasbah Museum: Housed in a former sultan’s palace.
- Caves of Hercules: A natural cave formation on the Atlantic with a sea opening shaped like Africa.
- Café Hafa: A legendary cliffside café with terraced seating and views of the strait.
10. Meknes (The Versailles of Morocco)
Best for: History buffs and fewer crowds.
Meknes is the most low-key of Morocco’s four imperial cities, but it’s no less impressive. Once the capital of Morocco under Sultan Moulay Ismail, it was built to be the “Versailles of Morocco.”
Its medina is relaxed and easy to explore, but the main draw is the sheer scale of its palaces and gates. The monumental Bab Mansour is considered one of the most beautiful gates in all of North Africa. It’s a great choice if you want to see grand history without the dense crowds of Fes.
Don’t Miss:
- Bab Mansour: The massive, incredibly ornate main gate.
- Volubilis: The nearby ruins of a major Roman city, a must-do day trip.
- Heri es-Souani: The enormous royal granaries and stables.
Where Will You Go First?
From the imperial cities to visit in Morocco to the quiet coast and the vast desert, the country offers a different adventure for every type of traveler. Each of these best places to visit in Morocco has its own unique magic.
Now that you know where to go, don’t forget to finalize your plans with our guide to the best time to visit Morocco!
