Morocco is a destination where old-world customs intermingle with new-world flair, creating a colorful tableau of cultures, vistas, and experiences that touch all the senses. From the lively souks in Marrakech to the expansive dunes of the Sahara, mean something to everyone. Morocco is rich in tradition, has stunning geography, and the people are some of the most hospitable in North Africa. Morocco is a fascinating city with at least 10 best places to visit.
1. Marrakech
Marrakech, or the “Red City” for its orange-tinted walls, is an exhilarating introduction to Morocco. Its heart is felt at Jemaa el-Fnaa, an animated square dense with snake charmers, street performers, and food kiosks that become a culinary destination at night. The medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is made up of narrow alleyways, souks (markets), and tucked-away courtyards.
Highlights included the sumptuous Majorelle Garden (by French painter Jacques Majorelle, later restored by Yves Saint Laurent), and the lovely Bahia Palace. Don’t miss the experience of wandering the spice markets and artisan shops in Marrakech.
2. Fes (Fez)
Fes is the spiritual and intellectual capital of Morocco and home to one of the oldest universities in the world, Al Quaraouiyine. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the most complete medieval cities in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through its twisting streets feels like a trip back in time.
The ancient tanneries of the city are famous for their colorful dye pits and age-old techniques for processing leather. Watching the process from one of the terraces surrounding the tanneries is captivating and photogenic, although you might want to put a sprig of mint under your nose!
3. Chefchaouen
Located in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is one of the most photogenic towns in Morocco. Its blue washed buildings produce a stunning backdrop for photographs; and it has become a spot of choice for photographers and travelers looking for a slower pace. Chefchaouen has it all–from locally made crafts to glorious hikes in the surrounding hills, all presented with genuine tranquillity, and of course its Instagrammable charm.
Chefchouen is perfectly suited for walking and finding an outdoor cafe with a mountain view to sip mint tea or shopping for handwoven rugs and wool products.
4. Sahara Desert
To visit Morocco without a visit into the Sahara Desert is like leaving half your journey unfinished. The two most popular starting points are Merzouga and Zagora. From here you visit the dunes by camel, spend your night sleeping under the stars in a traditional Berber camp, and enjoying the moment you find yourself watching the sun rise or set over endless sands of golden dunes, is a truly unforgettable experience.
For those wanting a more luxurious adventure, many camps now offer you the option of “glamping”, where you can experience comfortable tents, traditional meals, music and even wi-fi, in the middle of the dune sea.
5. Casablanca
Though it is more touristy and modern than most Moroccan cities, you should still consider visiting Casablanca. Here you will find the Hassan II Mosque (one of the largest mosques in the entire world!) dramatically placed on the Atlantic Ocean. With incredible architecture and views of the ocean, you must go see this mosque!
Aside from the mosque, Casablanca gives you a taste of modern-day Moroccan life with chic cafes, art galleries, and high-end shopping districts. It is a solid city to start or finish your trip if you are flying into/out of the country.
6. Essaouira
For a comprehensive escape with a coastal breeze, Essaouira is your place. Essaouira in Morocco has long attracted crowds for its medina, ramparts, fishing harbor and is a favorite among artists, surfers, and musicians. The town most distinctly has a less hectic pace than Marrakech, and the Atlantic breezes will undoubtedly put you in a relaxed frame of mind.
Essaouira is also known for its seafood, local argon oil manufacturing, and the Gnaoua World Music Festival, hosting musicians from all over the world each year.
7. The Atlas Mountains
For those seeking adventure, or simply a nature fix, the Atlas Mountains offer limitless options for hiking, biking, and visiting traditional Berber villages. Toubkal National Park in particular is a favorite trekking destination, as it contains Mount Toubkal – the highest peak in North Africa.
The mountains change quite a bit through the seasons: they can be snow-capped in the winter, with luscious greenery in the spring, and cooler temperatures in the summer. In the unique experience of visiting local communities as well as staying in lodges in the mountains, you can greatly enrich the cultural experience.
Concluding Thoughts
Morocco is a land of stark contrasts, where desert dunes and ancient medinas meet right alongside modern cities and jagged mountain ranges. Each region has different personalities, flavors, and paces. Whether it is winding through a souk, sipping mint tea in a breezy courtyard, or counting the stars in the Sahara, Morocco has a way of taking you on a journey that is both c a journey that is deeply rewarding and completely unlike anything else on offer.
Whether you are relishing the cool blue streets of Chefchaouen, or journeying across the fierce sands of the Sahara, Morocco is not only a destination; it is an experience for all your senses.
