If you’re reading this article, chances are that you’re either planning to or interested in visiting Morocco. Here’s a sign – you absolutely need to visit Morocco! I actually lived in Morocco for over two months and fell in love with this beautiful country. Morocco is characterized by ornate Moorish architecture, delicious food, and the kindest people! I’ll always think fondly about my time spent in this beautiful country. I know planning a trip to Morocco could seem daunting, but I want to be of help to you! Since I spent an extended amount of time in Morocco, I got to travel around most of the country. Here are the best places to visit in Morocco based on my personal experience!
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Best Places to Visit in Morocco
Essaouira
Essaouira was my favorite city that I visited in Morocco, and I hadn’t even heard about it before arriving! I had planned out most of the cities I was visiting prior to my trip, but I randomly decided to visit Essaouira. I am so glad I did because this beautiful seaside town is absolutely charming and relaxing. There were significantly fewer tourists here and the shopkeepers were much nicer and friendlier as compared to those of Marrakesh and Fes.
I recommend walking through the medina and going to the citadel and port for some sweeping seaside views. Plus, you can get delicious fresh seafood caught from the sea at the port. Other than shopping and sightseeing, there are plenty of other activities to do as well. During my time there, I went horseback riding on the beach and booked a scrub at a hammam – both of which were very inexpensive. I recommend spending 2 to 3 days here!
Chefchaouen
Known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco due to its strikingly blue walls, Chefchaouen is any photographer’s dream. I couldn’t believe it until I saw it for myself but the old town is actually painted blue. No one knows exactly why Chefchaouen was painted blue but one popular theory is that the blue keeps mosquitos away. If you visit Chefchaouen, you have to take a hike up to the Spanish Mosque to see panoramic views of this gem.
I loved wandering around the medina and getting lost amongst the blue. Honestly, part of the reason I loved my time in Morocco so much was that I could aimlessly walk around and randomly find beautiful spots. I was met with a surprise at each corner I turned! The unique blue of the city certainly makes Chefchaouen one of the best places to visit in Morocco.
Sahara Desert
If you’re traveling to Morocco, you have to visit the Sahara Desert! I firmly believe that everyone must take a trip to the Sahara Desert at least once in their lives. No piece of writing or photo could ever fully capture or describe the immense scenery that is the Sahara Desert.
There are two main areas of the Sahara that are popular for tourists to visit in Morocco: the Merzouga Desert and the Zagora Desert. Most visitors visit the Sahara through tour companies, but there are so many tours available that it could be overwhelming to decide what the best option is for you. I, myself, did a lot of research and also talked to several others before deciding on the tour to book. Check out my guide on what you need to know before booking a desert tour in Morocco!
Ait Ben Haddou
If you’re taking a trip to the Sahara, chances are that you’ll stop at Ait-Ben-Haddou, which is a historic fortified village that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is quite a sight to be seen and you can tour this site as well. Iconic films such as Gladiator, the Mummy, and Prince of Persia were all filmed here. Certainly one of the best places to visit in Morocco!
Marrakesh
Marrakesh is an incredible city that everyone needs to experience! As soon as you step into the medina, you will be overwhelmed with all your senses; your eyes will be dazzled by the colorful scarves and intricate lamps, you will hear commotion from the shop owners welcoming people into their shops, and you will smell spices floating through the air. Plus, be sure to taste the freshly squeezed orange juice sold all around the medina.
There’s plenty to do in Marrakesh as well! I recommend spending at least 3 to 4 days in this vibrant city. Check out the top things to do in Marrakesh here.
Fes
Fes is regarded as the cultural center of Morocco and is famous for its tanneries and leather goods. It is also home to the oldest university in the world, however, non-muslims are not allowed to visit.
I recommend exploring the Fes medina, visiting the tanneries to see the leather making process (note: to get a view of the tanneries you need to enter one of the many leather shops surrounding the tannery – if you a local offers to guide you, politely decline as they may request a hefty tip), and seeing the incredible architecture at Al Attarine Madrasa and Bou Inania Madrasa.
However, I would visit Marrakesh over Fes if I had a limited amount of time in Morocco. The goods were less expensive in Marrakesh, and there are certainly more things to do in Marrakesh!
Tangier
Located in northern Morocco, Tangier is a port town on the Strait of Gibraltar and only a ferry ride away from southern Spain. The whitewashed walls contrasted against the deep blue ocean is a sight to be seen. You could explore and get lost in the medina for hours. Fun fact: Tangier was a filming location for Inception!
You’ll find that the locals speak Spanish here due to its proximity to Spain. Though it is a large city, there were fewer things to do so I recommend spending 1 to 2 days here.
Tip: Many people travel to Chefchaouen from Tangier as that is a common bus route.
Casablanca
Casablanca is Morocco’s largest and most populous city and an urban center. Although Casablanca was my home for two months, I didn’t spend too much time exploring because it is largely an industrial city.
The highlight of Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque which is one of the largest mosques in the world. You can pay to enter the mosque as a visitor and the interior is just as beautiful as the exterior. However, I would recommend skipping Casablanca if you don’t have a lot of time in Morocco.
Rabat
Did you know that even though Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city that Rabat is actually the capital?
Rabat is only a little over an hour north of Casablanca and it is worth a visit if you are spending significant time in Morocco. I loved exploring the Kasbah of the Udayas and seeing the seaside views and visiting the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
In summary, there are so many beautiful places in Morocco that it was so hard for me to pick the best places to visit! Morocco is an amazing country and each of its cities has so much to offer. I hope you enjoy your trip to Morocco! If there are any more questions you have about Morocco travel, feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me directly.
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