Before I finally visited, I had no idea which were the best cities to visit in Morocco / which ones deserved my time. I decided I’d simply check out as many as I could so I could make a more informed decision for my future visits. (And there will definitely be future visits!)
I spent a couple of awe-inspiring weeks in Morocco in 2023 and it quickly became one of my favorite countries ever. (And thankfully too because I had only the highest of expectations for my long-awaited trip to Agrabah.) On this list of the best cities to visit in Morocco are many that will hold space in my heart for a long time. So, let me tell you what makes them so great.
Map of the best cities to visit in Morocco
Here are all the best cities to visit in Morocco together on one handy map to help you plan your trip. To save this map: Click on the star ⭑ next to the map’s title to save in your Google Maps. To use this map: Open Google Maps on your phone, click “Saved” at the bottom, then click “Maps.”
Now, here are what I believe to be the best cities to visit in Morocco, in no particular order (because choosing favorites here simply can’t be done).
To get the details on all the awesome things I did in Morocco, check out my full 2-week Morocco itinerary here! (It’s really so magical.)
1. Casablanca
Casablanca isn’t always on the top of visitors’ must-see lists when they come to Morocco, but I certainly believe it’s worth a visit. It’s mostly an industrial/port city on Morocco’s northern coast, so it often gets looked over for more well-known and tourist-centered cities.
Why visit Casablanca?
Casablanca is one of the best cities to visit in Morocco if only for its mosque. It’s here that you’ll find the stunning and shockingly large Hassan II Mosque. Not only is this one of the largest mosques in the world, but it’s also the only one in Morocco that non-Muslims can visit.
What to see and do in Casablanca
The Hassan II Mosque –I recommend spending a good chunk of time just walking around the exterior of this place; every inch of it is stunning. Its location (sitting out halfway over the ocean) is truly unique as far as mosques in Morocco go. Then, you must take a tour of the inside—it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before!
Rick’s Café – While you’re in Casablanca you should also stop by Rick’s Café for dinner and drinks. Though the movie Casablanca is entirely fictional (as was the bar where it took place), this place has been transformed to resemble the one from the film. If you’re a fan of the movie (like I am!), you’d definitely enjoy a stop here.
Great Casablanca tours
- Skip-the-line guided Hassan II Mosque tour w/ hotel pickup
- Casablanca half-day city tour including Hassan II Mosque
- Casablanca Old Medina walking tour (finishes at Hassan II Mosque)
Where to stay in Casablanca
In Casablanca I stayed at the Gray Boutique Hotel and it was fabulous. My room (suite actually) was enormous and had a wraparound balcony. The breakfast is great and the staff is super nice. And cats just come and go here as they please. It’s fantastic.
For more great places to stay in Morocco, check out my post on all the hotels, riads, kasbahs, and camps I stayed at this year!
2. Marrakech
Marrakech is arguably the most well-known and popular one on the list of best cities to visit in Morocco. If you go to Morocco for any amount of time, chances are you’ll visit the bustling, loud, and potentially overwhelming city of Marrakech.
Marrakech is a shock to the senses if you’ve been traveling around the rest of Morocco before you make it here. While the rest of the country is mostly chill, Marrakech is LOUD and pretty in-your-face. Some love it (like me) and others can’t get out of here fast enough. But, you won’t really know which way you’ll fall until you visit.
Why visit Marrakech?
Though it can be overwhelming at times, Marrakech is also one of the most beautiful and fun cities I’ve visited in Morocco. It’s endlessly colorful; the shopping here is superior; and there’s just an excitement about it that engulfs you immediately.
Marrakech is definitely one of the best cities to visit in Morocco for its energy, its abundant sightseeing potential, and its food. (Make sure you eat some tanjia while you’re here!)
What to see and do in Marrakech
Some of the best things to see and do in Marrakech are:
- Explore the bustling medina and haggle for so many souvenirs that you’ll have to also haggle for an extra suitcase to bring them home in. (True story.)
- Visit the Bahia Palace, the Majorelle Gardens, and the Saadian Tombs
- Check out the Koutoubia Mosque (from the outside only, but it’s still iconic)
- Have dinner on a rooftop overlooking Djemma el Fna at night
- Hit up all the fresh juice stands you can find
Great Marrakech tours
- Private half-day sightseeing tour of Marrakech – Includes the medina, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Gardens, Koutoubia mosque, and more. Excellent reviews!
- Marrakech Nighttime Street Food Tour – There’s a tanjia in the photo, so that’s promising!
- Actually, there are too many good options. Check out all the best Marrakech guided day tours here.
Where to stay in Marrakech
In Marrakech I stayed at the Bab Hotel and it was perfectly fine. (With the exception of the incident that landed this stay on my list of worst travel moments of 2023, eek!)
There are tons of gorgeous hotels and riads in Marrakech and on my next visit I’ll stay somewhere more along the lines of Riad Kheirredine or Riad Idra. These are much more centrally located and just generally prettier and more the vibe I’m looking for.
Also check out: What to Pack for Morocco: What to Wear in Morocco as a Woman + Complete Morocco Packing List
3. Rabat
Rabat is the country’s current capital and another on the list of the best cities to visit in Morocco that most people skip right past. It may not have as much to offer in terms of sightseeing or “things to do,” but it’s definitely a unique spot worth checking out.
What to see and do in Rabat
While in Rabat, be sure to:
- Walk the all-white streets of the medina – Do some souvenir shopping, take lots of photos of cats, the usual
- Hang out at the Oudaya Kasbah and watch the massive ocean waves
- Chill out with some mint tea and pastries at Café des Oudayas. Wait, “chill out?” What I meant to say was get absolutely smashed on your entire month’s allotment of sugar. You’ll see.
- Pay a visit to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Hassan Tower
Great Rabat tours
- Rabat medina half-day walking tour – Includes all the spots mentioned in this post!
- Private guided city walking tour of Rabat – Also includes all the spots but it’s just your group this time.
- Rabat food tour in the old town – Taste your way around Morocco’s capital.
Where to stay in Rabat
I didn’t stay the night in Rabat when I visited, but here are a few popular Rabat hotel options for you:
Fun fact: The taxis are a different color in each Moroccan city. In Casablanca they’re red; in Marrakech they’re orange-ish; in Ifrane they’re green; in Chefchaouen they’re blue (obviously!), and so on.
4. Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is known as Morocco’s blue city and you’ve certainly seen a few [gazillion] photos of it, I’m sure. While this isn’t the easiest place to get to, I do think it’s one of the best cities to visit in Morocco for a couple reasons.
Why visit Chefchaouen?
First and foremost, you should visit Chefchaouen simply just to see it. The entire city really is blue. Not just one street for tourism purposes… but the whole town. It’s bizarre, but you’ve gotta see it. There isn’t a whole lot to do in Chefchaouen, but getting lost here is a truly worthwhile experience.
What to see and do in Chefchouen
The main thing to do in Chefchouen is really just to walk and explore. The entire place is a large blue maze, but not so large that you risk never coming out. (Like Fez, yikes!) Really, just take the day and wander all the streets. There’s a lot of (blue) things to see and tons of cats to photograph. (You can tell where my priorities lie.)
Additionally, you can also:
- Hike up to the Spanish Mosque at sunset
- Visit the historic Kasbah Fortress in the town center
- Buy yourself a djellaba out of the back of some guy’s van on the side of the road
Great Chefchaouen tours
- Private walking tour of Chefchaouen with a local guide – I think the name says it all.
- Here’s a Chefchaouen guided food tour for something a little different
Where to stay in Chefchouen
In Chefchaouen I stayed at the Riad Hicham and I loved it! The entire property is so beautiful and unique and the staff is incredibly courteous. (Watch my reel here of what it was like just walking to my room!) The hotel restaurant is so good I ate here every night I spent in Chefchaouen. Highly recommend!
5. Meknes
Meknes is another city you probably haven’t heard of, but still one of the best cities to visit in Morocco. It’s conveniently located between Casablanca and Rabat and actually used to be the capital of Morocco. Today, it’s one of the four imperial cities of Morocco along with Rabat, Marrakech, and Fez.
Why visit Meknes?
While this isn’t the most happenin’ city in Morocco, there are still some incredibly cool things to see here. Plus, since it’s not nearly as popular as cities like Marrakech and Fez, you’ll enjoy the freedom of a crowd-free visit.
What to see and do in Meknes
My favorite things to see and do in Meknes are:
- Check out the awesome gates at the Meknes Royal Palace, but be wary of taking photos here unless you have express permission from the guards outside. (Which I did, hence these photos.)
- Visit the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail – Even non-Muslims can visit this place and it’s one of the most beautiful spots I visited in all of Morocco.
- Check out the storks. Meknes was the first place (of what would become many) where I noticed the giant storks building their nests. You’ll see storks all over Morocco actually, but it’s cool to see them living it up on top of the palace walls.
Great Meknes tours
- See Meknes on a day trip from Fez (along with Volubilis).
Where to stay in Meknes
In Meknes I stayed at the Riad Ritaj and it felt like a totally hidden retreat within the city. The property is quintessentially Moroccan, the rooms are huge, and the staff is super nice.
6. Volubilis
On the list of best cities to visit in Morocco, Volubilis will certainly stand out from all the others. In fact, you’ll feel like you aren’t even in Morocco at all. That’s because Volubilis is actually a city made up of ancient Roman ruins.
Why visit Volubilis?
Whether or not you’ve visited your fair share of Roman ruins before, these are pretty unique since you’re in Africa, remember? And if you’ve never visit an ancient Roman city before, then you’ll love it for just what it is.
What to see and do in Volubilis
There are numerous spots to check out here, like the triumphal arch, the mosaic tiled floors, and the aqueduct. There are bath houses and temples and ancient olive oil presses too. All the land around this area is beautiful and it’ll be a nice change to spend a day out in the countryside.
Great Volubilis tours
If you’d like to take a guided tour of Volubilis, know that most of them leave from Fes and include a tour of Meknes as well. In case you’re interested, here are some popular day trips:
Where to stay near Volubilis
Volubilis is kind of “in the middle of nowhere,” and the vast majority of people visit Volubilis from either Fez or Meknes. So, that’s definitely where you want to stay if you plan to visit Volubilis. For where to stay in those two cities, check out #5 and #7 in this post.
7. Fez
Of all the cities I’m declaring the best to visit in Morocco, Fez is definitely one of my favorites. Top Two, for sure. This is another that can quickly overwhelm people, so I definitely wouldn’t visit here without a guide who’s willing to quite literally hold your hand, as mine so graciously was.
Why visit Fez?
Fez is the second largest (behind Casablanca) and one of the most ancient cities in Morocco and just all-around awesome. The Fez medina is one of the largest pedestrian-only zones in the world and is said to be made up of 10,000 streets… without any sort of organization at all. It’s just a mess. A loud, disorienting mess. And I adore it.
Fez is also home to the 1200-year-old Chouara Tannery you may have seen pictures of before, and the University of al-Qarawiyyin, the world’s oldest university. You can also see how that iconic Fez pottery is made, take a tour of some different markets, and even get a custom leather jacket made and delivered to your hotel in just two hours.
What to see and do in Fez
While in Fez, be sure to :
- Take a tour of the medina
- Visit the tannery to see how leather products have been here for centuries
- Stop by the Fes Mosaic and Pottery studios to see how mosaics and pottery are made close-up
- Visit the University of al-Qarawiyyin and the Funduq al-Najjarin Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
- Eat a pastilla—Moroccan dish of chicken, onions, and almonds in a cinnamon-sugar covered flaky crust you can find in these parts. This is my absolute favorite Moroccan food.
Where to stay in Fez
In Fez I stayed at the Riad Palais Houyam and I absolutely loved it. It has a fantastic rooftop patio and delicious restaurant. The staff went out of their way for me and I was even able to get my laundry done here. The property is gorgeous and the location (just outside the medina) is perfect.
8. Ifrane
When you enter the city of Ifrane in the Middle Atlas Mountains, no part of you will be convinced you’re still in Morocco. Ifrane is known for its skiing and lodges, its forests and waterfalls, and its alpine-style architecture. All this gives it the popular nickname “The Switzerland of Morocco.”
Why visit Ifrane?
Ifrane is one of the best cities to visit in Morocco because it’s just so different. (And perhaps because I’m already obsessed with the Alps as it is.) It’s so unlike the rest of the country. It was even dubbed the “second cleanest city in the world,” just behind Calgary, Canada. Come here and breathe some fresh air!
What to see and do in Ifrane
When in Ifrane, you must:
- Go skiing, if that’s what you’re into
- Go for a hike through Ifrane National Park to see the monkeys! (Barbary macaques, specifically.)
- Check out the Swiss-like architecture
- See the lion sculpture which dates back to the 1930s and is believed to honor the fact that there actually used to be lions in these parts
Great Ifrane tours
If you’d like to pop into Ifrane to see what it’s all about, check out this Middle Atlas Mountains and Cedar Forest Day Trip from Fez.
Where to stay in Ifrane
If you’d like to stay overnight in Ifrane, here are some great hotel options:
- Michlifen Resort & Golf – Fabulous reviews!
- L’empreinte D’ifrane – I would NEVER guess this wasn’t the Swiss Alps.
9. Khamlia Village
The village of Khamlia sits on the very edge of the Sahara Desert and is home to the Gnaoua—the direct descendants of slaves brought to Morocco centuries ago from Sudan.
Today, the Gnaoua welcome visitors into their village at Khamlia to experience their food, music, and culture. My day with the Gnaoua is one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life and Khamlia village is without a doubt one of the best cities to visit in Morocco.
What to see and do at Khamlia
My day in Khamlia went a little like this:
- Welcome tea (because of course!)
- Time in the kitchen to learn about Medfouna (Berber pizza) and see how the women make it
- Desert picnic of Medfouna (super delicious BTW) and other foods while being serenaded by the nicest villagers on the planet
- Watch, listen, and even participate in beautiful musical, singing, and dancing performances by a group known as Pigeons du Sable Group Zaid (the Sand Pigeons).
How to visit Khamlia
This incredible experience was included as part of my 2-week Morocco tour with Intrepid. You can drive here yourself though and have the same experiences; I saw a few people arriving as we were leaving.
If you’re not that adventurous though, there are a couple of tours that include a visit with the Gnawa of Khamlia. Check out these options:
10. Merzouga
Next on the list of the best cities to visit in Morocco is Merzouga, location of the Sahara Desert’s famous Erg Chebbi sand dunes. (And definitely my favorite day I spent in Morocco!) No trip to Morocco would be complete without a trip into the Sahara. (And via camel if at all possible.)
What to see and do in Merzouga
No matter how you spend your time in Merzouga, this is such an awesome and unforgettable experience. Here are a few ways I spent my night in the desert:
- Camel trekking over the sand dunes
- Camping out in the desert
- Watching the scarab beetles make teeny tiny footprints in the sand
- Relaxing with friends while the sun sets over the dunes
- Listen to local musicians around the campfire
- You can also book activities like sand boarding and ATV trips over the dunes if that’s your thing
How to visit Merzouga and the Sahara
Again, this experience was part of my 2-week Morocco trip, but since this is such a popular activity, there are tons of options for tours that will take you here. Check out:
Where to stay in Merzouga / Sahara
While visiting the area I stayed at the Golden Camp Sahara. This is a “luxury” Sahara camp and, though I have nothing else to compare it too, I would certainly agree. The staff was super accommodating and the property is gorgeous but the rooms were the best part.
Even though these are technically “tents,” they still have showers with hot water, a sink, an actual flushing toilet, lighting, heating, comfy beds, and tons of space to chill out in. I would definitely recommend the Golden Camp Sahara to anyone.
11. Aït Benhaddou
The Ksar of Aït Benhaddou is a centuries-old fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tons of movies and TV shows have been filmed here like The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. (They were even filming Gladiator 2 when I was there!)
Why visit Aït Benhaddou?
First of all, if you’re a fan of any of these shows/films, you’ll definitely want to see this place in person. Beyond that, it’s a fascinating little village to explore. It really does feel like you’re in some ancient fantasy world.
What to see and do in Aït Benhaddou
When in Aït Benhaddou you should definitely:
- Explore the town, just wandering through the streets
- Climb up to the top for awesome views of the entire village and the mountains beyond
- Have lunch at the Tawesna Tea House—an organization that provides opportunities for local women to earn an income (and the most amazing food and hospitality!)
- Watch the artist paint Moroccan desert scenes with tea, sugar, and flames
- Visit the carpet cooperative across the river to learn about (and watch) how traditional Berber rugs are made
- Pretend you’re Khaleesi
Great Aït Benhaddou tours
Visiting Aït Benhaddou is best on a tour so you can learn all the neat info and history about it, so check out these options:
- Day tour from Marrakech: Atlas Mountains and Ancient Aït Ben haddou (5-stars here!)
- From Marrakech: Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou Day Tour
- Guided tour of Aït Benhaddou – Just a simple guided tour of Aït Benhaddou if you’re already able to get here yourself.
- Really, there are so many options that are all similar. Check out all the Aït Benhaddou tours available here on Viator and here on Get Your Guide.
Where to stay in Aït Benhaddou
After my visit in Aït Benhaddou I stayed at the Kasbah Cigogne which was totally unique. Besides being greeted with a truly unforgettable sunset (followed by a sky filled with stars), the staff here is so, so nice. My room was pretty simple but I don’t require much so it was fine. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.
12. Zaida
Zaida is going to be one of the most remote, random, and real of the best cities to visit in Morocco, thanks to our local guide Mohamed who loved showing us his country’s most hidden gems.
Why visit Zaida?
Well, the reason you’re going to want to visit Zaida is for lunch. Specifically, what they call “barbecue.” Mohamed told us that’s what Zaida is known for, and he’s not wrong. Pulling into Zaida you’ll notice the whole town is shrouded in a delicious-smelling cloud of smoke.
Once your eyes adjust, you’ll then notice all the… umm… animal corpses hanging from the storefronts. Obviously, a visit to Zaida may be hard for some to stomach, but it’s also an unfiltered look into how the people live and make a living here.
What to see and do in Zaida
Grab a seat at one of the eateries and go nuts. (I ate at a place I believe is called Xaluca.) Ask your server for what he recommends or do like we did and just order a little bit of everything. Beef, goat, lamb, tagine (of course), and, my personal favorite, kefta.
Also, Zaida is located in the Midelt region, aka the apple capital of Morocco. There will be produce stands all around you so pick up some apples while you’re here!
Zaida tours?
This place is so off-the-radar that I can’t find a single tour that’ll get you here. If you’re checking out all the best cities to visit in Morocco in your own (rented) vehicle, that’s probably the only way you’ll be able to visit Zaida. But if you can, it’s worth this interesting look into rural Moroccan life. (It’s on the way to Merzouga and the Sahara from Fez, if you’re heading that way.)
13. Dades Valley
My time in the Dades Valley was such a treat, and because I’m going to recommend you visit a bunch of different places around here, I’m listing the “Dades Valley” as one of the best cities to visit in Morocco instead of picking just one.
Why visit the Dades Valley?
The Dades Valley is a great place to slow your Morocco trip down a bit. There aren’t any must-see sites or must-do adventures; it’s just chill. The people here are some of the nicest and most welcoming I met in all of Morocco (a country filled with nice and welcoming people). The scenery is beautiful and the whole area’s mantra is one of happiness and smiles. It’s such an uplifting place to visit.
What to see and do in the Dades Valley
While here, you can:
- Relax at your riad’s rooftop pool in the sun
- Walk through the impressive Dades Gorge
- Check out the view of the switchbacks from the panoramic viewpoint at Hotel Timzzillite (This famous road was most recently featured in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation.)
- Visit the Todra Gorge and the lovely city of Tinghir
- Take a leisurely walk through Boulmane Dades and check out the amazing views of the valley from there
- Check out the “monkey fingers” mountains
Great Dades Valley tours
If you want to visit the Dades Valley, you’ll most likely need to take one of Morocco’s awesome multi-day tours that include a visit here. Here are some good ones:
- 3 Days High Atlas Mountains and Sahara Adventure – Day 2 is all about the Dades Valley.
- 3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Luxury Camp – This Day 2 is also all Dades Valley.
Where to stay in the Dades Valley
While visiting the Dades Valley I stayed at the Hotel Riad Bahammou and it was one of my favorite Morocco hotels, largely because the staff here is the best I’ve encountered anywhere! The property is huge and super interesting. (Watch my reel of it here!) Plus, the meals here are different from everything else you’ll eat in Morocco. Definitely try this one out for yourself!
Best cities to visit in Morocco: honorable mentions
Depending on how you travel throughout Morocco, you may have the chance to visit some other off-the-beaten-path areas. If you have your own rental car, for instance, think about passing through these cool areas:
14. Erfoud
I’m recommending a visit to Erfoud specifically for the date market. Best (and most ridiculously affordable) mouthwatering Medjool dates I’ve ever had in my life. I still dream about these dates. I bought a kilo for the equivalent of about $10. Erfoud is on the way to Merzouga / the Sahara from both Fez and Marrakech.
15. Ouirgane
Ouirgane is just a little bit outside Marrakech (less than an hour and a half) and would make a great day trip from Marrakech. You can do a little bit of easy hiking and check out the Ouirgane Dam, one of Morocco’s largest. This day tour from Marrakech covers this cool day trip and includes a traditional lunch.
More info for your Morocco trip
- Hotels: Find great places to stay in Morocco here on Booking.com. (But Expedia and Hotels.com are worth checking out too.)
- Rental car: Check out the best rental car deals in Morocco here.
- Sightseeing: Pick up a Morocco guidebook for all your sightseeing needs.
- Culture: And this Morocco Customs and Culture guide for all the other necessary info.
I hope I’ve been able to help you find some of the best cities to visit in Morocco and sort out your itinerary. Like this post? Have questions about traveling around Morocco? Ask away in the comments below. Have fun in Morocco!
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