The Best Cities to Visit in Morocco

THE BEST CITIES TO VISIT IN MOROCCO

Morocco is filled with cities that surprise, inspire, and linger in your memory – each with its own rhythm, stories, and charm. From the lively souks of Marrakech to the quiet beauty of the desert towns, every stop offers a different glimpse into the country’s rich culture and daily life.

In this guide, you'll find the best cities to visit in Morocco. The most popular destinations are listed first – places you’ve likely seen in travel photos or heard about countless times. But keep going, and you’ll discover cities that fly a little more under the radar, yet are just as rewarding and absolutely worth a spot on your itinerary.

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MARRAKECH

You’ve probably seen Marrakech in photos – lanterns glowing at dusk, terracotta rooftops, and courtyards filled with orange trees and mosaic tiles. But being there is something else entirely. The medina is busy, beautiful, and full of surprises – one moment you're dodging scooters in a crowded alley, the next you're stepping into a peaceful riad where time slows down.

Wander through the souks and you’ll see artisans weaving, hammering, and selling everything from spices to handmade lamps. Visit the Bahia Palace, Majorelle Garden, and the Saadian Tombs – all easy to reach, even on a short trip. And when evening comes, head to Jemaa el-Fnaa. It’s a little chaotic, a little touristy, but still one of the best spots to soak up the city’s energy.

Planning a trip to this iconic city? Don’t miss our detailed Marrakech itinerary – it’s got everything you need to plan an unforgettable stay.

FES

You’ll hear people say Fes is intense – and they’re right. But it’s also one of the most fascinating cities in Morocco. The old medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the world’s oldest, and it feels like it. There are no cars, just narrow alleys, donkeys carrying goods, and a maze of lanes that seem to lead nowhere (and everywhere).

The Chouara Tannery is hard to miss – yes, it smells, but the view over the colorful dye pits is worth it. Spend time visiting the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the old Al-Qarawiyyin University, which still functions today. Fes isn’t about rushing through sights – it’s about slowing down and taking it all in, even if you get a little lost in the process.

If Fes is on your list, our Fes itinerary is the perfect companion to help you take it all in at your own pace.

CHEFCHAOUEN

Tucked into the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is small, peaceful, and as photogenic as you’d expect. The medina is painted in every shade of blue you can think of, and even though it’s become more popular in recent years, it still feels calm compared to Morocco’s bigger cities.

You don’t need a checklist here – just wander. Stop by the Kasbah Museum, sip mint tea on a rooftop terrace, and walk up to the Spanish Mosque for one of the best views in town. If you’re in the mood for something more active, there are scenic trails just outside the city. Chefchaouen is a great place to pause and recharge, especially if you're traveling through Morocco at a faster pace.

Thinking about spending time in the Blue City? Have a look at our complete Chefchaouen guide for all the best spots and practical tips.

CASABLANCA

Casablanca is modern, big, and a bit rough around the edges – but it also shows you a different side of Morocco. The main attraction here is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, and one of the few in Morocco that’s open to non-Muslim visitors. The location – right on the ocean – is just as impressive as the architecture itself.

Beyond the mosque, Casablanca is more about local life than sightseeing. There are some beautiful art deco buildings downtown, a growing restaurant and café scene, and a lively stretch along the Corniche where people go for walks, ice cream, or dinner by the sea. It’s not the place to come for a traditional medina experience, but it’s worth a short visit – especially if you’re flying in or out of Morocco.

Curious about Casablanca beyond the iconic mosque? Check out our Casablanca itinerary for tips on how to make the most of your visit.

TANGIER

Tangier feels different from the rest of Morocco – closer to Spain in more ways than one. It’s a port city with layers of history, and you’ll feel it as you walk through the medina and look out across the Strait of Gibraltar. This is a place where writers and artists once came to escape, and there’s still a creative buzz in the air.

Stroll along the Corniche, explore the restored Kasbah Museum, and take time to wander through the whitewashed medina. There’s a mix of old and new here – European-style cafés, seaside promenades, and traditional markets all wrapped into one. If you’re arriving in Morocco by ferry or ending your trip up north, Tangier is a great spot to spend a couple of days.

If Tangier is on your list, you’ll want to explore our detailed Tangier travel guide – it's full of ideas to help you plan your stay.

ESSAOUIRA

Essaouira is one of those places that’s easy to settle into. The wind off the Atlantic keeps things breezy (sometimes very breezy), and the medina here is small, walkable, and full of charm. You’ll find colorful fishing boats in the harbor, local art galleries around every corner, and plenty of cafés where you can spend a quiet hour watching the world go by.

The ramparts that line the coast are perfect for a late afternoon stroll. And when you’re ready for something different, try a local hammam, take a surf lesson, or head to the beach – even if it’s just for the fresh air. Essaouira has a laid-back vibe that makes it feel like a completely different Morocco from cities like Marrakech or Fes.

If Essaouira sounds like your kind of place, check out our detailed guide to Essaouira to plan your coastal escape.

RABAT

Rabat is Morocco’s capital, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. It’s clean, organized, and right on the coast, with wide boulevards and a quieter energy than you might expect. The Kasbah of the Udayas is one of the prettiest spots in the city – a small hilltop quarter with white-and-blue homes, ocean views, and a peaceful café garden tucked inside the walls.

You’ll also find the Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and a surprisingly relaxed medina. If you’re traveling between Casablanca and Fes, Rabat makes for a calm, interesting stop with just the right balance of old and new.

AGADIR

Agadir is a complete contrast to Morocco’s historic cities. After being mostly destroyed by an earthquake in the 1960s, it was rebuilt with wide streets, modern hotels, and a long stretch of beach that’s ideal for a few days of downtime. It’s not the place to go if you’re looking for souks and historic buildings – but if you want sea views, surf schools, and a laid-back vibe, it delivers.

The beachfront promenade is perfect for a walk, especially around sunset. And if you’re staying a bit longer, nearby Taghazout is a quiet surf town just up the coast, with beach cafés and a relaxed pace that’s hard to beat.

Looking to wind down by the coast? See what to do and where to go in our Agadir travel guide.

MEKNES

Meknes is often overshadowed by its neighbor Fes, but if you're nearby, it’s worth the detour. Once an imperial capital, it still has remnants of its past – massive gates, a royal granary, and open squares where locals gather in the evenings. The medina is smaller and much easier to navigate, and you won’t find many crowds here.

One of the best things about Meknes is how close it is to Volubilis, a set of Roman ruins that sit in open countryside with olive groves and wildflowers all around. It’s also near Moulay Idriss, a whitewashed hilltop town that makes for a scenic half-day trip.

Considering a stop in Meknes? Take a look at our Meknes itinerary to uncover what makes this former imperial city worth the detour.

OUARZAZATE

Ouarzazate sits at the edge of the desert, surrounded by red earth and mountain views. It’s known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” thanks to the film studios nearby, and you’ll spot familiar scenery at places like the Atlas Studios or the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou, one of the most iconic kasbahs in the country.

This is also a starting point for trips into the Sahara Desert. Whether you’re heading toward Zagora or Merzouga, Ouarzazate makes a natural stop to break up the journey, grab a good meal, and explore before heading into more remote landscapes.

If you're heading toward the desert, Ouarzazate is a natural stop – and our Ouarzazate guide will help you make the most of it.