Best Places to Visit in Morocco - Top 15 Morocco’s Holiday Destinations

Morocco - the origin of the globally famous A Thousand and One Nights - is one of the best countries to visit in Africa. Not only can you witness the rich blended culture, but you can also experience the fantastic customs and traditions when visiting Morocco.

To travellers who are completely new to the country. To help you prepare for your upcoming trip here, in this article, we will introduce you to some of the best places to visit in Morocco.

Before jumping to exploring these destinations, there’re some head-ups for you. Please do notice that Morocco is an Islam country; hence, it is essential to dress appropriately - no transparent or revealing clothes.

Moreover, although card payment is acceptable in Morocco, cash is preferable. Thus, you should prepare some Dirhams before arriving in the country to avoid potential troubles. Now, let’s get started!

Marrakech

The biggest market in Morocco - Jemaa el Fna. Photo by CALIN STAN on Unsplash

Mentioning places to visit in Morocco, it is undoubtedly that Marrakech must be listed on top. Even though it's only the fourth largest city of Morocco, this “Red City” (or Al Hamra) used to be the capital of the Marrakech-Safi region. You don’t have to worry about what to do here, because there is a lot to explore!

First of all, you should check out the old Medina of Marrakech. The UNESCO World Heritage site contains many docile alleys and narrow side streets. You may even need Google Maps’ help to find your way out.

But the Medina isn’t just about winding ways. You can find colourful handmade rugs, soaps, carpets, and many other souvenirs here.

One popular tourist attraction of the city is the Bahia Palace. Covering 2 acres, the palace contains different rooms and halls that might be challenging for visitors to see the whole place at once.

However, your experience here will be splendid, as the construction follows the traditional style of Moroccan architecture.

Last but not least is the symbol of Marrakech - Jemaa el Fna Market. There are numerous food stalls of traditional cuisine here, so you should have your stomach prepared before coming to the market. Otherwise, you will regret not treating yourself to the flavourful dishes. 

Another unique activity here in Jemaa el Fna Market is the street showcases. You can witness the snake charmers using their flutes to monitor one of the most dangerous reptiles in nature. Such a cartoon-to-life experience, isn’t it? 

Casablanca

The soaring minaret of Hassan II, capturing the visitors’ eyes with just a glance from afar. Photo by Hamza Bouchikhi on Unsplash

Containing one of the major airports of Morocco, Casablanca is a gateway to reaching this marvellous country. Therefore, even though Casablanca might not be included in your plan, you should spend some time here enjoying its beauty.

It is undeniable that Hassan II Mosque makes Casablanca one of Morocco’s cities to visit. The construction is famous for its detailed carving patterns and the gigantic tower soaring through the sky.

The highlight is the mosque’s glass floor, which allows its believers to see the ocean beneath when praying to their Gods.

Aside from its exceptional beauty, Hassan II is one of Morocco's most famous religious buildings because it’s open to non-Muslims.

Therefore, Hassan II is a valuable experience you should never miss out on when visiting Casablanca.

Visiting Casablanca, you can also have your time wandering in Mohammed Square. It is a popular attraction in the city for good reasons.

The square is one great place where both the locals and the tourists gather so that you can enjoy a variety of activities here. You can participate in the street dance, the singing, or just watch people having fun!

Rabat

The spectacular view of the ocean from the walls of the Medina, Rabat. Photo by Anastasia Dimitriadi on Unsplash

Is Morocco safe for travel? Yes, especially if you come to a place like Rabat. Although you still have to watch out for petty crimes like bag snatching, serious crime is not primarily a significant concern.

From Casablanca, it only takes you around an hour to reach Rabat - the capital city of Morocco. Rabat is a blended mixture of the past and the present, with historical constructions and eco-friendly architecture.

One outstanding destination in Rabat you should visit is the Oudaya Kasbah (also referred to as the Kasbah des Oudayas). This UNESCO World Heritage is one of the most ancient milestones in the city of Rabat.

Taking a stroll around the place is a pleasant experience. The beautiful streets and Moorish cafes are perfect for travellers who love the historical atmosphere and scenic views of nature.

As mentioned above, Rabat is a worthy wonder as it blends the beauty of the past and the present surprisingly well. A symbol of the modernisation of Rabat is the Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel. 

Only a few miles from the city centre, the destination offers you a massive space to admire the beauty of nature. It is also a great way to escape from the city's bustling.

Agadir

Take a trip to Taghazout Village in Agadir to enjoy the aesthetically pleasing beach. Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash

There is a reason why Agadir is one of the best among Morocco’s holiday destinations in the summer - the endless coastline with beautiful beaches full of different activities. 

There are a lot of beaches in Agadir for you to choose from, ranging from the Imsouane to Taghazout. All the beaches here offer surfing services with surfboards for hire.

You can join in this thrilling activity or simply sunbathe beneath the sunshades and deckchairs.

One of the top things to do in Agadir is to visit the Crocopark. The park has been built to be the home to these creatures and protect them from overhunting. 

Coming to Crocopark, you can see different types of crocodiles in their nature-like environment.

The tour guides here are also very knowledgeable about the reptiles' livestock and the flora here.

Therefore, we recommend you take a guided tour around the park to have a deeper look into what you are seeing.  

Tangier

 

The feel at feel is one-of-a-kind. Photo by M.studio - stock.adobe.com

Tangier is a port city located in the North of Morocco. Being a strategic gateway from Africa to Europe, the city of Tangier has always been a lively and thriving city. As for tourism, Tangier is also a must-see destination for tourists in Morocco.  

If you are a geography lover, take a side trip to Cape Spartel. It is a beautiful promontory that marks the boundary between the Mediterranean ocean and the Atlantic ocean. 

The most exciting part of the landmark is the lighthouse lying on the top of the promontory. It is photogenic by itself and offers a stunning sea view for you to enjoy. 

After that, you can visit the Cave of Hercules, only a few miles away. According to a myth, the semi-god spent his time resting in this cave system after separating the two continents: Africa and Europe. 

Whether you are into mythical events, the Cave of Hercules is worth visiting for its landscape. There are different sections in this cave for you to explore. Whenever you visit, stop by the sculpture of Hercules to admire the heroic beauty of the son of Zeus. 

Let’s not forget the massive Rif Mountains. Lying close to Cape Spartel, this mountainous area will be a remarkable experience for travellers who love to be embraced by mother nature.

Chefchaouen

Visiting the Medina - the soul of Chefchaouen, don’t forget to dress up so you can take splendid photographs here. Photo by Heidi Kaden on Unsplash

Chefchaouen is undoubtedly a familiar name to experienced travellers. It is also known as The Blue City for the eternal blue hue of almost every house here.

In an African country where the temperature is normally high, the blue of Chefchaouen is a refreshing experience for visitors coming to the city, making it one of the best places to visit in Morocco. 

The main attraction is nowhere else but the Medina - the soul of Chefchaouen. Any travellers who have made their steps to the city are certainly drowned in the glorious and sparkling colour here.

Different chromas of blue are painted on the walls, the staircases, and even on the furniture. Altogether, they create a dreamy scenery that cannot be found anywhere else. 

It is believed that the sunset in Chefchaouen is one of the most incredible dusks you may witness in your life. Whether it is true or not, it is an excellent experience. One decent spot for hunting the sunset is the Spanish Mosque.

It is a beautiful construction located isolatedly on a hill above Chefchaouen. The mosque was uncultivated for a long time until it became a tourist attraction for its magical view of the sunset and the scenery. 

Fes

A view of the famed leather tannery Chaouwara inside the quaint town of Fes. Photo by Aleksandra Rupar on Unsplash

Fes (or Fez) is one of the imperial cities in Morocco. As a witness to Morocco's development through the centuries, it is a place for travellers to enjoy Moroccan traditions and customs.

There are many attractions in Fes; however, one of the most outstanding destinations should be the leather tannery Chaouwara. It is one of a few Morocco places still preserves this manual material production method.

In this tannery, leather is produced traditionally: the materials are dried out and then coloured by being dipped in different colour containers. You can come here to see the process from up-close.

Another tourist attraction of Fes is the Madrasa Bou Inania. It is one of the universities built during the Marinid Dynasty. Therefore, its structure and architecture are typical Marinid style.

The good news to travellers is that even though this is an Islamic school, non-Muslims like you are allowed to pay a visit to the university (except during praying time).

The core structure of Bou Inania might be simple, but the decorating patterns - including the stone and wood carvings are indeed detailed and complicated. Hence, your experience here as an art lover will not be wasted.

Essaouira

The stately citadel in Essaouira, one of the most popular destinations for walking in the port city. Photo by Anastasia Dimitriadi on Unsplash

Essaouira is a port city on the Atlantic Coast of Morocco. Despite being one of the most visited Morocco holiday destinations, the city always looks so peaceful and romantic. 

The first destination we recommend you visit during your stay at Essaouira is Essaouira Harbour. It is located near Medina, right next to the majestic citadel of the city.

The harbour is usually filled up with blue boats - the city's signature. Therefore, it is a norm that the port is one of the most popular destinations for photography in Essaouira. 

The best time to visit the harbour is in the early morning when the fish market opens. Travellers can join in the lively atmosphere here by watching the fishermen coming back with piles of fresh seafood. Just breathing in the salty breeze from the ocean is an experience in itself.

You can also spend some time visiting the Essaouira Citadel. Judging from how it looks nowadays, it is obvious that the citadel has done a fantastic job of protecting the city.

Walking along the Kasbah wall of the citadel, you are treated to a great view of the beautiful Medina and the endless sea. You will be amazed at how dreamy and romantic it is to see Essaouira from the citadel.

Meknes

Bab El Mansour Laalej, the main gate connecting Meknes' Medina and Imperial City districts. Photo by Valery Bareta - stock.adobe.com

People are most likely to think of Meknes as a stop-by destination on their way to Volubilis. We wouldn’t say it is one of the best places in Morocco, but it is surely much more than just a so-called “station”.

First of all, we’ll introduce you to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun (or Zerhoun for short)  - one of the main attractions in Meknes. The holy town was built on top of the Khyber and Tazga hills. The buildings are allocated along the slopes of the hills, shaping the town in a very interesting way.

The shrines of Zerhoun are another religious construction that non-Muslims cannot enter. However, you are still able to wander along the Medina up to the high hills to see the whole architecture of Moulay Idriss and the beautiful places inside the town.

Another must-see attraction in Meknes is Bab El Mansour Laalej - the primary gateway linking the Medina and modern districts of the city. From afar, we can already admire the detailed and complex carving patterns on the gate. This majestic architecture is one popular check-in site for visitors coming to Meknes.

Nowadays, Bab al-Mansour doesn't really function as a gate anymore. Instead, you can pass through the smaller gates on the side if you want to enter or exit the Medina and the districts.

Volubilis

 

The remains of the ancient Basilica inside the Roman city of Volubilis. Photo by mouad bouallayel on Unsplash

Only about 30 minutes drive from Meknes, Volubilis is one of Morocco’s places to visit. It is not to be missed for travellers who want to embrace the Roman culture in this African country.

It is common knowledge that Volubilis is in the Fes-Meknes region; however, there is no evidence that this ancient Roman city belongs to Meknes geographically. Therefore, we decided to give the city a separate section in this article. 

Though seemingly there’s nothing much left in these Roman ruins, there are several worthy structures in Volubilis for you to explore on a day trip!

Usually, this historical site is included in a package tour starting from Meknes; however, if you want to have more time wandering around the remains of this architecture, feel free to go on your own. You can easily reach Volubilis by seeing the map and following the directions. 

The first significance of the ruins is the Basilica. It is believed to be the place that governed the city as well as administered justice. Such glory is long gone, leaving a row of arches in the centre of Volubilis. 

Another attraction of Volubilis is the Capitoline Temple. The temple was originally a dedication to Juno, Jupiter and Minerva. 

Although the massive construction now only has the staircase and several columns surrounding the main floor, it is still a popular remark of Volubilis that you should see.  

Ouarzazate

 

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou - the UNESCO World Heritage of Ouarzazate. Photo by Cristiano Pinto on Unsplash

Renowned as “the Hollywood of Africa” and the gate to the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate is definitely one of Morocco’s cities to visit. 

The first destination that can be named is Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou. Contributed as a part of the epic movie Lawrence of Arabia, the structure has surprisingly witnessed its rise to fame after the film's success. However, tourists around the globe only realised the significant beauty of the architecture after their actual visit to the place.

From afar, Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou appears as a majestic building with multiple forts joining together and surrounded by high walls. Once entering the building, visitors can experience a labyrinth of hallways and rooms inside.

Another attractive destination to visit in Ouarzazate is the Draa Valley. If you’re into the flora, chances are you’ll love this place.

Here, you will be overwhelmed by the numerous different types of plants, ranging from wheat, vegetables, and fruits to oil palms, olives, etc.

We can guarantee you that Draa Valley will be a joyful experience on your trip to Ouarzazate.

Erg Chebbi

 

The contradictory beauty between humans and mother nature, reflecting in the frame of the travellers in the massive Sahara desert. Photo by Peter Schulz on Unsplash

Erg Chebbi is a part of the Sahara Desert in Morocco. There are many high and lengthy sand dunes all over Erg Chebbi. All of which maximise your feeling of being so tiny in front of mother nature (in a good way).

All you can find in Erg Chebbi are the dunes under the boiling heat and the harsh winds throughout the day. At night, things may get a little bit freezing.

This doesn’t sound promising at all, is it? However, take your chance to visit the desert, and you won’t regret this Morocco holiday destination!

First, Erg Chebbi is a tourist destination that offers the experience of riding a camel. Sitting on the camel’s back and letting them take you around the desert is something else.

It is less speedy and exciting than riding motorbikes or driving cars. But enjoying the peace of these strangely lovely animals is a unique experience you cannot find anywhere else.

Still, want to do something thrilling? Erg Chebbi will let you make the most of your trip here with the sandboarding activity or a ride on the trophy trucks.

Ifrane

 

Breathe in the peaceful and quiet atmosphere while wandering around the street in Ifrane. Photo by amine ozennou on Unsplash

Ifrane is located in the high mountains in the Middle Atlas. Therefore, compared to other places in Morocco, this is instead a “cold” destination. Due to this, the city is known as “Morocco’s Switzerland”. 

Filled with natural landscapes and a distinguished cold climate, Ifrane is surely one of the places to visit in Morocco for people who want to escape from the heat of this country for a while.

One exciting thing to do at Ifrane must be to wander inside the Ifrane National Park, home to many wild animals. Among these include the Barbary Monkey - which is on the edge of extinction. It is also the habitat of different types of cedarwood.

Another thing you may enjoy at Ifrane is the purely peaceful atmosphere. As the city is not densely populated, walking in the city centre will be a rare experience without the heavy traffic or the crowd. 

It is a pity not to come to Ifrane in the winter season. Skiing, snowboarding and other similar activities are popular when winter comes in this city.

Therefore, carefully plan your trip to Morocco so you can experience these activities at Michlifen resort here.

Asilah

 

A typical house painting in Asilah - a mix of white and blue, giving an aesthetically refreshing feeling. Photo by Bruno Bleu - stock.adobe.com

Another Morocco holiday destination is Asilah. It is a fortified seaside town that can be found in the Northwest of the Atlantic coast.

Despite its size, it will cost you a day to explore all the attractions in the small town. Asilah is famous for the white colour spanning all around the houses and constructions and the street artwork on the walls.

Whether you can tell what the paintings are about or not, it is undeniable that they add a tint of modernity to the place. Every artwork, no matter how small, every artwork contributes to the outstanding beauty of Medina.

The first thing you should visit in Asilah is the Medina. Covered in white, the Medina appears to be one of Morocco's cleanest residential areas.

Though Asilah Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions, you may find it too crowded during high seasons.

So, if you want an alternative only a few miles away, people looking for a chilling atmosphere with light breezes will find their heaven here.

High Atlas

A gorgeous picture painted by the ancient beauty of Berber Village and the snow mountain. Photo by Paul Macallan on Unsplash

The last destination on our discovery in Morocco’s places to visit is the High Atlas. If you are into the spectacularly raw beauty of nature, you’ll love the experience at the High Atlas mountains. Aside from the famous Todra Gorges and Dades Rivers, here are some exciting destinations for your upcoming trip to High Atlas.

Take your time climbing Jebel Toubkal Mountain. Renowned as the highest peak in North Africa, it is an exciting challenge for you to reach the top. The reward is splendid, as you can capture the whole region covered in snow standing on the top of Jebel Toubkal.

High Atlas has a variety of trekking routes, but the Toubkal Circuit should be one of the most popular ones.

Joining this route, you will have seven days to explore some of the best sceneries around High Atlas. Some trekkers even extend the tour so that they would have more time to rest and enjoy the natural view on the tour to the fullest. 

However, if you want to lay back and chill, then the Ouzoud Waterfalls should be a to-go place.

The area is a popular tourist destination as nature is so pristine. Bring along some snacks and have a picnic with your companions here while admiring the gorge of the waterfalls. 

So far, CabinZero has walked you through some of the best places to visit in Morocco. There is undoubtedly a lot more than what we’ve mentioned waiting to be discovered, so make sure you plan your trip correctly to maximise your experience in this beautiful Northern African country. 

Lam Tran