Everyone needs to experience the historic architecture, delicious food and bustling bazaars of a Moroccan city. But just which cities are worth putting at the top of your travel bucket list? From popular spots to not-so-well-known places, here are 7 magnificent cities in Morocco to visit immediately.
1. Marrakesh
Marrakech is the most visited – and arguably the most vibrant – city in Morocco. It is sometimes referred to as ‘The Red City’ due to its reddish-hued buildings and red desert surroundings. There is so much to see within this city from the busy public square of Jemaa el-Fnaa (full of food stalls, musicians and street performers) to the relaxing hammams (ancient bathhouses where you can drink mint tea and experience spa treatments). Additionally, there’s so much to see outside the city, including hot air balloon rides across the Sahara and camel tours.
2. Fes
Fes has some of the best-preserved history of any Moroccan city. It’s ancient medina in one of the biggest car-free urban areas in the world – a maze of winding streets and tiny shops dating back to before 800 AD. The city also sports some fascinating museums and impressive historic buildings including The Royal Palace and Medersa Bou Inania.
3. Rabat
Rabat is the capital of Morocco. It offers a more laid-back atmosphere than Marrakech and Fes and features a mix of historic landmarks and modern charm. Three of the historic landmarks worth visiting include the mighty Hassan Tower, the ornate Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the tranquil Kasbah of the Udayas. When not sightseeing, you can explore the city’s many restaurants, cafes and bars or hit the beaches.
4. Casablanca
Casablanca is known for its unique architecture: a mix of traditional Moorish, French colonial and Art Deco. It’s the economic heart of Morocco and attracts many startups and digital nomads for this reason. Attractions worth visiting in Casablanca include Hassan II Mosque (one of the largest mosques in the world) and La Corniche (a palm-tree-lined boulevard with some great restaurants and stunning ocean views).
5. Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate in Morocco is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Sahara’. Its red clay buildings feel at one with the desert landscape around it and have featured in numerous Hollywood movies including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Kingdom of Heaven and The Mummy. On top of being a must-visit location for film buffs, it is one of the best places in Morocco to try some desert exploration – here you’ll find many safaris and camel tours that can allow you to explore the nearby dunes and mountain passes.
6. Tangier
Tangier has a more European feel than many Moroccan cities – which makes sense because it is the closest to Europe and overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar (you can visit Gibraltar and Southern Spain from Tangier). Attractions like The Kasbah Museum are well worth visiting – here you’ll find a range of artefacts from Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The city also has some incredible cafes and restaurants, and an impressive mixture of churches and mosques of different styles.
7. Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is sometimes referred to as the ‘The Blue Pearl’ because of its striking blue-washed buildings. This is more of a town than a city, but it still has plenty to see and do – some of its stunning sights include the Ras El Maa waterfall, the Chefchaouen Medina and the Spanish Mosque.