11 Best Cities to Visit in Morocco (2025 Edition)

Introduction

Morocco is full of rich history and beautiful places. You can visit imperial cities, walk through ancient streets, explore the Blue City of Chefchaouen, or relax by the coast. From the Sahara Desert to busy souks and historic cities, Morocco offers an unforgettable experience filled with culture and charm.

Casablanca: Where Tradition Dances with Modernity

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and an important city port. It mixes rich history with modern life. The Hassan II Mosque, one of the top tourist attractions, stands by the ocean. Its tall minaret is one of the highest in the world and shows the beauty of Moroccan culture.

The Corniche is a popular destination, perfect for a summer trip. At night, families and couples enjoy seaside walks, delicious seafood, and cool breezes from the Atlantic

Marrakech: The Seductive Heartbeat of Morocco

Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most popular destinations. In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Djemaa el-Fna, you’ll see snake charmers, storytellers, and food stalls. The nearby medina, with its narrow streets and ancient sites, is great for cultural experiences and shopping. And yes, you might get lost, but that’s half the fun!

Don’t miss Jardin Majorelle is a beautiful garden with rare plants and bright blue buildings. It’s a favorite of many travel experts. The best travel time to visit is spring or fall, when you can enjoy this amazing country without the summer heat.

Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl of the Rif Mountains

Known as the Blue City, Chefchaouen is one of Morocco’s most charming cities. Its blue-painted walls shimmer in the sun, creating beautiful views at every turn. The medina here is less chaotic than other Moroccan cities, making it an easier stop for a road trip or a cool day trip.

Hiking to the nearby Spanish Mosque offers incredible views of the blue city glowing at sunset, making it a worthwhile day trip for travel experts and lovers of authentic experiences.

Volubilis: Whispers from Ancient Rome

Volubilis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key ancient site in Morocco. Located under Mount Zerhoun and near olive groves, it shows Morocco’s Roman history with 3rd-century BC mosaics, especially in the House of Orpheus.

Storks nest on old columns at Volubilis, where nature and history mix. This makes it a worthwhile experience for cultural travelers and history lovers. It’s often part of popular day trips from Meknes and Fez, recommended by travel specialists.

Meknes: The Overlooked Imperial City

One of Morocco’s imperial cities, it is often overlooked. Its major attraction is Bab Mansour gate, decorated with 11th-century zellige tiles and Roman columns from Volubilis.

Visit Moulay Ismail’s huge granaries and stables for 12,000 horses, a true triumphal arch of Moroccan history. Meknes is great for travelers wanting an authentic, calm cultural experience.

Fez: The Labyrinth of a Thousand Years

Fez was founded in the 9th century and is one of the best-kept old cities. Its medina, Fez el-Bali, has over 9,500 narrow streets and is the biggest area without cars in the world. It’s so big that even Google Maps gets confused. So if you get lost, don’t worry, you’re just on an adventure.

Visit Bou Inania Madrasa and the 1,200-year-old Chouara Tannery to see Moroccan crafts up close. Fez is also home to the world’s oldest university, Karaouine. This city is full of history and is a great place for cultural and learning trips.

Essaouira: Where the Ocean Meets the Medina

Called the “Wind City of Africa,” Essaouira is a calm coastal city where even your hair gets to dance. Its white medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Essaouira is one of Morocco’s best coastal cities, perfect for wind-in-your-hair moments and finding sand in your shoes days later.

Here, travelers enjoy beautiful beaches, fresh seafood that tastes like it jumped straight from the ocean to your plate, and artisan-made wood crafts that are impossible to leave behind

Tangier: Gateway Between Worlds

Tangier sits at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, just 14 kilometers from Spain. This mix makes Tangier special and interesting. Places like Petit Socco and Café Hafa are famous because writers like Paul Bowles and the Beat Generation visited them.

Tangier offers a mix of 18th-century buildings, cultural heritage, and incredible sea views. It’s an excellent starting point for road trips along the northern coast.

Merzouga: Where the Desert Begins

Merzouga, near the dramatic desert dunes of Erg Chebbi, is where your desert adventure begins. Visitors can explore the area on camelback, yes, it’s bumpy, but totally worth it, then spend nights at a Bivouac Erg Lihoudi camp under starry skies. Wake up to golden sunrises over the sand dunes, just keep a good grip on your phone, sand is like glitter, it gets everywhere.

Imsouane: Surfer's Paradise in the Making

For surfers and adventurers, Imsouane is a rising star among Moroccan coastal cities. Known for “The Cathedral,” one of the longest waves in Africa (up to 600 meters), it’s a laid-back fishing village with growing popularity.

Less crowded than Agadir beaches or Taghazout, Imsouane is perfect for summer trips or a beach-focused road trip. Enjoy fresh seafood under the stars, and take in the beautiful views of Morocco’s Atlantic coast.

Rabat: The Elegant Capital

Morocco’s capital city, offers a calm and clean experience. The Kasbah des Oudaias is a peaceful enclave, where blue and white streets lead to ocean views. Nearby, the Hassan Tower is a 12th-century minaret that was never finished, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is also a big attraction. Both show the city’s rich history.

Rabat has wide streets, green parks, and is known as Morocco’s cleanest city. It offers a mix of culture and modern life, making it perfect for families and travelers who want peace and quiet.

Culture Tips for an Authentic Moroccan Experience

Morocco is a chill place that moves slower than what you might be used to, so bring your patience. A simple “salaam alaikum” can make people smile, and taking off your shoes before entering someone’s home shows good manners.

If you visit during Ramadan, remember: no eating or drinking in public during the day? it’s not polite. Also, dress modestly. Ladies, try to cover your shoulders and knees. Guys, no shorts at mosques, please (save those for the beach!).

Want to take a photo? Always ask first, especially if it’s of women or kids. Moroccans love their history and cool cities, so if you show real interest and learn a few Arabic or French words, you’ll go from tourist to guest. And who knows, you might even get invited for mint tea (or three)!

Conclusion

Whether you're walking in the Merzouga desert, staying in nice riads, exploring old cities like Fez and Meknes, or relaxing on the beaches of Essaouira and Agadir, Morocco is a beautiful country with many great places to visit. Every place gives you a special and fun experience.

FAQs

Q: What is the most tourist-visited city in Morocco?

Marrakech takes the crown as the most visited city in Morocco. With busy markets, beautiful palaces, and the famous Djemaa el-Fna square full of performers, food stalls, and snake charmers, it’s the top choice for many travelers wanting a real Moroccan adventure.

Q: What is the best city to visit in Morocco for the first time?

If it’s your first time in Morocco, Marrakech is a great place to begin. You’ll find fun culture, old buildings, places to shop, tasty food, and beautiful places to stay. If you prefer something calmer, Fes or Rabat might suit you better.

Q: Should I visit Marrakech or Casablanca?

It depends on what you’re looking for!

• Marrakech is great if you like tradition, bright colors, and busy streets with markets, palaces, and street shows.
• Casablanca is more modern and relaxed, famous for the big Hassan II Mosque and cafés by the beach.
  Short visit? Choose Marrakech. Staying longer or working? Casablanca is better.

Q: What is the safest city in Morocco for tourists?

Rabat is often considered the safest city for tourists. It’s clean, calm, and less chaotic than cities like Marrakech or Fes. People are nice, and there isn’t much crime. Just be careful like you would anywhere else.

Q: Which is better to visit, Marrakech or Fes?

Both are amazing, but they offer different experiences:

• Marrakech is lively, tourist-friendly, and packed with attractions.
• Fes is more traditional and full of history. Walking its maze-like medina feels like going back in time.
• If you love culture and don’t mind getting a little lost (literally), choose Fes. If you want a mix of tradition and comfort, go for Marrakech.