10 Best Cities to Visit in Morocco
Where to Stay in Morocco and What to See?
When thinking of the best cities in Morocco, it’s no surprise that Marrakech might spring to mind, but there’s more to this North African nation. Venture beyond its most famous and fabled metropolis into the High Atlas Mountains and through the cinematic Agafay Desert to uncover some amazing, tourist-friendly Moroccan cities.
Wander through a bohemian town, drink regional wine in the hills, or tour the Atlas Film Studio and a UNESCO-listed kasbah. Be hypnotized by azure-blue buildings, charming wooden fishing boats, and a bustling harbor serving freshly caught seafood. You can even stay in a Berber desert camp under a blanket of twinkling stars. Read on to discover where to stay in Morocco.
1. Marrakech
A treat for all the senses
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Ir de compras
Renowned for its bustling UNESCO-listed Medina that spreads out like a labyrinth behind 12th-century walls, Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most beloved national treasures. Head to Jemaa-el-Fnaa square to find snake charmers, henna tattooists, and a bazaar overflowing with Berber jewelry, copper pots, leather bags, and patterned kaftans.
Lovers of architecture, horticulture, and fashion can visit the Yves Saint-Laurent house, Majorelle Garden, which beguiles with its electric blue exterior, courtyards filled with enormous cacti, and a museum that pays tribute to the French designer’s legacy. Alternatively, head to Bahia Palace to marvel at its kaleidoscopic Islamic mosaics before grabbing a table on the Le Salama rooftop, where you can sample aromatic tagines, royal couscous, and flaky almond pastillas.
Marrakech
2. Fes
Bustling city filled with old-world relics
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Ir de compras
Long-considered Morocco’s cultural capital, UNESCO-darling Fes is a heaving city of 1.25 million people that dates to the 8th century. Travelers flock here for its 2 walled medinas, medieval Marinid architecture, and the Bou Inania Madrasa religious school that boasts expansive courtyards, Islamic tile work, and a beautiful minaret.
When you aren’t haggling over Argan oil, decorative bowls, and vibrant textiles in the city’s atmospheric souks, you can head to Chouara Tanneries to see how leather is dyed or stroll through Jardin Jnan Sbil, an 18th-century park home to over 3,000 exotic plants. Adventurers should drive 20 minutes north of the center to explore the ruined mausoleums of Marinid Tombs, perched high up in the hills.
Fes
3. Chefchaouen
The Blue Pearl of Morocco
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Poco común
Situated in the rugged Rif Mountains in the north of the country, Chefchaouen is instantly recognizable thanks to its eye-popping old town. It’s painted the most luminous shade of azure blue, which is a tradition passed down from the Jewish community. Spend a weekend here exploring the Medina’s warren of streets, tracing the walls of its 15th-century kasbah, or dining in an eatery facing Uta el-Hamman square. We highly recommend Restaurant Paloma, with its tessellated ceiling.
Nearby is the Ethnographic Museum, a glorious sand-colored building inside Chefchaouen’s historic fort that houses stunning collections of regional folk art, colorful costumes, musical instruments, and hand-thrown pottery. Don’t miss Bouzafer Mosque, high up in the hills, for city views from its panoramic terrace.
Chefchaouen
4. Essaouira
Charismatic port resort on the blustery Atlantic
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Comida
Set along the crescent-shaped shores of Morocco’s western coast, Essaouira dazzles with its 18th-century Skala de la Kasbah ramparts, gold sand beach, and glimmering turquoise water. This photogenic fishing city teems with painted wooden boats bobbing in the harbor and is a hit with intrepid surfers who flock here for its winds.
Feast on fresh seafood at the local fish market, where hole-in-the-wall eateries cook shrimp, crabs, and sardines to order. Or try restaurants like La Table by Madada and feast on gilled squid in olive oil and Moroccan pastillas stuffed with langoustine meat. When you fancy a spot of shopping, the Medina’s souks will appeal with their mountains of exotic spices, woven artisan baskets, and gem-laden jewelry.
Essaouira
5. Rabat
Historic capital steeped in culture
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Aventuras
Skimming both the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco’s capital Rabat is a feast for the eyes at every turn. Think Islamic and French colonial architecture, lush botanical gardens, and energetic souks filled with savvy bargain hunters. The UNESCO-listed Chellah is a medieval archeological site home to a jaw-dropping necropolis and Roman/Marinid city featuring temple ruins, crumbling courtyards, and well-preserved mosaics.
Hassan Tower, an uncompleted 12th-century minaret carved from red sandstone, is a must-visit, as is the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art with its wealth of latter-day treasures. Stop at Andalusian Gardens to admire jasmine flowers before sipping Moroccan mint tea at Café des Oudayas. Enjoy fabulous views of the serpentine river and Rabat’s hilltop citadel.
Rabat
6. Tangier
The gateway between Africa and Europe
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Ir de compras
A striking seaside city on the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier has enchanted artists, including painter Henri Matisse and playwright Tennessee Williams. They fell for Tangier’s rustic whitewashed buildings and laidback bohemian lifestyle. Dating back over 2,000 years, this ancient beauty spot features a maze-like Medina that’s resplendent with souks. Enter through the imposing keyhole gate in the Grand Socco Plaza.
When you’re not haggling with local sellers, visit the sacred Tangier Grande Mosque or the Hercules Caves on Cape Spartel, purported to be a former respite of the Greek god himself. For traditional Moroccan fare, head to the sapphire-hued terraces of Le Salon Bleu for chicken tagine with candied lemons and breathtaking vistas of the kasbah and ocean.
Tangier
7. Meknes
Hilltop haven with royal roots
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Ir de compras
One of Morocco’s 4 imperial cities, Meknes enthralls with its ancient UNESCO Medina, which boasts a magical square called Place el-Hedim. There you can encounter merchants, acrobats, and fire-eaters once the sun begins to set. Stop at the Bab Mansur al-‘Alj gate, which is ornately decorated with Arabic calligraphy and zellij tilework, before visiting the Mausoleum of Mouley Ismail for its stunning courtyard mosaics.
Road trip to Château Roslane to enjoy top-notch wine and food at L’Oliveraie or visit Bistrot Art for fine Parisian gastronomy and fabulous views over the surrounding city. Meanwhile, the Berber and Jewish Art Gallery is a treasure trove of rare antiques for sale, including Moroccan teapots, decorative doors, hand-painted plates, and chunky silver jewelry.
Meknes
8. Ouarzazate
An icon of the silver screen
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Aventuras
There’s no place in the world like the stunning Ouarzazate. Situated in the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, this picture-postcard city is home to the UNESCO-listed Taourirt Kasbah, which spreads out across the desert like a fairy tale sandstone palace. The town is known as Morocco’s answer to Hollywood thanks to its cutting-edge Atlas Film Studio, which helmed blockbuster productions like Game of Thrones. Book tickets for a tour that includes the Kingdom of Heaven movie set.
A visit to Ouarzazate wouldn’t be complete without a desert safari with a reputable local tour group. Meander through the Erg Chigaga sand dunes or camp under the twinkling stars. You’ll be treated to warm Berber hospitality and authentic Moroccan music.
Ouarzazate
9. Tetouan
The magic of Mediterranean Morocco
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Asequible
Set inside the majestic Martil Valley, Tetouan is a wash of white buildings at the foot of the Rif Mountains. It’s mostly undiscovered by tourists due to its off-the-beaten-path location. Its UNESCO-listed medina showcases a wealth of Islamic, Ottoman, and Andalusian architecture, as well as plenty of local merchants selling embroidered fabrics and jewelry.
Swing by the Dar el Odi riad, in the heart of the old quarter, to learn more about the city’s history inside its photographic gallery. Then, visit the Ethnographic Museum to view prized Moroccan artifacts including folkloric costumes and vintage furniture. Restaurant Blanco serves traditional and modern fusion cuisine like goat tagine with caramelized figs and eggplant cannelloni on a gorgeous rooftop terrace.
Tetouan
10. Casablanca
Where modernity meets history
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Familias
Overlooking the dramatic Atlantic Ocean, sprawling Casablanca might be Morocco’s largest metropolis and economic hub. However, behind its big-smoke facade you’ll find a historic city still peppered with old-world treasures that can be found within its maze-like Medina. Edging its lanes and alleys are bustling souks selling all kinds of wares, as well as religious landmarks like the 18th-century Ould el-Hamra Mosque and Ettedgui Synagogue, a sacred Jewish relic.
Beyond the town walls, discover Casablanca’s French-influenced new quarter which is abundant with modern attractions like the luxurious Morocco Mall and The Corniche coastal promenade lined with cafes and beach clubs. Foodies should head to Marché Central Casablanca for eateries only the locals know about like Etoile du Maroc.
Casablanca
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