Best Places To Visit In Morocco
From imperial cities and ancient medinas to the Sahara Desert and Atlantic coastline
Morocco is a country of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern culture, and diverse landscapes range from snow-capped mountains to vast desert dunes. From buzzing medinas in imperial cities to peaceful coastal towns and breathtaking natural wonders, there's no shortage of incredible places to explore. Before setting off, consider getting a Morocco eSIM for seamless connectivity as you navigate this unforgettable destination.
Most Popular Attractions in Morocco
Whether you're captivated by historic palaces, stunning Islamic architecture, or dramatic landscapes, here's where to visit in Morocco:
Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Best season to visit: Year-round, best in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November)
- Region: Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
- Highlights: UNESCO-listed square, street performers, night market, Moroccan street food
No visit to Morocco is complete without experiencing Jemaa el-Fnaa, the beating heart of Marrakech and one of the most famous squares in Africa. By day, the square buzzes with snake charmers, henna artists, and juice vendors. Surrounding the square are the vibrant souks of the medina, where visitors can shop for traditional crafts, spices, and textiles.
Hassan II Mosque
- Best season to visit: Year-round, best on weekdays for fewer crowds
- Region: Casablanca, Casablanca-Settat
- Highlights: Stunning oceanfront location, world's tallest minaret, intricate Moroccan craftsmanship
The Hassan II Mosque is one of the most magnificent religious buildings in the world and a masterpiece of modern Moroccan architecture. Completed in 1993, this grand mosque features a 210-meter minaret, the tallest in the world, and can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside with an additional 80,000 in the courtyard. Built partially over the Atlantic Ocean, its glass floor reveals the sea below, creating an impressive visual effect. The mosque is one of the few in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors.
Bahia Palace
- Best season to visit: Year-round, best in early mornings
- Region: Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
- Highlights: 19th-century palace, elaborate gardens, stunning Moroccan tilework
The Bahia Palace is an outstanding example of Moroccan architecture and one of the best places to visit in Morocco for history enthusiasts. Built in the late 19th century for a wealthy grand vizier, the palace features intricately decorated rooms, peaceful courtyards, and gardens filled with orange trees and fountains. The painted wooden ceilings, colorful zellige tiles, and carved stucco work showcase the finest craftsmanship of the era.
Koutoubia Mosque
- Best season to visit: Year-round (exterior viewing only for non-Muslims)
- Region: Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
- Highlights: Marrakech's most iconic landmark, stunning minaret, beautiful gardens
The Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakech's most famous landmark and a symbol of the city's Islamic heritage. Built in the 12th century, its 77-meter minaret dominates the skyline and served as the architectural inspiration for landmarks like the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, visitors can admire its magnificent exterior and stroll through the surrounding gardens.
Ait Benhaddou
- Best season to visit: Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November)
- Region: Ouarzazate, Drâa-Tafilalet
- Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage ksar, Game of Thrones filming location, ancient fortified village
One of Morocco's most iconic sites, Ait Benhaddou is a gorgeous fortified village (ksar) that appears frozen in time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, built from earthen clay and dating back to the 11th century, sits along the ancient caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. The ksar's distinctive architecture has made it a popular filming location for movies and TV series including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones.
Fes el-Bali Medina
- Best season to visit: Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November)
- Region: Fes, Fès-Meknès
- Highlights: World's largest car-free urban zone, ancient leather tanneries, medieval architecture
The medina of Fes el-Bali is one of the best places to visit in Morocco for an authentic medieval experience. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world's largest car-free urban zone and one of the most well-preserved historic cities in the Arab world. Its alleyways are home to over 9,000 narrow streets, ancient madrasas (Koranic schools), and the famous Chouara Tannery, where leather has been dyed using traditional methods for centuries. The Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded in 859 AD, is recognized as the world's oldest continuously operating educational institution.
Beach & Coastal Lovers
Essaouira
- Best season to visit: Year-round, best in spring and summer (April–September)
- Region: Essaouira, Marrakech-Safi
- Highlights: Fortified medina, windsurfing, fresh seafood, artistic community
A charming coastal town on the Atlantic, Essaouira is beloved for its laid-back atmosphere, whitewashed buildings with blue shutters, and strong artistic heritage. The UNESCO-listed medina is surrounded by 18th-century fortifications offering beautiful ocean views. The town is famous for its fresh seafood, and visitors can buy fish directly from the port and have it grilled at nearby restaurants. The town has attracted artists and musicians for decades, including Jimi Hendrix, and hosts the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival.
Agadir
- Best season to visit: Year-round, best in spring and summer (March–September)
- Region: Agadir, Souss-Massa
- Highlights: Modern beach resort, year-round sunshine, water sports, golf courses
Morocco's premier beach destination, Agadir offers a more modern, resort-style experience compared to the country's historic cities. Rebuilt after a devastating 1960 earthquake, the city now boasts a long sandy beach, contemporary hotels, and a promenade perfect for evening strolls. Visitors can enjoy water sports, explore the souk, or take day trips to nearby Paradise Valley, an oasis with natural pools surrounded by palm trees and dramatic rock formations.
Nature, Mountains & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Atlas Mountains
- Best season to visit: Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November) for trekking; winter (December–March) for skiing
- Region: Various regions spanning central Morocco
- Highlights: Mount Toubkal (North Africa's highest peak), Berber villages, skiing at Oukaimeden
The Atlas Mountains offer some of Morocco's most spectacular scenery and outdoor adventures. The High Atlas range, home to North Africa's highest peak, Mount Toubkal (4,167 meters), attracts trekkers from around the world. The climb to the summit typically takes two days and rewards hikers with breathtaking views. The mountains are also home to traditional Berber villages where visitors can experience authentic mountain hospitality and culture. The valleys are filled with kasbahs, terraced fields, and ancient fortified villages.
Todra Gorge
- Best season to visit: Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November)
- Region: Tinghir, Drâa-Tafilalet
- Highlights: Dramatic canyon walls, rock climbing, desert oasis
One of Morocco's most spectacular natural wonders, Todra Gorge features limestone cliffs that rise up to 300 meters high, creating a narrow canyon carved by the Todra River. The final 600 meters of the gorge are the most impressive, with cliff walls so close together they nearly block out the sun. The gorge is a world-renowned destination for rock climbers, offering routes for all skill levels. At the base, a cool river flows through palm groves and small Berber villages.
Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Best season to visit: Autumn to spring (October–April)
- Region: Merzouga, Drâa-Tafilalet
- Highlights: Sahara Desert experience, camel trekking, overnight desert camps
For the quintessential Sahara Desert experience, Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes are unmissable. These massive sand dunes, reaching heights up to 150 meters, create a landscape of golden and orange hues that shift with the light throughout the day. Visitors can go on camel treks in the desert, watch spectacular sunsets and sunrises over the dunes, and spend nights in traditional Berber camps under star-filled skies.
##Food & Wine Lovers
Tangier
- Best season to visit: Year-round
- Region: Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
- Highlights: Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, fresh seafood, international food scene
Located at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, Tangier offers a unique culinary experience influenced by Mediterranean, Andalusian, and traditional Moroccan flavors. The city's coastal location means exceptional fresh seafood, while its cosmopolitan history has created a diverse food scene. The Central Market (Grand Socco) is perfect for fresh produce and local specialties.
Meknes
- Best season to visit: Year-round, best in autumn (September–November) during olive harvest
- Region: Meknes, Fès-Meknès
- Highlights: Morocco's olive oil capital, Meknes wines, traditional cuisine, proximity to Volubilis vineyards
One of Morocco's four imperial cities, Meknes is surrounded by fertile agricultural land that produces some of the country's best olives, wine, and produce. The city is famous for its olive oil, and visitors can tour local olive groves and production facilities. The nearby Volubilis region produces Moroccan wines, despite the country being predominantly Muslim. Meknes' medina offers excellent traditional restaurants and the chance to sample regional specialties.
First-Time Visitor Destinations in Morocco
Marrakech
- Best season to visit: Year-round, best in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November)
- Region: Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
- Highlights: Jemaa el-Fnaa, souks, palaces, gardens, vibrant atmosphere
The Red City is Morocco's most popular destination and a perfect introduction to the country's magic. Marrakech offers a blend of ancient and modern, where centuries-old medinas exist alongside contemporary art galleries and trendy restaurants.
Fes
- Best season to visit: Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November)
- Region: Fes, Fès-Meknès
- Highlights: Ancient medina, cultural heritage, traditional crafts
Fes offers a more authentic, less touristy experience than Marrakech while still providing all the magic of a Moroccan imperial city. The medina of Fes el-Bali is the world's largest car-free urban zone, where donkeys and handcarts are still the primary means of transport. Visitors can witness traditional crafts being practiced as they have been for centuries, from leather tanning to copper working and carpet weaving.
Chefchaouen
- Best season to visit: Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November)
- Region: Chefchaouen, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
- Highlights: Blue-painted medina, mountain scenery, relaxed pace
For first-time visitors seeking a more relaxed pace, Chefchaouen offers the perfect introduction to Morocco. The blue-washed buildings give the town a distinct character, while the mountain setting provides a cooler climate and natural scenery. The town's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, and its laid-back atmosphere is perfect for those who might find larger cities overwhelming.
Families & Kid-Friendly Destinations
Agadir & Beach Resorts
- Best season to visit: Year-round, best in spring and summer (March–September)
- Region: Agadir, Souss-Massa
- Highlights: Family-friendly beaches, resort amenities, safe swimming
Agadir is Morocco's most family-friendly destination, with its long sandy beach, calm waters safe for children, and modern resort facilities. Many hotels offer kids' clubs, pools, and family-focused activities. The city's promenade is perfect for evening family walks, with playgrounds and ice cream vendors. Nearby attractions include the Crocoparc (crocodile park) and Agadir Birds Valley, both popular with children.
Ouzoud Waterfalls
- Best season to visit: Spring (March–May) when water flow is strongest
- Region: Azilal Province, Béni Mellal-Khénifra
- Highlights: Morocco's highest waterfalls, wild monkeys, swimming pools
The Ouzoud Waterfalls, dropping 110 meters into a stunning gorge, make for an exciting family day trip from Marrakech. The multiple cascades create an amazing sight, and the trail down to the base is manageable for children (though there are many steps). At the bottom, several natural pools are perfect for swimming on hot days. Boat rides at the base of the falls add extra excitement for children.
Rabat Zoo (Jardin Zoologique National de Rabat)
- Best season to visit: Year-round, best in cooler months (October–April)
- Region: Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
- Highlights: Modern zoo with African wildlife, themed areas, educational programs
One of Africa's finest zoos, the Rabat Zoo offers a fantastic family experience with spacious, naturalistic enclosures showcasing African wildlife. Children can see lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and many other species. The zoo is organized into different African biome zones, making it educational as well as entertaining.
History & Culture Lovers
Volubilis
- Best season to visit: Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November)
- Region: Near Meknes, Fès-Meknès
- Highlights: Roman ruins, well-preserved mosaics, ancient city
Volubilis is Morocco's most important Roman archaeological site and one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 3rd century BC and features remarkably intact mosaics, columns, and the remains of basilicas, temples, and merchant houses. Walking through the ancient city, visitors can see the House of Orpheus with its detailed mosaics, the Capitol, and the Triumphal Arch.
Rabat
- Best season to visit: Year-round
- Region: Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
- Highlights: Hassan Tower, Kasbah of the Udayas, Chellah necropolis
Morocco's capital city is often overlooked but offers a wealth of historical sites within a more relaxed atmosphere than other imperial cities. The Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret from the 12th century, stands alongside the modern Mausoleum of Mohammed V, showcasing Morocco's architectural evolution. The Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortified community dating to the 12th century, features blue and white painted streets overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Chellah, a medieval fortified necropolis built on ancient Roman ruins, offers a glimpse into Morocco's layered history.