15 Best Cities to Visit in Morocco

Enveloped by the sparkling Mediterranean and the expansive Sahara, Morocco’s allure transcends time, beckoning travelers with its kaleidoscopic landscapes and storied streets.

Its position as a pivotal crossroads for African trade has imprinted a rich mosaic of cultures, mingling indigenous Berber traditions with vestiges of colonial French and Spanish. This tapestry of influences manifests in a spectrum of urban experiences, from the dizzying energy of global metropolises to the echoing chants of centuries-old medinas.

Your exploration of the country’s urban jewels will unveil unique threads of Morocco’s identity. Each city is a universe unto itself, with bustling markets, ornate palaces, and hushed corners speaking volumes of its history. Your journey is not just about ticking off landmarks, but also about immersing yourself in the infectious spirit of Moroccan city life—the sizzle of street food, the murmur of local dialects, and the medley of colors that drape the bazaars and beyond.
Whether in the shadows of timeless architecture or the warm embrace of a local café, best cities to visit in Morocco invite you to partake in a tapestry of experiences that will captivate your senses and enrich your understanding of this multifaceted nation.

1. Asilah

In Asilah, you’re greeted by vivid murals that transform the city walls into a canvas reflecting a blend of Spanish and Moroccan influences. As you meander through its ancient coastal ramparts, you’ll feel the pulse of both cultures. The oceanfront walkway is an idyllic stretch for cycling past charming cafés, while the breeze carries the timeless scent of the sea. Here, every corner whispers a story of artistic spirit and cultural fusion.

2. Larache

A tranquil haven in the hot Moroccan summers, Larache invites you with its serene River Loukas—a gentle reminder of the city’s languid pace. As you wander, uncover the storied Lixus ruins, whispered to house the fabled Hesperides’ gardens. Spanish influences pervade; local tapas bars contrast with traditional Moroccan fare, while Spanish churches stand in charming harmony with the city’s fabric. Here, history is a subtle companion to your laid-back exploration.

3. Tinghir

Nestled within the Todra Valley, Tinghir offers an escape where the High Atlas Mountains kiss the Sahara’s edge. Wander through this erstwhile Amazigh town, now a flourishing city with lush gardens, grand Kasbahs, and weaving alleys.

Boldly ascend to the ruins of the 18th-century Glaoui Palace, where panoramic views beckon from its summit. In Tinghir, every twist and turn bids you to delve deeper into its vibrant tapestry—a symphony of history and nature.

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4. El Jadida

Stroll the sun-warmed sands of the bustling beaches where local families revel in the summer gaiety. Your exploration of El Jadida, a coastal respite a brief journey from Casablanca, can span the course of a single day. Inside, the Portuguese Cistern’s antiquity echoes beneath your feet — a remnant of the 16th-century stronghold. Climb the ramparts; the view breathes a story of past and present merging beneath your gaze.

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5. Chefchaouen

Nestled in the heart of Morocco’s Rif Mountains, your eyes will be treated to Chefchaouen’s captivating azure architecture. The town’s blue-washed buildings contrast against red-tiled roofs, offering a visual feast that beckons photographers and travelers alike.

• Architecture: Marvel at the harmonious blend of Moroccan and Andalusian designs.
• Scenery: Explore the maze-like streets discovering hidden plazas and enduring kasbahs.
• Cuisine: Savor the local flavors and enjoy engaging conversations with friendly residents.
• Adventure: Embrace the serene mountainscape and venture into the inviting hills.

In Chefchaouen, each cobblestone path leads to new discoveries and lasting memories.

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6. Tetouan

Tetouan, often referred to as ‘the water springs’, is a gem nestled at the Rif Mountains’ base. As a vital Mediterranean port, this former Spanish Morocco capital boasts a rich blend of cultural influences. Stroll through the medina—a labyrinth of history—where every turn reveals the city’s Andalusian legacy. Marvel at the Spanish-influenced architecture, epitomized by square, white structures and expansive avenues. Here, the past and present merge, inviting you to immerse yourself in its timeless charm.

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7. Casablanca

As you traverse the economic heartbeat of Morocco, the pulse of Casablanca’s bygone era faintly resonates through its urban façade. Trade and commerce fuel its vibrant energy, asserting its status as the country’s commercial epicenter. Amidst the rise of glass towers and bustling streets, the city’s old downtown offers glimpses of historical charm, where Moorish designs merge with European influence.

Should you yearn for a whisk to the classic allure, Rick’s Cafe awaits, an embodiment of cinema’s nostalgia. It’s a modern tribute to the iconic bar, inviting you to momentarily slip into the cinematic history with a crafted cocktail in hand.

While steeped in trade, Casablanca’s soul is etched in its architectural mergers and quiet homages to romantic imagery; it’s in these surroundings you’ll find the city’s true spirit.

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8. Tangier

Once a haven for the world’s eccentrics, Tangier’s allure captivated minds and hearts in the cultural revolutions of the ’50s and ’60s. As you roam its streets, a cosmopolitan pulse threads through the old and new—a tapestry woven from its time as a fabled International Zone.

• Historical Charisma: Revered by artists and writers, Tangier’s bohemian spirit is etched into its very fabric.
• Cultural Blend: European touches grace its architecture amidst the vibrant tableau of Moroccan development.
• Modern Flourish: Economic growth shapes the city, juxtaposing tradition with progressive Moroccan visions.

Your journey through Tangier is a step across the threshold of time, where tales of the past meet modern vibrancy.

9. Agadir

In the wake of transformation, Agadir has emerged as a relaxed seaside destination. The city affords a milder contrast to the typical Moroccan intensity, notably after its historical architecture succumbed to nature’s might in the 60s.

Beachfront Wanderings:

• Enjoy leisurely ambles along a serene promenade.
• Savor the local cuisine from lively food stalls.

Rebirth of Agadir:

• Embrace the modernity that has risen post-earthquake.

Local Interactions:

• Engage with amiable Agadir residents, sharing stories and smiles.

Immerse in the city’s tranquility that resonates through the beach’s soft echoes and the warmth of every greeting. Here, you truly sync with Agadir’s rhythm, one leisurely step at a time.

10. Essaouira

Essaouira greets you with an air of tranquility, setting itself apart with a blend of cultural heritages due to its French-colonial past, which is evident in the mixture of architectural styles and the melting pot vibe. The city has long been a magnet for artists and bohemians, drawing a creative crowd since the 1960s. As you meander through the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the European influence becomes palpable amidst the maze of inviting streets.

Here, the beaches are picturesque yet windblown, creating a haven not for sunbathers but for windsurfing aficionados who congregate in the warm months, adding a dash of excitement to the serene landscape.

Key Highlights:

• Majestic Medina: Lose yourself in the twists and turns of the ancient Medina and discover a treasure trove of local craftsmanship and hidden nooks.
• Windsurfing Waves: Embrace the strong breezes and witness or join the spirited community of water sports enthusiasts.

Nearby, the bustling harbor and age-old city ramparts speak volumes of Essaouira’s rich history, inviting you to uncover the layers of time with every step. This city doesn’t just provide postcard-worthy views; it offers a narrative of diverse influences and the warmth of a town shaped by history and openness to the world.

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11. Rabat

As the heart of Morocco, Rabat cradles the Bouregreg River, boasting majestic Islamic architecture that whispers tales of a time entwined intricately with French influence. Imagine yourself wandering through the intimate kasbah, a walled fortress that pulses with history.

• Appreciate the Islamic architecture and French-infused designs
• St. Peter’s Cathedral: Discover the fusion of art-deco style
• Coastal ambiance: Feel the European influence on the Atlantic edge
• Cafés: Savor a mint tea amid the relaxed, coastal vibe

Allow Rabat to reveal its secrets as you embrace the tranquility of a European coastal town nestled in the embrace of Moroccan culture.

12. Meknes

Meknes, an alluring mosaic of Morocco’s storied past, invites you to wander through its 11th-century walls, portals to a time when sultans reigned supreme. You’ll find grandeur in the city’s seamless blend of Moorish and Spanish designs, reflecting a time of cultural interweaving.

• Bab Mansour Gate: Marvel at its intricate zellij tilework.
• Sultan Moulay Ismail’s Mausoleum: Regal arches meet lush gardens, a testament to past opulence.

Allow Meknes to envelop you with its regal legacy, from imposing fortifications to delicate architectural details—a city where every stone tells a millennia-old tale of power and beauty.

13. Ouarzazate

In the embrace of the High Atlas Mountains lies Ouarzazate, your sun-drenched gateway to the Sahara. Here, the Taourirt Kasbah stands as a formidable reminder of the 19th century—a citadel offering stunning vistas of the undulating, ochre terrain.

In Ouarzazate:

• Lodging: A selection of welcoming hotels
• Dining: Local eateries with attractive prices
• Sightseeing: The majestic sights of Ait Benhaddou await nearby

Your adventure here is punctuated by the silent stories of ancient structures and the tapestry of the desert that extends beyond. Join the travelers who find themselves enraptured by the silent majesty of this cinematic landscape.

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14. Fes

In the heartland of Morocco, your senses will be enthralled by Fes, a city resonant with the echoes of ancient Islamic scholarship. Imagine the touch of cool cedar, artfully carved, that graces the halls of Bou Inania and Al Attarine, two illustrious schools established in the 14th Century. Walking through the city’s expansive medina, the scent of history is tangible in the air—an atmosphere thick with the tales and secrets of the past.

Noteworthy Sights in Fes	Description
Bou Inania Madrasa	An architectural marvel with meticulously crafted cedar woodwork and zellige tiling.
Al Attarine Madrasa	Neighboring the spice and perfume market, it is distinguished for its finely chiseled decoration.
Chouara Tannery	A step into the 11th Century trade hub, witnessing a craft passed through generations.

Amid the lively hum of the medina, seek out the Chouara Tannery, possibly the oldest of its kind, where leather is still transformed using time-honored methods—a nod to the city’s enduring artisanal spirit.

Embrace Fes—immerse yourself in its vivacity, and let its story enfold you.

15. Marrakech

Venture into Marrakech, a quintessential city where echoes of trade whisper through the lively streets. At the nucleus of Morocco’s historic cities, Marrakech thrives as a crucial beacon of commerce, its history woven into every transaction.

Key Highlights:

• Koutoubia Mosque: A masterpiece from the 12th century, standing tall as the city’s spiritual landmark.
• Bahia Palace: Revel in the opulence of the late 19th century, with intricate details that narrate stories of grandeur.

The maze-like alleys of Marrakech’s medina lead to Jemaa el-Fnaa, a bustling square teaming with life and the hum of activity. It’s a space where the city’s pulse is most palpable, vendors offering a mélange of wares and curiosities.

When in Marrakech	Details
Bargaining:	Engage in the art of negotiation, a local custom as you shop.
Culinary Delights:	As dusk wraps the city, indulge in the aromatic feasts at food stalls.

Embrace the city’s frenetic energy, where every sense is kindled, and every moment presents a new invitation into its vibrant depths. Marrakech awaits your footfalls, ready to unfurl its myriad charms as you immerse yourself in the verve of its streets.

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