Split image: left, lantern-lit Sahara desert camp at night with white filigree lamps and a tent; right, daytime scene of Essaouira harbor packed with blue wooden fishing boats and gulls overhead.

September 10, 2025 Saidyakoubi@gmail.com

What are the Must Visit Places in Morocco?

If you only have a week or two to explore Morocco, then be sure to visit, the earthen Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, the Roman ruins and mosaics of Volubilis near Meknes, and the breathtaking medinas, madrasas, and palaces of Fes and Marrakech.

Hassan Tower promenade (Rabat). Central walkway through rows of ruined columns leading to the iconic unfinished minaret—and a secure experience for tourists exploring Morocco’s vibrant capital.

Must Visit Places in Morocco?

Morocco is home to hundreds, if not thousands, of breathtaking historical sites, including numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many of which are located along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, throughout the Rif and Atlas Mountains, and across the Sahara fringe in southern Morocco.

Most people who visit Morocco simply don’t have enough time to visit every tourist attraction in the country, so in this post we are only going to take a look at the top must-visit places in Morocco. These are among Morocco’s most famous attractions which everyone should try to visit during their trip to Morocco.
We’ll begin with some must visit places in and around Marrakech, and then move on from there.

Essaouira/Atlantic medina lane. Sun-washed white walls with blue trim and a lively mural line a narrow coastal alley—and enriching experience for visitors interested in Morocco’s coastal history. allowing travelers to discover the vibrant underwater life Morocco is famous for.

Morocco Must Sees – Ancient Medinas, Kasbahs, and Imperial Cities

The legendary medina of Marrakech and the vast, ever-buzzing Jemaa el-Fnaa square are among the world’s most famous urban spectacles. Located at the foot of the High Atlas, Morocco’s “Red City” showcases the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Ben Youssef Madrasa.
All of these monuments are open to tourists, meaning you can actually go inside them. However, the magic of Marrakech isn’t only indoors—the maze of souks reveals artisans hammering copper, dyeing wool, and carving cedar by hand.

If you want to see and explore architecture from earlier dynasties and Roman times, then you would be better off visiting the Roman ruins at Volubilis near Meknes, the fortified ksar of Aït Benhaddou near Ouarzazate, and the cliff-side granaries and kasbahs scattered through the Anti-Atlas. These sites are older than many of the buildings in Marrakech, and their interiors, mosaics, and mud-brick passageways are also a lot more evocative.
You can visit several of the above mentioned places in one day from Fez or Marrakech, although this probably won’t be possible if you have to rely solely on public transport and/or taxis. If you want to visit three or more of these archaeological sites in one day, you should consider booking a Morocco heritage tour that includes a professional guide, a driver, and an air-conditioned vehicle.

The 2 Museums in Rabat and Marrakech

The Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech are Morocco’s top two modern museums. The Rabat museum highlights a sweeping collection of Moroccan and international works that frame the country’s contemporary voice. With that having been said, Marrakech’s Dar El Bacha – Museum of Confluences is still one of the top tourist attractions in the city, showcasing craftsmanship, decorative arts, and the layered history of Moroccan culture.

Jewish Mellahs and Islamic Medinas

While Marrakech and Fez are certainly modern cities in parts, these bustling urban centers are also home to centuries-old quarters—mellahs (historic Jewish neighborhoods) and Islamic medinas—many of which have become popular tourist attractions, including the Ibn Danan Synagogue in Fez and Marrakech’s mellah with its spice markets and silverwork.
One could literally spend an entire day exploring these parts of the cities on foot, but if you don’t have too much time to spare, then you should at least try to visit a historic fondouk (caravanserai), a traditional hammam, and the souk districts for leather, metalwork, and textiles.

Fez and Meknes – Madrasas, Mausoleums, and Living Craft

The ancient medina of Fez el-Bali, the Bou Inania and Attarine madrasas, and the University of al-Qarawiyyin are among Morocco’s most famous landmarks, and definitely some of the top must visit places in Morocco. Fez el-Bali and Fez el-Jdid are located within walking distance of each other, stitched together by lively markets and hidden squares.
Also located near modern-day Meknes and the Zerhoun hills you find the holy town of Moulay Idriss and the expansive Roman city of Volubilis, two of Morocco’s most visited ancient sites.
Volubilis is home to dozens of mosaics, villas, and a triumphal arch—many of which are open to visitors. The mausoleum of Moulay Idriss is a focal point of Moroccan spiritual history, while Meknes offers monumental gates like Bab Mansour and vast royal granaries.

Apart from the above mentioned attractions, there are many other nearby sites located in what is now known as one of the world’s largest living medieval urban areas, making Fez one of the top must visit places in Morocco. Tourists can also enjoy sunrise or sunset viewpoints over the medina from Borj Nord, and guided craft tours through tanneries, woodcarvers, and zellij tile workshops.

Royal Palace gates (Fes). Crowds gather before ornate golden doors and zellij-trimmed arches of the Dar el-Makhzen—a new absolute “Must See” in Morocco.

Aït Benhaddou and the Kasbahs of Ouarzazate

Considered architectural masterpieces of southern Morocco, the earth-built ksour (fortified villages) at Aït Benhaddou are among the most impressive places in Morocco. As with the monuments in Fez and Volubilis, Aït Benhaddou is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located along the former caravan routes near Ouarzazate, these monumental mud-brick structures once guarded trade and water sources. Nearby, the Kasbah of Taourirt and the valley of Skoura reveal palm groves, rose-lined roads, and more storied ramparts.

The Aït Benhaddou ksar is without question one of the top must visit places in Morocco, and one which every visitor should try to visit during their stay. Crossing the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass adds cinematic mountain scenery to the journey.

Aït Benhaddou ksar: Mud-brick towers climb a hillside beside palms under a soft, clouded sky. Marked trails and knowledgeable local guides help travelers tour the site safely while learning its caravan and film history.

Essaouira, Morocco’s Laid Back City

Skala de la Kasbah, Essaouira: Honey-stone ramparts and watchtowers overlook the ocean as people stroll the wide terrace. Well-kept walkways and visible staff create a calm, secure setting for sightseeing.

Essaouira is often said to be Morocco’s most charming coastal city. It’s the perfect place to visit after visiting the intensity of Marrakech, or the scholarly maze of Fez. Besides its laid back pace of life, Essaouira also has wonderful historical sites, with the 18th-century ramparts and sea bastions being the most famous of them all. The medina’s grid layout, blue boats bobbing in the port, and galleries brimming with art make it easy to linger.
Going for a breezy beach walk at sunset is highly recommended, as is a wander along the skala walls to watch waves crash against the stone.

Essaouira fishing port: Rows of bright blue wooden boats crowd the calm harbor, nets and ropes piled on decks. Visitors can explore this lively quay comfortably, with clear signage and friendly crews making it an easy, worry-free stop.

Atlas-to-Sahara Journeys

It’s often said that there is no better way to experience Morocco’s dramatic geography than by an overland journey from the Atlas to the Sahara, and anyone who has experienced an awesome desert itinerary would definitely agree. With a good quality trip, you enjoy expert-guided tours to the kasbahs of Ouarzazate and the palm oases of Skoura, and to top attractions in the Dades and Todra Gorges.
Besides those valleys, you also visit other sites along the way, including the strikingly photogenic oasis towns of Tinejdad and Tinghir, and the fossil-rich markets around Erfoud and Rissani.

Tangier and the Northern Coast

If you have seen the top attractions in Marrakech, Essaouira, Fez, and Meknes, and you still have time to spare, you may want to consider visiting Tangier on Morocco’s northern coast. Despite being a major port city, it is nothing like Marrakech. It is a much more laid back city in parts, and one which seems to have escaped the negative effects of mass tourism in many neighborhoods.
While Tangier cannot compete with Fez in terms of medieval monuments, the city still has plenty to see, including the hilltop kasbah, the American Legation Museum, the Caves of Hercules, and nearby whitewashed Asilah along the Atlantic. The city is also home to numerous old-world cafes which are absolutely charming.
You can also enjoy lovely sandy beaches that are never very crowded outside peak season. Foreign travelers often skip Tangier’s beaches for the surf towns farther south, which means you can often find a quiet stretch to relax.

Cave of Hercules, Tangier: Turquoise Atlantic surf glows through the cave opening shaped like the map of Africa. Access paths and attentive attendants make the viewpoint straightforward and reassuring for first-time visitors.

Atlantic and Mediterranean Coasts

Agadir, Taghazout, Essaouira, Mirleft, Al Hoceima, Saidia, and Dakhla are all must visit places in Morocco if you want to enjoy a relaxing break near the ocean during your trip to Morocco. These are also immensely popular spots among surfers, kitesurfers, and snorkelers.
You will find a thriving water-sports scene in all of these areas. This is not actually surprising considering that Morocco’s long coastline is home to point breaks, lagoons, and protected coves. From sea-blown ramparts to palm-fringed promenades, Morocco’s coasts have it all.

The Sahara and Southern Oases

Family camel ride on Sahara dunes. A guide leads camels carrying riders across soft, orange sand beneath pastel clouds—and safe way to experience Morocco’s historical sites and natural beauty.

Many people would agree that the Sahara fringe is one of the top must visit places in Morocco if you want to spend some time in nature. It is also the perfect place to enjoy camel rides, quad bike adventures, and/or 4×4 desert safaris.
The Moroccan Sahara is home to the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and the wilder, more remote Erg Chigaga near M’hamid, along with protected areas such as Iriqui National Park. The Drâa Valley, with its continuous ribbon of palm groves and ksour, and the Tafilalet oases around Rissani, offer ancient caravan history, earthen architecture, and starry night skies.

Desert camp at night (Merzouga). Lantern-lit Sahara camp with palms and a dining tent glows warmly under a deep indigo sky—and travelers can experience it with confidence in Morocco’s tourist-friendly environment. knowing that safety measures ensure your visit is smooth and enjoyable.

Mountains, Waterfalls, and Cedar Forests

Akchour waterfall (near Chefchaouen). Fresh water spills over a mossy cliff into a cool pool, framed by green foliage—A visit to Philae Temple offers a peaceful, secure experience amidst the wonders of ancient Morocco.

Chefchaouen blue stairs. Steep alley painted in vivid blues lined with pom-pom Berber hats and textiles cascading down the steps—and travelers can experience it with confidence in Morocco’s tourist-friendly environment.

Beyond the desert, Morocco’s mountains provide cool air and dramatic hiking. Toubkal National Park south of Marrakech offers treks from Imlil toward North Africa’s highest peak. Day trips to the Ourika and Azzaden valleys reveal terraced fields and stone villages, while the Ouzoud Waterfalls plunge into emerald pools perfect for a refreshing stop.
Farther north, the Rif Mountains cradle Chefchaouen’s blue lanes and Talassemtane National Park’s limestone cliffs, while the Middle Atlas around Ifrane and Azrou shelters cedar forests where Barbary macaques roam.

Barbary macaque in cedar forest (Azrou/Ifrane) a secure and fascinating adventure for nature lovers exploring Morocco’s diverse attractions.

Casablanca and Rabat

Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca). Wide esplanade and soaring minaret framed by arcades under a blue, cloud-dotted sky—making it one of the safest places to visit in Morocco.

If you’ve covered Marrakech and Fez and still have room in your schedule, consider the coastal pair of Casablanca and Rabat. Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, perched above the Atlantic, is one of the largest mosques in the world, with a minaret rising like a lighthouse. Rabat (the capital) blends modern energy with UNESCO-listed sites like the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the clifftop Chellah necropolis where storks nest among Roman and Marinid ruins.
Both cities offer seaside promenades, elegant cafes, and broad boulevards—livelier than resort towns yet less intense than the old medinas.

Mausoleum of Mohammed V & Hassan Tower site (Rabat). Stone columns lead to the white mausoleum with green pyramid roof and carved arches—awe-inspiring destination for travelers interested in Morocco’s rich history.

Must Visit Places in Morocco and More

Even if you have visited all the must-visit places in Morocco which have been mentioned in this post, you can be sure that Morocco has plenty of other fascinating places to visit as well. Chefchaouen’s cobalt alleys, Tetouan’s elegant medina, Ouarzazate’s film studios, and the palm-shadowed oasis of Skoura each reveal a different face of the country.
At Morocco Outings, we have an epic range of Morocco tour packages, desert journeys, and city breaks to suit all tastes and budgets. And, if you cannot find the perfect Morocco itinerary on our site, we can customize any and all of our tours to fit your needs exactly, or our Morocco travel specialists can work with you to design your own unique itinerary from scratch.
With approximately half a million tours already sold, you can be sure that when you travel with us, lifelong memories are guaranteed. Find and book your dream private guided trip to Morocco, or to begin planning your once in a lifetime holiday today.