A Guide to the Best Cities to Visit in Morocco

From the craggy peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the rolling dunes of the Sahara and the wild Atlantic coast, Morocco is a country of striking contrasts. Ancient medinas, bustling souks, ornate mosques and kasbahs, aromatic tagines and mint tea – it’s a treasure trove of history, culture and natural beauty. From romantic Marrakech and imperial Fez to breezy Essaouira and laid-back Agadir, here is a list of some of our favourite Moroccan cities.

Marrakech

Set against the backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is Morocco’s most evocative city, famed for its terracotta walls, palm-lined avenues and labyrinthine medina. By day, wander the souks piled high with colourful textiles, spices and lanterns, and explore ornate sites such as Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque. As evening falls, make your way to Jemaa el-Fna, the city’s legendary main square where food stalls, musicians and storytellers create a captivating open-air theatre. For a calmer side of the city, stroll through the Majorelle Garden or relax in a traditional hammam before tucking into a fragrant lamb tagine and a glass of sweet mint tea on a rooftop terrace.

Casablanca

Morocco’s largest city and commercial heart, Casablanca blends modern energy with striking coastal scenery. Its most iconic sight is the Hassan II Mosque, a vast masterpiece of marble, zellij tiles and carved cedar that rises dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean. Stroll along the seaside Corniche lined with cafés and beach clubs, admire art deco façades in the city centre and browse contemporary galleries and concept stores. In the evening, dine in chic restaurants serving fresh Atlantic seafood, then join the locals for a leisurely promenade by the sea as the sun sets behind the minaret.

Fez (Fès)

Often described as Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, Fez is home to one of the world’s largest and best-preserved medieval medinas, Fez el-Bali. Lose yourself in a maze of narrow alleys where donkeys are still the main transport, and watch traditional craftsmen at work in copper workshops, woodcarving studios and famous leather tanneries. Visit historic madrasas with intricate tilework, step into serene courtyards of ancient mosques and sip tea in restored riads overlooking the rooftops. As night falls, savour a slow-cooked beef and prune tagine or pastilla and listen to the call to prayer echo across the city.

Rabat

Rabat, Morocco’s capital, combines political importance with a relaxed coastal charm. Explore the atmospheric Kasbah of the Udayas with its white-and-blue houses and views over the Atlantic, then wander along the palm-lined boulevards of the Ville Nouvelle. Key sights include the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, fine examples of traditional Moroccan architecture. Along the Bouregreg River, riverside cafés and walkways invite you to linger, while nearby beaches offer a refreshing escape. In the evening, head to the medina for a more local feel, browsing stalls for olives, dates and fragrant street-food brochettes.

Tangier

Perched at the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Tangier has long been a crossroads between Africa and Europe. Its whitewashed medina tumbles down to the port, with cafés where writers and artists once lingered over strong coffee. Stroll along the seaside promenade, visit the historic Kasbah and enjoy sweeping views across the Strait of Gibraltar. Nearby beaches and coastal caves make for easy day trips, while the city’s growing arts scene offers contemporary galleries and stylish guesthouses where you can unwind over seafood tagine and freshly baked khobz bread.

Chefchaouen

Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is affectionately known as the “Blue Pearl” for its enchanting blue-painted alleys and houses. Wander through steep, cobbled lanes framed by arches and flower pots, pausing to browse tiny shops selling woven blankets, ceramics and local goat’s cheese. Climb to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views over the town and surrounding peaks, or relax in the main square, sipping mint tea as the call to prayer drifts across the rooftops. Local dishes such as hearty bean soup and mountain honey-drenched pastries perfectly suit the cooler mountain air.

Agadir

With its wide crescent of golden sand and year-round sunshine, Agadir is Morocco’s classic beach escape. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1960, the city offers a modern seafront promenade lined with cafés, surf schools and seafood restaurants. Spend lazy days swimming and sunbathing, try your hand at surfing or kitesurfing, or take a day trip to the nearby Souss-Massa National Park for birdwatching and coastal walks. As evening falls, sample grilled sardines and fresh seafood at the port before taking a sunset stroll along the palm-fringed corniche.

Essaouira

Breezy, laid-back Essaouira is a fortified port city where whitewashed houses and blue shutters face the crashing Atlantic waves. Its UNESCO-listed medina is compact and easy to explore, filled with woodworkers, art galleries and aromatic spice shops. Walk the sea walls for dramatic views of the harbour and scattered offshore islets, watch surfers riding the waves on nearby beaches or join a camel or horse ride along the sand. Freshly grilled fish at the quayside stalls is a must, best enjoyed with lemon, olives and a generous helping of harira or seafood pastilla.

Ouarzazate

Known as the “door of the desert”, Ouarzazate sits on a high plateau south of the High Atlas Mountains and has long been a gateway for caravans heading to the Sahara. Today it’s famous for its film studios and its proximity to the spectacular ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village of earthen houses and towers that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through mud-brick kasbahs, explore palm-filled valleys and consider an overnight excursion into the dunes of the nearby desert, where you can ride camels, enjoy traditional music by the campfire and sleep beneath a sky full of stars.

Meknes

One of Morocco’s four imperial cities, Meknes offers grand monuments with a more laid-back feel than some of its neighbours. Pass through the elaborate Bab Mansour gate, explore the old grain stores and stables of Sultan Moulay Ismail and stroll the quiet lanes of the medina. A short trip outside the city takes you to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, where olive groves surround mosaicked villas and colonnaded streets. Back in Meknes, stop at a café overlooking the main square for a glass of fresh orange juice and a plate of msemen pancakes with honey.

Tétouan

Tucked between the Rif Mountains and the Mediterranean, Tétouan is a graceful city with strong Andalusian influences. Its UNESCO-listed medina feels refreshingly authentic, with white houses, ornate doorways and bustling local markets rather than heavy tourist crowds. Explore small museums dedicated to Moroccan arts and crafts, admire traditional tilework and carved wooden ceilings, and then make your way to nearby Martil or Cabo Negro beaches for a dip in the sea. In the evening, join locals in sampling grilled sardines, zaalouk (aubergine salad) and sweet pastries in modest but welcoming eateries.

Ifrane

High in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane looks strikingly different from most Moroccan cities, with chalet-style houses, tidy avenues and a cool climate that has earned it the nickname “Little Switzerland”. During winter, nearby slopes attract skiers, while summer brings picnickers and hikers to the surrounding cedar forests. Stroll around the manicured parks and lakes, visit the famous stone lion statue and enjoy the crisp mountain air. After a day outdoors, warm up with hearty Moroccan dishes such as couscous topped with seasonal vegetables or a rich lentil stew.

Dakhla

Set on a narrow peninsula stretching into the Atlantic, far in Morocco’s south, Dakhla has become a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Constant winds and shallow lagoons make it one of the world’s premier kitesurfing and windsurfing destinations, while dolphins and flamingos can sometimes be spotted in the surrounding waters. Beyond the beach camps, explore desert landscapes where dunes meet the sea or enjoy a seafood feast featuring oysters, clams and freshly caught fish. With its laid-back vibe and spectacular sunsets over the lagoon, Dakhla feels wonderfully remote and restorative.

Asilah

A charming seaside town on the north-west coast, Asilah is renowned for its whitewashed medina and colourful street art. Each summer an arts festival brings musicians and painters who decorate its walls with new murals, giving the town a fresh, creative energy. Stroll along the fortified ramparts for sweeping ocean views, browse stalls selling hand-woven rugs and wicker baskets, and relax on nearby sandy beaches. Evenings are best spent sampling grilled fish, spicy fried calamari and traditional sweets in simple restaurants where the sound of the waves accompanies your meal.

El Jadida

El Jadida, a historic port city south of Casablanca, offers a blend of Portuguese and Moroccan heritage. Explore the UNESCO-listed Portuguese Cistern and ramparts, wander narrow streets lined with faded colonial buildings and stop at cafés overlooking the harbour. Long sandy beaches stretch to nearby coastal resorts, making it a great destination for swimming and horse riding by the sea. Sample freshly baked breads, local olives and slow-cooked tagines in small neighbourhood restaurants, and enjoy the relaxed pace that contrasts with Morocco’s busier cities.

Oujda

Close to the Algerian border in Morocco’s far east, Oujda sees fewer tourists but rewards those who make the journey with a friendly, authentic atmosphere. Its medina is compact and inviting, with traditional souks selling spices, fabrics and handmade goods. Wide boulevards in the newer part of the city are dotted with cafés where locals linger over mint tea and pastries. Nearby parks and countryside offer opportunities for picnics and gentle hikes, while regional dishes – such as berkoukes (a hearty pasta-and-vegetable stew) – provide a delicious introduction to eastern Moroccan cuisine.