Planning a trip to Morocco but not sure which cities to explore? As a local tour guide who’s spent the last decade leading visitors through this captivating country, I can tell you there’s alot to discover here.
From my countless adventures crisscrossing this diverse nation, I’ve learned the secret spots where you can find the best tagine, haggle like a pro in ancient souks, and escape the tourist crowds.
Ready to discover the most breathtaking cities Morocco has to offer? I’ve handpicked 16 incredible destinations where you can wander through aromatic spice markets, sleep in traditional riads, and immerse yourself in centuries-old culture.
Each city on this list has stolen my heart for different reasons, whether it’s Fez’s medieval medina, Chefchaouen’s blue-washed streets, or Essaouira’s laid-back coastal vibes.
Let’s dive into these magical places that’ll transform your Moroccan adventure from ordinary to extraordinary!
1. Fes
While Fes isn’t everyone’s favorite Moroccan city, you’ll definitely want to check out its incredible Medina and the famous Chouara Tannery.
The cultural heart of Fes comes alive in its historical sites! You can explore beautiful madrasas like Bou Inania and Al Attarine, wander through the ancient Jewish quarter (Mellah), and snap photos on the colorful “rainbow street.”
Don’t miss the Nejjarine Museum, it’s packed with amazing wooden artifacts in a stunning building.
For the best views, head to the Merinid Tombs at sunset.
Want to explore beyond the city? Take a day trip to the incredible ruins of Volubilis or visit the monkeys in the Middle Atlas Mountains.
You can easily hit all the major highlights in just one day – just remember to walk “up” if you get lost in the Medina!
2. Marrakech
Moving beyond Fes’s historical charm, let’s check out the vibrant city of Marrakech!
You’ll absolutely love getting lost in the ancient medina’s winding streets, where exotic spices fill the air and colorful souks beckon you to explore.
The must-sees on your Moroccan adventure include the stunning Koutoubia Mosque, the buzzing Jemaa el Fna square at night (wow, what a show!), and the gorgeous Bahia Palace.
Don’t miss the peaceful Majorelle Garden, it’s the perfect escape from the medina’s excitement!
For amazing dining experiences, try Le Jardin Restaurant or La Trattoria, where you can eat poolside.
Just remember to download Maps.me before exploring, those medina streets can be tricky!
While it’s super safe during the day, stick to well-lit areas at night.
3. Essaouira
Located just 3 hours from Marrakech by bus, Essaouira’s stunning blue-and-white medina will take your breath away!
This charming port city offers the perfect blend of history and coastal beauty, with ancient city walls and nineteen historic canons at the Old Skala.
You’ll love catching epic Atlantic views at Port de Skala, especially during sunset!
While the beach isn’t great for sunbathing (it’s super windy!), you can try your hand at kitesurfing or surfing in the waves.
Don’t miss the local fish market, pick your fresh catch, and nearby restaurants will cook it up for you.
What makes this beach town special is its laid-back vibe. With friendly locals, cool weather, and a gorgeous medina to explore, Essaouira is perfect for travelers seeking a chill beach holiday away from the tourist crowds.
4. Tangier
The vibrant port city of Tangier stands proudly at Morocco’s northern tip, just a stone’s throw from Spain!
You’ll fall in love with this European-influenced gem that’s inspired famous writers and artists for generations.
Wander through Tangier’s enchanting medina and make your way to the stunning kasbah, it’s packed with charming buildings and offers incredible views of the coast.
Don’t miss the American Legation Museum, where you’ll discover fascinating stories about U.S. ambassadors who once called this place home.
Ready for some relaxation? Head to the beach for a lazy afternoon, or grab a traditional mint tea at Cafe Hafa while soaking in those jaw-dropping coastal views.
For the perfect photo op, take a scenic walk to Cap Spartel lighthouse and dip your toes in the Mediterranean!
5. Rabat
While many travelers skip right past Morocco’s capital city, Rabat is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss!
This well-connected city offers easy access by high-speed train from both Tangier and Casablanca, making it super convenient to visit.
You’ll feel totally safe exploring Rabat’s amazing attractions, from its charming medina (though smaller than Marrakech’s) to the stunning Andalusian Gardens.
Don’t miss the impressive Mohammed V Mausoleum with its gorgeous columns, or the city’s fantastic museums showcasing photography and contemporary art.
Need a break from sightseeing? Head to the beach below the Kasbah for some sun, or treat yourself to an incredible brunch at Boho Cafe.
Trust me, you’ll be glad you added Morocco’s vibrant capital to your itinerary!
6. Merzouga
Moving from the urban vibrancy of Rabat, you’ll find pure desert magic in Merzouga!
This amazing place sits right on the edge of those stunning Saharan dunes you’ve been dreaming about.
You’re in for a real treat here! Hop on a camel for a 45-minute ride into your desert camp, where you’ll spend the night in a cozy tent.
The locals will welcome you with an incredible Moroccan meal and traditional music around a blazing campfire, talk about dinner with a view!
Want more adventure? Try sandboarding or quad biking across the dunes.
The welcoming locals love sharing their Berber lifestyle with visitors, making this tiny town extra special.
Best of all, you won’t have to venture far to experience the Sahara, it’s literally right there waiting for you!
7. Chefchaoeun
Nestled in Morocco’s stunning Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen’s famous blue-painted streets will take your breath away!
You’ll want to explore the city’s stunning blue homes and winding medina early, before 10 AM is perfect to avoid the crowds of tourists.
After your morning photo session, head to Cafe Clock for breakfast, then check out the beautiful Andalusian Garden at the Kasbah.
Getting hungry? Here you can get some of the best local food around!
For an unforgettable sunset view, hike up to the Spanish Mosque (but get there early).
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a group taxi to Akchour Waterfall and God’s Bridge for some hiking in the Rif Mountains.
Pro tip: Skip weekend visits when this blue city gets super crowded with locals.
You can easily reach Chefchaouen from Tangier (2 hours) or Fes (4 hours).
8. Agadir
From the blue charm of Chefchaouen, let’s head south to the sunny shores of Agadir!
You’ll find a modern city that’s definitely touristy, packed with beautiful beach resorts and international vibes.
While Agadir isn’t big on cultural appeal (thanks to a devastating 1960s earthquake that leveled the city), you can still explore some cool spots!
Check out the historic Kasbah for amazing views, or dive into the bustling Souk El Had for awesome shopping.
Don’t miss Restaurant Al Walima for mouthwatering Moroccan cuisine!
Want more adventure? Hop on Morocco’s only cable car, visit Crocopark, or explore Paradise Valley’s natural pools.
Just remember, you’ll need a car or taxis to get around since everything’s spread out. Perfect for beach lovers, not so much for culture seekers!
9. Taghazout
While Taghazout might be super touristy, this little surf town will steal your heart with its laid-back vibes and gorgeous beaches!
You’ll find this charming spot divided into two distinct areas. The local area features cozy hostels near a picturesque beach dotted with blue fishing boats.
Head to the larger beach section, and you can zoom around on jet skis or stroll along a beautiful coastal path lined with fancy resorts.
Want adventure? Try surfing (winter’s the best time!) or take a day trip to nearby Paradise Valley.
You’re also just 30 minutes from Agadir if you’re craving authentic Moroccan food, because let’s be honest, Taghazout’s restaurants are pretty Westernized.
Hit up World of Waves though – it’s a total gem mixing up Western and Moroccan flavors!
10. Ifrane
Looking for a totally unique escape in Morocco? You’ll fall in love with Ifrane, a tranquil town that feels more like Switzerland than North Africa!
Nestled in the Middle Atlas mountains, this charming spot gets up to six inches of snow each year.
You won’t believe your eyes when you see the adorable ski chalets dotting the landscape.
Head to Michlifen Ski Station if you’re craving some winter sports, yes, you can actually ski in Morocco! The scenic views will take your breath away.
Want to connect with nature? Explore Ifrane National Park’s stunning cedar forests, where playful macaque monkeys roam free.
This peaceful mountain retreat offers the perfect break from Morocco’s bustling cities, making it an unforgettable stop between Merzouga and Fes.
11. Asilah
Tucked away in Northern Morocco, Asilah stands out as an artistic beach paradise you won’t want to miss.
This charming medina is packed with unique street art and colorful murals that you won’t find anywhere else in Morocco, making it totally different from other cities!
You’ll love exploring the walled medina’s art-filled streets before heading to Paradise Beach to soak up some sun.
The best part? Asilah is less than an hour from Tangier, so it’s perfect for day trips from Tangier.
While this laid-back beach town is wonderful year-round, try to visit in August during the annual arts festival when the whole place comes alive with creativity and culture.
Don’t forget to check out Aplanos Gallery or grab a delicious meal at Oceano Casa Pepe!
12. Ouarzazate
Moving from the artistic shores of Asilah, you’ll find a totally different side of Morocco in Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara Desert!
While exploring this fascinating Moroccan city, you’ll want to check out the incredible Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 30 minutes away.
This ancient clay village shows you exactly how locals lived during the bustling caravan days.
Don’t miss the Atlas Studios (Morocco’s own Hollywood!), where you can snap fun photos on real movie sets.
The Old Synagogue is a hidden gem that’ll blow you away with its amazing artifacts and stunning views from the top.
And if you’re looking for more epic sights, the local Kasbah won’t disappoint!
Pro tip: taxis are super cheap here, just 5-7 Dirhams to zip around the whole city.
13. Meknes
While you probably won’t spend a ton of time in Meknes, it’s worth checking out the city’s stunning Great Mosque, one of Morocco’s rare mosques that welcomes non-Muslim visitors!
As Morocco’s ancient capital city, Meknes packs quite a historic punch. You’ll love exploring the 9th-century Medina, where winding streets lead to amazing sites like the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and Dar Jamai Museum.
Don’t miss Bab Mansour, it’s seriously one of the most impressive gates you’ll see in the country!
Want to make your visit even better? Take a quick day trip to nearby Moulay Idriss. This historic town is home to the tomb of Idris I, Morocco’s first major Islamic ruler.
It’s a fascinating peek into the country’s religious heritage!
14. Dahkla
If you’re eager to explore beyond Morocco’s well-known spots, you’ll want to head south, way south, to Dakhla. As one of the best cities to visit in Morocco, this hidden gem won’t stay secret for long!
You’ll find yourself surrounded by stunning beaches that stretch for 40 kilometers along the Tropic of Cancer.
The iconic desert landscapes of the Moroccan Sahara meet the ocean here, creating a paradise for watersports enthusiasts.
Love adventure? Try kitesurfing, the winds here are perfect for it!
Don’t miss exploring the Imlili Desert or browsing through the bustling Dakhla Souk for unique finds.
Originally founded by the Spanish in 1844, this coastal city offers the perfect mix of history, nature, and thrilling activities.
15. Sidi Ifni
Located along Morocco’s southern coast, Sidi Ifni beckons travelers who dream of escaping the tourist crowds for a peaceful beach getaway.
This quiet beach town sits just four hours south of Agadir, offering a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding.
You’ll love exploring the area’s beautiful beaches, especially the famous Legzira Beach! Hop on a local bus to see its stunning rock arch, though sadly, the second arch collapsed in 2016.
The main beach in town is fantastic for long walks and surfing, particularly during winter when the waves are at their best.
While August sees fewer visitors (it’s not prime surfing season), that’s actually great news if you’re seeking solitude.
You can have the pristine shores almost entirely to yourself, talk about a hidden gem!
16. Taroudant
Every traveler seeking an authentic Moroccan experience needs to check out Taroudant, a charming city that’s earned the nickname “Little Marrakech.”
Just 90 minutes from Agadir, this hidden gem packs all the cultural richness of its bigger sister city but with way fewer tourists crowding the streets.
You’ll love exploring the walled Medina with its bustling local souks and traditional tannery.
Don’t miss Tout Oasis, it’s massive! Grab a guide for a two-hour walk through this incredible space, ending with stunning views of the Oasis from a hilltop spot where locals love to hang out and swim.
For something truly special, take a 20-minute drive to the Claudio Bravo Museum.
This famous Chilean painter’s ornate home is now open for tours, and you can finish your visit sipping tea by a gorgeous pond.
My Recommendations As An Experienced Local
For travelers seeking a more authentic Moroccan experience away from the tourist crowds, you’ll love exploring some of the country’s hidden gems.
Check out these less touristy cities where you can really dive into Moroccan culture!
- Start with charming Sidi Ifni, a laid-back coastal town that feels worlds away from busy tourist spots.
- Head to Taroudant, often called “Little Marrakech,” for its amazing local markets without the crowds.
- Don’t miss Asilah, a picture-perfect seaside town with white-washed buildings and friendly local people.
- Want something totally different? Visit Ifrane, it’s nicknamed “Little Switzerland” because of its Alpine architecture!
These off-the-beaten-path destinations let you experience real Morocco, connect with locals, and create memories most tourists never will.
Final Words
You’re in for an incredible journey through Morocco’s amazing cities!
Whether you’re exploring Fes’s winding medina alleys, haggling in Marrakech’s bustling souks, or catching waves in laid-back Essaouira, each destination offers its own magic.
Don’t miss Tangier’s artistic vibe or Rabat’s perfect mix of old and new. For off-the-beaten-path adventures, head south to Dakhla’s pristine beaches or discover Taroudant’s authentic charm.
Morocco’s cities won’t disappoint!
