These are the top 7 best cities to visit in Morocco for those who want to experience the true essence of Morocco.
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1. Moulay Idris
What is special about Moulay Idris?
A beautiful small town in Northern Morocco situated west of Fez and North of Mekness. Upon arrival it feels like you’ve entered almost an isolated and forgotten part of the world untainted. There is a serenity present in the early hours of a misty morning where you hear the crowing of a distant rooster, the adhan, or the sounds of donkey hoofs clacking on the stone footpaths.
How should I spend my time here?
Moulay Idris feels like one of those close-nit towns featured in scenic movies which is situated on two hills with corridors ravening upwards throughout the city boasting a spectacular view. In addition to ensure you go through the best parts of the city, you would definitely need a local guide to avoid getting lost. We recommend choosing a tour an hour before sunset where you’ll be lead through the city upwards to get a glimpse of old heritage buildings and the neighbourhood inhabitants. Along the way there are various local shops and trades like stone fired bread shops to experience, you may even get a taste of the delicious freshly baked bread if you’re lucky!
When you finally come to the end of the delightful stroll up the stone steps and pathways you find yourself gazing upon the majestic town underneath yet another gorgeous North African sunset. This is a great chance to take 1 (or 10) photos with your loved one to always cherish, or simply enjoy the breath-taking views immersing yourself in the moment.
What is Volubilis?
About a kilometre north-west of Moulay Idris you will also find a highly recommended tour site in the ruins of Volubilis, a Berber-Roman built UNESCO Archaeological site. We highly recommend a knowledgeable tour guide to learn about the historical value as you hike through the ruins and discover artefacts and beautifully crafted mosaic floors. This will surely be one of the most interesting experiences making Moulay Idris one of the best cities to visit in Morocco.
Time needed:
1-2 nights
Highlight summary for Moulay Idris:
- Serenity and peacefulness
- Romantic for couples
- Historical significance
- Volubilis tour
- The people and culture
- Scenic walks
2. Chefchaouen
What is special about Chefchaoeun?
The city that needs no introduction. Everyone has heard of the famous blue city which you can see all over social. While it is bustling with tourists all times of the year it is still arguably one of the best destinations in Morocco to not miss. If Moulay Idris is a feast for the heart, Chefchaouen is a feast for the eyes putting it at the top of the best cities to visit in Morocco.
Traversing through this city feels like you’re in a giant painting where even the dirty parts seem insta-worthy. You’ll want to prepare a flashing outfit to take your photos here avoiding cool colours so not to vanish into the background. We recommend bright yellows, whites, oranges and generally colours on the warmer side of the rainbow should be safe to contrast the pastel cool blue walls and floors.
How should I spend my time here?
You can explore with full freedom to roam about which can be encompassed to your hearts content in less than 3 hours. Otherwise a guided tour would offer a more efficient experience where you are certain no important bits of the city are missed and to avoid wasting time in unnecessary areas. There are many points of interest one can get lost doing including the souvenir shops, restaurants, cats, street performers and most of all endless photo opportunities. At the end of your long walk be sure to rest up in the main town square where there are various restaurants to replenish your energy or cafes to sip on a soothing Moroccan mint tea to help with your aching feet.
The best times to start your journey is in the early morning when everyone else is sleeping and not photo bombing you or in the late afternoon approaching sunset. You’ll most likely want to do both to get different experiences. It is also ideal to have accommodations overlooking the city as the night time lights against the blue hue is just as pleasant to witness as the day.
What else can spend my time on?
After all this there is still much more to do, you can spend 3 or 4 days in total for other activities. A short 30 minute romantic hike on the easily reachable footpath will bring you above the city for a gorgeous panoramic view of a sunset/sunrise on the blue hills.
In addition, there are various hikes that can be reached with a short drive such as “The God’s bridge” ravening through a gorge and many other natural features to be found on other treks such as waterfalls, rivers, and even a Cannabis farm.
The charm of this place and number of activities possible undoubtedly earns being in the list of best cities to visit in Morocco for travellers of any disposition.
Time needed:
2-3 nights
Highlight summary for Chefchaouen:
- One of the most unique cities in the world
- Lots of activities to do
- Many nearby hiking trails
- Photographers dream
- Romantic for couples
- Scenic walks
3. Essaouria
What is special about Essaouria?
This is a small port city a few hours drive west of the red city Marrakesh.
You may recognise it from the third instalment of the John Wick movie franchise showcasing the castle like towers and misty fishing port. Essaouria is home to some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters such as John Wick, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones. This puts it on the list of best cities to visit in Morocco.
How should I spend my time here?
You would be able to cover the sights and sounds of this city within a couple of days. The attractions here include taking a stroll through the Medina experiencing the sights and smells of the souks or taking selfies next to the old 18th century fortress with canons. Another feature would be seeing the busy fishing port with incoming fishermen displaying their latest catch in the markets. We recommend visiting the port early in the morning as it usually gets quite foggy allowing the perfect conditions for photographers and a sense of mystique.
These activities are all within walking distance of each other and could be covered within 3-4 hours with a break between enjoying a well deserved rest in various restaurants or cafes. As your first activity, we recommend going on a guided tour as there are a lot of hidden gems you may miss. A tour should cover all the interesting sights and movie trivia so that you may note down which parts you want to allocate more time in visiting later.
At night time be sure to walk through the Medina and find a buzzing restaurant which may contain live entertainment to get the full cultural experience.
Time needed:
1-2 nights
Highlight summary for Essaouria:
- Hotspot for Hollywood features
- Picturesque castle fort
- Memorable restaurants and night life
- Plenty of souks to bargain interesting handmade work
- Unique fishing port and trade
4. Aroumd (Toubkal Mountain)
What is special about Aroumd?
One of Morocco’s biggest attraction is its sweeping mountain ranges making this a must visit area as it is at the doorstep of Toubkal mountain, the highest in the High Atlas Mountain range. Aroumd is a small Amazigh (Berber) village in the valley of the high atlas which can be accessed by winding roads offering exquisite views that appear like a Lord of the Rings set. The air is fresh and crisp free of pollution of the bigger cities making it a perfect location for hiking various trails which will make you forget about the world.
The beautiful landscape and personality of Aroumd makes it one of the best cities to visit in Morocco for travellers who love adventure and nature.
How should I spend my time here?
Adventuring on the hiking trails you may find very isolated communities of Berber dwellings who offer refreshments and of course mint tea to quench your thirst before your descent back into the main city. It is common to also spot wild goats navigating the harsh terrain of these mountains and snowcaps far off at all times of the year. You may want to hire a local guide to organise these affordances with the locals.
If you find yourself coming across a fruit farmer we highly recommend asking to buy some of their gigantic delicious organic red apples, they will most likely be the best you have ever tasted.
Time needed:
2-3 nights
Highlight summary for Aroumd:
- Mountain ranges
- Beautiful wide-sweeping landscapes
- Local communities and culture
- Wildlife
- Hiking hotspot
- Nature
5. Fes
What is special about Fes?
If you’re looking for the full cultural experience, Fes is one of the best cities to visit in Morocco. Located 5 hours east of Casablanca in Northern Morocco, this Medina is a World Heritage Site and considered one of the oldest and largest walking cities. To avoid getting lost it is an absolute must to hire an experienced tour guide to lead you through the old Medina where one can experience the true essence of Moroccan souks in this grande sized maze that you will surely get lost in without a local guide. Leave the navigation to an experienced guide to ensure you travel through the best route so you can focus on enjoying all the magical delights of this place.
It is no exaggeration to say wandering through this old city feels a lot like you have jumped into a few pages of the famous Paul Coelho’s “The Alchemist” Novel. Without doubt it offers an unforgettable cultural blast that almost overwhelms every one of your senses. Every corner offers a new alleyway of experiences different from the last.
How should I spend my time here?
Although it will be an extremely long day requiring hearty breakfast, the tantalising sights and sounds of this place will energise to the point you will not have any time to think about your fatigue. The souks are endless, each offering a barrage of goods such as unique handmade souvenirs, freshly made food delicacies, mint tea, and other items you will want to boast about your experience here to friends. Do try out a camel burger for your afternoon rest which will re-invigorate your energy levels. Camel burger which is mince meat that is extremely tender and tasty, a cross between beef and lamb.
What is the famous Chouara Tannery?
The Chouara Tannery is the absolute cherry on top located within the heart of Fes and one of three available. If you have been waiting to make that one remarkable large souvenir purchase in Morocco to cherish for a long time, this is the time to do so! This tannery is the oldest in the world and the largest in North Africa being over a 1000 years old. The quality of work done here is unparalleled using natural dyes the work of which would easily rival high end designer brands which you can buy at only a fraction of the price. A wide selection of leather goods can be found in this multi level complex such as jackets, bags, wallets, belts, shoes which have some of the most supple and high quality leather material you can buy.
How do I bargain with merchants to get the best deal?
Adding a good touch of humour in your bargaining goes a long way to get the best price possible. At the core of Moroccan society and trade is the art of bargaining which plays a big role in their mostly paper based money exchange. This is not to exploit one another but to create relationships and add a human touch in the otherwise cold transactional approach of the west. Always remember it is the process not the end result that is important. Don’t take it too seriously by making price the focal point but rather think of it as a way for making a new friend and creating relationships. Have fun with it!
What other activities can I do in Fes?
There are a host of other activities and tours besides the old Medina that are available such as the Al-Qarawiyyin University which is the oldest Islamic University established in the 800’s as well as various other heritage sites to visit.
Time needed:
1-3 nights
Highlight summary for Fes:
- World Heritage Site
- Endless souks to experience
- Culture and trade
- Largest tannery over 1000 years old
- Historical significance
- Oldest Islamic university (Al-Qarawiyyin)
6. Erg Chigaga (Sahara Desert Camp)
What is special about Erg Chigaga?
This is one of those segments in your journey across Morocco that fellow travellers plan at the end of their trip to “save the best for last”. Although technically not a city, Erg Chigaga is inhabited by a community of bedouins earning its place on the list of best cities to visit in Morocco.
How should I spend my time here?
Once again you’ll need to book an experienced guide tour service to organise transporting into the Sahara camp grounds. You will traverse over sand dunes in 4×4 cruisers as you approach the camp underneath the stars. The captivating rolling orange sand dunes here are the like of which you see in movies.
You’ll cherish spending the night having dinner around a campfire with your special other. Afterwards stargazing without the light pollution of big cities and sipping on refreshing mint tea.
There is also the option to choose a luxury desert camp in Erg Chigaga for that extra touch of romance and comfort.
Are camel rides included here?
The camel ride through the desert on the back of camels is always a hit. Most tours packages offer sessions both at sunset and sunrise for a mesmerising experience.
Time needed:
1-2 nights
Highlight summary for Erg Chigaga:
- 4×4 expedition
- Picturesque sand dunes
- Sleeping under the stars
- Camel rides
- Campfire dinner
- Experience the Sahara
7. Marrakech
What is special about Marrakech?
The famous red city and one of the largest and best cities to visit in Morocco for vacation. You will likely start your Moroccan journey from either Marrakech or Casablanca where the two international airports are located. It will quickly become apparent that there is lots to do in Marrakech for which a minimum of 3 days is required.
How should I spend my time here?
The popular activities mentioned below will keep you busy for a few days.
Jama El Fna Square
You may spend a lot of time to explore this UNESCO cultural heritage site at the entrance to the Medina. Here you’ll find find musicians, snake charmers, storytellers, and even trained monkeys. A host of restaurants line the perimeter of the square where a meal can be enjoyed overviewing all the happenings of square from a balcony. Once you enter the Medina, there are many corridors of souk markets with an extensive variety of goods available. We recommend visiting the square during the day and at night to experience the different personalities of the Medina.
El Badi Palace
This is an expansive historical site with beautiful architecture first completed in the 16th Century.
It is absolutely blissful walking upon the individually hand crafted mosaic tile flooring throughout this complex. Each footstep feels luxurious and extremely satisfying to sense the subtle feedback underneath your sneakers. There is also a museum under ground included into the cost of entry showcasing various historical artworks. A total of around 2 hours may be needed to cover the grounds.
Bahia Palace
As with El Badi, this palace has impressive decorations and ornaments throughout as you walk through vibrant shady courtyards. Similar to the next location, It is extremely popular among those who want to dazzle their friends on social media. It should take no more than an hour to complete if there aren’t too many visitors.
JardÃn Majorelle
Visit this popular mansion designed by Yves Saint Laurent with its luxurious gardens full of ponds and various exotic plants.
The mansion itself is extremely iconic and definitely eye catching for photography enthusiasts. There is a gift shop at the end of the circuit to commemorate your experience.
Hot Air Ballooning
Certainly one of the more memorable and popular activities. Float up in the clouds while gazing upon the Moroccan landscape during sunrise or sunset as you reflect.
There are many more activities which are a short drive outside of Marrakech. These include waterfall chasing, quad bikes, camel riding, and hiking. Many of these activities can be booked with local guides who will take care of the logistics.
Time needed:
5+ nights
Highlight summary for Marrakech:
- Palaces
- Museums
- Old Medina
- Cultural immersion
- Endless activities
- Highend restaurants and night life
- Delights of a large Morrocan city