The best places to visit in Morocco for every kind of traveller

When it comes to places to visit in Morocco, people often swarm to Marrakesh, and rightly so. This city offers an intoxicating snapshot into Moroccan life with bustling squares, fragrant gardens and labyrinth-like souks. While this city suits all, there is something deeply romantic about falling in love in this colourful city. Use the Barceló Palmearie Oasis Resort as your base, making full use of its hammam spa facilities to ease aching muscles post-flight. 

Dodge street sellers and snake charmers in the Jemaa el-Fnaa square before losing yourself in the winding streets of the Medina. Admire the leather-making process at the tanneries, marvel at the ancient ruins of El Badi Palace and relax in the calming oasis of Le Jardin Secret on Rue Mouassine. Keen for more? To really top off your romantic trip, book a hot air balloon ride across the Atlas Mountains. Still in doubt about whether Marrakesh is the best city to visit in Morocco? Why not book a few nights in the desert and soak up the starry skies with your loved one?

Tangier is a cultural crossroads where Europe and Africa intersect, making it one of the top cities to visit in Morocco. Whether you fly or catch the ferry from Spain, Tangier is a treasure trove of cultural highlights. Begin your holiday in Tangier in the Kasbah Museum to trace the city’s storied past, then lose yourself in the winding lanes of the medina, alive with artisans and spice stalls. Here you can pick up some traditional souvenirs as a reminder of this captivating city.

Pause at the legendary Café Hafa, once favoured by Beat poets and rock stars, for mint tea and sweeping views across the Strait of Gibraltar - a must-do in Morocco. As the sun sets and the city hums with an excited buzz, end the day with a visit to the bustling Grand Socco square, where you can experience the vibrant spirit of the city, shoulder to shoulder with its inhabitants.

Tucked along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh, Aït Ben Haddou is a fortified village, or ksar, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It is one of the best-preserved examples of Moroccan earthen clay architecture and a striking reminder of the region’s trading past. Film enthusiasts may recognise its dramatic silhouette from productions such as Gladiator, The Mummy and Game of Thrones.

According to legend, the site was founded in 757 by a man named Ben Haddou, though the present structures largely date from the 17th century. Once a vital stop for caravans, it offered weary traders a place to rest, complete with a mosque, granary, caravanserai and communal spaces. While most inhabitants moved across the river in the 20th century, a handful of families remain within the ksar, determined to preserve the traditions of a bygone era. Will you be adding this famous attraction in Morocco to your travel list?

Made famous by the 1942 blockbuster, Casablanca has enthralled visitors with its cosmopolitan air and rich history. The architecture also echoes the dawn of a new age for Morocco, with skyscrapers popping up next to Art Deco buildings and traditional Islamic buildings. While staying in Casablanca, marvel at the Hassan II Mosque, with its soaring minaret and oceanfront setting, then wander Boulevard Mohammed V to admire elegant Art Deco façades.

Dive into local culture at Central Market, where vendors sell everything from fresh seafood to fragrant spices, or head to the Quartier Habous for traditional souks and bakeries. As the day winds down, join locals on the Corniche for a sunset stroll, followed by dinner in one of the city’s chic rooftop bars overlooking the Atlantic. Casablanca is one of the best cities in Morocco for those wanting both a beach and a city break.

Morocco’s second-largest city, Fez, is a fascinating melting pot of culture and heritage and has proven to be catnip for creatives. When staying in Fez, head to the Fes el-Bali Medina, the world’s largest urban car-free zone and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a must-see in Morocco. Here, you will have to dodge donkey-drawn carts along the twisty, winding lanes to reach the stalls selling artisan wares. Imagine colourful lanterns, intricate silverware, a rainbow of soft furnishings and an exotic display of spices. 

For an insight into local craft, a visit to the Chaouwara Tanneries, in operation since the 11th century, is a must. Time your visit for the morning when the pits are filled to the brim with colourful dyes, yet be warned, while it is a visual spectacle, it is rather fragrant with traditional dying methods still in use (cow urine and quicklime). Another top attraction in Fez is the world’s oldest continually running university, Al Quaraouiyine, founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 859. Admire the facade and enjoy the buzz of student life in its vicinity. 

Essaouira has long drawn artists, musicians and wanderers, thanks to its relaxed pace and mystical coastal light. The gentle flow of everyday life invites visitors to linger in tiny galleries, browse the bohemian wares in the independent boutiques and catch artisans at work at their stalls. The Skala de la Ville is a small fortress and museum offering a glimpse at what life was like back in the day. Walk along its 18th-century sea bastions with their old cannons and take in the sweeping sea views.

Essaouira Beach is the ideal place for kitesurfing and for long, meditative walks along its coastline. The city became a countercultural hub in the 1960s and ’70s, attracting icons like Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens and that hippy spirit still lingers in its cafés and music bars. Add in the ever-present rhythm of Gnawa music, the salty Atlantic breeze and a community that welcomes dreamers, and you’ll understand why Essaouira feels like one of the best places in Morocco for a soul-soothing escape.

Swap the winter blues for the dazzling, sun-dappled blue of Agadir’s coastline. With around 300 days of sunshine a year, great swell and a laid-back, bohemian vibe, this beachfront town is a haven for surfers. Check into the Allegro Agadir, located one minute from Agadir Beach and promenade, to be at the heart of the action. Looking for surf spots close by? Devil’s Point, Anchor Point and Panorama are famous among locals and tourists alike, located just 20 kilometres up the coast in Taghazout. And if you still want more of an adrenaline rush, a hike into the Paradise Valley is a must. 

When enjoying some downtime, head to Souk El Had, one of Morocco’s largest markets, where stalls overflow with everything from spices and oils to beauty products, leather goods and textiles. Although most of the city was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1960, the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella, dating back to 1541, still stands. Its hilltop ruins offer sweeping views of the bay and a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.

Rabat, a must-see city in Morocco for history buffs, offers a remarkable journey through the country’s layered past, from ancient ruins to royal monuments. The city’s most famous landmark, the Hassan Tower, was begun in the 12th century as part of what was meant to be the world’s largest mosque; its soaring red sandstone minaret still dominates the skyline. Just opposite stands the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, resting place of the king who guided Morocco to independence, adorned with intricate zellij tilework, carved cedar and a white marble dome. This is a must-see during your stay in Rabat.

In the Kasbah of the Udayas, you can wander Andalusian-style lanes painted blue and white and explore the 17th-century palace gardens. A short walk away lies the Chellah, a haunting archaeological site where Roman remains, including a forum and baths, intertwine with medieval Islamic necropolis walls. If you want a city break that inspires and awes, Rabat is one of the best places to visit in Morocco.

The famous blue town, Chefchaouen, perched in the Rif Mountains, is one of the best places to visit in Morocco for Instagram lovers. So much so, it is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. The town’s dreamlike atmosphere invites visitors to wander slowly, soaking up its tranquillity and mountain air. Each year, the azure paint is refreshed, a nod back to the 15th century when the Jews, fleeing the Spanish Inquisition, settled here and painted their homes blue to reflect the sky and remind them of the Lord.

Start your visit at the Plaza Uta el Hammam and head towards the medina, where local artisans tempt visitors with their handmade wares. Brimming baskets of henna dyes, spices, brassware, exotic beauty products and hand-painted ceramics provide endless photo opportunities. As does the Kasbah Museum, which showcases ancient artefacts and traditional decorations. Another fascinating landmark is the Ras el Maa waterfall, where local women once washed their linen. 

If you’re planning on making the long trek to the Sahara Desert, then strongly consider heading for the glowing Erg Chebbi dunes that lie between the town of Merzouga and the Algerian border. Widely known as being the most accessible of all the dunes, the expanses of sand at Erg Chebbi shift daily, creating spectacular dunes rising over 150 meters in height over the rocky desert. This is adventure territory, where travellers can ride camels at sunset, camp beneath a canopy of stars and wake to the silence of the desert. There is no shortage of Moroccan things to do here. From sandboarding down golden slopes to 4x4 excursions into the wilderness, Merzouga is made for those who crave raw, unforgettable experiences in one of the most striking landscapes on earth. When it comes to the best places to go in Morocco, this is definitely one not to miss.