The best tourist places in Morocco are brimming with cultural charm. Chefchaouen is a picturesque town perched in the Rif Mountains with a medina whose eye-catching blue-washed buildings are a feast for the eyes. Nature lovers will want to hike to the nearby Akchour waterfalls and stunning natural rock arch known as God’s Bridge in Talassemtane National Park.
1. Erg Chebbi
Tucked away in southeastern Morocco, Erg Chebbi stands in stark contrast to the cityscapes and landscapes that surround it. This immense sea of dunes has captivated travelers since time immemorial, and it’s not just intrepid explorers who visit this surreal place; it attracts a diverse group of travelers ranging from families to solo adventurers.
The sand dunes are 22 kilometers long and five wide, offering a mesmerizing display of nature’s beauty. Visitors can spend the night in traditional desert camps while soaking up the starry skies and enjoying music and dance performances by local Berbers.
It is recommended to visit the dunes in spring or autumn when days are warmer and nights cooler. The best way to explore the dunes is on foot or by 4x4, and a camel trek is a must-do experience. It’s also possible to rent quad bikes for thrill seekers, which can take you further afield.
2. Chefchaouen
The word “mystical” is thrown around quite a bit, but if there’s one destination that truly deserves the adjective, it’s Chefchaouen. The Berber city is nestled amidst the rugged mountains of the Rif Mountains and is painted in beautiful shades of blue, from the houses to the mosques and public squares.
Wandering the streets & alleyways of Chefchaouen is an experience in itself. You’ll find robin’s egg, powder blue, indigo, and periwinkle homes as well as doors that are decorated with intricate designs. Sip a cup of mint tea at a street cafe and watch locals wearing the traditional djellaba robes go about their daily lives.
The Kasbah Museum, housed in a 15th-century fortress, is another attraction that’s worth visiting to learn more about the city’s history. Afterwards, visit the Spanish Mosque to enjoy some breathtaking views of the city.
3. Fes
One of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities, Fes is the best place to experience a truly local culture. Wander through the city’s maze of skinny alleyways, taking in a plethora of nooks and crannies, mosques, madrasas, and leather tanneries.
Explore the Bou Inania Medersa, one of the most architecturally refined of Fez’s theological colleges. Beyond its ornate brass doors, it’s home to a stunning courtyard decorated with detailed Moroccan Zellige tiles and carved dark cedar lattice screens.
Visit the Aben Danan Synagogue, a 17th-century Jewish synagogue trimmed in pretty herringbone green. Although tourists aren’t allowed inside, it’s still a stunning site.
Take a break from the madness of the medina and stroll through the lush Bou Jeloud Gardens, also known as Jnan Sbil. With a serene lake and fruit trees, it’s a peaceful escape. The gardens are also a good place to catch one of the many belly dancing shows that occur around sunset.
4. Agadir
The modern and luxurious marina complex offers plenty of big international brands geared to leisure, like Zara, Promod, Guess and Cavalli. There are also sports and jewellery stores and ice cream shops.
The Grande Mosquee d’Agadir is Morocco’s only mosque built in a modernist style. While non-Muslims aren’t allowed to enter, it’s still a stunning sight and a great spot for listening to the call to prayer five times a day.
La Medina d’Agadir offers a window into Agadir’s past. It’s an energetic place to shop and explore, with twisting streets lined with shops selling spices, rugs, gifts and local artisan products. Visit on a Thursday to experience the lively market atmosphere, and don’t forget to bargain! It’s a Moroccan custom. For more natural attractions, head to Souss-Massa National Park, a wild landscape of sand dunes and beaches that trail along the Atlantic coast. It’s a top spot for bird-watching and wildlife viewing.
5. Casablanca
The city of Casablanca is an ideal spot to immerse yourself in Morocco’s culture. From the bustling downtown to its iconic landmarks, the Moroccan capital brims with history and modernity.
Take a ride on the low-floor Casa Tramway to discover the city’s highlights. Stops include Eglise de Notre Dame de Lourdes, Sacred Heart Cathedral and Carrefour Hypermarket.
Tour Mosque Hassan II, one of the largest mosques in the world. It’s open to non-Muslims and guided tours are offered daily.
Explore the Draa Valley, a sprawling green oasis dotted with kasbahs and surrounded by palm trees. Locals cultivate pomegranates, apples and other fruit trees here.
The trendy riad craze started in Marrakech but has now spread to most towns with tourists. Stay in a variety of these old mansions centred on a garden and full of stylish designer touches on a Morocco Riad Tour.
6. Marrakech
The Red City is a mesmerizing mélange of exotic cultures. Moroccan, European, and Arabian influences are evident throughout its streets, people, and heritage monuments.
Bahia Palace is a floor-to-ceiling extravagance of elaborate marquetry, plasterwork, and zouak (painted wood).
Amid the frenzy of Djemaa el Fna, five times a day, one voice rises above the crowd – that of the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer from the Koutoubia Mosque.
The Saadian Tombs are a lavish mausoleum complex that spared no expense. Its extravagant design reflects the life of Saadian Sultan Ahmed al Mansour Ed-Dimashkali.
7. Essaouira
The coastal town of Essaouira has been attracting visitors for years thanks to its relaxed vibes and dropout culture. The city is known for its amazing beach, and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Old Medina is a fascinating blend of historic sites and lively street life.
From bustling fish markets to galleries that feature pricey works of local artists, the city is a place to wander. You can start at the port, which teems with atmosphere as locals mend fishing nets and construct traditional boats.
Climb the Skala de la Ville to get sweeping views of the city’s historic fortifications, and then visit Dar Souiri, a cultural center that features music performances as well as art displays. Also, don’t miss the chance to try some of the mouthwatering French patisseries. These include Patisserie Driss and the ever-popular Maison Claudette.
8. Rabat
Located along the Bou Regreg River, Rabat showcases Morocco’s Islamic and French-colonial heritage. It’s home to a maze-like medina (old town) and cliff-top kasbahs. Among them is the grand Kasbah of Oudaias, with its 12th-century Almohad gateway and Andalusian garden. The Hassan Tower, originally meant to be the world’s tallest minaret, straddles a mausoleum.
For an unforgettable dining experience, book a table at Dinarjat, where servers in traditional dress lead you through elaborate doors into a palatial dining room or open-air patio. The restaurant is renowned for its lamb tajine with tfaya, and it also serves delicious pastries.
No trip to Morocco is complete without a stroll around Rabat’s winding streets of the old center. It may be easy to get lost here, but it feels exhilarating to explore its ancient alleyways lined with merchants selling exotic produce.
9. Meknes
The city’s medina (Old Town) is a vibrant, bustling location filled with local shopping souks and twisty lanes. Its heart is Place el-Hedim, which serves as a smaller and less hectic counterpart to Marrakech’s Djemaa el-Fnaa.
Its most impressive landmark is the Royal Stables, built by Moulay Ismail to house his 12,000 horses. The design was a triumph of European and Islamic ideas, including a smart system of cooling and water chambers.
Also worth a visit is the Bou Inania Madrasa, which offers a stunning example of the exuberance of Moroccan religious decorating, with its gorgeous zellige tiles and geometric-patterned stucco. Finally, make sure to visit the Majorelle Garden – le Jardin Majorelle – a beautiful and serene garden created by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later purchased by Yves Saint Laurent.
10 Tedgha Gorge
Located in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains and near the town of Tinghir, Todra Gorge is a series of limestone river canyons (or wadi) that are spectacularly steep, with cliffs that can rise to 400 meters. They have been carved out by the Todgha River over the millennia.
This gorge is also popular among rock climbers, with routes for all abilities and experience levels. The best time to visit is spring and autumn when temperatures are cooler, but it can be busy at this time as well. It’s not recommended to visit in the summer, as it can be very hot.
While visiting the gorge, be sure to check out the traditional villages that are scattered throughout the region. They are a great way to get a glimpse into the local culture and to interact with the friendly people. Also, be sure to catch a sunrise or sunset, as the colors of the gorge can be truly stunning.
The area is also rich in intangible cultural heritage, which includes the traditional architecture of the houses and kasbahs. In addition, it has a heritage of artisanal activities such as weaving and embroidery. The valley and the gorges are also home to many Berber customs and traditions that have strong social significance. These customs are the result of slow and patient adaptation to the hostile environment and the scarcity of its resources. This is what makes them so unique and enduring.
