15 Best Cities to Explore in Morocco in 2024

1. Marrakech: Most Popular & Most Visited City in Morocco

Marrakech is the most popular city in Morocco. It’s also the most visited city in Morocco. It sits at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains, about 330 km southwest of Rabat. It is a vibrant and colorful city, with a mix of tradition and modernity, chaos and charm, magic and mystery. Marakesh(Marrakech)  is also a historical and cultural city, with several monuments and museums. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its 11th-century medina and its 16th-century new town.

Marrakech is a city of contrasts, where you can see the old and the new, the east and the west, the rich and the poor. You can also visit the Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Majorelle Garden. Marrakech hosts many festivals to enchant its travelers. Some are the Marrakech International Film Festival, Marrakech Biennale, and Marrakech Marathon. Morocco is known for its vibrant festival scene.

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2. Fes: Best Tourist City in Morocco

Fes  is a spiritual and intellectual city. It’s in the northeastern region of Morocco, about 240 km east of Rabat. It is one of the oldest and most important cities in Morocco, and the cradle of the Moroccan civilization. It is also the cultural and religious capital of Morocco and a center of learning and art. Fez (Fes) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its medieval medina, the largest and most authentic in the world.

Fes is a city of wonders, where you can explore the maze of alleys, souks, mosques, madrasas, and palaces. In Fes, you can visit Bab Boujloud, Bou Inania Madrasa, Karaouine Mosque, Nejjarine Museum, and the Royal Palace. Fes is also known for its leather tanneries, pottery workshops, and food.

 3. Ouarzazate: A Gateway to the Sahara Desert

Ouarzazate is the best dramatic and exotic city to explore in Morocco. It is located in the south-eastern region of Morocco, about 200 km south of Marrakech. It is situated at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Ouarzazate is the gateway to the Draa Valley, the Dades Valley, and the Skoura Oasis. Ouarzazate has been the location of many movies and TV shows, such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones. And so, it is known as the Hollywood of Morocco.

Ouarzazate is a city of adventure. Here, you can experience the desert, the mountains, and the rivers. You can also visit the Kasbah of Taourirt, the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, the Atlas Studios, and the CLA Studios. Ouarzazate is also a city of culture, where you can learn about the Berber and the nomadic traditions, as well as the film industry.

4. Meknes: One of the Imperial Cities of Morocco

Meknes is a majestic and imperial city, located in the north-central region of Morocco. It is about 130 km east of Rabat. It used to be Morocco’s capital during Moulay Ismail’s rule, one of the country’s most powerful sultans. He turned Meknes into a splendid city with palaces, mosques, gardens, and walls. Meknes has a seamless fusion of Islamic and European architectural influences. Because of it, Meknes has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Meknes is a city of wonders, where you can admire the architecture, the craftsmanship, and the artistry. You can also visit the Bab Mansour, the Dar El Makhzen, the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, the Heri es-Souani, and the Agdal reservoir. Meknes is also close to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the holy city of Moulay Idriss, and the wine region of Beni M’Tir.

5. Rabat: Capital City of Morocco

Rabat is the capital and the second-largest city of Morocco. It is located on the Atlantic coast, about 90 km north of Casablanca. It is a modern and elegant city, with wide avenues, green spaces, and colonial buildings. Rabat is also a historical and cultural city, with several monuments and museums. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its 12th-century medina and its 17th-century new town.

Rabat is a city of contrasts. Here, you can explore the royal and the religious, the ancient and the contemporary, the Arab and the European. You can also visit the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Chellah necropolis, and the Andalusian gardens. Rabat is also a city of festivals. It hosts many festivals to enchant the people. Rabat has the Mawazine World Music Festival, Jazz au Chellah Festival, and Rabat International Film Festival.

6. Essaouira: Safest City in Morocco

Essaouira is a charming and artistic city, located on the Atlantic coast. It is about 170 km west of Marrakech. It is known for its white and blue houses, its fortified medina, and its fishing port. Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its outstanding example of a late-18th-century fortified town. Essaouira is a cultural and musical hub. It holds festivals all year round. These include the Gnaoua World Music Festival, the Jazz and Blues Festival, and the Atlantic Andalusia Festival.

Essaouira is a perfect place to enjoy the sea, the wind, and the sun. You can also surf, kite-surf, windsurf, or sail on the waves. You can also visit the Skala de la Ville, the ramparts, the cannons, and the clock tower. Essaouira is also famous for its wood carving, its argan oil, and its seafood.

7. Agadir: Largest Coastal City in Morocco

Agadir is a sunny and lively city, located on the Atlantic coast, about 500 km south of Casablanca. It is the main tourist destination in Morocco and the capital of the Souss-Massa region. It is famous for its golden beaches, its mild climate, and its modern facilities.  Agadir is a resilient city that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1960 and rebuilt completely.

Agadir is a great place to relax and have fun, as well as to discover the culture and nature of the region. You can enjoy the water sports, the golf courses, the spas, and the casinos. You can also visit the Kasbah, the marina, the souk, and the museum. Agadir is near stunning places in Morocco. You can visit Paradise Valley, Massa National Park, Tiznit Silver City, and Taroudant Walled City.

8. Tangier: One of The Oldest Cities in Morocco

Tangier is a fascinating and exotic city. It is located at the northern tip of Morocco, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Tangier is one of the oldest and most important cities in Morocco. It is also a crossroads of civilizations and cultures. It has been shaped by many cultures. The Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Portuguese, Spanish, British, French, and Americans have all left their mark. It was also a haven for artists, writers, and spies, who were attracted by its mystery and charm.

Tangier is a city of contrasts, where you can see the old and the new, the east and the west, the rich and the poor. You can also visit the Kasbah, the Medina, the Grand Socco, the Petit Socco, and the American Legation. Tangier is also a gateway to the rest of Morocco, as well as to Spain, which is only 14 km away by ferry.

9. Casablanca: The Largest & Most Modern City in Morocco

Casablanca is the largest and the most modern city in Morocco. It is also the economic and industrial hub of the country. It is located on the Atlantic coast, about 240 km south of Rabat. Casablanca is a dynamic and diverse city. Here, you can see the skyscrapers, the boulevards, the malls, and the cinemas. Casablanca is also famous for its Art Deco architecture, which dates back to the French colonial era.

Casablanca is not only a business city, but also a cultural and historical one. You can visit the Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest mosque in the world, and the only one in Morocco that is open to non-Muslims. You can also visit the old Medina, the Habous Quarter, the Mohammed V Square, and the Royal Palace. Casablanca is also the setting of the classic movie “Casablanca”, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

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10. Tetouan: The White Dove of Morocco

Tetouan is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, located about 60 km east of Tangier. It is the capital of the northern region of Morocco and a cultural and artistic center. Tetouan has a lot of Spanish influence. It was the main base for Spanish rule in Morocco from 1912 to 1956. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its well-preserved and authentic medina.

Tetouan is a city of contrasts, where you can see the modern and the traditional, the European and the African, the urban and the rural. You can also visit the museums, the palaces, the mosques, and the gardens. Tetouan is also close to the Mediterranean coast, where you can enjoy the beaches, the resorts, and the nightlife.

11. Chefchaouen: A Blue City in Morocco

Chefchaouen is a magical and enchanting city. It is located in the Rif mountains, about 200 km east of Tangier. It is famous for its blue-washed houses, which create a dreamy and surreal atmosphere. Chefchaouen was founded in the 15th century by the Moriscos, the Muslims who fled from Spain after the Reconquista. It was also a refuge for the Jews, who contributed to the city’s culture and architecture.

Chefchaouen is a delight for the senses, where you can admire the views of the mountains, the medina, and the mosque. You can also shop for handicrafts, such as pottery, leather, and wool, in the colorful souks. Chefchaouen is also a paradise for nature lovers. Here they can explore the nearby parks, waterfalls, and forests.

12. El Jadida: The Gateway to The Moroccan Culture and History

El Jadida is a port city, located about 100 km south of Casablanca. It was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later occupied by the Spanish and the French. El Jadida is one of the best-preserved examples of Portuguese colonial architecture in Morocco. It has also been regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main attraction is the Cité Portugaise, the old fortified town. There you can see the cistern, the bastion, the church, and the lighthouse.
El Jadida is also a popular seaside resort, where you can enjoy the sandy beaches, the golf courses, and the seafood restaurants. You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as the Mazagan Casino, the Sidi Bouzid Beach, and the Oualidia Lagoon.

13. Tinghir: A Historical and Cultural Treasure In The Todra Valley

Tinghir is a stunning oasis town, located in the High Atlas Mountains, about 160 km east of Ouarzazate. It is surrounded by palm groves, almond trees, and rose gardens, creating a contrast with the arid and rocky landscape. Tinghir is the gateway to the Todra Gorge, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Morocco. The gorge is a narrow canyon. The Todra River flows through it. The cliffs are tall and colorful, in shades of red and orange.

Tinghir is a great place to experience the Berber culture and lifestyle. In Tanghir, you can do outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, biking, and rafting. You can also visit the old Jewish quarter, the 19th-century mosque, and the local souk. There, you can buy handicrafts, carpets, and jewelry.

14. Larache: A Lively and Colorful Port City in Morocco

Larache is another charming coastal town, located about 85 km south of Tangier. It is situated at the mouth of the Loukkos River, which creates a natural harbor and a fertile valley. Larache has a long history with many rulers. Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Portuguese, Spanish, and French all ruled here. It’s where the famous Moroccan writer and philosopher Abdellah Laroui was born.
Larache is a pleasant and peaceful town, where you can enjoy the views of the river, the sea, and the hills. You can visit the old medina. There’s also the Spanish plaza to pay a visit. And the 17th-century Kasbah. Plus, the mausoleum of Moulay Abdeslam Ben Mchich, who founded the Almohad dynasty. Larache is also famous for its fish market, where you can buy fresh and delicious seafood.

15. Asilah: The City of Light, Art and History

Asilah is a small and picturesque coastal town, located about 40 km south of Tangier. It is known for its white-washed houses, blue doors and windows, and colorful murals. Asilah is a popular destination for artists. They come here to paint and exhibit their works on the walls of the old medina. The town holds an arts festival every August, drawing lots of people and performers.

Asilah is a great place to relax and enjoy the beach, the seafood, and the laid-back atmosphere. You can explore historical sites too. There are Portuguese fortifications, 15th-century mosque and the Palace of Raissouni. Asilah is a great place to stay. You can visit nearby attractions like the Roman ruins of Lixus, the Caves of Hercules, and the Cap Spartel lighthouse.

Conclusion:

In Morocco, every city tells a story, a narrative woven from threads of history, culture, and natural beauty. Morocco’s cities offer adventure, relaxation, and a chance to learn about their rich history. You’ll find unforgettable experiences waiting for you.

In Marrakech, the hustle never stops. Fez is calm and soulful. Chefchaouen’s blue is mesmerizing. Essaouira charms with its coast. Casablanca beats with modernity. Tangier is a cultural mosaic. Meknes boasts regal splendor. Rabat is elegantly stately. Each place has its own story to tell to welcome you. The stories match the varied landscapes. They’re full of history and warmth, like the people who live there.

So, take a moment. Take in the smell of saffron and leather. Hear the distant sound of a lute. Feel the sun’s warmth on old stones and let Morocco touch your soul. When you leave, the memories of Morocco stay with you. Spices linger on your tongue. Colors dance in your mind and the stories become part of you.

In the end, Morocco doesn’t just stay with you; it becomes a part of who you are. It’s a journey that starts with a step into the unknown and ends with a heart full of experiences. When you leave, you’ll dream of coming back. Morocco’s journey never ends.

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