The 13 Must-See Cities to Visit on Your Trip to Morocco

Anyone going on a trip to Morocco is in for an amazing trip, full of a deep culture, a rich history, and gorgeous scenic locations to see.

The endless list of places to visit can be overwhelming – but lucky for you, this list of 12 top gorgeous cities is everything you could need and more to have an amazing time during your stay in beautiful Morocco. 

1. Casablanca

The bustling city of Casablanca is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Morocco because it houses the country’s largest airport and offers the perfect combination of historic and modern attractions. 

As beautiful as this lively city may be, it doesn’t even scrape the surface of the country’s vibrant culture and interesting traditions. 

You can easily explore the city’s many wonders within a day or two – but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t extend your stay even longer. 

The city is located along the sandy shore of the Atlantic Ocean, so a beach is never too far away – and its prime destination makes it a great starting point for day trips in every direction. 

Each day you can explore someplace completely new and exciting as you jump from beach towns to ancient cities, to hidden gems, and so much more. 

2. El Jadida

Perfectly located along the coast, the waterfront town of El Jadida is nothing short of charming and there are plenty of places to enjoy beach fun and downtown attractions. This city is well worth the trip – as you can spend the whole day relaxing along the beach.

There are plenty of beaches to lay out your towel but the most popular of the bunch is El Jadida Beach – which is located in the heart of town and provides endless sandy shores for both tourists and locals alike. 

If you’re looking to stay away from the large crowds like the ones you’d find at the main beach, head over to Haouzia Beach for a remote location with cool views – including a shipwreck out in the distance. 

Go for a stroll along the El Jadida Port for a relaxing experience watching the boats come and go through the harbor and the fishermen getting ready for a busy day. 

For something different, make your way over to the Portuguese Cisterns which give an ominous vibe as you walk through the dark chamber that is only lit by the sun shining down through a single hole. 

To learn more about the chamber, stop by the Cistern Museum to dive into its history and check out a fine collection of artifacts like photographs and books. 

History buffs will appreciate a visit to the Espace de la Memoire Historique de la Resistance et de la Liberation, where you can learn about how the World Wars impacted the country and its relationships. 

Go back in time with a trip to the Mazagan Fortress where you can explore the remnants of this early 16th century military base with scenic views of the ocean.  

While you’re in this area, make sure you stop by the Old Community Bread Oven to see how Morrocans carry out ancient traditions of baking bread in a communal environment. 

3. Azemmour

Azemmour is filled with rich history and has breathtaking views of both the ocean and the Oued Er-rbia River that border it. 

The best place to explore the history of this town is by going for a walk through the Medina, where you’ll venture through ancient town walls, explore the old Kasbah, get a peek at the historic prison, and admire the old mosque. 

While walking through the Medina, you’ll reach the Jewish Mellah where you can learn about how the Jewish people migrated to the area looking for a safe haven and ended up planting their roots. 

Pay your respects at the burial sights for two significant players in the town’s history, Lalla Aïcha Bahria and Moulay Bouchaïb Errada – who are said to have brought Morocco knowledge and fertility. 

Make sure to pay close attention to everything around you, as you may never know when you’ll be confronted with a breathtaking mural or unique piece of art. 

For a small fee, you can get out on the second-longest river in the country, the Oum Er R’bia river, and spend the day relaxing out on the water before heading back for a deliciously authentic meal. 

Spend a few hours relaxing on the sandy shores of Haouzia Beach with all the amenities you could need including fresh snacks and cool beverages, before heading over to check out the historic Sidi Boubeker Lighthouse. 

4. Oualidia

Once a sleepy fishing village, the charming town of Oualidia has become one of the most popular summer destinations in Morocco thanks to its tasty seafood and its prime location along the Atlantic Coast. This is the place you go to if you’re looking to completely detach from the outside world and spend the day relaxing from start to finish. 

The beauty of a small town with an overflowing amount of attractions is that everything is within walking distance of each other – and although it can be hectic during the summer months, it’s usually pretty quiet at any other time of year. 

The Weekly Market is held on weekends, so if you happen to be visiting during this time, you don’t want to miss an opportunity to stroll amongst the many stalls selling local goods – like produce, artisan goods, clothing, jewelry, fresh seafood, and more. 

Much of the sandy shores along the town are calm, making them perfect for casual swimming and peaceful sunbathing – but if you venture out a bit, you’ll find the best waves for activities like windsurfing. 

However you decide to spend your day, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for some of the beautiful birds that migrate to the area like flamingos and storks. 

If you want to get out on the water, there are plenty of places that offer boat, kayak, and canoe rentals. You might even spot a whale if you are visiting during the fall. 

You’re guaranteed to have an amazing, freshly-caught seafood meal at just about every restaurant in town, but the most popular place is L’Araignee Gourmande because of its large menu and daily specials. 

5. Rabat

A trip to Morocco wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the country’s capital – and the city of Rabat offers a plethora of fun and historic attractions that all kinds of travelers will enjoy. 

Start your trip by visiting the most notable museum in all of Morocco, the Royal Palace, before exploring some of the other significant landmarks in the area. 

Things you should include on your journey through the capital’s history include:

• The Mausoleum of Mohamed V
• Oudaias Kasbah
• Chellah Necropolis
• Hassan Tower. 

The most interesting of the bunch is the Oudaias Kasbah, which allows you to walk through a fortress dating back to the early 11th century and explore the oldest mosque in the city (the Kasbah Mosque) while taking in the nonstop views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

A close second is the Chellah Necropolis, where you’ll observe the remains of an ancient 14th-century town including crumbling town walls, mosques, mausoleums, and more. 

Keep the educational train going by stopping at the Oudaias Museum and the Andalusian Gardens, where you can admire how the wealthy people of Morocco lived during the early 17th century. 

If you’re curious about the archeological discoveries found in the area, head over to the Rabat Archaeology Museum where you can check out human remains dating back to the neolithic period. 

When you feel like you can’t absorb any more knowledge, swing by the Medina to spend a few hours unwinding while you hop amongst the many shops and dine at one of the restaurants in the area. 

6. Salé

Just a stone’s throw away from the iconic city of Rabat, you can combine these two lovely places into one day trip – but be prepared to want to spend even more time in the charming town of Salé. 

The Medina here may be small but there are plenty of wonderful things to enjoy like the orange town walls, the ancient mosque, the lively market selling fresh produce and hot snacks, and most importantly, the lack of crowds. 

Considered to be one of the most breathtaking structures of its time, the Great Mosque of Salé is a wonder to see as it dates back over one thousand years and still stands perfectly intact. 

Swing by the Belghazi Museum to learn about the rich history of Salé and the entire country, as you walk through rooms filled with exquisite details like painted ceilings, hand-carved walls, jewelry, furniture, books, and so much more. 

Although you cannot enter the Sidi Abdellah Ben Hassoun Mausoleum unless you are a Muslim, it is still a wonderful sight to see from its exterior – and you can always peak into its massive windows to get a feel for the inside design. 

Head over to the Magic Park where children can enjoy a large variety of rides and games while the adults can admire the breathtaking views of the river while enjoying a fine selection of hot snacks. 

7. Volubilis

Spend the day walking amongst the ruins of a once prosperous, ancient city known as Volubilis, where you can enjoy a combination of nature and history that you won’t want to miss.

Often forgotten about by tourists, it’s an amazing feeling to experience the energy that radiates from the remains all to yourself – and the surrounding mountains only add to the feeling of serenity. 

You can spend the entire day exploring the ruins that are spread out amongst its 99 acres, and there are plenty of hiking trails available to keep you on track. 

There’s no cost to enter the ruins, but those who don’t mind spending an extra couple of bucks should definitely hire an official guide for a more knowledgeable experience. 

Regardless of which route you take, you’ll be instantly amazed by what remains of its stunning architecture as you walk through its entrance and are confronted with the breathtaking marble stele. 

Imagine what life was once like here as you explore the ruins of its capitol building, thermal pools, and more as you walk around columns and under grand archways. 

Make sure you have enough time to check out the House Of Orpheus, where you can admire the restoration of mosaics and tiles that tell the stories of popular Morrocan legends. 

8. Meknes

Most well known for its close vicinity to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the city of Meknes has plenty more to offer – and those who are willing to take the time to explore the area are greatly rewarded. 

Pay your respects at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail as you admire the astonishing interior design made up of extremely detailed tiles and mosaics. 

The Medina in Meknes is one of the most colorful old towns you’ll find in the country – with winding streets that lead you to endless marketplaces, boasting many authentic crafts and clothing. 

Check out the variety of ruins in The Imperial City district, admire iconic Morrocan artwork at the Museum of Moroccan Art, explore the ruins of a once-massive horse stable at Heri es-Souani, and so much more! 

As you explore the city, you may notice the layers of vibrant houses that tower up the hillside out in the distance. This area is known as Moulay Idriss. It’s considered to be a holy city dating back to AD 788 and provides one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. 

Feel free to explore the holy city’s streets leading up to sweeping views of the Meknes area, but just keep in mind that the shrines can only be visited by Muslims. 

Many people decide to stop here on their journey from Meknes to Volubilis because of its short walking distance, so you can bundle all these interesting areas into one exciting day trip. 

9. Marrakech

When most people think about Morocco, the first thing that comes to mind is Marrakech – and rightfully so, considering that the city is oozing charm, culture, historic significance, and vibrancy unlike any other place in the country. 

There’s something here for all kinds of travelers, from its extensive collection of museums for history buffs to explore to the endless bargain hunting opportunities for the frequent shoppers. 

With that being said, the Medina Souks is a maze-like playing field filled with a large variety of goods ready for purchase, including spices, shoes, leather, and more. The only catch is that you need to be a true bargainer to really get your money’s worth. 

Even if you aren’t on the hunt for a new purse or a namesake to take home, the old town should still be on your list of things to do. The alleyways are bustling with vibrant colors, delicious smells, and the sounds of Moroccan music. 

On the outskirts of the Medina is the Djemaa El Fna and it’s here that you can truly admire the exciting side of Moroccan life with its many storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and more. 

Even better than this, is the fact that there are plenty of rooftop restaurants in the area – so you can take in all the sights from above while you munch on a delicious meal. 

Check out the Medersa Ben Youssef, the largest college of its kind in Morocco – and make your way to the main courtroom to marvel at the stunning Islamic architecture and its exquisite detail. 

These enticing attractions don’t even scratch the surface of the beautiful sights and activities available in the city, so feel free to wander to your heart’s content, as there’s always something new to enjoy. 

10. Essaouira

Similar to the adorable town of Oualidia, Essaouira was once a humble fishing village that has seen a sudden boom of tourism and has turned it into one of the hottest vacation spots in Morocco. 

If that’s not enough to pique your interest, how about the fact that multiple episodes of the famous tv show Game of Thrones have been filmed here? 

If you want to learn about the city’s French history dating back to the 18th century, check out the canons that are still intact today – or simply benefit from the stellar views of the sea from its upper level. 

If you happen to be visiting in June, you’ll have the lucky opportunity to experience the Gnaoua World Music Festival, which offers a large variety of free music performances of all kinds. 

You may have noticed that argan oil is extremely popular in Moroccan culture, and this is mainly because of the abundance of argan trees that grow here. Stop by one of the many argan oil cooperatives in town and check out the process. 

Named after the man who established the town, the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah Museum is a great place to visit to learn more about the area’s culture and history. 

Head over to the port to explore the many fish markets, watch as the boats come and go, and each a lunch made up of freshly caught seafood. Spend some time in the great outdoors by partaking in some of the watersports that are common along the beaches, like wind and kitesurfing – or travel along the sandy shores on the back of a horse. 

End your night with a high-class meal and a few drinks while you watch the sunset over the water and listen to live music at the popular Il Mare bar. 

11. Mohammedia

Primarily known as a port city that plays a leading role in the growth of the country’s economy through the trading of oil, Mohammedia is a lively city that only continues to grow. 

One of the best things to do here is indulging in the city’s extensive selection of fresh seafood, with the hottest commodity being the city’s famous Oualidia oysters. 

If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to having a seafood dinner, you can always rent a fishing boat and gear to catch your own dinner – but if that’s pushing it too far, you can opt to rent a sailboat or yacht and spend a relaxing day out on the water without the overwhelming smell of fish. 

Spend some time on any of the beautiful beaches that line the edges of town and enjoy a day of sunbathing on white sandy shores while admiring the turquoise color of the clear, calm waters. 

With so many attractions compacted into such a small town, it’s even more impressive to think that there manages to be any space for charming parks, like the Parc des Villes Jumelees. 

Support local businesses by visiting the Amber Gallery, where you can admire unique pieces of art from across the globe while conversing with its friendly owners. 

When you’re feeling the need to spice things up, stop by the Complex Cultural Sidi Belyout, where you can enjoy a fine selection of musical performances. 

Looking for modern amenities? Head over to the VGK to spend some time swimming in its wide-stretching pool, competing around the go-kart course, partaking in a game of paintball, and so much more.

12. Fez

Known for being one of the oldest cities and nicknamed the “Cultural Capital of Morocco”, the ancient city of Fez will transport you back to medieval times as you learn more about its rich history around every corner. 

The Al Quaraouiyine Mosque is considered to be one of the first universities to have ever been built worldwide – and although you cannot step inside the mosque itself for religious reasons, its library is open to the public – so you’ll be able to take a peek at its large variety of handmade tiles dating as far back as the 9th century. 

Within the oldest Medina across the globe, you’ll find a palace that has since been turned into a museum. When visiting the Dar Batha, you can marvel at carpets, tiles, and ceramics dating back to the 14th century. 

The most visited place in Fez is easily the Chouara Tannery because it’s the oldest of its kind across the globe, and still functions the same way today as it did when it was first established in medieval times. 

Swing by the Al-Attarine Souk for fresh spices before making your way to the iconic historical landmark, Al-Attarine Madrasa, comprised of breathtaking blue and green tiles. 

If you’re hoping to spend some time admiring nature during your travels, consider taking the strenuous hike up to Mount Zalagh – where you can hang with goats, bird watch, and take in the panoramic views of the old medina. 

Admire the impressive courtyard at the center of the historic Medersa Bou Inania, climb up to the Merenid Tombs, and marvel at the grand architecture of the Fez Palace, Dar el Makhzen. 

13. Kenitra

Often overlooked because of its popular neighbors Salé and Rabat, the city of Kenitra is a hidden gem that you most definitely don’t want to miss an opportunity to visit.   

You can spend your entire day without ever leaving Mehdia Beach, with its large variety of activities including classic sunbathing, surfing the waves, and going for a leisurely ride on the back of a camel. 

Located on the outskirts of the beach is Lac Sidi Boughaba, a lush national park filled with hiking trails, picnic areas, and stellar bird-watching opportunities.  

Travel back in time by visiting the ruins of Thamusida, which date back to 200 AD, and gives insight into what it was like for the Romans who lived along the river port. 

Feel free to roam the busy streets of Khabazat and immerse yourself with Moroccan culture as you explore the many markets, food stalls, mosques, and vibrant homes that make up the area. 

The Kasbah of Mehdia is worth mentioning as it offers history dating back over two thousand years and breathtaking views overlong river Sebou, Lake Sidi, and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Feed the urge to shop till you drop at the Kenitra mall, where you can hop from one store to another sporting some of the most popular brands and local shops in Morocco. 

Looking for dinner with a view? Look no further than Merzouga, which boasts an extensive high-class menu with guaranteed views of Mehdia Beach and the waterfront beyond. 

If you’re hoping to dance the night away, you can’t go wrong with visiting the classic Discothèque 007 – which has been pumping out great music, drinks, and food since 1940.