The Best Places to Visit in Morocco: A No-Nonsense Guide

Morocco doesn’t try to impress—it just does. This North African country is where centuries-old traditions meet raw natural beauty and pulsing urban energy. Whether you’re chasing desert silence, mountain air, or a maze of market stalls, Morocco delivers. Here’s where to go if you want to see the real deal.

1. Marrakech – The Electric Heartbeat

Marrakech hits you like a jolt. The moment you enter Jemaa el-Fnaa—the main square—you’re thrown into a swirl of snake charmers, sizzling food stands, and street musicians. But there’s more than chaos here.

Don’t miss:

• Jardin Majorelle: A cobalt-blue oasis that once belonged to Yves Saint Laurent.
• Bahia Palace: Staggering detail. Color. History. Go early to beat the crowds.
• Souks of the Medina: Get lost. It’s part of the plan.

Pro tip: Marrakech is intense. Book a riad inside the medina to rest in silence between adventures.

2. Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl

Up in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen feels like a dream. The town is soaked in every shade of blue, from the walls to the stairs to the flower pots.

What to do:

• Wander. No itinerary needed.
• Climb to the Spanish Mosque for sunset views.
• Sip mint tea while people-watching in Plaza Uta el-Hammam.

Why it works: It’s slower, smaller, and cooler (literally). A breather between Morocco’s bigger cities.

3. Fes – The Living Museum

Fes doesn’t clean itself up for tourists—and that’s its strength. It’s gritty, dense, and unapologetically real. The medina (Fes el-Bali) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest in the Arab world.

Highlights:

• Al-Qarawiyyin University: Founded in 859. Yes, it’s the oldest university in the world.
• Chouara Tannery: Smelly? Yes. Fascinating? Absolutely.
• Medersa Bou Inania: A 14th-century Islamic school with jaw-dropping architecture.

Heads-up: Fes isn’t as polished as Marrakech, but it’s more authentic in many ways.

4. The Sahara Desert – Silence, Stars, and Sand

A camel trek into the Sahara is not optional. It’s essential. The two main gateways are Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes) and Zagora (Erg Chigaga dunes).

What you’ll experience:

• Riding camels at sunset
• Sandboarding down dunes
• Sleeping under more stars than you thought existed

Stay at: A desert camp with proper Berber hospitality. Avoid the overly commercial ones if you want a rawer, quieter experience.

5. Essaouira – Morocco’s Laid-Back Coast

If the cities wear you out, head to Essaouira. This breezy port town on the Atlantic has charm without trying too hard.

Why people love it:

• Great surfing and windsurfing
• Fresh seafood straight off the boat
• Art, music, and chilled-out vibes

Don’t miss: The ramparts where Orson Welles shot parts of Othello. Also, check out local artists—Essaouira’s a creative hotspot.

6. Atlas Mountains – The High Road

Just a couple of hours from Marrakech, the High Atlas Mountains give you hiking, snow (in winter), and a glimpse into Amazigh (Berber) village life.

Top picks:

• Imlil: Base camp for hiking Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak.
• Ourika Valley: Easy day trip with waterfalls and scenic trails.
• Aït Benhaddou: A fortified village made of mudbrick—and a favorite filming location (Gladiator, Game of Thrones).

7. Tangier – Gateway and Wild Card

Tangier, in the north, is Morocco’s rebel city. It’s a little European, a little grungy, and totally unique. Once a favorite of beat poets and spies, it’s now reinventing itself.

Check out:

• The Kasbah Museum (set in a former sultan’s palace)
• Cafés once frequented by Paul Bowles and William Burroughs
• The cliffside Caves of Hercules

Why it matters: Tangier gives you a different taste of Morocco. It’s got edge.

Final Tips for Travelers

• Timing: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal. Summer can roast you, especially inland.
• Dress code: Respect local customs. Loose, breathable clothing works best.
• Transport: Trains are solid for major cities. For desert routes, hire a driver or go with a tour.
• Safety: Morocco is generally safe, but keep your street smarts active in crowded areas.

Wrap-Up

Morocco isn’t just one experience—it’s five or six different worlds in one country. From chaotic medinas to silent sand dunes, from mountain hikes to coastal winds, it pulls you in all directions and leaves you wanting more.

Plan less. Wander more. And let Morocco mess with your expectations—in the best way possible.