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Morocco’s most beautiful cities: Top highlights and travel tips
Find out which are Morocco’s most beautiful cities to visit, plus the different activities you can enjoy depending on which region you decide to visit.
This guide includes a complete list of the most beautiful cities you can visit in Morocco, from classic highlights to hidden gems you must visit.
The media of Marrakech is just as fascinating as the rooftop terraces in Fes. And the sunset over the Kasbash of the Udayas in Rbat? Magical!
But Morocco offers much more than its famous imperial cities. Between the desert, the Atlas Mountains, and the coast, many treasures await, and we prepared a guide to make your heart beat faster with sights and travel tips.
Whether you’re in the bustling souks of Marrakech, looking for a place to walk in the footsteps of Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, or simply to relax on the Atlantic coast, Morocco is a true paradise for travelers.
Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Keep reading and discover the diversity and magic of Morocco’s most beautiful cities, and find out how a travel eSIM can help you on your trip!
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
Imperial Cities: Morocco’s cultural treasures
Morocco’s famous imperial cities were once the seats of the sultans and remain cultural highlights of the country nowadays. Each city tells its own story, with magnificent palaces, vibrant markets, and centuries-old traditions.
1. Marrakech – The “red city” with fascinating souks and palaces
Marrakech offers a complete Moroccan experience in one city: colors, scents, sounds, you’re immersed in the heart of the Orient. The medina is a veritable labyrinth of alleyways where you can find everything from carpets, spices, to handcrafted lamps.
There’s the famous Djemaa el Fna, a place taken out of 1001 Nights with snake charmers, jugglers, and delicious food stalls.
Morning: Enjoy your breakfast on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city’s Medina
Midday: Visit the Jardin Majorelle or the magnificent Bahia Palace
Afternoon: Shopping in the souks & having an oriental tea break
Evening: Try the Moroccan cuisine on a street food adventure on Djemaa el Fna & sundowner in a rooftop bar
Did you know that…
No building in Marrakech is allowed to be taller than 77 meters? This is the height of the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. This minaret is easily visible from a great distance, and only Muslims are allowed inside. This is due to the building being consecrated in 1158.
2. Fes – The cultural heart of Morocco with the country’s oldest medina
Fes is a true labyrinth of history, culture, and craftsmanship. The Medina of Fes, one of the oldest and largest in the world, feels like a journey back to the Middle Ages, with narrow alleyways, donkeys as a mode of transportation, and countless small shops where everything is made by hand, making it the perfect place to find authentic Moroccan souvenirs.
Fez is particularly famous for its tanneries, where leather has been processed in enormous dye baths for centuries. Anyone wanting a real Moroccan experience has to visit Fes!
Morning: Traditional breakfast with Msemen (Moroccan pancakes) in a riad
Midday: Visit to the tanneries and enjoy the color spectacle
Afternoon: Exploring the winding streets of the old city and stopping at al-Qarawīyīn University
Evening: Dinner on a rooftop terrace overlooking the charming Medina and the city lights
3. Meknes – UNESCO World Heritage Site with imposing gates and ruins
Meknes is, perhaps, the most underrated of the ancient imperial cities, but that’s what makes it so charming. Life is more relaxed than in the bustling streets of Marrakech or Fes, yet the city has a lot to offer: impressive city gates, sprawling ruins, and a touch of bygone splendor.
The Bab Mansour is particularly impressive, as it is one of the most beautiful monumental gates in Morocco, and the royal stables of Sultan Moulay Ismail, which once housed 12,000 horses!
Morning: Grab a coffee at Place el-Hedim overlooking Bab Mansour
Midday: Explore Moulay Ismail’s Royal Stables and its Granaries
Afternoon: Excursion to the Roman ruins of Volubilis – 30 minutes away with Moroccan public transport
Evenings: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner in a riad with live music
Coastal cities – Cities in Morocco by the sea
Morocco offers more than fascinating desert and mountainous landscapes; coastal cities are also stunning to visit. Relax on the breathtaking beaches of the Atlantic or the Mediterranean while diving into the local captivating history.
4. Essaouira – An artists’ town with a relaxed atmosphere and great beaches
Essaouira is the perfect mix of cultural heritage, beach, and laid-back vibe. The white and blue alleyways of the medina, the relaxed atmosphere, and the fresh sea breeze make visiting the city a true highlight.
Surfers, artists, and travelers seeking an authentic Moroccan experience, free from the hustle and bustle, come here. At the harbor, you can watch fishermen work and then enjoy a freshly caught fish in nearby restaurants.
And if you’re looking for action, here are some of the best beaches in Morocco worth a session of kitesurfing!
Morning: Grab breakfast in a café overlooking the crashing waves
Lunch: Explore the Medina and eat fresh seafood in the harbor
Afternoon: Beach walk or kitesurfing session
Evening: Sunset over the city walls and live music in a rooftop bar
5. Tangier – Historic port city with international flair
Tangier was once a vital crossroads between Europe and Africa, and its international atmosphere remains alive. The city offers a blend of Moroccan traditions and European influence, reflected in its architecture, markets, and overall ambiance.
The view of the Strait of Gibraltar is stunning, making Tangier a special place to visit.
Morning: Grab breakfast in a café overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar
Midday: Visit the Kasbah and the Grand Socco Square
Afternoon: Relax on one of the beaches or take a walk through the Medina
Evening: Dinner overlooking the harbor and a drink in a bar with a sea view
Mountain and desert cities – Nature and adventure
Morocco’s mountain and desert cities offer a unique blend of breathtaking nature and adventure. You can experience the real Moroccan flair from the secret oases of the Sahara to the high-altitude villages of the Atlas Mountains!
6. Chefchaouen – The “blue city” in the mountains
Chefchaouen, known for its picturesque, blue-painted buildings, lies nestled in the foothills of the Rif Mountains. The city has a unique charm, with breathtaking views of the mountains, whose blue hue creates a mystical atmosphere.
Chefchaouen is ideal for hiking or strolling through the narrow streets of the Medina and enjoying the fresh mountain air and pleasant climate.
Ideal for hiking or simply for strolling through the narrow streets of the Medina and enjoying the fresh mountain air. Just ensure you pack for Morocco’s colder weather!
Morning: Grab breakfast in a café overlooking the blue alleyways of the Medina
Midday: Stroll through the old town and visit the Kasbah
Afternoon: Hike to a viewpoint overlooking the stunning scenery from the mountains
Evening: Sunset from a terrace and dinner in a traditional restaurant
7. Ouarzazate – The gateway to the Sahara with impressive kasbahs
Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert, is one of those Moroccan cities steeped in history and film stories. It’s famous for its impressive Kasbahs and serves as a backdrop for many famous Hollywood films.
The vast, sandy landscape surrounding the city invites you to embark on trips into the desert, while also allowing you to experience the Moroccan heritage of this region.
Morning: Grab breakfast in a traditional riad
Midday: Visit the Kasbah Taourirt and film studio
Afternoon: Excursion to the Ait Benhaddou Kasbahs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Evening: Dine under the stars and have a relaxing evening in a desert bar
Modern cities & hidden gems – Contrasts and diversity
Morocco’s most beautiful cities offer a unique blend of modernity and history. Traditional charm meets modern living, allowing you to discover the new facets of the country while still finding spots to enjoy the best things to do in Morocco.
8. Rabat – The quiet capital city with a royal palace and historical sites
Rabat, Morocco’s capital, is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and rich historical heritage. The majestic Royal Palace, the Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of the Udayas are just some of the places that make Rabat a cultural highlight.
In this quiet city, you can relax while walking through the alleys and enjoy local life away from the tourist cities in Morocco.
Morning: Eat breakfast in a café overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
Midday: Visit to the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower
Afternoon: Relax in the Jardin d’Essais Botaniques
Evening: Dine in one of the traditional restaurants in the Oudaias district
9. Casablanca – Hollywood Feeling and Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca is another major city in Morocco, serving as the country’s economic center and a melting pot of modern architecture and history. The legendary Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques, stands majestically on the Atlantic coast.
But Casablanca has more to offer: an international atmosphere, trendy neighborhoods, and of course, the myth of Casablanca, the classic film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.
Morning: Breakfast with sea view on the Corniche
Midday: Visit the Hassan II Mosque and walk along the coast
Afternoon: Shopping in the modern shopping centers
Evening: Dinner at the legendary Rick’s Café – where the classic film plays on a continuous loop – and end with a drink at a beach bar
10. Taroudant – The “little Marrakech” with well-preserved city walls
Taroudant, often called “Little Marrakech,” is a charming town that hasn’t been overrun by mass tourism. Its well-preserved city walls and vibrant souks offer an authentic Moroccan experience.
Taroudant is an ideal place to immerse yourself in traditional Moroccan culture and experience the atmosphere of a less touristy destination.
Morning: Grab breakfast in a riad overlooking the Atlas Mountains
Midday: Stroll through the old town and visit the souks
Afternoon: Relax in the garden of the Palais Salam
Evening: Dine in a traditional restaurant and relax in a café
Explore Morocco’s most beautiful cities with Holafly
Traveling to Morocco means you’ll need mobile internet, whether it is to translate things or find your way around using Google Maps.
Your best option is to use an eSIM, and your best travel companion is Holafly, which offers unlimited data plans.
A one-day plan with the eSIM for Morocco costs $3.90, but it can be as low as $1.55 depending on your stay duration. You also get up to 500 MB of hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, and 5G data speeds, all on top of unlimited data.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
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I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
