Morocco dazzles with bold colors, epic landscapes, and deep cultural roots. Whether you’re wandering through the maze-like medinas, hiking in the rugged mountains, or sleeping under the stars in the desert, the country promises unforgettable moments. If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to go, here are 6 Best Places to Visit in Morocco , complete with top activities, local eats, where to stay, and how to get around.
Table of Contents
| Marrakech |
| Fes |
| Sahara Desert |
| Chefchaouen |
| Atlas Mountains |
| Essaouira |
| Practical Travel Tips |
| Optional Trip Extensions |
Marrakech
Why Go:
A whirlwind of color, noise, and spice, Marrakech is Morocco’s most iconic city. It’s a gateway to the country’s traditions, art, and hospitality.
Top Activities:
Explore the vibrant souks of the Medina
Visit Marrakech’s Majorelle Garden and the iconic Yves Saint Laurent Museum next door.
Experience a traditional hammam
Wander the stunning Bahia Palace
Where to Stay:
Luxury: La Mamounia
Mid-Range: Riad Yasmine
Budget: Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge
Food Highlights:
Tangia at Mechoui Alley
Rooftop dining at Nomad or Café des Épices
Transportation Tips:
Fly into Marrakech Menara Airport
Use taxis or walk inside the Medina
For excursions, book day tours or private drivers
Fes
Why Go:
Travel back in time in Fes, the cultural soul of Morocco, where the world’s oldest university and a vast car-free medina reveal centuries of heritage, learning, and timeless charm.
Top Activities:
Explore the medieval Fes el-Bali Medina
Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University
Watch leather tanning at Chouara Tannery
Take a Moroccan cooking class
Where to Stay:
Luxury: Riad Fes
Mid-Range: Palais Amani
Budget: Dar Rabha
Food Highlights:
Try pastilla (meat pie with cinnamon and sugar)
Savor traditional Fassi couscous
Transportation Tips:
Accessible by train or bus from major cities
Walk or take guided tours within the Medina
Sahara Desert
Why Go:
No Moroccan journey is complete without a night in the vast, golden Sahara. It’s a surreal, soul-stirring experience.
Top Activities:
Camel trek across golden dunes in Erg Chebbi or wild Erg Chigaga. Desert dreams await.
Camp in a Berber tent under the stars
Sandboarding and 4×4 dune bashing
Where to Stay:
Luxury: Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp
Mid-Range: Riad Madu (Merzouga)
Budget: Local guesthouses in Merzouga or M’Hamid
Food Highlights:
Tagine cooked over a campfire
Fresh dates and mint tea with your hosts
Transportation Tips:
Best accessed via private transfer or organized tour from Marrakech or Fes
Overnight buses to Merzouga are available for budget travelers
Chefchaouen
Why Go:
Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco, charms with blue-painted alleys and Rif mountain views—perfect for dreamy photos and quiet escapes.
Top Activities:
Wander the blue-painted streets
Hike to the Spanish Mosque for sunset views
Visit Kasbah Museum
Shop for woven textiles and handicrafts
Where to Stay:
Luxury: Lina Ryad & Spa
Mid-Range: Dar Echchaouen
Budget: Hotel Al-Khalifa
Food Highlights:
Goat cheese specialties
Hearty mountain-style tagines
Transportation Tips:
Reachable via public bus or taxi from Fes or Tangier
Town is small and walkable
Atlas Mountains
Why Go:
Escape to nature and Berber culture in the Atlas Mountains, offering snow-capped peaks, traditional villages, and scenic hikes.
Top Activities:
Trekking in the High Atlas (e.g., Toubkal National Park)
Visit Berber villages and local markets
Stay in an eco-lodge or mountain riad
Where to Stay:
Luxury: Kasbah Tamadot (Asni)
Mid-Range: Douar Samra (Imlil)
Budget: Gîte d’étape Tizi Mizik (Imlil)
Food Highlights:
Homemade couscous with mountain herbs
Berber omelet
Transportation Tips:
From Marrakech, take a grand taxi or arrange a private driver
Some villages may require short hikes or mules to reach
Essaouira
Why Go:
This laid-back coastal town offers a refreshing blend of sea, art, and ancient charm. Great for seafood lovers and wind sports enthusiasts.
Top Activities:
Stroll the Skala de la Ville ramparts
Shop at local artisan galleries and cooperatives
Where to Stay:
Luxury: Heure Bleue Palais
Mid-Range: Riad Baladin
Budget: Chill Art Hostel
Food Highlights:
Fresh grilled fish at the port
Seafood pastilla and harira soup
Transportation Tips:
Direct buses from Marrakech (approx. 3 hours)
Easily explored on foot
Practical Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) offer ideal weather.
language: Arabic and French dominate, but English is understood in most tourist places.
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Safety: Morocco is safe for travelers; use common sense and avoid isolated areas at night.
Packing Tip: Dress modestly and wear layers for desert/mountain regions.
Optional Trip Extensions
Rabat: Morocco’s capital with elegant architecture and a chill vibe
Tangier: A cultural crossroads between Europe and Africa with rich literary roots.
Aït Ben Haddou: Visit Aït Ben Haddou—UNESCO World Heritage site and TV-famous desert fortress.
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