Morocco is one of the most visited country in Africa. But what is it that makes Morocco such a special destination? Many things! Its culture, its rich landscapes from the high mountains to the desert, its medinas and… the cities. Morocco has very interesting cities, especially the four imperial cities. Although a getaway to the desert is a must, we believe that there are some destinations that you cannot miss. In this post we tell you the 10 best cities in Morocco.
10 BEST CITIES IN MOROCCO
1. Marrakech, the most beautiful city in Morocco
Marrakech (see map) is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco. And the most touristy! It has so many treasures that we don’t know where to start… The life of the city revolves around the Jemaa el-Fnaa square . There you will find everything! Also, at night, it turns into a kind of outdoor restaurant with a lot of street food stalls.
Marrakech’s medina is one of the largest in the country . The city has been a key commercial hub for many years and still retains that identity. Get lost in its labyrinthine streets and take the opportunity to buy souvenirs. Of course, do not forget to haggle!
Marrakech is one of the best cities in Morocco . It lies at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and close to the Sahara , so there are many interesting excursions beyond the World Heritage Sites within. Don’t miss the iconic Koutoubia Mosque or the Ben Youssef Madrasa. There are so many attractions!
2. Fez, the cultural capital of Morocco
IF we talk about the best cities in Morocco , by no means can Fez(see map) be left out of the list. If you want to know the history and culture of the country, Fes is the first city you must visit! It is considered the cultural capital of Morocco .
The Fez-el-Bali medina is the largest and oldest in North Africa . In fact, it is considered the largest pedestrian zone in the world. There you can visit some of the most beautiful madrasahs in Morocco such as Bou Inania, Al-Atterine or Cherratine . You are going to fall in love!
Another of the main attractions of Fez are its tanneries . Prepare to put up with the bad smell, but seeing those wells full of colored dyes is a unique experience. The Chouara tannery is one of the oldest in the world. Do not miss it! Without a doubt, Fez is one of the best cities in Morocco.
3. Chefchaouen, one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco
It may not have the history of Fez or Marrakech, but Chefchaouen (see map) is a special city. Surely you have seen its blue streets in multitudes of magazines . So if you plan to visit Morocco, Chefchaouen should not be missing from your itinerary.
It is one of the most picturesque cities in Morocco . Its completely blue labyrinthine streets, full of cats and curious places, will make you spend your camera battery taking photos in almost every corner. The city has a very interesting architectural mix of Moroccan and Andalusian influences.
4. Meknes, one of the best cities in Morocco
Meknes(see map) is another of the imperial cities of Morocco. It dates from the 11th century and became the most important city in the country when it was the imperial capital of Sultan Mulay Ismail (1672-1727) , during his rule in the sultanate of Morocco. That was its heyday period and thanks to the development of the city today we can enjoy many historical buildings such as its huge gates.
One of the most outstanding elements is that it harmoniously combines Islamic and European design and planning elements. That is why it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Some of the attractions that you cannot miss in Meknes are the Mulay Ismail Mausoleum or the Bab Mansour gate, the largest in the country and in North Africa. Is awesome!
5. Rabat, the beautiful capital of Morocco
A priori, Rabat(see map) does not usually appear on the lists of the best cities in Morocco . But we believe that it cannot be missing! Visiting the capitals is always interesting and the Moroccan capital is no exception . The most interesting part is the Kasbah of the Oudayas . Inside the old military fortress, plenty of picturesque streets await you. In addition, from there you will have privileged views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The capital of Morocco is the second largest city in the country, only behind Casablanca. So you will imagine that the Kasbah is not the only attraction . Do not miss the imposing Mausoleum of Mohammed V or the beautiful Royal Palace of Dar-al-Mahkzen .
6. Casablanca and its incredible mosque
Casablanca(see map) is the largest city in Morocco and one of the largest on the African continent . It is the commercial capital of the country, in part, thanks to its important port. Casablanca, like any large African city, has a reputation for being dangerous, but you can easily explore its most interesting points if you are careful.
What you cannot miss on your tour is a visit to the incredible Hassan II Mosque of Casablanca . It is the largest mosque in Africa and the third largest in the world, only behind those in Mecca and Medina, both in Saudi Arabia.
Nor can you talk about Casablanca without mentioning the famous movie. Although many believe that it was filmed in the African city, it was actually recorded in Hollywood. However, you can have a drink at Rick’s Café , a replica of the place that appeared in the movie. Without a doubt, one of the best cities in Morocco.
7. Ouarzazate, a movie city
It is a movie city. And never better said! In this city, considered the gateway to the Sahara desert , is the spectacular Kasbah de Taourirt , a 19th century fortified palace. Is incredible! As a curiosity, several movies have been recorded there. In Ouarzazate(see map) there are also the Atlas Studios , which are the largest film studios in Morocco, and in the world! For example, several scenes from Gladiator or The Mummy were shot in and around Ouarzazate.
And precisely the surroundings are another of the attractions of the city. The Ait Ben Haddou kasbah is even more impressive than the Taourirt kasbah and cannot be missing from your tour. Like the Dades Valley , the Valley of the Roses or the Todra Gorges .
8. Essaouira and its French past
Essaouira (see map) is one of the best cities in Morocco . This jewel, located on the shores of the Atlantic, will steal your heart. The main attractions of Essaouira are its walls and the port . The city has a very marked French past.
The city was under a French protectorate and, during that time, an interesting fusion of cultures and architectural styles took place. In fact, its walls were inspired by those of Saint-Malo, in France . Essaouira is a different city!
Essaouira is a very picturesque destination . We would spend hours and hours in its port contemplating the fishing boats with the walls in the background. Inside, a vibrant medina awaits you, full of old streets where you can get lost and fall in love with this Moroccan treasure.
9. Agadir, for beach lovers
If you are looking for a beach, Agadir (see map) is one of the best destinations in Morocco . It is clear that the beach is not the best that the country has to offer, but it is always good to know the cities of its Atlantic coast. In Agadir you can visit Taghazout beach, one of the best in the African country.
Agadir does not retain the charm of old Moroccan cities like Asilah or Essaouira . The city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1960 and much of it is rebuilt. That’s why it looks more modern! In fact, almost only its Kasbah, which is located on a hill, was able to resist. Do not forget to visit it during sunset to enjoy its views.
The city’s seafront is one of its main attractions. And while in the city, you can’t miss an excursion to the Sus-Masa National Park to fall in love with its landscapes.
10. Asilah, a place to fall in love
And finally, to end this post about the best cities in Morocco , we could not forget to mention Asilah. It may not appear on the most common tourist itinerary, but if you have about two weeks in the country, you can’t miss it.
It is a small city located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco (see map). It is super picturesque! In 1471, the Portuguese settlers built walls that surround the city and that still stand today . Its interior is vibrant, a beautiful place where the cultures of Spain and Morocco merge.
White is the predominant color of the houses in the old city . But the highlights are its beautiful murals. Asilah is a very important artistic center where art is breathed in every corner . And it is that with those landscapes of the walls and the Atlantic Ocean in the background, one cannot be more inspired. It’s a beautiful city!
