Have You Been To The 12 Best Cities In Morocco?

The name Morocco conjures up exotic images of a far-away land with bustling bazaars, stunning Islamic architecture, and shifting sand dunes. This mystical African country is home to a vibrant, colourful culture that attracts travellers from across the world. The cities in Morocco perfectly blend the styles of Europe and the Sub-Sahara in the energy they exude.

There’s so much you can see and experience in Morocco, including the delicious food that is famous the world over. To truly absorb the essence of Morocco and its enchanting atmosphere, here is a list of all the places you must visit in the country.

Gorgeous Cities In Morocco You Must Visit

1. Rabat: Morocco’s Political And Administrative Capital

Morocco’s capital is situated on the coast and has some of the most tranquil beaches. An extra perk is that the city has great weather all year round, making it a favourite among tourists. It is divided into two parts; the Old Town and the New Town. The New Town embodies modernity and is packed with wide boulevards and outdoor cafes while the Old Town or Medina has a wistful charm to it with its traditional souks (bazaars) and an overall historical vibe.

Rabat has some of the best art galleries and museums in the country like the National Archaeological Museum and the Modern Art Museum. Winding alleyways with tiny blue and white homes and sparkling beaches with soothing waters are awaiting you in this city.

How to reach: Rabat is well served by train and you can get frequent connections to most places. There are two stations in Gare Rabat Ville-Medina/Downtown and Agdal. The Rabat International Airport is in the nearby town of Salé. The airport is served by a dedicated Stareo Bus that offers a direct connection to the city centre, just outside of Rabat Ville Train Station / Mohammed V Tramway Station.

Most Popular Attraction: Kasbah of the Udayas.

2. Marrakech: Chief City Of Central Morocco

The beloved Old Town of Morocco, Marrakech is loud and colourful in every possible way. As you make your way through its streets, the smell of spices and food will fill your senses. The bazaars in Marrakech are endless; you can shop till you drop. Situated right below the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech beckons you to embrace its chaos.

At the heart of the city is the busiest square in Africa- Jemaa el-Fnaa, which is filled with both locals and tourists. Magicians, storytellers, and hawkers crowd the streets vying for your attention!

How to reach: All the major cities like Casablanca, Tangier, and Nador are very well connected to Marrakech through railways. Marrakech-Menara Airport, Marrakech’s international airport has direct scheduled flights from London, Dublin, Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Paris, Madrid, and many charter flights arriving from all over Europe. If you are flying from the US, Canada, Asia, or elsewhere, you’ll have to change planes in Casablanca.

Most Popular Attraction: Koutoubia Mosque

Also Read: Here Are The Top 11 Things To Do In Marrakesh

3. Fes: Home To The Oldest And Largest Medina In North Africa

This 1,200-year-old Maghreb city is a historic relic you have to visit. The city used to once be the capital of Morocco and continues to remain a cultural hub. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 and the medina section of the city is completely car-free, imagine that!

The historic heart of the city, Fès el-Bali is a labyrinth you would love to get lost in. Lanes, staircases, and squares all merge into each other amidst cottages and multi-coloured tanneries. The elegant boulevards of Ville Nouvelle are reminiscent of the French rule in the country. The streets are distinctly Parisian with pretty fountains and grand hotels. This medieval city blends modern and traditional exquisitely and is a treat to explore on foot.

How to reach: The train station Fès-Ville is found at the northern end if the Ville-Nouvelle. There is regular train service along the Marrakech to Oujda and Tangier to Oujda train lines. There is also Fes Sais International Airport which is located about 15 km from the city. If you choose to take a car, Fez is about 3 hour’s drive by car from Casablanca. 

Most Popular Attraction: Fes el Jedid

Also Read: 6 Things You Cannot Miss When You Visit Fez

4. Casablanca: Largest City In Morocco

The port city of Casablanca is one of the more modern cities in Morocco. There are cool nightclubs you could visit and go shopping at the endless Morocco Mall which is the second-biggest shopping centre on the continent!

The Mauresque architecture which is a gorgeous fusion of the arabesque and the Parisian is all around you. Most buildings and squares are designed in this style. Also, Casa Tramway is a fun way to get around the city.

How to reach: One of the easiest ways to get to Casablanca is by train. All the major cities like Marrakech, Tangier, and Nador are very well connected to Casablanca through railways. Casablanca is also home to Morocco’s busiest international airport, Mohammed V International Airport (CMN).

Most Popular Attraction: Hassan II Mosque

Also Read: The Top 11 Things To Do In Casablanca

5. Meknes: One Of The Four Imperial Cities Of Morocco

The Historic City of Meknes is far more laid back than the likes of Rabat and Marrakech. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, Meknes is it! Meknes is a walled city and has some breathtaking ruins including the ruins of Volubilis and the capital of Ancient Mauretania.

Meknes has a lot of old architecture and its medina dates back to the 9th century. The pilgrim town of Moulay Idriss is a popular tourist attraction, there’s also a small traditional souk here much like the other bigger cities. You can head to the Dar Jamai Museum to learn about Morocco’s rich architecture. This small city is a world in itself and is extremely interesting to explore.

How to reach: Meknes is connected by train to most major cities like Marrakech, Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, or Oujda. There are also buses available to the main bus station (Gare Routière) of Meknes.

Most Popular Attraction: Roman ruins of Volubilis

6. Chefchaouen: Blue Pearl Of Morocco

Also called the blue city owing to many of its houses, streets, and alleyways being bathed in the colour, Chefchaouen is a small town amidst the Rif Mountains. It’s a great place for solo travellers to explore; the people are extremely friendly and hospitable. Some of the best Moroccan handicrafts and souvenirs are in the city.

Tourist attractions include Ras El Maa, a beautiful waterfall, and the Outa el Hammam square which has exquisite architecture. You can leisurely take a hike or go swimming in the countryside if you’re looking for something to do.

How to reach: You’ll then need to get a bus to Chefchaouen, as there is no airport or train access to this town. Buses generally arrive in Chefchaouen’s New Town. Another option is, of course, a private taxi but they might be very expensive.

Most Popular Attraction: Kasbah

Also Read: 7 Things To Do In Chefchaouen, The Blue City of Morocco

7. Ouarzazate: Door Of The Desert

So many Hollywood films have used the stunning deserts of Ouarzazate as their filming locations. Directors have been flocking to this city since the ‘60s and if you’re looking to find places where your favourite films have been shot, stop by Ouarzazate! Its authentic Arabian beauty draws travellers to it.

You can take a tour of the Atlas Film Studios where movies like Cleopatra and Kingdom of Heaven were shot, you can also visit the settlement of Ait Ben Haddou, which was the backdrop for movies like Lawrence of Arabia, and The Living Daylights, as well as Game of Thrones. The main square has great restaurants and places to shop if you’re looking to relax for a while.

How to reach: There are often two flights a day during the week from Casablanca, occasional flights to Agadir and other cities. You can also take the buses from Inezgane and Marrakech.

Most Popular Attraction: Cinema Museum

8. Asilah: For Well-preserved 15th-century Ramparts

Situated on the North Atlantic coast, Asilah is a great spot to visit during summer. The city has some great beaches and the walls within are adorned with lovely murals. The buildings around are mostly painted white and the locals take great care of the city. Every August, Asilah hosts an Arts Festival which is a fun event, especially for youngsters.

How to reach: You can take the train as Asilah lies on the rail line linking Tangier to Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Meknes, and Fes. There are buses also available from Tangier, Meknes, and Marrakech. You can also reach Asilah directly from Tanger Airport.

Most Popular Attraction: Paradise Beach

9. Agadir: Miami Of Morocco

Agadir has managed to establish itself as one of the foremost places to visit in Morocco despite being destroyed in 1960 by an earthquake. In the years that followed, this port city successfully rebuilt itself and is now famous for its beach-front boulevards and tourist attractions like the Agadir Museum. If you’re up for a hike, you can visit the Souss-Massa National Park or simply stroll along Agadir Beach.

How to reach: You can take a flight to Agadir-Al Massira Airport which is 20 km southeast of the city and has direct flights coming from major cities in Europe as well as many charter flights arriving from all over Europe.

 Most Popular Attraction: Agadir Birds Valley

10. Tinghir: The Most Beautiful Oases In Southern Morocco

This Moroccan city is tucked between the High Atlas Mountains and the gorgeous Sahara Desert and is at the centre of the Todra Valley. Tinghir used to once be an old French town but has now transformed into a huge city with gorgeous flower gardens, rustic streets, and kasbahs.

It’s a great place to hike because of its exotic views. You can hike up to the 18th Century Glaoui Palace and take in the stunning landscape all around you. Other fun things to do in the city include taking a camel ride and going souvenir shopping at the crafts market.

How to reach: You can either take the bus from Marrakesh to Kalaat M’Gouna or you can take a taxi from Kalaat M’Gouna to Tinghir.

Most Popular Attraction: Todgha Gorge

11. Essaouira: Wind City Of Africa

Lying on the crossroads between two tribes: the Arab Chiadma to the north and the Haha Berbers in the south, Essaouira is a serene coastal city with a distinctly European vibe. The city was once under a French protectorate, which led to a fusion of cultures and architectural styles: it saw hippies, musicians, and travellers of the 1960s moving into the city. Essaouira is known for its pretty, sandy beaches, but the strong winds make sunbathing out of the question. Water sports fans can take advantage of these strong winds and can pick Essaouira’s beaches during the summer months to practice their windsurfing skills. The city boasts spice-scented lanes and palm-lined avenues of the fortified medina, that make for the perfect place to get lost.

How to reach: Most travellers take the bus to reach Essaouira since there is no train station. There is a direct daily bus travelling from Casablanca to Essaouira which takes about 6 hours. Buses from Marrakech take around 2.5 hours and several companies travel this route.

Most Popular Attraction: Traditional souk

12. Tetouan: The White Dove

Located in northern Morocco, the little city of Tetouan is an important port on the Mediterranean Sea and was once the capital of Spanish Morocco. The town sits strikingly at the foot of the Rif Mountains and has a Hispano-Moorish character due to its history. The streets are filled with square, white-washed, Spanish-style buildings and wide boulevards, while the ancient Medina looks like it has not changed in several centuries.

How to reach: Tétouan is very easy to reach by bus or grand taxi. Travellers can see the bus station en route from Ceuta or Tangier to Chefchaouen as well.

Most Popular Attraction: Medina- A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Also Read: Essential Morocco Travel Tips To Know Before You Go

Which Of These Moroccan Cities Will Make It To Your Travel List?

Of course, there are lots of other cities and towns in Morocco you can visit like Kenitra, Settat, Beni Mellal, Taroudant, Ifrane, Larache, and more. Towns like Ifrane and Larache are not on tourist radars but make for offbeat destinations. From the Atlas Mountains to the desert, these places in Morocco have a range of sights to offer, as well as history. If we’ve missed any, be sure to share them in the comments below.

FAQs About Morocco’s Cities