16 Best Cities in Morocco Right Now!

Planning a trip to Morocco but not sure which cities should make your must-visit list? As a local tour guide, I’ve got the inside scoop on Morocco’s most captivating destinations.

Get ready to discover cities where you can lose yourself in maze-like medinas, bargain in colorful souks, and sip mint tea on rooftop terraces overlooking centuries-old minarets.

Witness how the ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. Don’t worry about safety, most tourist areas are well-patrolled, and we Moroccans are famous for our hospitality. Just practice common sense, like you would in any big city, and you’ll be golden.

Now let’s dive into Morocco’s most incredible cities, each offering its own unique flavor, from the sensory overload of Marrakech to the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen and the Sahara gateway towns that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.

Fes

The ancient city of Fes hits different with its old-world charm and epic cultural vibes.

You’ll love getting lost in the vibrant souks of the Medina while exploring the city’s history through its stunning architecture.

Make sure to check out the famous Chouara Tannery, where local artisans dye leather using traditional methods (grab some mint to help with the smell!).

Don’t skip the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts, it’s seriously rad with its gorgeous building and amazing historic artifacts.

For the perfect sunset spot, head to the Merinid Tombs.

When you’re done exploring the Medina’s treasures, take a super cool day trip to Volubilis to see some incredible ruins.

Pro tip: if you get lost in Fes, just walk uphill to find your way out!

Marrakech

While many travelers feel overwhelmed by Marrakech’s bustling energy, this vibrant city will totally steal your heart.

The traditional Moroccan medina is like stepping into another world, with winding alleyways packed full of amazing souks and exotic spices.

You’ll definitely want to explore the city’s incredible landmarks like the stunning Koutoubia Mosque and bustling Jemaa el Fna square at night.

Don’t miss the gorgeous Bahia Palace or the super peaceful Majorelle Garden.

For awesome dining spots, grab dinner at Le Jardin or La Trattoria; their poolside tables are seriously Instagram-worthy.

Pro tip: Download Maps.me to help navigate the confusing medina streets offline.

Also, stick to well-lit areas after dark and maybe skip solo nighttime wandering through those narrow alleys.

Essaouira

Located along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, magical Essaouira will steal your heart with its laid-back beach vibes and stunning blue-and-white medina.

As one of the best cities to visit in Morocco, this super chill port city offers way more than just beautiful beaches.

You’ll love exploring the ancient medina walls and checking out the nineteen historic cannons at Old Skala.

Hit up the port for rad views and stop by Al Jazira for an amazing Moroccan breakfast.

While the beach town’s windy weather isn’t great for sunbathing, it’s perfect for surfing and kitesurfing.

Don’t miss the fish market near the port, where local restaurants will cook up your fresh seafood catch.

With its cool weather and relaxed atmosphere, Essaouira is your go-to spot for a totally awesome beach holiday.

Tangier

Moving north from Essaouira’s coastal charm, you’ll discover Tangier, a city where European vibes meet Moroccan magic.

This super safe spot sits right across from Spain, and trust me, it’s absolutely rad.

You’ll want to start your adventure in the medina, where the stunning kasbah serves up amazing ocean views and charming buildings with cobblestone streets.

Grab a traditional tea at Cafe Hafa, the views here are totally Instagram-worthy!

Don’t skip the American Legation Museum, which tells fascinating stories about U.S. ambassadors who called this place home.

When you need to chill, hit the beach for some relaxation time.

Take a walk to the Phoenician Tombs or join a cooking class that includes a trip to Cap Spartel’s lighthouse.

Rabat

As Morocco’s capital city, Rabat totally deserves more love from travelers than it gets.

You’ll find it super easy to explore the city’s attractions thanks to the convenient tram system, and you’ll feel completely safe walking around solo.

While the medina isn’t as epic as Marrakech’s, it’s still worth checking out before heading to the beach below the Kasbah for stunning views at sunrise.

Art lovers will dig the National Photography Museum and Contemporary Art Museum, which showcase rad local talent.

Don’t miss the Andalusian Gardens or the impressive columns at Mohammed V Mausoleum, they’re totally Instagram-worthy!

When hunger strikes, grab a delicious brunch at Boho Cafe. The best part? You can reach Rabat by high-speed train from both Tangier and Casablanca.

Merzouga

The desert wonderland of Merzouga sits right on the edge of the Sahara’s most epic dunes.

You’ll find this rad little town super convenient for kicking off your Moroccan adventure, especially if you’re traveling between Marrakech and Fes.

The local and international crowds love it here, but don’t let that stop you!

The real magic happens when you hop on a 45-minute camel ride to your plush tent in the sand dunes.

You’re in for an unforgettable night of amazing Moroccan food and traditional music around a campfire.

Want more thrills? Try sandboarding or quad biking! What makes Merzouga extra special is how the locals welcome you into their world, sharing authentic bits of Berber lifestyle that’ll make your desert experience truly unique.

Chefchaoeun

Known worldwide for its stunning blue-washed buildings, Chefchaouen sits peacefully in Morocco’s Rif Mountains like a sapphire nestled in green hills.

You’ll want to hit the medina super early, before 10 AM, to avoid crowds and snap those perfect Instagram shots.

After exploring the blue city’s charming streets, grab some rad Moroccan food at Sofia’s or chill at Cafe Clock.

For stunning views, head up to the Spanish Mosque at sunset, just get there early since it gets packed!

If you’re feeling adventurous, try hiking to Akchour Waterfall and God’s Bridge nearby.

Pro tip: Skip weekend visits when local tourists flood in.

You can easily reach Chefchaouen from Tangier in 2 hours or Fes in 4 hours, making it a perfect addition to your Morocco adventure.

Agadir

Modern beach paradise Agadir gets a bad rap from travel snobs, but you’ll find plenty to love in this laid-back coastal city.

Sure, it’s super touristy with massive beach resorts everywhere, but there’s way more to explore than just sun and sand.

You can hang with crocodiles at Crocopark, take Morocco’s only cable car for rad views, or chill at Paradise Valley’s natural pools.

While Agadir isn’t packed with historic sites (thanks to a 1960s earthquake that leveled everything), the ancient Kasbah is still worth checking out.

For authentic cultural experiences, head to Souk El Had or grab amazing Moroccan cuisine at Restaurant Al Walima.

Pro tip: Rent a car since the attractions are spread out, and don’t expect old-world vibes, this place is all about modern beach life!

Taghazout

While Taghazout might be packed with tourists, this laid-back surf town totally makes up for it with awesome vibes and killer waves.

The town is split into two distinct areas, a local spot with hostels and blue fishing boats, and a swankier beach zone perfect for jet skiing and luxury resorts.

You’ll find the best waves for surfing between December and March.

When you’re not catching waves, check out Paradise Valley or take a quick 30-minute trip to nearby Agadir.

The food scene is super westernized, but World of Waves serves up some tasty Moroccan-fusion dishes.

Pro tip: If you’re not into crowded beaches, head to Sidi Ifni or Mirleft instead. These spots are further south but offer the same rad surfing experience with way fewer tourists.

Ifrane

Nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane feels like you’ve suddenly teleported to a Swiss alpine village.

In fact, they don’t call it the “Switzerland of Morocco” for nothing; this charming mountain town gets blanketed in snow every winter!

You’ll love exploring Ifrane National Park with its beautiful mountain views and dense cedar forests.

Keep your eyes peeled for the super cute (but mischievous) macaque monkeys that call this place home.

If you’re into winter sports, head to Michlifen Ski Station, where you can actually go skiing in Morocco, how cool is that?

This peaceful mountain retreat is the perfect escape when you need a break from Morocco’s bustling cities.

With its unique alpine architecture and tranquil vibe, Ifrane offers a totally different side of Morocco that most tourists never see.

Asilah

Located on Morocco’s northern coast, Asilah is a hidden gem that’ll steal your heart with its laid-back beach vibes and incredible street art scene.

This charming beach town, less than an hour from Tangier, makes for one of the coolest day trips you can take in Northern Morocco.

What makes it super special are the rad murals decorating the Medina walls, a rare sight in this part of the world.

You’ll want to hit up Paradise Beach to catch some waves and soak in the sun.

For art lovers, Aplanos Gallery is definitely worth checking out.

And if you’re planning your trip, try to visit in August when the annual Arts Festival transforms the whole town into one big creative celebration.

Ouarzazate

As a gateway to the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate delivers major movie magic vibes and ancient cultural sites.

You’ll definitely want to explore Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 30 minutes from the city center.

This super cool clay fortress gives you a glimpse into Morocco’s old caravan routes.

Movie buffs, you’re in for a treat at Atlas Studios, Morocco’s answer to Hollywood.

While the photo ops are decent, the real gem is the Old Synagogue with its amazing artifacts and killer views from the top.

Don’t skip the kasbah either. It’s totally worth checking out.

Pro tip: Taxis here are super cheap, costing only 5-7 Dirhams per ride.

For the best stay in Ouarzazate, crash at Le Petit Maison d’hotes. Their pool is rad, and the staff treats you like family.

Meknes

While Meknes mightn’t be the most exciting city in Morocco, you’ll definitely want to check out its stunning Great Mosque.

It’s one of the few mosques in the country where non-Muslims can actually go inside, which is pretty rad.

This ancient capital city has some super cool spots to explore.

You can wander through the historic Medina from the 9th century, check out the impressive Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and snap pics of the gorgeous Bab Mansour gate.

Just keep in mind that some attractions might be under construction, so double-check what’s open before you go.

Want to level up your visit? Take a day trip to nearby Moulay Idriss. It’s where you’ll find the tomb of Idris I, Morocco’s first major Islamic ruler.

Dahkla

Moving from the imperial vibes of Meknes to the southern shores, you’ll find something totally different in Dakhla.

This rad coastal gem is quickly becoming one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco, and you’ll want to visit before everyone else discovers it!

With 40 kilometers of sandy beaches along the Tropic of Cancer, Dakhla’s stunning desert landscapes will blow your mind.

It’s super popular for watersports, especially kitesurfing, thanks to the awesome winds.

You can also explore the incredible Imlili Desert or shop your heart out at the bustling Dakhla Souk.

Pro tip: When talking about this area, just call it the Moroccan Sahara instead of Western Sahara. The locals will appreciate your cultural awareness!

Sidi Ifni

Located four hours south of Agadir, Sidi Ifni offers the perfect escape for beach lovers who want to avoid tourist crowds.

This super quiet town is a hidden gem where you’ll find pristine beaches and rad surfing spots, especially during winter months when the waves are epic.

You’ve got to check out Legzira Beach, one of Morocco’s most beautiful coastal treasures.

While one of its famous rock arches collapsed in 2016, the remaining arch is still totally Instagram-worthy.

Getting there’s easy, just hop on a bus from Sidi Ifni and take a scenic walk along the sand.

The local culture here is super chill, making it an ideal spot to unwind and soak up authentic Moroccan coastal vibes without the usual tourist hustle.

Taroudant

This peaceful oasis town, nicknamed “Little Marrakech,” packs all the charm of its bigger cousin into a way more laid-back package.

Just an hour and a half from Agadir, Taroudant offers a super authentic slice of Moroccan culture without the tourist crowds.

You’ll love exploring the walled Medina with its bustling local souks, traditional tannery, and massive teapot in the main square.

The real gem here is the Tout Oasis, it’s seriously huge! Grab a local guide for a rad two-hour walk through this green paradise, ending with killer views from the hilltop.

Don’t skip the Claudio Bravo Museum, a 20-minute drive away.

This fancy pad of a famous Chilean painter is perfect for sipping tea by the pond and soaking in some serious artistic vibes.

My Recommendations

After exploring places like charming Taroudant, you might wonder where else to go that’s off the tourist trail.

Well, I’ve got some rad suggestions for cities in Morocco that aren’t super packed with tourists.

Check out Sidi Ifni for its laid-back coastal vibes, or head to Ifrane for a totally different scene with its Alpine-style architecture.

Asilah is another great place that’s perfect if you’re into art and beach walks.

These less touristy Moroccan cities let you really soak up the rich cultural heritage without fighting through crowds.

You’ll get to explore authentic markets, chat with friendly locals, and experience daily life in a way that’s tough to do in popular cities in Morocco.

Trust me, these hidden gems are totally worth adding to your itinerary.

Final Words

You’re in for an incredible adventure exploring Morocco’s diverse cities!

Whether you’re wandering through Fes’s winding medina streets or catching waves in Essaouira, there’s something rad for every traveler.

Don’t miss Marrakech’s vibrant souks and Tangier’s epic coastal views.

Visit during spring or fall for the best weather, and you’ll get amazing deals on riads if you book ahead. Trust me, Morocco’s cities will absolutely blow your mind!