The 15 Best Places to Visit in Morocco
Thousand-year-old medinas, Sahara dunes, earthen Atlas villages, the blue city of the Rif and the Atlantic coast: Morocco packs rare diversity into an accessible country. Here are the 15 must-see places, what makes them unique, how much time they deserve and how to fit them into one trip.
For a first trip to Morocco, five places stand out: Marrakech for its souks and Jemaa el-Fna square, Fes and its medieval medina, UNESCO-listed in 1981, the Merzouga desert and the Erg Chebbi dunes, Chefchaouen, the blue city of the Rif, and the ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou, listed in 1987 and a backdrop to many films. Next come Essaouira and its fortified medina facing the Atlantic, the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Todra Gorge, Volubilis and Meknes. To combine the imperial cities and the desert, allow at least 10 days; in one week, focus on Marrakech, the desert and Essaouira. The best time to go is spring or autumn, when the heat stays bearable everywhere, including the Sahara.
The 15 Must-Sees at a Glance
| # | Place | Best for | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marrakech | Souks, palaces, riads | 3 to 4 days |
| 2 | Fes | Medieval medina, crafts | 2 to 3 days |
| 3 | Meknes and Volubilis | Imperial city, Roman ruins | 1 day |
| 4 | Rabat | Kasbah of the Udayas, the capital | 1 to 2 days |
| 5 | Hassan II Mosque | Architecture, guided tour | Half a day |
| 6 | Merzouga desert | Dunes, a night in a camp | 1 to 2 nights |
| 7 | Aït-Ben-Haddou | Earthen ksar, film sets | Half a day |
| 8 | Todra and Dades gorges | Canyons, hiking | 1 day |
| 9 | Chefchaouen | Blue alleys, mountains | 1 to 2 days |
| 10 | High Atlas and Imlil | Hiking, Berber villages | 1 to 3 days |
| 11 | Ouzoud waterfalls | Nature, waterfalls | 1 day |
| 12 | Essaouira | Ocean, fortified medina | 2 days |
| 13 | Tangier and Cap Spartel | The strait, two seas | 1 to 2 days |
| 14 | Agadir and Taghazout | Beach, surf | 3 days or more |
| 15 | Dakhla | Lagoon, kitesurfing | 3 to 5 days |
Imperial Cities and Medinas
1. Marrakech, the Red City
Jemaa el-Fna square coming alive at sunset, the souks, the Bahia Palace, the Majorelle Garden and hundreds of riads: Marrakech is the gateway for most trips. Its medina has been UNESCO-listed since 1985. The full programme is in things to do in Marrakech, and for excursions, the best day trips from Marrakech.
2. Fes, the Medieval Medina
Fes el-Bali, UNESCO-listed in 1981, is a maze of alleys you explore on foot or by donkey, with its Chouara tanneries, madrasas and artisans' workshops. See things to do in Fes and the medina and tanneries tour.
3. Meknes and Volubilis
An hour from Fes, Meknes, the imperial city of Moulay Ismail, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis, both UNESCO-listed, can be visited on the same day. See Volubilis and Meknes.
4. Rabat, the Capital
Calmer than its neighbours, Rabat charms with the Kasbah of the Udayas facing the ocean, the Hassan Tower and the Chellah. The city has been UNESCO-listed since 2012. See things to do in Rabat.
5. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
Set over the ocean, it is one of the few mosques in the country open to non-Muslims, on a guided tour. See the Hassan II Mosque.
The Desert and the South
6. The Merzouga Desert
The Erg Chebbi dunes, over a hundred metres high in places, offer the ultimate Saharan setting: a sunset camel ride and a night in a desert camp. See the Merzouga desert and which desert to choose in Morocco.
7. Aït-Ben-Haddou
This mud-brick ksar, UNESCO-listed in 1987, has served as a backdrop for many films and series. It is visited on the road to the desert, often with Ouarzazate. See Aït-Ben-Haddou and Ouarzazate.
8. The Todra and Dades Gorges
Canyons with dizzying walls, palm groves and adobe villages: a classic stop between Ouarzazate and Merzouga. See the Todra and Dades gorges.
Mountains and Nature
9. Chefchaouen, the Blue City
Tucked into the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-painted alleys. Ideal for slowing down and hiking to the Akchour waterfalls. See things to do in Chefchaouen.
10. The High Atlas and Imlil
Terraced Berber villages and hiking trails at the foot of Toubkal, which rises to 4,167 metres, the highest peak in North Africa. See the Toubkal trek from Imlil.
11. The Ouzoud Waterfalls
Among the highest falls in North Africa, 2.5 hours from Marrakech, with their Barbary macaques and small boats. See the Ouzoud waterfalls.
The Atlantic Coast and the Mediterranean
12. Essaouira
A blue-and-white fishing port, ramparts facing the waves and a medina UNESCO-listed in 2001: the gentlest stop in the country. See things to do in Essaouira.
13. Tangier and Cap Spartel
A cosmopolitan city facing Spain, Tangier watches the Mediterranean meet the Atlantic at Cap Spartel. See things to do in Tangier.
14. Agadir and Taghazout
A long sandy bay, sunshine all year round and, 20 minutes away, the surf village of Taghazout. See things to do in Agadir and surfing in Taghazout.
15. Dakhla
In the far south, a turquoise lagoon on the edge of the Sahara, a world kitesurfing capital and the warmest destination in the country in winter. See things to do in Dakhla.
Book tours and day trips in Morocco· GetYourGuide
How to Combine the Must-Sees
- In 7 days: Marrakech, the Merzouga desert via Aït-Ben-Haddou and the Dades Gorge, back via Marrakech. See our 7-day itinerary.
- In 10 days: Marrakech, the desert, Fes and Chefchaouen. See our 10-day itinerary.
- In 15 days: add Essaouira, Rabat and Volubilis. See our 15-day itinerary.
For freedom between stops, a rental car remains the most flexible option outside the medinas.
Compare car rentals in Morocco· Discover Cars
FAQ — Morocco's Must-Sees
What are the must-see places in Morocco?
How many days do you need to visit Morocco?
What is the most beautiful city in Morocco?
How many UNESCO sites does Morocco have?
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
In Short
- First trip → Marrakech, the Merzouga desert and Aït-Ben-Haddou.
- Culture and medinas → Fes, Meknes, Volubilis and Rabat.
- Nature and mountains → Chefchaouen, the Atlas and Ouzoud.
- Ocean → Essaouira, Agadir, Taghazout or Dakhla.
To pick your dates, see the best time to visit Morocco.
