Bursting with colour and intrigue, delve into spice-filled souks, stroll along atmospheric alleys or relax and unwind in a steamy hammam – Morocco offers a taste of the exotic.
From the stunning imperial cities of Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Rabat, to the rugged beauty of the deserts and the High Atlas Mountains and the coastal port town of Essaouira, each corner of this breathtaking country offers an abundance of fascinating culture and rich history to discover.
Some examples of iconic architectural landmarks in Morocco include the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Bahia Palace in Marrakech, and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Here are the top 10 places, in no particular order, to visit in Morocco
1. Marrakech
Colourful, chaotic and bustling with life, Marrakech is one of the most visited cities in Morocco. Marrakech’s medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many architectural and artistic treasures like the Bahia Palace and Koutoubia Mosque.
The signature dish of Marrakech is Tangia, not to be confused with Tajine. Slow-cooked lamb is placed in a clay urn along with pieces of preserved lemon, garlic and saffron and then cooked in charcoal until fork tender.
Gueliz neighbourhood was once the French area of the city. Today it’s full of boutiques, restaurants and galleries. While you are likely to find the same shops as you would in any large city (think H&M or Starbucks) there are also plenty of smaller stores featuring upscale products that you won’t find in the souks.
2. Tangier
Situated around 20 miles from Spain on the tip of North Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, Tangier has been a coveted naval prize for centuries.
Phoenicia, the Roman Empire, various Islamic caliphates, Portugal, Spain, England and France all laid claim to this hilly port town.
It was an international zone after World War II, but Morocco regained full control in 1956 after gaining independence.
It was this colourful heritage and these scenic surroundings that attracted a steady stream of writers, artists, and eccentrics during the city’s bohemian heyday.
There’s lots to do in Tangier – from gorgeous seashores, cute cafes, the Grand Socco, ancient walled forts, to the Tomb of Ibn Battuta and the Mendoub Gardens.
3. Chefchaouen
From Tangier, travellers can easily continue their journey to the charming town of Chefchaouen.
The Blue City of Chefchaouen, located in the north of the country, is one of the most Instagrammable cities. It’s small and incredibly beautiful, with a very tranquil atmosphere.
The best places to stay in Chefchaouen are riads, which are essentially guesthouses. It is filled with gorgeous little guesthouses offering a true Moroccan experience. Many of the riads have been converted from older homes, giving them a distinctive look and interesting history.
With its blue and white colours, visitors love to wander through the small streets, getting lost in the charming ambiance.
Perched on a hill, the city offers opportunities for hikes to explore the surrounding area and enjoy stunning viewpoints.
4. Rabat
Moroccan capital Rabat, nestled along the Atlantic Ocean coast and Bouregreg river, has been severely underrated as a travel destination and is often overlooked. While it may lack the hustle and bustle that you’ll find in Marrakech and Fez, it makes up for with mind-blowing history and a laid back coastal charm you won’t find in other Moroccan cities.
It is one of Morocco’s four imperial towns, known for its beautiful architecture, influenced by French colonial, Islamic and Berber history. Rabat is regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as the Fortified Place.
Fortified and sometimes referred to as the Medina, Rabat’s old town has historical ruins from the Islamic era. Meanwhile, the new town, Ville Nouvelle, is influenced mainly by French and European architecture.
Known for its Persian cafes and street art, the Ville Nouvelle is an amazing place to explore.
5. Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is known for its stunning kasbahs (a fortress). One of the most famous ones is Ait Ben Haddou. It is a great representation of 17th-century Moroccan architecture. Ait Ben Haddou is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Perched on top of the Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate overlooks the valleys. Despite being close to the Sahara Desert, the city is surrounded by palm groves, trees, and green fields.
Nearby, you’ll find the famous Atlas Film Studios, known as the “Hollywood of the Desert.” These sets have been used for filming movies like “Gladiator” or “Game of Thrones,” and you can visit them!
Take a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains. Explore Berber villages and go on hiking trips.
6. Essaouira
Essaouira is a picturesque old town surrounded by sea and city walls dating back to the 18th century. With its bohemian vibe, Essaouira is a great place to wander around the Medina and souks or stroll through its beautiful art galleries.
Distinctive to its neighbouring town of Marrakech, around 180 kms from the city, Essaouira offers stunning views of the sea, the Medina and the fortress surrounding the city.
The Medina at Essaouira has also been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Crescent beach at Essaouira is a hot spot for water sports lovers, offering a variety of experiences, including surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The mediaeval seaside town of Essaouira boasts a quaint lifestyle with stunning white and blue houses against the lovely seashore.
It is an excellent retreat for those looking to have a relaxing holiday in Morocco.
7. Volubilis: Roman Ruins in Morocco and Mulay Idris
Sitting in the middle of a fertile plain, the ruined Roman city of Volubilis is the best-preserved archaeological site in Morocco.
Its most amazing features are the many beautiful mosaics preserved in situ, and it was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1997. Volubilis is about 33 km north of Meknes and can easily be combined with nearby Moulay Idriss Zerhoun to make a fantastic day trip from Meknes or Fez.
Only about half of the 40-hectare site at Volubilis has been excavated. The better-known monuments are in the northern part of the site, furthest from the entrance in the south.
The Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss is Morocco’s most important pilgrimage site. Moulay Idriss I who arrived here around 787, possibly from Baghdad, to convert the region’s Berber tribes to Islam. It is said that he was a great grandson of the prophet Muhammad.
8. Sahara Desert
Embark on a Sahara adventure from various points across Morocco. Ouarzazate, known as the gateway city to the desert, provides access to the vast Sahara expanse. Immerse yourself in a realm of sand dunes and tranquillity, experiencing the lifestyle of Sahara nomadic tribes.
Adventurers seeking thrills should head to Erg Chebbi. Hop on a 4×4 for an exhilarating exploration of these stunning dunes. In Merzouga, another iconic Sahara destination, you can enjoy camel rides and birdwatching at Lake Dayet Srij, home to flamingos and other bird species. And of course, you can plan to camp under the stars!
For those with limited time to explore the Sahara, consider the trendy alternative, the Agafay Desert near Marrakech. You can reach this place by car. Enjoy delicious Moroccan food and stay overnight to fully experience it.
9. Fes
The cultural capital of Morocco, Fes is an ancient UNESCO-recognized walled city. Fes is known for housing the world’s oldest university and library, which can be dated back to 859 and 1359, respectively.
Everywhere you look, there is a maze of medinas, vibrant colours, mosques, tagine, madrassas, and magnificent chaos.
But Fez’s craft scene is very much a living tradition, with everyone, from coppersmiths to carpet-makers perfecting their creations in tiny workshops.
One of the city’s most famous products is its leather goods, and no trip to Fez should skip the Chouara Tannery. Leather hides have been washed and dyed in this extraordinary complex of baths since at least the 16th century.
So pungent is the smell of the tannery that you might need to scrub the experience from your skin. There are public Hammams, or steam baths, across the city, Many riad hotels have their own private hammams, marrying traditional methods with products such as aromatic oils to create a more luxurious experience.
10. Casablanca
Casablanca, the economic capital and modern industrial centre of Morocco, offers a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity for visitors to discover.
A must-visit attraction is the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, showcasing Moroccan craftsmanship. Don’t miss the guided tour inside, which is open to non-Muslims!
Explore the nearby historic Old Medina with its ancient walls and bustling streets. To end the day, a leisurely stroll along the Corniche is a must! Lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, this lively promenade offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the charming Habous Quarter, renowned for its narrow streets and bustling markets, offering an authentic glimpse into traditional Moroccan life.
After a day of adventures, pamper yourself with a hammam, try out one of the trendy restaurants or visit some art galleries.
It’s not just Marrakech’s bustling markets that make Morocco a must see. There are deserts, coastal towns, and ancient medinas to explore.
Our hand-picked trips showcase the best of Morocco at Unhotel Global. Get the authentic heart of Morocco with Unhotel Global. Drop us an email – manish@unhotel.in
