Best Places to Visit in Morocco

Best Places to Visit in Morocco—Complete Travel Guide & Itinerary

Table of Contents

Why Visit Morocco in Africa?

Morocco, located in North Africa, is a land of ancient medinas, vibrant souks, desert adventures, and mountain escapes. It blends Arab, Berber, and French influences, offering travelers a unique mix of history, culture, and adventure. From the lively streets of Marrakech, the blue-painted alleys of Chefchaouen, to camel rides in the Sahara Desert, Morocco is a destination that feels both exotic and welcoming.

👉 Book cheap flights to Morocco ✈️
👉 Find top-rated hotels in Morocco 🏨
👉 Shop travel gear & desert essentials 🎒

🌟 Quick Facts About Morocco

Continent: Africa
Capital: Rabat
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Language: Arabic & French (Berber in rural areas)
Best Time to Visit: March–May & September–November (mild weather)

🕌 Best Places to Visit in Morocco

1. Marrakech – The Red City

Jemaa el-Fnaa Square: Street food, snake charmers & performers.
Medina & Souks: Labyrinth of shops selling spices, carpets & crafts.
Majorelle Garden: Colorful gardens once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
Koutoubia Mosque: Landmark with stunning minaret.

Marrakech, often called the Red City because of its terracotta-colored walls, is the beating heart of Morocco. It’s a vibrant mix of ancient tradition and modern luxury, where every corner offers something new to explore.

Jemaa el-Fnaa Square: By day, it’s a bustling marketplace filled with juice vendors, henna artists, and snake charmers. By night, it transforms into a giant open-air food court, where you can sample Moroccan dishes like tagine, couscous, grilled meats, and snail soup. The energy here is unmatched and a must for any first-time visitor.
Medina & Souks: Lose yourself in the winding alleys of the Medina, where shops overflow with spices, carpets, leather goods, lanterns, and ceramics. Bargaining is expected, and it’s part of the fun.
Food Experiences: Don’t miss Moroccan street food — warm msemen (flatbread with honey), fresh orange juice, and chebakia (sesame cookies). For sit-down dining, try a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square, where you can enjoy a slow-cooked lamb tagine while listening to live Gnawa music.
Majorelle Garden: A peaceful retreat with cobalt blue walls and exotic plants, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. It’s one of Marrakech’s most Instagram-worthy spots.
Koutoubia Mosque: The city’s iconic mosque with a stunning minaret visible from many points in the city. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the exterior is magnificent.
Hammams & Spas: A Moroccan hammam (traditional steam bath) is a cultural must. Visitors can try a luxury hammam spa or a traditional public one for an authentic experience.

💡 Pro Tip: Stay in a riad (a traditional Moroccan guesthouse) in the Medina. Many come with inner courtyards, pools, and rooftop terraces overlooking the Red City — a magical way to experience Marrakech.

👉 Find hotels in Marrakech for every budget.

2. Sahara Desert – Camel Treks & Desert Camps

Ride a camel across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp under the stars.
Sandboarding & 4×4 dune adventures.

The Sahara Desert is one of Morocco’s most magical experiences, stretching across golden dunes and endless horizons. It’s the perfect place to slow down, embrace silence, and witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets and starry skies in the world.

Camel Treks: The classic way to experience the Sahara is on the back of a camel, swaying gently as you cross the dunes of Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga) or Erg Chigaga (near Zagora). Treks usually last 1–2 hours and lead you to desert camps where you’ll spend the night.
4×4 Desert Tours: For those short on time or not keen on camels, guided jeep tours can take you deeper into the dunes, with stops for sandboarding, photography, and tea with nomadic families.
Luxury & Nomadic Camps:
- Nomadic-style camps are simple but authentic, with tents, Berber rugs, and traditional music around the fire.
- Luxury desert camps come with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and gourmet Moroccan meals served under the stars.
Food & Culture in the Desert:
- Dinner usually features tagine (slow-cooked stew), couscous, grilled meats, and fresh bread baked in sand ovens.
- After dinner, local Berber musicians often gather around the fire, playing drums and singing traditional songs.
- For breakfast, expect mint tea, fresh bread, olives, cheese, and honey.
Star-Gazing: Far from city lights, the Sahara offers some of the clearest skies in the world. You’ll see the Milky Way stretch across the desert — a truly unforgettable moment.
Sunrise & Sunset: Watching the sun dip behind the dunes at sunset, and rise again in the morning, painting the sand in shades of gold and red, is one of Morocco’s greatest natural spectacles.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring a scarf (cheche) or turban to protect yourself from desert winds and sun. Nights can get very cold, so pack a warm jacket even if visiting in summer.

👉 Book your desert tours and hotels in Morocco to combine Marrakech adventures with Sahara escapes.

3. Fes—Ancient Culture & Craftsmanship

Medina of Fes el-Bali (UNESCO World Heritage).
Famous tanneries for leather goods.
Old madrasas & artisan workshops.

Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, is one of the most atmospheric cities in North Africa. Its historic Medina of Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a living museum where time seems to stand still. Walking through its narrow alleys is like stepping back into the Middle Ages.

Fes Medina: Known as one of the world’s largest car-free urban zones, the Medina is a maze of over 9,000 alleys. Expect donkeys carrying goods, spice stalls, and centuries-old mosques. Hiring a guide is recommended to avoid getting lost and to uncover hidden gems.
Tanneries of Fes: The Chouara Tannery is one of the city’s most iconic sights. From rooftop viewpoints, you’ll see colorful dye pits where leather is still processed using traditional methods. Shops nearby sell handcrafted bags, shoes, and jackets made on-site.
Madrassas & Architecture:
- Bou Inania Madrasa – an ornate Islamic school with detailed wood carvings and tilework.
- Al Quaraouiyine University – founded in 859 AD, it’s recognized by UNESCO as the world’s oldest existing university.
Food Experiences in Fes:
- The city is famous for its pastilla (sweet-salty pie filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and cinnamon).
- Traditional Fassi tagines often combine meat with dried fruits like prunes and apricots, offering a sweet-savory flavor.
- Street food includes maakouda (potato fritters), fresh breads, and spiced olives.
- Tea houses serve refreshing Moroccan mint tea, often enjoyed with honey-drenched pastries.
Craftsmanship & Souvenirs:
Fes is Morocco’s handicraft hub, where artisans create pottery, intricate zellige tiles, copperware, carpets, and handwoven fabrics. Shopping here supports centuries-old traditions, making Fes a must for authentic souvenirs.
Spiritual Side: Fes is also home to sacred mosques, shrines, and Sufi music traditions. The city hosts the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, attracting performers from around the globe.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit a riad in Fes for an authentic stay. Many traditional guesthouses feature mosaics, fountains, and rooftop terraces with panoramic Medina views.

👉 Explore authentic hotels in Fes for a cultural stay in the city.

4. Chefchaouen – The Blue City

Iconic blue-painted alleys.
Relaxed mountain vibe.
Best for photography & slow travel.

5. Casablanca – Modern Morocco

Hassan II Mosque (one of the world’s largest).
Modern cafes & Atlantic coastline.

6. Atlas Mountains – Trekking & Villages

Mount Toubkal: Highest peak in North Africa.
Berber villages & hiking trails.
Winter skiing in Oukaimeden.

7. Essaouira – Coastal Escape

Windsurfing & kitesurfing.
Laid-back medina & fishing port.
Famous for its seafood.

🗓️ 7-Day Morocco Itinerary

Day 1–2: Marrakech

Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa, souks & Majorelle Garden.
Day trip to Atlas Mountains or Ouzoud Waterfalls.

Day 3: Sahara Desert (Merzouga)

Drive or tour from Marrakech.
Camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes.
Overnight in desert camp.

Day 4: Fes

Visit ancient Medina & tanneries.
Explore madrasas & artisan shops.

Day 5: Chefchaouen

Wander blue-painted streets.
Relax with mint tea & mountain views.

Day 6: Casablanca

Visit Hassan II Mosque.
Stroll along the Corniche.

Day 7: Essaouira (optional)

Relax at the beach.
Explore seafood markets & art shops.

👉 Save with multi-destination flights in Morocco.

🎒 Travel Tips for Morocco

Dress Modestly: Morocco is conservative; cover shoulders & knees, especially in rural areas.
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (cash is essential in souks).
Transport: Buses, trains & private tours.
Safety: Cities are tourist-friendly; just beware of pushy touts.
Best Souvenirs: Carpets, leather goods, lanterns, spices.

📸 Camera Tip: For Chefchaouen & Sahara sunsets, a mirrorless or DSLR camera with wide-angle lens is perfect. Check Amazon’s best travel cameras .

❓ FAQs About Traveling to Morocco

Q1. Is Morocco in Africa?
👉 Yes, Morocco is in North Africa, just across the Mediterranean from Spain.

Q2. Do I need a visa for Morocco?
👉 Many nationalities (EU, USA, Australia, etc.) get visa-free entry for 90 days.

Q3. What’s the best time to visit Morocco?
👉 Spring (March–May) & Autumn (Sept–Nov) for pleasant weather. Summer can be very hot, especially in the desert.

Q4. Is Morocco safe for tourists?
👉 Yes, Morocco is generally safe, especially in tourist areas. Just stay alert in crowded souks.

Q5. How many days are enough for Morocco?
👉 7–10 days is ideal to cover Marrakech, Sahara, Fes, Chefchaouen & Casablanca.

📌

Morocco is one of Africa’s most enchanting destinations, offering a mix of ancient culture, desert adventures, mountain escapes, and coastal relaxation. Whether you’re bargaining in Marrakech’s souks, riding camels in the Sahara, or getting lost in Chefchaouen’s blue streets, Morocco is a trip that will stay with you forever.

👉 Plan your Morocco trip today:

Your Moroccan adventure awaits! 🇲🇦✨