11 Places to Visit in Morocco

Last Updated: 07.10.2023

Morocco is a country of diverse attractions, vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and a rich blend of history and culture. From ancient cities steeped in tradition to scaling the majestic Atlas mountains, riding the waves on the Atlantic coast to indulging in tantalizing street food, there is an array of experiences and places to visit in Morocco, to suit every visitor here.

For those seeking a taste of the past, exploring the ancient cities of Morocco is a must. . From the imperial city of Marrakesh with it bustling souks and majestic Koutoubia Mosque, to the mesmerizing blue village of Chefchaouen with its narrow winding streets, Morocco’s ancient city offers a glimpse into the country’s centuries-old architecture and traditions. For adventure seekers, a trek through the Atlas mountains provides an opportunity to witness breathtaking scenery and experience the hospitality of Berber villages. Traverse the Anti-Atlas range try some offbeat yet equally stunning landscapes.

The variety in terms of places to visit in Morocco does not end with ancient cities and marvellous architecture. Visitors can bask in the sun on the pristine beaches along the Atlantic coast, at Essaouira and the secluded Legzira beach.

Below, we have a list of things you must do and place to visit in Morocco.

When thinking about Morocco, we immediately imagine endless and beautiful deserts with Oasis and camels walking towards the sunset. But that’s not all Morocco’s famous for! Surfing a-side, Morocco is an African gem ready to be discovered and explored!

Besides touring all over this amazing country, also remind yourself to always taste the delicious typical dishes that make Morocco known for its bright colours.

Now, let’s get down to business and discover everything Morocco has to offer:

1. Casablanca

While this list of places to visit in Morocco is in no particular order, this is a common name you will see in the top places in Morocco. It is a the largest Moroccan city and a bustling city centre. You will see a unique blend of show-stopping architecture and rich cultural experiences.The most well-known monument to visit in this city is without a doubt the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.

Counted among the 10 largest mosques in the world, this monument has amazing designs on every inch of its façade, floor and ceiling. If you are a non-Muslim planning to visit this iconic mosque, not that you can only visit the mosque as a part of guided tours.

Casablanca is considered to be also one of the most important port cities in western Morocco (just in front of the Atlantic Ocean). This city was once under French colonial rule, so you can easily see a blend of Moroccan architecture with a bit of a European flair, along with Moorish influence, bordering the Atlantic Ocean.

Casablanca is also known for its vibrant nightlife and cinematic history. Fans of the classic film ‘Casablanca’ can visit the renowned Rick’s Cafe inspired by the movie here in this Moroccan gem of a city. The Cafe is conveniently located in the heart of the city and checks all the boxes when it comes to capturing the romantic charm of the film. It truly is an unforgettable dining experience.

With its show-stopping architecture and its lively cultural offerings, Casablanca is a city that effortlessly combines the old and the new, making it one of the unique places to visit in Morocco.

2. Medina (Marrakesh)

Medina refers to a city’s old town or historical centre. Hence, a lot of cities have their own “Medina”, or old town. The town of Marrakesch was initially settled on this Medina, and over time the city grew around it. You can find narrow and mazy streets that make you think you are in a magical primordial place.

The Medina in Marrakesh is a captivating district featuring labyrinthine streets that make you feel like you have stepped back in time. The Medina features in our list of top places to visit in Morocco as its a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to the many historic buildings and landmarks it houses.

As you wander through the narrow streets, you will encounter a multitude of shops selling traditional Moroccan goods, from colorful textiles and intricate pottery to fragrant spices and beautiful carpets. The hustle and bustle of the Medina is an assault on the senses, with the sounds of market traders calling out their wares and the enticing smells of freshly cooked street food wafting through the air.

3. Medina (Fez)

The Medina in Fez is a historical and cultural gem that you just cannot miss on your trip to Morocco.

It’s located o the North-eastern part of Morocco and it’s considered to be the countries cultural capital. One of the most fascinating sights within this Medina are the colourful tanneries, where leather is still dyed using traditional methods. You may be overwhelmed with the sight and smell initially but its a unique experience that can help you understand Fez’s leatherworking heritage. If you thing the sight and smell is too overwhelming, you can always head to one of the terraces overlooking the tanneries and admire the vividness of the dye from above.

That’s not the only reason why the Medina in Fez is one of the top places to visit in Morocco. When you are in Fez, you get to enjoy views of intricate tilework on the charming cottages that line the streets. These homes are windows to witnessing the daily life of Fez residents.

Fez is also known for its rich culinary traditions, which have been influenced by various civilizations throughout history. To truly experience the flavors of Morocco, a foodie tour of the medina is a must. Sample a variety of traditional dishes such as tagine, couscous, and pastilla, and discover the hidden food stalls tucked away in the medina’s nooks and crannies.

Other places you can visit in  Fez are:

• Blue Gate (city entrance)
• Bou Inania (an old school founded in 1300s)

For a little taste of modernism, you can stroll down the elegant boulevards of Ville Nouvelle, with its art deco buildings and modern boutiques.

4. Aït Benhaddou

Aït Benhaddou is a perfect example of Moroccan earth clay architecture. It represents what the Moroccans call an ighrem or ksar (historical fortified village). Made entirely of clay, the buildings feature, intricate details and geometric designs. These earthern structures blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious and picturesque setting.

Since 1987 it’s been considered to be a World Heritage Site (UNESCO), and was first constructed in the 11th century. This was an important and strategic location next to a valley along the main Saharah trade routes. It’s open to visitors but you will also see some locals still living on the other side of the river. It has also been a stage for several movies, such as:

• The Mummy (1999)
• Gladiator (2000) 
• Babel (2006)
• Prince of Persia (2010)

Today, Aït Benhaddou continues to captivate tourists and film-makers alike. It’s iconic appearance has made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. You will remember scenes from Gladiator and Game of Thrones that were shot here. These factors have further cemented Aït Benhaddou’s position as one of the top places to visit in Morocco.

5. Chefchaouen (Blue Village)

Also known as Chaouen, this is a city in located northwest Morocco. It is also referred to as the ‘blue city’ owing to its blue-hued streets. Bathed in every shade of blue, the city creates a mystical atmosphere and is said to hold spiritual significance for the locals.

During the old times, it was under the control of civilizations like the Portuguese and the Spanish resulting in vibrant clash of cultures. Surrounded by a delightful landscape composed of mountains, this village is supposed to remind people of Heaven and God (also represented by the blue colour).

One of the must-see spots in Chefchaouen is the Spanish Mosque, located on a hill just outside the medina. A short hike up will reward you with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire town, with its blue rooftops contrasting against the green mountains in the background. It’s the perfect spot to marvel at the beauty of Chefchaouen and capture unforgettable memories.

Make sure to add the blue city in your list of places to visit in Morocco.

6. Rabat (The Capital City of Morocco)

Situated next to the Atlantic ocean and bathes by the Bouregreg River, this city is known for its Islamic culture and artistic heritage, and also its French-colonial heritage landmarks. One of these special landmarks you can’t miss is the Kasbah (a central part of the city, surrounded by a type of fortress). This type of building was created to place a leader during an attack of enemies, for its protection.  

Another one of the must-visit attractions in Rabat is the Kasbah des Oudaias, an attractive neighbourhood filled with narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses adorned with blue accents, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Royal Palace is another reason why Rabat is a important places to visit in Morocco. Even though visitors are not allowed inside, you should definitely visit the Palace to enjoy its external architecture and its surroundings.

If you are interested in knowing more about regional history, you can visit the many museums in Rabat. These include the Archaeological Museum of Rabat and Museum Mohamed VI of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Whether you are interested in exploring the city’s historical sites, enjoying the local cuisine, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Rabat is a must-visit destination in Morocco.

7. Gorges of Dades

Also known as ‘The Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs’, this is a place for explorers, hikers and nature lovers. The Gorges of Dades is a series of river valleys carved out by the Dades River River. The stunning red, gold and beige terrain creates views that are simply mesmerizing. These gorges can be accessed by the famous ‘ Road of a Thousand Kasbahs’ route which will offer you a bonus of more awe-inspiring landscapes.Composed of a series of rugged wadi gorges carved out by the Dadès River in Morocco, these multi-coloured walls can reach 500m high.

Hiking and driving in the Gorges of Dades is a popular activity. There are many trails that are absolutely a delight for hikers. However, we strongly recommend inexperienced hikers go with a guide so you can safely visit this stunning place. If you choose to explore this place while driving, you are sure to come across a magnificent scenery at every turn.

It is important to know that some of the parts of the gorges will be challenging, especially if you alien to such a terrain. We highly recommend go with a guide with strong local knowledge to ensure that you are safe and have an enjoyable experience.

8. Idriss Zerhoun

Located in northern Morocco, Idriss Zerhoun is spread over two hills at the base of Mount Zerhoun, considered to be the birth of Islam in the country, settled by the Idrisid dynasty. It is a small village with a lot of historical and cultural significance. It is an important pilgrimage site for Moroccans as the village is home to the tomb of Idris I, which attracts visitors from all over the country. Pilgrims come here to pay their respects and seek blessings at the resting place of this revered figure.

There is plenty of exploring around to do. If you go into town you can find several guides that will take you to walking/hiking routes. You can also discover the delicious typical bakeries, olive pressing shops and the best coffee around town!

Conveniently located near the city of Meknes, Idriss Zehroun is often included in the day tours that also feature a visit to the nearby ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Visitors can use this opportunity to explore the rich historical heritage of this region, taking them on a journey from the Roman era to the Idrisid dynasty. It’s an interesting place to visit, representing a typical Berber ancient village.

9. Ouzoud Waterfall

The Ouzoud Waterfalls is another great natural Moroccan wonder located near the village of Tanaghmeilt in the Atlas mountains of Morocco. It is only a few hours from Marrakesh, which is why a day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls is a popular activity among the visitors in Marrakesh.

One of the main attractions here, apart from the waterfalls is spotting monkeys in the vicinity. The area is home to a thriving population of Barbary Macaques, who are often seen playing and jumping among the trees surrounding the falls.

For safety reasons, swimming here is prohibited but visitors can bathe on the sides or on boats that navigate the pool at the base of the falls. The cascading water create the perfect backdrop for a relaxing soak and the best pictures.

10. Merzouga

Merzouga is located in South-Eastern Morocco and is very close to the Algerian border. It is a captivating desert town whose main attraction is Erg Chebbi, which are sand dunes that will leave you spell-bound. It is one of the largest dune landscapes in the Sahara desert.

The town is the perfect gateway to experience the vastness of the Sahara, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of this untouched desert environment. One of the most popular activities in Merzouga is camel trekking, as a part of which you can witness the stunning sunrise/sunset over the golden dunes while riding these majestic creatures.

For a bit of more thrill, you can go for ATV rides for an adrenaline pumping adventure. Spending a night in a desert camp is another highlight, as it allows you to gaze at the star-filled sky and enjoy the serenity of the desert.

11. Essaouira

Essaouira, a picturesque fortress city overlooking the Atlantic, is a hidden gem in Morocco that is the most enviable combination of culture and relaxation for a destination. With its laid-back vibe and a mix of local Arabs ,hippies, and tourists, Essaouira is a refreshing escape from the bustling cities.

One of the highlights of Essaouira is its lively market, which is a great place for souvenir shopping. You can find the perfect gifts to carry for your friends and family for a much cheaper rate than other tourist destinations in Morocco. Here you will find handcrafted goods like rugs, traditional clothing, and jewellery.

Much like other Moroccan towns and cities, Essaouira also has many maze-like streets. Strolling through the cities’ streets admiring the local architecture, and stumbling upon rustic hidden cafes and art galleries are a common activity among the visitors.

Visiting the habor fish market is a must for seafood lovers. You will get to see local fishermen bringing in their daily catch and then indulge in the freshest seafood dishes at the nearby restaurants.

Best Moroccan Beaches

The Agadir beach, near the airport, very famous among Europeans looking for a winter escape. Moreover, the Mirleft beach (sitting 129 kilometres south of Agadir) and Essaouira Beach should also be on your travel list. Especially the latter which has tons of options for watersports and also camel riding!

Stay with Rapture Surfcamps in Morocco

Have you ever heard the expression that you must come back to the places where you were happy? At Rapture Surfcamps we took this statement seriously and decided to take you back with us to the place where we had our very first surf camp, in Morocco called Banana Village! Located right in front of the beach, our surf camp is the best place to enjoy a relaxed holiday. Also, you will be sleeping just a short walk from the best break in Morocco!

We offer a variety of rooms for all budgets and lifestyles. Everything from clean and practical single beds for you and your homies to love nests. Also, king-size beds and private balconies for couples. There is literally room for everyone in the #rapturefamily!

The accommodation price includes a rich daily breakfast and dinners from Monday to Friday.