The 18 Best Places to Visit in Morocco in 2023

Morocco is a fairly large country with a dense and complex history dating back to ancient times. Planning your vacation can be overwhelming, so this list rounds up 18 of the best places to visit in Morocco to help you create an itinerary.

Keep reading to learn more about idyllic Moroccan destinations and what this nation has to offer visitors.

18 of the Best Places to Visit in Morocco

If you’re not sure what to do on your first Moroccan vacation, the destinations below are spectacular spots to explore. From busy cities full of restaurants and shops to picturesque coastal towns with a peaceful aura, Morocco has more to offer than you may think.

Whether you enjoy sightseeing, dining out, partying, or checking out museums, these are the best places to visit in Morocco.

1. Marrakech

Ask anyone where to go in Morocco, and they’ll recommend the bustling city of Marrakech. This happens to be one of my favorite places I’ve visited, and this popular tourist spot features colorful marketplaces and bazaars.

Here, you can find stunning Moroccan souvenirs and immerse yourself in the culture. It’s also one of the safest cities in Morocco, so it’s perfect for families.

Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Marrakech in 2023

2. High Atlas Mountains

If you want to enjoy the beautiful views and nature of Morocco, there is no better place than the High Atlas Mountains. It is North Africa’s tallest mountain range and a popular place for hikers to explore, especially in fall and spring.

The majestic mountains will take your breath away and are the perfect place to capture a few exquisite Instagram photos.

3. Draa Valley

The Draa Valley has a mystical vibe and feels surreal with the dramatic mud-brick castles and picturesque palms. It’s an authentic oasis in the desert.

Many tourists envision a genuine Moroccan experience, and this place offers just that. You can stay overnight in golden caravans or just spend the day in awe of the valley.

4. Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is somewhat of a hidden Moroccan gem, offering peaceful streets and vibrant colors. The city is on a mountainside and full of winding cobble roads that are a brilliant bright blue or pure white. The town has a Greek-like aesthetic with colorful clay buildings and a soft but joyful aesthetic.

5. Rose Valley

Rose Valley is an enchanting destination to visit if you want to do something out of the mainstream. The valley is lush and packed with olive and fig trees that produce a delightful and captivating fragrance that fills the whole valley. You can appreciate the views or go on an idyllic hike.

6. Ait Ben Haddou

A must-see spot in Morocco is Ait Ben Haddou, a mostly-abandoned ancient village that tourists can roam around and explore freely.

You can hire tour guides to take you around the village full of mud buildings and palm trees. While you can go by yourself, the tour guides have a wealth of interesting knowledge and history to share.

7. Agadir

People mostly think of the desert when envisioning Morocco, but it’s also a coastal country with lovely seaside towns you can check out, like Agadir.

Agadir is considered the safest city in Morocco and offers idyllic views of the blue ocean. You can stroll the sleepy streets or lounge on the beach and enjoy the Moroccan sun.

8. Casablanca

Casablanca is an iconic city in Morocco. Even if you aren’t a fan of the same-named movie, this destination still has plenty to offer visitors. It combines modernity with traditional Moroccan culture for a captivating experience.

The French-colonial design and the Moresque buildings are distinct and awe-inspiring. Plus, there are many delicious eateries where you can try authentic Moroccan cuisine.

9. Rabat

Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, located on the coast. The city has tranquil beaches and fun activities, as it’s a popular tourist location. Relax at one of the outdoor cafes and enjoy the scenery or visit the older parts of the city to see the former medina and town square.

10. Sidi Ifni

Along the southwest coast of Morocco is the tiny fishing town called Sidi Ifni. The town has exquisite Spanish architecture and peaceful beaches with peculiar rock formations. It’s the perfect place to visit if you want a relaxing and laid-back day in Morocco.

11. Meknes

If you love sightseeing, Meknes has an endless supply of mosques, monuments, pavilions, and palaces you can explore and admire. The city has recently undergone significant construction to modernize the area.

As a result, it’s one of the most distinct places in the nation. It’s a brilliant city to visit if you want to learn as much about the country as you can and visit the best museums.

12. Asilah

Asilah is an upscale coastal town with idyllic beaches and an elegant aura. You can visit impressive forts and barracks of ancient armies while avoiding the crowds of summer tourists.

While it’s one of the fancier locations in Morocco, the luxury hotels are affordable, and you can eat at the many dazzling restaurants in the area.

13. Essaouira

Along the Atlantic coastline of Morocco is Essaouira, a natural port for ships and boats. The town has a rich history steeped in Roman drama and wars.

You can see the ancient walls that protected the city but now stand in ruin while appreciating the crashing waves on the stunning Moroccan shore.

14. Fez

Fez is a dense city that was once the capital of the nation but is now a hotspot for hand-crafted art and more. It’s perfect for any tourists who want to experience the fast-paced hustle of the city and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs handmade by Moroccan artists and crafters.

Check out the lively marketplaces or eat at one of the many quaint cafes. The narrow streets and twisting alleys are not suitable for cars, so this city can only be explored on foot.

15. Skoura

Skoura is a lush town across Draa Valley with neverending palm groves and rustic dirt paths. You can admire authentic North African architecture and eat the freshest fruits and vegetables in the country, as many types of produce come from this vegetative town.

With farm-to-table restaurants and charming places to stay, it’s a wonderful destination to relax for a few days.

16. Tafraoute

Tafroute is a lively city with some of the most splendid architecture and art. You can see dazzling mosaics and walk amongst the bright pink homes.

With lush palm trees and traditional villages, it’s a charming spot to soak up Moroccan culture. Plus, it’s close to many other tourist destinations, so it’s an excellent home base.

17. Tangier

If you want to experience the thrilling nightlife Morocco offers, Tangier is the best place to visit. With plenty of bumping nightclubs and high-end bars, it’s the perfect spot to get a little wild and enjoy your vacation to the fullest. You can stay in one of the gorgeous luxury hotels or rent one of the tiny apartments.

18. Volubilis

Volubilis is rich in history, as it was a well-populated ancient Roman town. The dramatic mosaics and robust farming community give this town an aura of wealth and rusticness.

Stand on the steps of the ancient basilica or taste the flavorsome wine from the region. They also recently opened a fun museum where you can learn more about the town’s history.

Things to Consider

Before planning your trip, there are a few factors to consider. You likely won’t have time to check out all of these phenomenal spots, so the suggestions below can help you choose the best activities for your Moroccan vacation.

Your Group

Consider who you’re traveling with and choose activities accordingly. Will you have kids with you on vacation? Are there elderly companions with mobility issues? Are you traveling in a large or small group?

Some of these activities may be too effortful for young children or older people. Other options may be challenging in a large group, so consider these factors before deciding on your must-do activities.

The Season

Some sightseeing and nature activities are better in the spring and summer, while other destinations on this list are magical no matter when you go. Consider when you will be in Morocco and try to choose activities that will be ideal for the season.

Vacation Duration

How long is your trip? Are you staying for five days or five weeks? The duration of your trip should influence what destinations you choose to see. It’s always helpful to plan out your trip with a detailed itinerary.

Try to see destinations close to one another on the same day or schedule multiple short activities back to back.

If your trip is short, try to prioritize what you most want to do. And if your trip is long, plan the activities you’re most excited about near the middle or end of your trip, so you have something to look forward to!

Budget

Luckily, many of the destinations mentioned here can be visited free of charge! But others cost money. If you plan to purchase some souvenirs and enjoy a few fancy Moroccan dinners, it can help your vacation budget to opt for the cheap or free spots on this list.

Accommodations

Where are you staying? Sometimes traveling around Morocco can be exhausting and difficult. Many of these destinations and activities may be close to your accommodations, while others may be a bit of a journey. When deciding what spots to check out and what to skip, planning around your location can be convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have an array of questions before taking a Moroccan vacation, so below are some frequently asked questions and their answers.

So, What Are the Must-See Places in Morocco?

This list of the best places to visit in Morocco has something for everyone, no matter your age or interests. Morocco is a magical country to vacation in; from pastoral hikes to cozy cafes to ancient ruins, there is much to enjoy.

Use this list to create an exciting and unique itinerary so you can enjoy your Moroccan vacation to the fullest!