11 Must See Cities in Morocco You Will Fall in Love With
What if we told you that Morocco is a country where every city feels like a different world?
One day you’re wandering through maze-like medinas full of spices and music.
The next, you’re sipping mint tea in a quiet mountain village or watching the sun go down into the Sahara dunes.
That’s the magic of Morocco, it’s a place that keeps surprising you, city after city.
We spent 2 weeks exploring its alleys, coastal towns, desert, and royal streets.
Along the way, we discovered 11 must-see cities in Morocco that left us completely in awe.
These aren’t just tourist hotspots, they’re places that opened our eyes to a new part of the world and taught us something new.
Ready to fall in love with Morocco? Let’s go.
11 Must See Cities in Morocco
1. Casablanca
Casablanca is often just a starting point for travelers, it was for us.
This coastal city mixes French colonial architecture with bold Art Deco buildings.
Its real charm lies in the balance between tradition and modernity.
Your first stop should be the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world.
Sitting right by the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque’s minaret towers into the sky, and the hand-carved details inside are absolutely mesmerizing.
Even if you’re not usually into architecture, this place will take your breath away.
Make sure to take a walk along the Corniche. We had dinner at a seaside restaurant on our only night in Casablanca.
You’ll see families out for walks, surfers catching the waves, and beachside cafés.
Don’t miss the traditional market at Habous Quarter, where you can browse handcrafted leather goods, spices, and olives.
2. Meknes & Volubilis
Meknes is smaller and quieter than the other Moroccan cities, which makes it a relaxing stop packed with history and charm.
The massive Bab Mansour gate is a sight you need to see, with its intricate tilework and towering presence.
We wandered through the medina, where shopkeepers smiled and kids waved as we passed by.
The royal stables and granaries gave us a glimpse into Meknes’ past grandeur under Sultan Moulay Ismail.
Just a short drive away are the Roman ruins of Volubilis, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in North Africa.
With rolling green hills as a backdrop, we explored ancient mosaic floors and weather-worn columns that felt like walking through a forgotten empire.
Volubilis was a nice surprise, and it took us back to our trips to Greece.
3. Fez
Fez is a sensory overload in the best possible way. It’s chaotic, colorful, and absolutely unforgettable.
The city’s massive medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest in the world, and getting lost in it is part of the experience.
We started with a visit to a ceramic cooperative, where artisans shape, carve, and paint intricate designs by hand.
Watching the process gave us a new appreciation for the plates and tiles we saw in shops.
Next, we stopped by a Tannery, where workers still dye leather using traditional methods, a strong-smelling but fascinating glimpse into ancient craftsmanship.
Don’t miss the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and the weaving shops, where locals explain the techniques behind Fez’s famous textiles.
This city felt like the soul of Morocco—a place where history and tradition are still deeply alive.
4. Marrakech
Marrakech is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a living painting.
With its sunbaked terracotta walls, bursts of color at every turn, and the steady hum of life echoing through its streets, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular cities to see in Morocco.
Our favorite spot? Bahia Palace.
Tucked away from the busy streets, this 19th-century masterpiece is a quiet escape filled with intricately tiled courtyards, carved cedarwood ceilings, and rooms where sunlight filters in just right.
It was one of those rare places where we slowed down and truly took in the beauty.
The Koutoubia Mosque, just a short walk away, stands tall over the city.
Its minaret glows at sunset, casting a golden light that seems to settle over the whole medina.
The medina offers just the right mix of energy and atmosphere, lively enough to explore for a few hours, with winding alleys, colorful details, and plenty of tucked-away spots to pause and take it all in.
5. Atlas Mountains
Leaving Marrakech, the landscape shifts quickly.
Our tour bus drove through the Atlas Mountains, and the scenery was one of the most unexpectedly beautiful parts of the trip.
Think winding roads, hillsides, and snow-capped peaks.
The road itself becomes an adventure, especially as you cross Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Be ready for narrow turns, but also epic viewpoints where you can stop and take it all in.
If you’re making your way to the desert, this is a memorable part of the journey.
6. Ait Ben Haddou
As we descended from the mountains, the landscape turned golden and dry, and then we saw it.
Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning ksar (fortified village) made of earthen clay, rose up from the valley like a scene from a movie.
And that’s not just a saying, this place has actually been the backdrop for films like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy.
We crossed a small river and climbed the narrow paths to the top of the village.
From up there, the views are endless: desert plains, palm trees, and the silhouette of distant mountains.
Even with its fame, Ait Ben Haddou still feels peaceful.
We wandered through the village’s narrow alleyways, getting a quiet glimpse into daily life, kids playing, neighbors chatting, and the slow rhythm of local routines.
It’s the kind of place we wished we had more time to truly soak in.
7. Merzouga
Driving into Merzouga, the landscape gets flatter and drier until suddenly, sand dunes start to appear on the horizon.
Merzouga is the gateway to the Sahara Desert, and even though it’s a small town, it has an adventurous spirit.
There’s a sense of anticipation in the air, with 4x4s kicking up dust and camels lined up for sunset treks.
From here, we hopped into our 4x4s and began the journey into the Sahara for an unforgettable night under the stars.
This is the last real stop to stock up on snacks, water, and any last-minute essentials before heading into the vast desert landscape.
8. Sahara Desert
Spending the night in the Sahara Desert is the kind of experience that stays with you for years to come.
Picture this: you’re riding a camel deeper into the dunes as the sun dips low, casting golden light across endless waves of orange sand.
That’s exactly how our desert journey began.
We arrived at our camp just in time to climb a nearby dune and watch the sky go down.
After a traditional dinner under a big tent, we sat around the fire, listening to Berber music as the night sky opened up above us.
The stars? Unlike anything we’d ever seen, so many, so bright, and so close it felt like you could reach up and touch them.
The next morning, we woke early to catch the sunrise.
The air was crisp, and the silence made the moment feel sacred.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it to venture into the Sahara… absolutely, without question, YES!
9. Todra Gorge
As we drove through southeast Morocco, we made a detour to Todra Gorge, and we’re so glad we did.
Towering canyon walls rise nearly 1,000 feet on either side of a narrow road and river.
It’s like Morocco’s version of the Grand Canyon, but quieter and more intimate.
The rock glows orange in the sun, and the sound of water echoing through the canyon is surprisingly soothing.
The gorge is a must if you’re into nature, photography, or just need a break from busy medinas.
10. Essaouira
After so many deserts and cities, arriving in Essaouira feels like a deep breath of fresh air.
The whitewashed buildings, bright blue doors, and salty breeze make it one of the most relaxing cities to visit in Morocco.
We stayed near the port and woke up to the sound of seagulls and ocean waves.
Wandering the medina here felt different, less chaotic, and more artsy.
There are galleries, handmade jewelry shops, and cozy cafés around every corner.
One of our favorite moments was walking along the old city walls at sunset.
In Essaouira, we also took the opportunity to experience a traditional Hammam, a Spa-like treatment.
It was a great mother-daughter activity to enjoy together.
We also visited an Argan oil cooperative, where women explained the traditional process of oil extraction.
It’s a beautiful town with a creative, calming energy.
11. Chefchaouen
Tucked into the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, Chefchaouen is one of the most visually striking and peaceful towns in the country.
Known for its powder-blue walls and laid-back atmosphere, it’s often called The Blue Pearl of Morocco, and it’s easy to see why.
Nearly every surface in Chefchaouen is painted in shades of blue, creating a surreal and calming experience as you wander the winding streets.
It’s a photographer’s dream, but more than that, it offers a slower pace that invites you to breathe, explore, and simply enjoy the moment.
Whether you’re into snapping every corner or just taking in the tranquil vibe, this town has a way of drawing you in.
Beyond the beauty, Chefchaouen also offers a unique cultural blend with strong Andalusian and Berber influences.
You’ll find handmade textiles, local artwork, and traditional cuisine in its small shops and family-run cafés.
It’s a perfect escape from Morocco’s more hectic cities and an ideal stop for travelers looking to unwind, reflect, or just get lost in a sea of blue.
Where Will Morocco Take You Next?
From buzzing cities to peaceful mountains and golden deserts, these are the must-see cities in Morocco that made our trip unforgettable.
Each one offers something different, whether it’s color, calm, culture, or adventure.
And together, they create a journey unlike any other.
Have you visited any of these Moroccan cities? Share in the comments which are your must-see cities in Morocco.
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