Top Tourist Attractions in Morocco
Morocco is a beautiful country in North Africa that boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery. Selecting the top things to do in Morocco is comparable to deciding on a favorite dessert – it can be quite challenging. With a restricted Morocco itinerary, it becomes even more difficult to determine what sights to prioritize. Nonetheless, there are some places that I highly suggest visiting over others, especially if time is limited in this remarkable country Here are some popular tourist places to visit in Morocco:
- Marrakech – famous for its vibrant souks, colorful markets, and historical landmarks such as the Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace.
- Fes – renowned for its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere. The city is home to many historic sites, including the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque. Fes is a remarkable in Morocco, and its medina is not only the largest and the most complex, but also arguably the most vibrant. Fes is also the location of one of the first universities in the world, and it served as a safe location for Jewish people escaping from the Spanish Inquisition. All this leads to a variety of cultural heritage and flavors that you can’t experience anywhere else. Also, make sure not to miss the tanneries–you certainly won’t miss the smell!
- Casablanca – the largest city in Morocco, and home to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world.
- Chefchaouen – known as the “Blue City” due to its blue-washed buildings, Chefchaouen is a charming town nestled in the Rif Mountains.
- Essaouira – a picturesque coastal town known for its white-washed buildings, sandy beaches, and fishing port.
- Merzouga – located in the Sahara desert, Merzouga is famous for its towering sand dunes and camel treks.
- Ouarzazate – a gateway to the Sahara desert, Ouarzazate is a popular filming location for Hollywood movies, and is home to the famous Ait Ben Haddou kasbah.
- Rabat – the capital city of Morocco, and home to the Royal Palace, the Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of the Udayas.
These are just a few of the many amazing places to visit in Morocco. The country is full of beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination for any traveler.
THE SAHARA DESERT 
While you can experience the Sahara in several other countries, Morocco boasts that amazing orange-looking sand and stunning dunes. It also offers some incredible opportunities to camp in the desert for any budget, whether you are a backpacker looking for a deal or you want to enjoy the peace in style. This is also where you can get your camel fix in!
THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Did you know that Morocco isn’t all deserts? It also offers some stunning mountains topped with snow (and a ski resort–who would have thunk?). This is the spot for hikers and those looking to experience a different kind of nature. You can choose to stay here for a night or two, or take a bus ride through the peaks and valleys of the mountain range.
MEKNES AND THE ROYAL STABLES
Meknes is one of the lesser-visited and best things to do in Morocco and one of my favorites. Along with stunning architecture, you can also visit the incredible royal stables where the prince there was said to keep over 1000 horses. It also has a charming city center with open market worth checking out.
Known for its role in movies such as the Prince of Persia and The Mummy, this was a part of a camel route and has been standing since the 11th century. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is made up of packed clay and wooden beams. Many tours will take you there when you are headed from one spot to another.
Marrakech is many travelers’ favorite part of Morocco, and there’s a ton to see here for several days. Whether you choose to head to the winding medina or plan to check out the Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech is a vibrant city with a lot to take in. Plan to spend at least three days here in order to truly get the feel for this amazing spot.
Marrakech is a vibrant and colorful city located in central Morocco. It’s known for its bustling souks (markets), beautiful gardens, historic landmarks, and lively nightlife. Some of the top attractions in Marrakech include:
- Jemaa el-Fnaa: This lively square in the heart of the city is the main attraction in Marrakech, with street performers, food vendors, and snake charmers.
- Bahia Palace: This 19th-century palace is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture, with intricate tile work and beautiful gardens.
- Majorelle Garden: These botanical gardens, designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle, are a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city, with exotic plants and bright blue buildings.
- Koutoubia Mosque: This 12th-century mosque is one of the most important landmarks in Marrakech, with a stunning minaret that can be seen from all over the city.
- Saadian Tombs: These ornate tombs date back to the 16th century and are a fascinating glimpse into the history of Marrakech.
- Souks: The souks of Marrakech are a maze of narrow alleyways filled with vendors selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and pottery.
- Hammams: A visit to a traditional Moroccan hammam is a must-do experience in Marrakech, where you can relax and rejuvenate in a steam bath and get a traditional massage.
CHEFCHAOUEN 
Chefchaouen is the photogenic darling of Morocco, and it’s likely that you have seen numerous Instagram posts featuring this delightful little city. It also offers a much different feel than the rest of the country in its spot up in the mountains. Covered in the color blue, it was one of my top spots on my second trip there.
RABAT
As the main political center of Morocco, you can find the monument to Mohammad V, Morocco’s most influential king, here. Rabat offers an interesting mix of modernity and ancient structures. Be sure to check out the bi-colored medina and the many museums that are available here. Rabat is big, so don’t be afraid to consider a taxi.
TANGIER 
Looking for some time on the coast? If you want to experience some activities on the water, Tangier is one of the best places for it. It’s also the best place to cross from Morocco to Spain, as well as being a lovely city in its own right. Also, you can ride camels on the beach–one of the best things to do in Morocco!
OUZOUD WATERFALL
Ouzoud Waterfalls
Buried deep in the Atlas Mountains is Morocco’s most impressive waterfall. While it can take a little effort to get there, it is well worth it for the cascading water into a gorgeous pool. You can also take a boat on the water and float right next to the falls. You’ll need to book a day trip if you would like to go.
VOLUBILIS
Want to see some amazingly intact Roman ruins that aren’t located in the Eternal City? Volubilis was one of outposts of the Roman Empire in Africa and one of its larger cities in the area. Plan to spend at least half a day wandering through this awesome sight–it features mosaics that are in surprisingly good condition.
CASABLANCA 
Casablanca is Morocco’s capital and, of course, famous for the classic Hollywood film. You can visit Rick’s Cafe, which was created after the movie, and you’ll want to make sure to visit the Hassan II Mosque–the seventh-largest in the world. Take a walk along the promenade on the coast or try some of the delicious seafood there.
Best Time to Visit Morocco, Electricity and other related FAQs
- The best time to visit Morocco is during the spring (March to May) or the fall (September to November) when the temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.
- The electricity in Morocco is 220V/50Hz and the plugs are European-style two-pin plugs, so travelers from the US and other countries may need an adapter.
- The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). As of March 2023, 1 USD is equivalent to approximately 9 MAD.
- The main language spoken in Morocco is Arabic, but French is also widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
- While English is spoken in some tourist areas, it is not widely spoken throughout the country. It’s a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Arabic or French before traveling to Morocco.
- It’s best to avoid traveling to Morocco during the summer months (June to August) when temperatures can be very hot, especially in the interior regions.
- Morocco is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur in tourist areas and crowded places.
- To get the best currency conversion rate in Morocco, it’s recommended to exchange currency at a bank or a currency exchange office, rather than at hotels or airports where the rates may be less favorable. It’s also a good idea to check the exchange rate before exchanging money.
Tips to Visit Morocco
Sure! Here are some travel tips for visiting Morocco:
- Respect the local customs and culture: Morocco is a Muslim country, so it is important to dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Also, it’s important to learn some basic Arabic or French phrases to show respect to the locals.
- Bargain wisely: Haggling is a common practice in Morocco, especially in markets and souks. However, be respectful and polite when bargaining, and always keep in mind that the initial price is usually higher than the actual value of the product.
- Stay hydrated: Morocco can get hot and dry, especially in the summer months. Drink plenty of water and avoid tap water.
- Try the local cuisine: Moroccan cuisine is famous for its flavors and spices. Don’t miss out on trying some local dishes, such as tagine, couscous, and pastilla.
- Plan your itinerary carefully: Morocco has many places to visit and things to do, so plan your itinerary in advance to make the most out of your trip.
- Take precautions for your safety: Morocco is generally a safe country, but like any other country, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe.
- Consider hiring a local guide: A local guide can provide you with a deeper understanding of the culture and history of the places you visit, and can also help you navigate the busy streets and markets.
- Take the time to relax: Morocco can be overwhelming, so take the time to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, such as the desert or the beach.
These are just a few travel tips for visiting Morocco. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip to this amazing country to the fullest!
