5 Places to Visit in Morocco

Morocco is a beautiful country filled with rich culture, intricately designed architecture, and delicious cuisine. It’s one of my favourite countries to visit, and I’ve been there three times over the last few years.

Because it’s one of my favourite destinations, I’ve put together a list of the best places in Morocco you should visit, featuring both famous cities and underrated gems.

General Considerations for Travelling in Morocco

Spring and autumn are some of the best times to go as the weather is warm without being intolerably hot. When visiting Morocco, I recommend staying in a traditional riad (Moroccan guesthouse) for an authentic experience.

Morocco is different from many westernized countries through culture, religion, and traditions. If you have an open, curious mind and can embrace new experiences and adapt to culture shock, I’m confident you’ll enjoy Morocco.

Additionally, because Morocco is a developing country, cash is your best option wherever you are. While some shops do take credit cards (especially in Marrakech and Chefchaoeun) it depends on the vendor and isn’t guaranteed.

Because of this, I recommend bringing one or two Visa credit cards (American Express is generally not accepted) so you can still earn rewards on some expenses. However, for most of your purchases like dining, transportation, and shopping, it’s best to always have cash available.

1. Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a picturesque city in the northern part of Morocco, roughly two hours from the coastal city of Tangier by car. To reach Chefchaouen, you can either drive, take a bus from Tangier, or take a private taxi.

Chefchaouen is known as Morocco’s “Blue City” because the architecture throughout the whole city is covered in blue. Around every corner, you’ll see different hues of blue with pops of other colors. The city is like a work of art, with stunning murals and paintings showcasing local talent.

While you’re in Chefchaouen, there’s a few key activities that I recommend you do during your trip.

First, you can hike up to a viewpoint to take in the entire beautiful Blue City. Then, you can check out the Kasbah, a historical landmark where the city got its start. Finally, you can wander the streets while shopping for local souvenirs.

If you love shopping and getting a great deal, Chefchaouen is the place to do it! The city is probably one of the best spots in Morocco for bartering and finding local souvenirs as prices are lower than in other popular tourist spots.

2. Moulay Idriss

Moulay Idriss is a hidden gem that I love visiting, and I’ve been lucky enough to have been there twice. The village is named after Idris I, the first major Islamic ruler of Morocco, and it’s roughly one to one-and-a-half hours away from Fes, making it a great place to stay overnight en route to or from the city.

The village is a very untouched place, with little tourism and modernization. Therefore, when you visit, it’s important to be conservative with your choice of clothing while exploring out and about.

Also, be aware that there are only a handful of hotels, local family guest houses, and riads that will accommodate tourists. However, this means that you’ll surely get a local experience while there.

In terms of activities in Moulay Idriss, I recommend that you visit the local outdoor market, see the mosque from the outside (non-Muslims aren’t allowed inside), and spend a few hours visiting the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis.

3. Marrakech

Marrakech is my second favourite part of Morocco after Chefchaouen, and it’s the place where I’ve spent the most time when visiting the country.

To get there, there are a few non-stop flight options from the eastern side of North America.

United Airlines recently launched a route from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Marrakech (RAK) and Air Canada offers non-stop flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

Marrakech is full of vibrant colors, exquisite Moroccan cuisine, and plenty of things to do for all types of travellers. There’s also plenty of shopping you can do here for handmade Moroccan rugs, souvenirs, and spices.

Some of the most famous places and oldest sites in Morocco can be found in the city, including the Jardin Majorelle (owned by Yves Saint Laurent), Bahia Palace, Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Koutoubia Mosque, and the Saadian Tombs.

Additionally, during your visit, I recommend experiencing a wellness treatment by going to a Moroccan hammam at one of the many gorgeous spas around Marrakech.

For dining, two places I recommend for unique and memorable experiences are L’Mida and Comptoir Darna.

L’Mida is a rooftop restaurant with gorgeous views overlooking the Koutoubia mosque – perfect for sunset. The restaurant has an eye-catching mural, and their menu puts a twist on Morocco’s traditional dishes. It’s also vegetarian and vegan friendly!

Comptoir Darna is Moroccan restaurant with two floors. Their menu features traditional Moroccan cuisine in an upscale setting, and they have a belly-dancing show every night at 9pm.

Reservations are highly encouraged for both places.

4. Fes

Fes is home to the biggest medina in Morocco, with thousands of streets to explore. It’s a car-free area, making it easy to stroll through the intriguing alleyways.

Fes is also known for its leather goods that are hand-dyed at famous tanneries, making it a perfect place to go shopping for a new belt, bag, or more!

In addition to shopping, there are plenty of other things to do in Fes, including exploring the Jewish Quarter and visiting the colorful Royal Palace.

While exploring Fes, I recommend that you try pastilla. Pastilla is a flavorful dish that originated in the city.

It’s a pie consisting of minced chicken, almonds, and cinnamon with honey and powdered sugar drizzled on top. While it may sound like a dessert, it’s something you can easily have for lunch, and it’s delicious!

Additionally, I recommend that you visit the Al Attarine Madrasa. It’s a famous educational institution centered around Islam.

The building is almost 800 years old, making it a lovely historical place to visit while you’re in town. I’ve seen it twice and was impressed by the intricately detailed carvings on the walls and the interior design.

5. Casablanca

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and the main hub where most international flights arrive. It’s home to the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in Africa and the 14th largest in the world.

While Casablanca isn’t my favourite city, it’s a must-visit for first-timers to Morocco. You can easily spend two days here exploring the medina, visiting the Hassan II Mosque and the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

For dining, I recommend visiting the Four Seasons for lunch and ordering the chicken tagine. I’ve been to Morocco three times over the last few years and the best chicken tagine I’ve ever had was at the Four Seasons Casablanca!

Conclusion

Overall, I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Morocco and choose from the wide variety of places you can visit.

Whether you’re planning a seven-day trip or two action-packed weeks, Morocco is a country filled with bustling medinas, delicious cuisine, and colorful architecture, and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time no matter which cities you end up seeing.