Trust me on this: Morocco is magical. Every time I turned a corner, there was something that made me stop in my tracks – whether it was the chaos of Marrakech’s souks, the silence of the Sahara at sunrise, or the smell of fresh mint tea drifting through the old medinas.
From the snow-topped Atlas Mountains to the endless golden dunes, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Morocco that blew my mind. I’m already planning my next trip back!
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👉 My Favorite Tour in Morocco
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Morocco
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Moroccan adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last fall, I flew to Marrakech for just $410 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by buying meals or ingredients from local souks and markets. Small local restaurants called ‘hole in the wall’ spots offer delicious tagines and couscous for 30-50 MAD ($3-5). For breakfast and lunch, street food like fresh bread, olives, and grilled meats are incredibly cheap. You’ll find ready-to-eat meals and snacks at larger supermarkets like Carrefour and Marjane.
- Transport: I recommend using the local buses and trains for intercity travel – book ONCF trains in advance online for the best rates. Within cities, petit taxis are affordable if you insist on using the meter. For day trips, joining a group tour often works out cheaper than hiring a private driver.
Morocco is one of North Africa’s most budget-friendly destinations. With these money-saving strategies, you can explore this colorful country at an even better value. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Morocco:
1. Meknes
- 📍 Location: Northern Morocco, near the Middle Atlas Mountains
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏰, architecture lovers 🧱, cultural travelers 🎭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Bab Mansour, touring the Royal Stables, wandering the Medina
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for blooming gardens and mild weather 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Riad Yacout – Traditional riad with rooftop terrace and central location
Meknes doesn’t get as much hype as Marrakech or Fes, but that’s part of what makes it special. It’s more relaxed but still packed with stunning sights and deep history. You’ll get to explore massive gates like Bab Mansour, quiet courtyards, and mosques that feel almost untouched by time.
One of the coolest stops is the Royal Stables, which once held thousands of horses. It’s wild how grand and detailed the architecture is, especially considering it was built for animals. The medina here is also less chaotic than in other cities, so you can wander without getting overwhelmed.
Outside the old city walls, you’ll find peaceful gardens and modern cafes where locals hang out. Meknes is perfect if you want authentic Moroccan culture without the crowds, with plenty of moments that feel like you’ve discovered something most travelers miss.
2. Asilah
- 📍 Location: Atlantic Coast, northern Morocco
- 🏆 Best For: Art lovers 🎨, beachgoers 🏖️, peaceful explorers 🌊
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the medina’s mural-covered walls, relaxing at Paradise Beach, visiting the Asilah Arts Festival
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: July to September for beach weather and the arts festival 🎭
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Riad Oasis D’Asilah – Colorful riad with rooftop views and artistic flair
Asilah is one of those places that feels like a secret coastal retreat. Its whitewashed walls and bright blue trim give it that postcard-perfect vibe, but what makes it pop is the street art. Every summer, artists from around the world transform the medina into an open-air gallery.
The pace here is slower compared to Morocco’s bigger cities. You can take your time wandering the fortified walls or grabbing mint tea at a local café while watching the ocean. Paradise Beach is just a short drive away and feels like your own private stretch of sand.
If you visit during the Asilah Arts Festival, you’ll find workshops, concerts, and fresh murals popping up daily. Whether you’re into art, history, or quiet sunsets by the sea, Asilah is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.
3. High Atlas
- 📍 Location: Central Morocco, stretching from the Atlantic to the Sahara
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, nature lovers 🌄, cultural adventurers 🧭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Mount Toubkal, staying in a Berber guesthouse, exploring Toubkal National Park
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for spring blooms and clear hiking trails 🌼
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Dar Imlil – Guesthouse with river views
The High Atlas Mountains are Morocco’s natural playground. Whether you’re a serious trekker or just looking to disconnect, this region delivers epic views and real cultural depth. Mount Toubkal is the star attraction, and reaching its summit gives you panoramic views over valleys, snow peaks, and desert edges.
Small Berber villages dot the hillsides, offering cozy guesthouses and mint tea around every corner. Staying overnight in one of these homes adds something personal to the trip, especially if you’re up for chatting with locals or trying a home-cooked tagine.
The landscapes are constantly shifting. One moment you’re walking through olive groves, the next you’re standing at the edge of a snowy pass. With cool air, quiet trails, and views that go on forever, the High Atlas gives you that feeling of being off the grid while still being incredibly welcoming.
- Read next: Must-Visit Places in the Atlas Mountains
4. Essaouira (Mogador)
- 📍 Location: Atlantic Coast, western Morocco
- 🏆 Best For: Music lovers 🎶, seafood fans 🐟, wind sports enthusiasts 🌬️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the Skala de la Ville, browsing the medina’s artisan shops, attending the Gnaoua World Music Festival
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for breezy beach weather and festivals 🎷
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Salut Maroc! – Stylish boutique riad with ocean views inside the medina
Essaouira mixes relaxed coastal vibes with deep cultural roots. This walled port city is packed with charm, from its blue fishing boats to its maze-like medina that feels like a living art piece. You can spend hours browsing shops filled with woodcraft, rugs, and handmade jewelry, all without the crowds of bigger cities.
The old ramparts overlooking the crashing waves offer one of the best sunset spots in town. Nearby, seafood stalls grill up fresh catches right by the harbor, and beach cafés spill out onto the sand. The city’s wind also makes it a hotspot for kite and windsurfing.
What sets Essaouira apart is its artsy energy. Every summer, the Gnaoua World Music Festival brings the medina to life with hypnotic rhythms and street performances. Whether you’re exploring solo or with friends, this city leaves you feeling creatively recharged.
- Read next: Amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites
5. Chefchaouen
- 📍 Location: Rif Mountains, northern Morocco
- 🏆 Best For: Photographers 📷, slow travelers 🧳, dreamers 💭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the blue-washed medina, visiting the Kasbah Museum, hiking to the Spanish Mosque
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for cool mountain weather and blooming flowers 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Riad Hicham – Cozy riad with panoramic terrace near the medina
Chefchaouen looks like something out of a dream, with every shade of blue painting the streets, stairs, and doorways. Tucked in the Rif Mountains, it’s one of Morocco’s most photogenic towns and a peaceful contrast to the country’s bigger cities.
Walking through the medina feels like exploring a giant art project. Flowerpots line the alleys, and small shops sell woven blankets, ceramics, and leather goods. The town is compact enough to explore in a day, but lingering here is part of the charm. Grab a seat at a rooftop café and watch the sun dip behind the hills.
For a quick hike, head up to the Spanish Mosque for a view over the entire town. The vibe in Chefchaouen is slow, calming, and personal, making it a favorite for travelers looking to unplug and soak up something beautiful.
- Read next: Top Things to Do in Chefchaouen
6. Sahara Desert
- 📍 Location: Southeastern Morocco, near Merzouga and Zagora
- 🏆 Best For: Desert adventurers 🐪, stargazers 🌌, cultural explorers 🎶
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding camels through Erg Chebbi, camping under the stars, listening to Berber drumming around a fire
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April for cooler desert temperatures 🌙
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Riad Azawad – Desert-style stay with pool and terrace near Merzouga dunes
The Sahara Desert is one of Morocco’s most unforgettable landscapes. With its golden dunes, silent mornings, and nights lit by stars, it feels like stepping into another world. You’ll likely start your trip in Merzouga or Zagora, where most camel treks and desert tours begin.
As you ride out across the sand, the dunes shift in shape and color with every breeze. It’s quiet in a way that makes you pay attention to small things, like the crunch of sand, warmth of the sun, and rhythm of the caravan. At night, desert camps come alive with music, traditional food, and stories shared around a fire.
The clear skies make for incredible stargazing, and sunrise over the dunes is worth waking up early for. Whether you explore on foot, by camel, or 4×4, the Sahara offers a raw, powerful experience you’ll remember long after the trip ends.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Africa
7. Casablanca
- 📍 Location: Western Morocco, on the Atlantic coast
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture fans 🕌, modern city lovers 🏙️, oceanfront travelers 🌊
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Hassan II Mosque, strolling the Corniche, exploring Quartier Habous
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for pleasant coastal weather and fewer crowds 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Odyssee Boutique Hotel Casablanca – Chic design hotel near the city center
Casablanca blends Morocco’s past and future into one buzzing city. It’s home to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, where the marble floors, detailed tilework, and oceanfront location leave a serious impression. Non-Muslim visitors can even take guided tours, which is rare in Moroccan mosques.
The city also has a modern side, with stylish cafés, art galleries, and shopping centers. Walking the Corniche gives you that ocean breeze fix, with restaurants and lounges overlooking the Atlantic. For something more traditional, Quartier Habous offers old-school architecture mixed with artisan shops and French colonial vibes.
Casablanca isn’t as visually striking as Chefchaouen or Marrakech, but it feels real and lived-in. If you want a look at the business, style, and coastal rhythm of modern Morocco, this city gives you just that without losing its cultural core.
- Read next: Best Places to Visit in Casablanca
8. Ouarzazate
- 📍 Location: South-central Morocco, near the Sahara’s edge
- 🏆 Best For: Film lovers 🎬, desert explorers 🏜️, history buffs 🏯
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring Atlas Film Studios, visiting Aït Benhaddou, exploring Taourirt Kasbah
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for clear skies and mild desert heat ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Le Temple des Arts – Art-filled boutique hotel inspired by world cinema
Ouarzazate is Morocco’s movie capital, where desert landscapes double as ancient worlds on the big screen. Films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were shot here, and you can tour real sets at Atlas Studios, the largest film studio on the continent. It’s a fun way to see how Hollywood and Moroccan history collide.
Nearby, Aït Benhaddou is one of the most impressive fortified villages around. The crumbling clay architecture and sweeping desert views make it feel frozen in time. Many travelers stop here for a few hours, but staying overnight lets you see the site in golden morning light before the crowds.
The town also has its own charm beyond the cameras. Local markets, kasbahs, and friendly cafés offer plenty of quiet corners to relax. Ouarzazate is a solid base if you’re heading deeper into the Sahara or just want a taste of the cinematic side of Morocco.
9. Marrakech
- 📍 Location: Central Morocco, near the foot of the Atlas Mountains
- 🏆 Best For: Culture seekers 🕌, foodies 🍲, city adventurers 🧳
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Jemaa el-Fnaa, wandering the Majorelle Garden, visiting the Bahia Palace
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for blooming gardens and cooler city weather 🌷
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Riad Kniza – Elegant historic riad in the heart of the old medina
Marrakech delivers nonstop energy from the moment you step into the medina. Jemaa el-Fnaa is the beating heart of the city, where street performers, market stalls, and the scent of sizzling food fill the air. It’s the kind of place where you could spend hours just people-watching or hunting for snacks.
Slip away from the crowd and you’ll find quiet corners like the Majorelle Garden, a peaceful space painted in bright blues and greens. The Bahia Palace is another highlight, with sunlit courtyards and detailed tilework that show off the city’s rich craftsmanship and history.
The city is also a shopper’s dream. Souks wind through the old town selling lanterns, spices, leather bags, and rugs. Rooftop cafés offer the perfect break between stops, giving you time to soak in the skyline and plan your next move. Marrakech is bold, beautiful, and full of surprises around every turn.
- Read next: Best Riads in Marrakech
10. Fez
- 📍 Location: Northern Morocco, nestled in the Saïss Valley
- 🏆 Best For: History fans 🏛️, architecture lovers 🧱, culture nerds 📚
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Fez el-Bali, visiting Al-Qarawiyyin University, watching leatherwork at the Chouara Tannery
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for ideal weather and smaller crowds 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Riad Fes – Opulent riad with panoramic medina views and classic Moroccan decor
Fez is Morocco’s spiritual and cultural time capsule. The Fez el-Bali medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest in the world. Its maze of narrow alleys, bustling souks, and hidden mosques feels like it hasn’t changed in centuries.
Unlike Marrakech, Fez keeps things raw and authentic. The Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded in 859, still operates today and is considered the oldest existing university. Nearby, you’ll spot colorful dye pits at the Chouara Tannery, where leather is made using traditional methods passed down for generations.
Even with its deep roots in history, Fez feels alive. You’ll hear the call to prayer echoing off centuries-old walls and see artisans crafting pottery or intricate metalwork in the open. It’s the kind of city that rewards curiosity, offering something new every time you take a different turn.
- Read next: Top Things to Do in Fes
11. Merzouga
- 📍 Location: Eastern Morocco, on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes
- 🏆 Best For: Desert dreamers 🌅, sandboarders 🏂, culture seekers 🎶
- 📸 Top Experiences: Camel trekking over dunes, camping in the desert, sandboarding at sunrise
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for cooler desert temperatures 🌙
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Riad Madu – Warm and rustic riad with desert views and guided excursions
Merzouga is where the Sahara becomes real. The Erg Chebbi dunes rise just outside town, forming a golden sea that stretches to the horizon. Camel treks take you into the heart of the dunes where the silence is almost surreal and the sky stretches endlessly above you.
Sunsets here are otherworldly. As the sky shifts from orange to deep purple, the sand seems to glow. At night, the desert camps light up with Berber music and storytelling around the fire. It’s the kind of experience that strips things down to the essentials and makes everything feel meaningful.
Adventure is easy to find. You can try sandboarding, ride quad bikes, or just hike barefoot up the tallest dune for panoramic views. Merzouga is peaceful but powerful, offering a different kind of escape that stays with you long after you leave.
12. Agadir
- 📍 Location: Southwestern Morocco, along the Atlantic coast
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, surfers 🏄, resort travelers 🧴
- 📸 Top Experiences: Relaxing on Agadir Beach, hiking to the Kasbah, browsing Souk El Had
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for sun, surf, and coastal breezes 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Timoulay – Relaxed hotel with spa, pool, and easy beach access
Agadir feels different from most Moroccan cities. It’s modern, laid-back, and all about the beach. The wide promenade lines a long stretch of sand where you’ll find joggers, sunset watchers, and surfers catching waves before breakfast. If you’re looking for a coastal escape, this is the place.
After a devastating earthquake in the 60s, Agadir was rebuilt with a new look. Today it’s filled with clean streets, fresh architecture, and resort-style comfort. Climb to the old Kasbah ruins for sweeping views of the bay and city or spend an afternoon haggling for spices and souvenirs at Souk El Had.
Agadir is also a great launchpad. You can day trip to Paradise Valley for natural pools or explore nearby surf towns like Taghazout. Whether you want to chill by the water or adventure inland, Agadir gives you both with a sunny, casual vibe.
- Read Next: 12 Amazing Things to Do in Morocco
