Planning to visit Morocco? You’re gonna love it! Morocco is suited for all styles of traveler. Those who want to relax can enjoy the riad hotels, hammams and shopping opportunities at the souk. Adventure seekers can go to the desert or the mountains. Morocco offers a large diversity of landscapes: city, beach, mountain, desert, etc. What to do in Morocco? Here’s a list of the best places to visit in Morocco, then I’ll share Morocco travel tips!
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Places to visit in Morocco
Fez
Fes is one of the best places to see in Morocco. Fez is a medieval city where you can admire numerous palaces, and get lost in the middle of lively markets. Fez is known for its tanneries (leather factories). The most popular is the Chouara Tannery, dating back to the 11th century! You also have to go to Bou Inania Medersa, a Koranic school. And the Tombe dei Merenidi. Of course, have a walk in the medina (old town). Click here to find your accommodation. Click here to find the best activities.
Marrakech
Some people say Marrakech is the best place to visit in Morocco. It’s the most popular city among travelers. Watch the hustle and bustle at the souks and markets, it never stops! You’ll inevitably pass bu Jemaa El-Fna square, always lively. Admire the Koutoubia mosque, take photos of the wonderful jardin Majorelle and visit the Bahia palace and El Badii palace. I wrote a detailed article about my visit to Marrakech. Click here to find your accommodation. Click here to find the best activities.
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a wonderful Moroccan town you have to see in the Rif mountains. Its blue buildings and narrow streets makes it one of Morocco’s most photographed spots. Have a walk in the medina, admire the architecture and head to the top of the Spanish Mosque to enjoy a wonderful view of the blue city. Click here to find your accommodation. Click here to find the best activities.
Casablanca
Casablanca is the largest city of Morocco. Casablanca offers an interesting mix of French colonial architecture and Islamic inspired buildings, palaces, and mosques. It also offers numerous Morocco attractions. Visit the museums of the city, have a walk along the Corniche, visit the parks and don’t miss the Hassan II mosque. If you want to buy some local pottery or leather goods, head to the Quartier Habour or the medina. Click here to find your accommodation. Click here to find the best activities.
Tangier
Tangier is located at the tip of Africa, in the north of Morocco, a few kilometers south of Spain. That was a city where many European and North American bohemian artists used to live in the 1960s. Take some time to visit the medina, roam around the coffee shops, visit the Hercules Cave and the Al Kasbah Museum. Click here to find your accommodation. Click here to find the best activities.
The Ouzoud Falls
If you want to spend a relaxing day, head to the Ouzoud Falls, a few hours away from Marrakech. One of the best things to see in Morocco. There are actually seven waterfalls in this beautiful canyon. You can take a dip if you want to but I don’t recommend doing it because of the strong currents. Moreover the water is really cold. Click here to go to the Ouzoud Falls from Marrakech.
Essaouira
Essaouira is on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. A charming town where you can have delicious seafood. Essaouira is a top surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing destination. Head to the port, have a walk in the medina and admire the ramparts. You also have to go to the beach. Click here to find your accommodation. Click here to find the best activities.
Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a ksar, a fortified village not far from Ouarzazate, dating back to the 11th century. In the past, it was an important stopping point for traders. Several movies and TV series were filmed there including Babel, Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones. Head there in the morning to avoid the crowds and the scorching heat in the afternoon. Click here to find your accommodation.
Rabat
Rabat is the capital of Morocco. Few people visit Rabat, but it’s worth it to go there. You’ll find in Rabat several botanical gardens, Berber palaces, and there’s an interesting mix of modernity and tradition. Visit the Kasbah des Oudaias, the Hassan Tower and explore the Royal Palace. Click here to find your accommodation. Click here to find the best activities.
The Gorges of Dades
The Gorges of Dades is the perfect place if you want to go hiking. The Gorges of Dades offers wonderful views and if you’re into geology, you have to go there! It’s recommended to go there with a guide, and to go there in the winter to avoid the heat.
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is an important Muslim pilgrimage site. This is where the Idriss dynasty brought Islam to the country. Moulay Idriss died here, and many locals come here to visit his tomb. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is a stunning village not far from Meknes. Have a walk in the city, taste some olives and hike in the surroundings. Click here to find your accommodation.
The Atlas Mountains
For the travelers who like to stay active, go hiking in the Atlas mountains. You can partake in anything from short day hikes to multi-day camping trips. The landscapes are wonderful and since you’re in the mountains, snow falls from September to May. Click here to go on a trip in the Atlas mountains from Marrakech.
The desert at Merzouga
Merzouga is in the east of Morocco, not far from the border with Algeria. If you want to spend some time in the desert, this is one of the top Morocco tourist attractions. You can’t miss the dunes at Erg Chebbi. You’ll get around on a camel and sleep under the stars. Click here to go to Merzouga from Marrakech.
Volubilis
Morocco is awash with archaeological sites, and Volubilis is no exception. It’s a small town not far from Meknes, where you’ll find 2,000-years-old Roman ruins. The ruins are really well-preserved. A museum explains the history of the city, and you can roam around freely in this town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Click here to go on a Volubilis trip from Fez.
That was a list of the best places to visit in Morocco. Now that you know where to go, here’s a nice Morocco itinerary. Below you’ll find Morocco travel tips!
Morocco travel budget
- Accommodation is not expensive in Morocco. One night in a hostel dorm costs around 50-100 MAD ($5.50-10.50). One night in a mid-range hotel or a riad hotel costs about 400-800 MAD ($42-85). To stay in a luxury hotel, prices start at 1,000 MAD ($105) per night. Click here to find your accommodation.
- Food is not expensive either. A local dish (tajine, couscous) costs around 30-50 MAD ($3-5.50). For a meal at the restaurant, you’ll pay about 100 MAD ($10.50). For a meal in a high-end restaurant, prices start at 150 MAD ($16). A beer costs about 60 MAD ($6.50).
- Regarding transportation, there’s public transportation in big cities but they’re not very reliable. The buses are old and overcrowded. One ticket costs 4 MAD ($0.40). There are also taxis, prices start at 7 MAD ($0.75). In Casablanca, there’s Uber. To get around in the country, a bus ride costs around 80-120 MAD ($8.50-12.50). A train ride costs between 100 and 200 MAD ($10.50-21). You can rent a car, prices start at 250 MAD ($26.50) per day. Finally, a domestic flight costs between 500 and 1,000 MAD ($53-105).
- Regarding activities, prices vary a lot depending on the city and what you want to do. Entrance fees such as the jardin Majorelle in Marrakech costs around 70 MAD ($7.50). Relaxing at the hammam costs around 100-150 MAD ($10.50-16). A trip to the desert costs around 1,000 MAD ($105).
Basically, if you’re traveling on a budget, you can get by with $40 per day. Otherwise you’ll spend about $110+ per day.
How to get around in Morocco
In cities, there are buses and taxis. To get around in the country, there’s the bus. CTM and Supratours are the main bus companies. There’s also the train, the domestic flights, or you can rent a car.
Best time to visit Morocco
April, May and from September to November are the best months to visit Morocco. The weather is nice and there are not many tourists. Unless you want to enjoy the coast (Essaouira, Rabat, Tangier), avoid getting there from June to August cause it’s really hot there (around 40°C/104°F). From December to March, the weather is nice during the day but the temperatures drop in the evening (below 0°C/32°F).
Visa policy of Morocco
If you’re an European citizen or coming from a Western country, you don’t need a visa to get to Morocco. You can stay up to 90 days. You can find all the details here.
Safety in Morocco
Morocco is not a dangerous country but the culture is very different from the Western culture. In fact, it’s one of the best places to solo travel. But always have your legs and shoulders covered. Avoid flashy jewelry and don’t flaunt your smartphone, camera, etc. There are numerous pickpockets and bag snatching is not rare, especially in touristy areas. Always negotiate a price before you get into a taxi. Don’t listen to the locals who offer to be your guide, or the ones claiming that street is closed. They just want you to follow them, and lure you into their shops and push you to buy.
Avoid walking alone at night. Women need to know they’ll get a lot of attention from men, even more if they’re alone. Once again, dress appropriately. Finally, there are problems of racism in Morocco. Before traveling, don’t forget to get travel insurance. It will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. Click here to get one.
Packing list for Morocco
I’m not gonna list all the things to pack for Morocco. I don’t know how long you’re gonna stay there, where you’re going in Morocco, what you’re going to do and when you’ll visit. Take all the necessary clothes, toiletries, and also:
- Band-Aids
- earplugs
- hand sanitizer
- combination locks
- a money belt
- a security cable lock
- a travel plug adapter
- a stainless steel water bottle
- a lifestraw (a water bottle with a purifier)
- a menstrual cup (for the ladies)
Here’s a full list of travel accessories, which can be useful!
What to eat in Morocco
The food is delicious in Morocco, you won’t be disappointed! Couscous is the most popular dish. It’s steamed semolina piled high with vegetables and mutton, chicken, or sometimes fish. Tajine is a slow-cooked savory stew full of beef, lamb, chicken, or vegetables. Tangia is a popular dish in Marrakech mostly. It’s jugged beef or lamb, cooked slowly in the embers of a hammam furnace. It’s typically eaten with bread!
That’s it! You know everything now and you can visit Morocco smoothly!
- Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page!
- Want a tailor-made trip to Morocco? Get a free quote here!
- Always use a VPN when traveling. I use ExpressVPN and I love it. Here’s why use a VPN when traveling.
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