Top 5 Cities to Explore in Morocco

Morocco is a country that feels alive the moment you step into it. The call to prayer mixes with the hum of markets, the smell of spices drifts through the streets, and the colors of rugs, doors, and tiles pull you in. For many travelers, Morocco is their first experience of North Africa, and it is often more than they expect. It is a country where every city has its own story, its own rhythm, and its own way of welcoming you.

When you think of Morocco, the first thing that may come to mind is Marrakesh with its busy square and red walls. But there is much more to discover. There are quiet blue streets in Chefchaouen that feel like a dream, the windswept beaches of Essaouira that attract surfers and artists, and the medieval streets of Fes where you can still see craftsmen working by hand. Each city gives you something new to explore and helps you understand a different part of Moroccan culture.

Travelers who visit Morocco for the first time are often surprised at how different each region feels. The north is close to Europe and has Spanish influence in its food and architecture. The south feels more desert-like, with palm groves and kasbahs. The Atlantic coast is cooler and known for seafood, while the interior cities have the largest souks and historic sites. This variety is what makes Morocco exciting for foreign visitors. You can spend a week traveling through the country and feel like you have visited many different worlds.

Another reason Morocco is popular is that it is easy to travel here. Many European cities have direct flights, and the prices are often low compared to other destinations. Once you are in Morocco, you can move around by train, bus, or car. The rail system connects the major cities, and the roads are good for road trips. The mix of modern infrastructure and old-world charm makes it simple for visitors to plan their trip without stress.

Morocco is also a very social country. Meeting locals is often the best part of a trip. People are curious about travelers and happy to share tea or a meal. Hospitality is an important part of Moroccan culture, and guests are treated with respect. If you take time to talk to shop owners, guides, or just the person sitting next to you on the bus, you will learn more about daily life than any guidebook could tell you.

In this article, we will look at the best cities to visit if you are coming to Morocco for the first time. We will go beyond the popular names and show you why each city deserves your time. By the end, you will have a clear plan for your trip and maybe even a few places to add to your bucket list.

Marrakesh – The Beating Heart of Morocco

Marrakesh is often the first stop for travelers, and it is easy to see why. The city has energy that hits you right away. The old medina is a maze of narrow streets filled with shops, cafés, and hidden riads. The red walls give Marrakesh its nickname “the red city,” and when the sun sets, the color deepens and makes the whole city glow.

The main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, is the center of life in Marrakesh. During the day, you will find juice stands, snake charmers, and people selling everything from hats to spices. At night, the square changes completely. Food stalls appear, smoke rises from grills, and you hear drums and music coming from every corner. Eating here is an experience. You can try kebabs, couscous, harira soup, and even snails if you are curious. It is busy, sometimes chaotic, but that is part of its charm.

Marrakesh is also full of history. The Koutoubia Mosque stands near the main square with its tall minaret that can be seen from far away. The Saadian Tombs show the beauty of Islamic architecture with their carved wood and colorful tiles. The Bahia Palace and El Badi Palace give you a glimpse of how royalty lived centuries ago. Walking through these places feels like stepping back in time.

For a calmer experience, many visitors go to the Jardin Majorelle. This garden was created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent. The bright blue walls, cactus gardens, and peaceful paths make it a good place to escape the noise of the medina.

Shopping is another big reason to visit Marrakesh. The souks are divided by trade, so you can find areas for leather, metalwork, spices, rugs, and lamps. Bargaining is part of the process, so take your time and enjoy it. You might come home with a handwoven rug, a silver teapot, or some fresh saffron.

Staying in a riad is one of the best things you can do here. A riad is a traditional house with a courtyard in the middle, often turned into a small guesthouse. Many are beautifully restored with fountains, tilework, and rooftop terraces. Waking up here with the sound of birds and the smell of mint tea makes your trip feel special.

Marrakesh can be intense if it is your first time in Morocco, but it also gives you the richest experience. The mix of sights, sounds, and smells makes it unforgettable. It is the best place to start your trip because it shows you the spirit of the country.

Fes – The Cultural and Spiritual Heart of Morocco

Fes feels different from Marrakesh the moment you arrive. It is quieter, older, and has a slower rhythm. The city is home to one of the largest and best-preserved medieval medinas in the world. Walking through it is like stepping back centuries. There are no cars inside the old city, only narrow lanes filled with donkeys carrying goods, craftsmen working in open shops, and children running past you.

The heart of Fes is Fes el-Bali, the oldest part of the city. This area has over 9,000 alleyways, and getting lost here is part of the experience. Every turn brings you to something new — a spice shop, a hidden fountain, a small mosque, or a quiet courtyard. It is worth hiring a local guide for your first visit because they know the best routes and can explain the history of what you see.

Fes is also home to the University of Al Quaraouiyine, which many consider the oldest university in the world still in operation. It was founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri and has been a center of learning for centuries. Seeing this place reminds you that Morocco has always been connected to scholarship and culture.

One of the most famous sights in Fes is the Chouara Tannery. From a rooftop terrace, you can watch workers dye leather in giant stone vats using natural colors made from plants and minerals. The smell is strong, but the view of all those colorful pits is worth it. Many visitors buy leather bags, belts, or slippers here because the craftsmanship is high quality.

Fes is known for its food too. The city has its own style of cuisine, slightly different from Marrakesh. You can try pastilla, a pastry filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and spices, dusted with sugar and cinnamon. It sounds unusual, but the mix of sweet and savory is unique. Street food is also easy to find — try bissara, a fava bean soup served with olive oil and bread, or sfenj, which are Moroccan doughnuts.

Another reason travelers love Fes is its traditional craftsmanship. You can still see potters making the famous blue Fes tiles, metalworkers shaping brass trays, and weavers making scarves and blankets. Buying directly from artisans supports their work and gives you a meaningful souvenir.

Fes has a calmer energy than Marrakesh. It is perfect if you like to explore slowly and take in details. Spending two or three days here lets you see the main sights, shop for crafts, and enjoy quiet evenings in a riad with mint tea. For many travelers, Fes ends up being their favorite city because of its authenticity.

Chefchaouen – The Blue City in the Mountains

Chefchaouen is one of the most photographed places in Morocco. The whole town is painted in different shades of blue, from pale sky blue to deep indigo. When you walk through its streets, it feels calm and almost dreamlike. Many travelers say Chefchaouen is their favorite stop because it is peaceful and easy to explore on foot.

The city sits in the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, so the air is fresh and the views are beautiful. From almost anywhere in town, you can see the mountains rising in the distance. This makes it a good place to slow down after visiting the busy cities of Marrakesh or Fes.

Walking through Chefchaouen is the main activity here. The streets are narrow and quiet, lined with small houses with blue doors, flowerpots, and cats lying in the sun. There are shops selling woven blankets, leather bags, and handmade soaps. Prices here are often lower than in Marrakesh, and the sellers are relaxed, which makes shopping more comfortable.

The main square, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, is a good place to sit and watch daily life. It has cafés where you can drink mint tea or coffee and look at the Kasbah, a small fortress with a tower you can climb for views of the city. There is also a small ethnographic museum inside that shows the history of the region.

Chefchaouen is also known for its natural surroundings. You can hike to the Spanish Mosque, which sits on a hill just outside town. The walk takes about 30 minutes and gives you the best view of the blue city, especially at sunset. If you want a longer hike, there are trails into the Rif Mountains, where you can see waterfalls, rivers, and small villages.

Food in Chefchaouen is simple but tasty. Many restaurants serve tagines, grilled meats, and fresh salads. Goat cheese is a local specialty here, so try it with bread and olives. The slower pace of the town means you can take your time with meals and enjoy the atmosphere.

One of the things travelers love about Chefchaouen is how safe and welcoming it feels. People are friendly, and the slower lifestyle makes it easier to connect with locals. Even just a day or two here is enough to recharge before continuing your trip through Morocco.

Chefchaouen may not have as many big monuments as Fes or Marrakesh, but its charm comes from its colors, quiet streets, and mountain views. It is a place to relax, take photos, and enjoy the beauty of simple moments.

Essaouira – The Windy City by the Atlantic

Essaouira is a city that feels open and light compared to the busy medinas of Marrakesh and Fes. Located on the Atlantic coast, it is known for its wide beaches, whitewashed walls, and sea breeze that never stops blowing. This wind gives the city its nickname, “the windy city,” and also makes it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The medina in Essaouira is smaller and easier to navigate than in other cities. The streets are clean and laid out in a simple grid, so you can walk without worrying about getting lost. The shops here sell woodwork made from local thuya wood, colorful paintings, and handmade jewelry. The atmosphere is more relaxed, and the shopkeepers are less pushy, which many travelers appreciate after visiting bigger cities.

One of the most iconic places in Essaouira is the harbor. Here you can see rows of bright blue fishing boats and watch fishermen bringing in their daily catch. The smell of fresh fish fills the air, and you can eat seafood right on the pier. Stalls grill fish, shrimp, and calamari on the spot and serve them with bread, olives, and lemon. It is one of the best meals you can have in Morocco if you like fresh seafood.

The city also has strong history. The Skala de la Ville, a sea-facing wall with old cannons, gives you a great view of the ocean. Essaouira was once an important trading port, and you can feel its past as you walk along the ramparts and look out at the waves. The city has been used as a filming location for movies and shows, including scenes from Game of Thrones, because of its historic look.

Essaouira’s beach is another highlight. It is long, open, and perfect for walking. Because of the wind, it is not the best place for swimming, but it is great for watching surfers or even trying a kite lesson yourself. Camel and horse rides are also popular along the shore.

Essaouira has a creative spirit that attracts artists and musicians. The city hosts the Gnaoua World Music Festival every summer, which brings performers from across Africa and beyond. Even outside festival season, you can hear live music in cafés and small bars in the medina.

Food in Essaouira is simple and fresh. In addition to seafood, you can try Moroccan classics like tagines and couscous, but with a coastal twist. The pace is slower here, so you can spend hours at a café looking out at the sea and just relaxing.

Essaouira is perfect for travelers who want a break from the intensity of Morocco’s larger cities. It is safe, calm, and full of ocean views. Spending two or three days here is enough to enjoy the medina, eat great food, and take in the coastal atmosphere before moving on to the next destination.

Casablanca – The Modern Face of Morocco

Casablanca is often just a stopover for travelers flying in or out of Morocco, but it deserves more attention. It is the country’s largest city and the center of business and trade. Unlike Marrakesh or Fes, Casablanca feels modern, with wide boulevards, tall buildings, and a busy port. It shows a side of Morocco that is forward-looking while still holding on to its traditions.

The most famous landmark in Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque. This is one of the largest mosques in the world, and it sits right on the Atlantic Ocean. Its minaret is 210 meters tall and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Visitors are allowed inside on guided tours, which is rare for mosques in Morocco. The interior is breathtaking, with carved wood ceilings, marble floors, and a retractable roof. Standing here gives you a sense of the scale and craftsmanship that went into building it.

Casablanca’s city center has a mix of French colonial architecture and modern buildings. The Place Mohammed V is a good place to start walking, with government buildings and fountains around it. The Habous Quarter, also called the New Medina, was built during the French protectorate and combines Moroccan style with European planning. Here you can find bakeries selling French pastries next to shops selling Moroccan olives, dates, and spices.

The Corniche is Casablanca’s seaside area, perfect for an evening walk. It has cafés, restaurants, and views of the ocean. Many locals come here to relax, jog, or meet friends. You can eat fresh seafood while watching the sunset, which is one of the best experiences the city offers.

Casablanca is also known for its art and culture. There are galleries, theaters, and music venues that show the creative side of the city. If you like shopping, the Morocco Mall is one of the largest in Africa, with both international brands and local products. It even has an aquarium inside.

While Casablanca does not have the same charm as Marrakesh or Chefchaouen, it is worth visiting for a day or two. It gives you an idea of how Morocco is changing and growing. The city is more international, and English is often spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, which can make it easier for first-time visitors.

Many travelers choose to start or end their trip in Casablanca. It is a good place to adjust to the country when you first arrive or relax before your flight home. Even a short visit to the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche will leave you with a good impression of Morocco’s modern side.

Planning Your Moroccan Adventure

Visiting Morocco is more than just seeing places. It is about feeling the rhythm of each city, tasting the food, hearing the language, and meeting the people who live there. The cities we explored — Marrakesh, Fes, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, and Casablanca — each offer a different experience. Together, they give you a full picture of the country’s history, culture, and future.

If this is your first time visiting Morocco, plan your trip with balance. Spend a few days in Marrakesh to experience its energy, then go to Fes to slow down and learn about its deep history. Take time in Chefchaouen to rest and enjoy the mountain air. Head to Essaouira for the coast and fresh seafood. If you fly in or out of Casablanca, make sure to visit the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.

Here are a few tips to make your trip easier:

• Learn a few words of Arabic before you go. Simple greetings like “salam alaikum” (peace be upon you) and “shukran” (thank you) make a big difference.
• Travel between cities by train when possible. Morocco’s train system is reliable, affordable, and comfortable.
• Carry cash for small purchases. Many souks and markets do not take cards.
• Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or rural areas.
• Take your time in the medinas. The streets are busy, but walking slowly helps you see more and enjoy the details.

Morocco is a safe country for most travelers, but as in any busy place, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded markets. People are friendly and helpful, so do not hesitate to ask for directions or advice if you get lost.

If learning Arabic is one of your goals, traveling in Morocco is a perfect opportunity to practice. You will hear Modern Standard Arabic, Darija (Moroccan Arabic), French, and even Berber languages. Listening to these different sounds helps you understand the richness of the language.

At Ramdani Arabic Academy, we offer lessons, courses, and articles for learners at all levels. Whether you are just starting or want to improve your speaking skills before your trip, our goal is to make Arabic easier and more enjoyable for you.

This article was written by Ramdani Mohamed, founder of Ramdani Arabic Academy. My passion is helping people learn Arabic and connect with the Arab world. I have seen how travel can inspire language learning, and I want to make that journey easier for you. Morocco is one of the best places to experience Arabic culture up close, and I hope this guide helps you plan a trip you will never forget.