14 Beautiful Cities in Morocco to Visit

What Is The Most Beautiful City in Morocco?

Chefchaouen would probably be my top pick. It’s ridiculously photogenic, with blue-painted streets, a mountain backdrop, and pretty corners everywhere you look.

That said, it’s a hard one to call. Essaouira is gorgeous in a completely different way, with its seaside setting and cute little blue boats, while Marrakech has that classic Morocco feel with the riads, souks, and all the atmosphere.

So if I had to choose, I’d say Chefchaouen. But if coastal charm or that more quintessential Morocco look is your thing, you could easily argue for Essaouira or Marrakech instead.

Quick Guide to the Best Cities in Morocco

• Best for photos: Chefchaouen
• Best for history and architecture: Fes
• Best for atmosphere: Marrakech
• Best coastal city: Essaouira
• Best for something unexpected: Ifrane
• Best for desert scenery: Merzouga
• Best for ruins and history: Volubilis
• Morocco’s capital: Rabat

Prettiest Cities in Morocco Map

To make planning easier, I’ve added a map below with the cities I’ve visited in Morocco over my trips. It should help you see where they all are and work out a route that actually makes sense.

Click on the map for the interactive version.

14 Beautiful Places to Visit in Morocco

1. Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen, in the northwest region of Morocco, is easily one of the prettiest cities in the country. Nicknamed the Blue City, it’s known for its blue-painted buildings, winding streets, and mountain setting in the Rif Mountains. It’s also one of the most photographed spots in the country, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why some people think it’s the most beautiful place in Morocco.

One of the best things to do in Chefchaouen is simply wander around the medina. It’s full of little artisan shops, cafés, and handicraft stalls, so it’s a lovely place to slow down, have a mooch, and pick up a few souvenirs without it feeling too hectic.

Good To Know

Chefchaouen is one of the easiest places to enjoy at a slower pace, which makes it a great choice if you like exploring independently without feeling overwhelmed.

I spent hours just walking around here and taking photos of absolutely everything. After that, head to Plaza Uta el-Hammam for an orange juice or coffee and a bit of people-watching. It’s fairly laid-back during the day, but in the evening it gets much livelier, with market stalls and a mix of locals and tourists filling the square.

If you like hiking or want a break from the medina, Chefchaouen is also a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains. The nearby Akchour Waterfalls are one of the most popular day trips and are well worth it for the scenery alone.

For sunset, head up to the Spanish Mosque on the hill opposite the city. We walked up in the late afternoon and made it just before sunset, which was perfect. It does get busy, but the views over Chefchaouen as the lights start to come on are absolutely worth it.

Private walking tour of Chefchaouen

Go at your own pace with a local guide

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2. Marrakech

Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most iconic cities, known as the Red City thanks to its rosy sandstone walls. If you’re after that classic Morocco feel, this is probably it.

There’s so much stuff to do in Marrakech that I’d really recommend staying at least a couple of nights rather than trying to rush it. 

To get the full experience, stay in one of the traditional riads in the heart of the old city. It makes a huge difference to how the place feels, especially if you want to be right in the middle of the action. 

If you’re still planning your Morocco itinerary, this is one city I definitely wouldn’t reduce to a quick stop.

Good To Know

It can feel intense at first, especially if it’s your first time here or you’re travelling in Morocco as a solo female, but if you enjoy busy souks, rooftop views, and a bit of beautiful chaos, it’s absolutely worth it.

Marrakech is also one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities, along with Fes, Meknes, and Rabat, and it more than earns its place on this list. 

Between the palaces, gardens, and the medina, there’s no shortage of beautiful corners to explore. Some of the highlights include Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs.

The medina and souks are UNESCO-listed, and yes, it’s very easy to get lost in them, but that’s half the experience. Some of my favourite moments in Marrakech were just wandering without much of a plan and seeing what turned up.

In the evening, head to a rooftop restaurant overlooking Djemaa el-Fna and watch the square come to life. There’s something very satisfying about sitting up there with a tagine and a mint tea while all the noise and chaos happen below you. It’s touristy, yes, but for good reason.

Located on Morocco’s western coast, Essaouira is one of the country’s most charming seaside cities, with a mix of Moroccan, European, and African influences that gives it a very different feel from somewhere like Marrakech.

It sits about 173 kilometres west of Marrakech and makes a brilliant escape if you want a break from the heat. Thanks to the constant sea breeze, it feels much cooler here in summer, which is reason enough to love it.

Planning Tip

If Marrakech feels a bit full-on, Essaouira is a much calmer place to slow down, wander independently, and still get plenty of culture and atmosphere.

Essaouira is often considered one of the prettiest spots in the country, and it really does earn that reputation. Between the harbour filled with little blue fishing boats and Skala de la Ville with its old sea-facing fortifications, it’s easily one of the best Moroccan cities for sheer atmosphere.

The Medina of Essaouira is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s the kind of place where it’s very easy to lose track of time. The narrow streets are lined with whitewashed buildings, blue shutters, colourful ceramics, artwork, and little shops that are much harder to leave than you’d think.

Don’t Miss

Essaouira is one of the top places in Morocco for watersports, with a big surfing and kiteboarding scene if you want something a bit more active than wandering the medina and stopping for mint tea every few hours.

4. Tangier

Tangier sits at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, and that mix is part of what makes it such an interesting place to visit. Thanks to its position on the northern coast, you get gorgeous views over the Strait of Gibraltar and, on a clear day, you can even spot the beaches in Southern Spain across the water.

It’s one of the most underrated Moroccan cities to visit, especially if you like places that feel a bit layered and slightly different from the rest of the country. 

You’ll find a mix of beaches, elegant villas, and the old walled medina all in one place, which gives Tangier a really nice balance. Malabata Beach is probably the best if you want some time by the sea.

The medina is well worth exploring, with its narrow whitewashed streets, colourful doors, and little details that make the whole place feel very photogenic without trying too hard. You can easily spend a few hours just walking around here.

For a bit of history, head to the Kasbah Museum inside the old fortress, where you’ll find a good overview of the city’s past along with a collection of Moroccan art. If shopping is more your thing, Le Grand Socco is a good place to browse for ceramics, textiles, and spices.

Just outside the city, the Caves of Hercules are also worth adding to your list. The rock formations are impressive, and the cave opening is famously said to look a bit like the shape of Africa, which is either very poetic or a slight stretch depending on your mood.

5. Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate is known as both the Gateway to the Sahara and the Hollywood of Morocco, which is quite a combination, but somehow it works. Between the desert scenery and all the film locations, it easily earns its spot among the top cities to visit in Morocco.

Set on the edge of the Sahara, Ouarzazate is surrounded by dramatic landscapes, from desert plains and rocky mountains to lush valleys that look wildly out of place in the middle of all that dryness. It’s one of those places that feels cinematic even before you find out how many films and TV shows were actually shot here.

One of the big highlights is Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed ksar just outside the city. 

You’ve probably seen it on screen before, including in Gladiator, but it’s even better in person. 

The whole place looks like it’s been dropped straight out of another century, with its clay buildings, narrow alleys, and hillside setting. When I visited in August, the riverbed in front was completely dry, which honestly just added to the dramatic desert feel of it all.

If you’re into landscapes and road trips, Ouarzazate is also a brilliant base for exploring more of this part of Morocco. From here, you can head into the Atlas Mountains or out towards the Dades and Draa Valleys, where the scenery just keeps getting better.

6. Fes

Fes is the second Imperial City on this list and easily one of Morocco’s best cities if you’re into history, culture, and places that feel like they haven’t changed much in centuries.

The medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the oldest and largest in the world, and wandering around it really does feel a bit like stepping back in time. Between the narrow alleys, ornate buildings, and busy souks, there’s a lot to take in, and it’s one of those cities where getting a little lost is almost part of the experience.

Personally, I’d say Fes suits travellers who enjoy history and don’t mind a city that feels a bit more intense and less polished than Marrakech.

One of the top things to see in Fes is the University of Al Quaraouiyine, which was founded in 859 AD and is recognised as the world’s oldest continuously operating university. Even if you’re not usually fussed about historic institutions, it’s still impressive.

Fes is also famous for its leather goods, and the old tanneries are one of the city’s best-known sights. You can watch leather being processed using traditional methods that have been around for centuries, which is fascinating from a cultural point of view.

Good To Know

I will say, the tanneries absolutely reek…like, so bad! The mint leaves they hand out at the entrance are not for decoration. It was interesting to see, and I’m glad I went, but I was also trying not to breathe too deeply the entire time.

7. Meknes

Meknes is the third Imperial City on this list and one of the more overlooked cities of Morocco, which is a bit unfair because it has plenty going for it.

As the former capital in the 17th century, Meknes has the kind of grandeur you’d expect, with big monuments and plenty of history behind them. 

Bab Mansour is the standout and is widely considered one of the finest examples of Moroccan architecture, so it’s very much worth seeing in person rather than just nodding at a photo and moving on.

The city also has places like Heri es-Souani, the old royal granaries, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, which is impressive. If you like historic sites but don’t want somewhere that feels quite as full-on as Marrakech or Fes, Meknes is a nice middle ground.

And like most cities of Morocco, there’s a central square where everything seems to happen. In Meknes, that’s Lahdim Square, where you’ll find market stalls, fresh juice, and the usual mix of local life going on around you.

8. Rabat

Rabat is the fourth and final Imperial City on this list, and it’s also Morocco’s capital. Out of all Morocco’s cities, this is one of the best examples of old and new sitting side by side without it feeling forced.

Set on the Atlantic coast, Rabat has a nice mix of history, beaches, and a slightly more polished feel than some of the other cities on this list. It feels calmer than Marrakech, but there’s still plenty to see.

If you prefer a more relaxed city break with culture, coastal views, and less sensory overload, Rabat is a really good fit.

One of the highlights is the Kasbah of the Udayas, a UNESCO-listed area with blue-and-white streets, lovely ocean views, and just enough charm to make you want to take far too many photos. It does have a bit of a mini Chefchaouen feel to it, just without quite as much blue.

The Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V are also well worth visiting while you’re here, especially if you like places with a bit of history behind them but don’t want to spend the whole day wandering a medina.

And if you fancy a beach break, Rabat has that covered too. Plage des Nations is one of the most popular spots nearby if you want to relax for a bit and escape the city pace.

Private Tour of Rabat

Go at your own pace with a personal guide.

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9. Casablanca 

Casablanca is another city where old and new sit side by side, although it feels a bit rougher around the edges than somewhere like Rabat. It’s Morocco’s economic capital and sits on the western coast, with a more modern feel in parts but still plenty of character.

The big reason most people visit is the Hassan II Mosque, and fair enough, because it really is stunning. It’s one of the largest mosques in the world, and unusually for Morocco, non-Muslims can visit on a guided tour at set times during the day, which makes it a bit of a standout.

Inside, the prayer hall is seriously impressive, with intricate mosaics, carved plasterwork, and a roof that opens to the sky. Outside, the huge minaret towers over the Atlantic, which only adds to the drama of it all.

Beyond the mosque, it’s worth having a wander through the Central Market, or Marché Central, where you’ll find everything from fresh produce to spices and handicrafts.

The Habous Quarter, also known as the New Medina, is also worth a look for its narrow lanes, traditional architecture, and tiled details.

10. Ancient City of Volubilis

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you probably already know I’m a huge fan of ancient ruins and that I make a beeline for them in whatever country I visit. So yes, it’s a no-brainer, really, that I’ve added it to the list.

This ancient city in Morocco dates back to the Roman period and is thought to have been the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania. Set among the rolling hills of northern Morocco, Volubilis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the country.

Walking around the ruins, you can still see intricate mosaic floors, the remains of grand villas, and plenty of Roman architecture that gives you a good sense of just how important this place once was. If you like history even a little bit, it’s well worth a visit.

11. Tetouan

Tetouan is one of the nicest places in Morocco to visit if you like cities that feel a bit calmer but still have plenty of character. Set near the Mediterranean and the Rif Mountains in the north of the country, it has that lovely whitewashed look that makes it stand out straight away.

Good To Know

Tetuan is a good pick if you want somewhere that feels more low-key and local, rather than one of the bigger cities that can be a bit relentless.

Its medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city’s main highlights. With its narrow streets and bright white buildings, parts of it almost feel more like a Greek island than northern Morocco, which is not something I expected to be saying, but here we are.

One of the top sights here is the Royal Palace. You can’t go inside, but the square in front, Place Hassan II, is still worth seeing for the ornate gates and architecture alone.

Tetouan is also a great place to shop for handicrafts. The School of Arts and Crafts helps keep traditional skills alive, and you’ll find everything from woodwork and ceramics to textiles, so it’s a good city for picking up souvenirs that feel a bit more authentic

12. Ifrane

Known as Little Switzerland, Ifrane is a town in Morocco that honestly took me by surprise. I just did not expect to find somewhere that looked so much like the Swiss Alps in the middle of Morocco.

It’s obviously very different from the classic Morocco experience, but that’s exactly why it stands out.

Located in the north-central part of the country, Ifrane has a very different feel from the medinas and desert landscapes you probably picture first. With its chalet-style houses, red roofs, neat gardens, and flower-lined streets, it feels much more European in style, which is down to its history during the French colonial period.

Because it sits up in the mountains, Ifrane also has a much cooler climate than other parts of the country. 

Planning Tip

It’s a popular place to escape the heat in summer, and if you visit Morocco in the winter months, you might even find snow here, which is not something everyone expects.

So if this is on your itinerary, a little winter packing for Morocco is probably a good idea.

Ifrane is also home to Al Akhawayn University, which gives the town a slightly more international feel. Around Place Al Amal, you’ll find cafés and shops, and the Lion Stone is the town’s best-known landmark if you want the classic photo stop.

13. Asilah

Asilah is another one of the beautiful places in Morocco that feels a bit different from the rest. Set on the Atlantic coast in the northwest of the country, it has a laid-back seaside feel and a very pretty old town that’s easy to wander around for a few hours.

The whitewashed buildings, colourful murals, and blue-painted details make it one of the most charming coastal spots in Morocco. Its architecture also reflects its Andalusian and Portuguese heritage, and having spent a lot of time in the south of Spain, I could really see those influences here.

The coastline is a big part of the appeal too, with long sandy beaches and bright Atlantic views that make it a nice place to slow down a bit after some of Morocco’s busier cities.

If you happen to visit in summer, Asilah also hosts the International Cultural Moussem, an arts festival held in July and August. During that time, the town comes alive with exhibitions, music, dance, and performances, which only adds to its charm.

14. Merzouga

Merzouga sits on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in southeastern Morocco and is one of the best places to experience the desert in Morocco properly. The dunes here are huge, dramatic, and constantly changing colour, shifting from soft brown to red and orange depending on the light.

I’ve done a couple of desert camps in Morocco over different trips, and they were completely different experiences. One was very basic and traditional, which I still really liked, and another felt like a genuinely beautiful oasis in the middle of nowhere. So if you’re debating whether to spend the night in a traditional desert camp, I’d say yes – even if you go for a simpler one, it’s still such a memorable experience.

Most things in Merzouga revolve around the desert, whether that’s quad biking through the dunes, watching sunset over Erg Chebbi, or just enjoying the silence out there, which is a novelty in itself after somewhere like Marrakech.

You can also visit nearby oases such as Hassilabied, where these pockets of greenery feel even more surreal against the dry desert landscape. And if you’re into wildlife, the nearby Dayet Srji Salt Lake is home to flamingos and other birds, which is not necessarily what everyone expects to find out here.

Stay Overnight in a Luxury Desert Camp

Sleep under the stars, in the desert at a luxury camp.

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Most Beautiful Places in Morocco: FAQs

Plan Your Morocco Itinerary Next

I hope this guide has helped you narrow down which cities are actually worth adding to your Morocco itinerary. As you can probably tell, I found it impossible to pick just one favourite, because every city feels completely different.

If you’re still piecing your trip together, the next step is working out how to join them all up without creating a needlessly chaotic route. I’ve linked a few more Morocco guides below to help you plan your itinerary, decide how long you need, and figure out what’s actually worth prioritising.

• Self-Guided 10 Days Morocco Itinerary
• 28 Best Things to See and Do in Morocco
• Is Morocco Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Have a question? then don’t forget to join our free Facebook Group and ask the community.

Want to discover more about Morocco? then check out these other great articles to find out more.

Morocco Travel Planning

• Where Is Morocco Located?
• Can You See Morocco From Spain?
• Best 10 Days Morocco Itinerary [Self-Guided]
• 14 Beautiful Cities in Morocco to Visit
• What to Wear in Morocco [Packing List]
• Complete Morocco Souvenir Buying Guide

Things To Do In Morocco

• 28 Best Things to Do in Morocco [Morocco Bucket List]
• Glamping In The Sahara Desert, Morocco

Marrakech Travel

• 19 Top Things To Do In Marrakech
• Best 2 Days in Marrakech Itinerary
• 12 Affordable Riads in Marrakech