Morocco is an excellent destination for your next trip. It offers ancient Roman ruins, medieval Islamic cities, traditional markets, desert landscapes, mountains, beaches, and distinctive local culture.
Here are my top 15 Moroccan cities and towns to visit, ranked with particular attention to history, archaeology, traditional culture, architecture, and value for money.
Top 15 destinations in Morocco
Fez (Fes)
Best for history
Fes el-Bali medieval medina
Al Quaraouiyine historic university
Bou Inania Madrasa and traditional tanneries
Excellent traditional crafts and food
Suggested stay: 3–4 days.
Marrakech
Jemaa el-Fnaa square and traditional performers
Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs
Majorelle Garden and souks
Moroccan food and evening entertainment
Suggested stay: 3–4 days.
Meknes
Bab Mansour monumental gate
Imperial palaces and royal granaries
Historic medina
Easy access to Volubilis Roman ruins
Suggested stay: 2 days.
Volubilis
Top archaeological site
Roman city ruins dating back to antiquity
Beautiful floor mosaics, temples and triumphal arch
One of Morocco's most important archaeological sites
Suggested visit: day trip from Meknes.
Rabat
Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum
Chellah archaeological complex
Kasbah of the Oudayas
Historic medina and Atlantic coastline
Suggested stay: 2–3 days.
Tangier
Historic medina and Kasbah
Cape Spartel and Hercules Caves
Mediterranean and Atlantic meeting point
International cultural history
Suggested stay: 2–3 days.
Chefchaouen
Famous blue-painted streets
Rif Mountain scenery
Traditional markets and local food
Beautiful photography and relaxed atmosphere
Suggested stay: 2 days.
Essaouira
UNESCO-listed fortified medina
Historic Portuguese-style ramparts
Fishing port and seafood
Traditional music, art and beaches
Suggested stay: 2–3 days.
Ouarzazate
Taourirt Kasbah
Film studios and cinema history
Gateway to the Sahara and ancient caravan routes
Excursions to Aït Ben Haddou
Suggested stay: 2 days.
Aït Ben Haddou
Magnificent ancient mud-brick fortified settlement
Traditional earthen architecture
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Spectacular mountain and desert scenery
Suggested visit: day trip from Ouarzazate.
Tétouan
UNESCO-listed historic medina
Strong Andalusian architectural influence
Traditional handicrafts
Interesting Moroccan-Spanish history
Suggested stay: 1–2 days.
Gateway to the Anti-Atlas Mountains
Suggested stay: 1–2 days.
El Jadida
Portuguese fortified city of Mazagan
Famous underground Portuguese cistern
Historic coastal architecture
Beaches and seafood
Suggested stay: 1–2 days.
These include several of Morocco's UNESCO-listed heritage properties, including Fez, Marrakech, Meknes, Volubilis, Rabat, Essaouira, Tétouan, Aït Ben Haddou and El Jadida.
UNESCO World Heritage Convention+1
Map: Where these destinations are
Morocco is easiest to explore in regional sections rather than zigzagging across the country.
travelchinaguide.com
My recommended priorities
Given your interest in ancient civilizations, archaeological sites, traditional culture and low-cost travel, I would put these at the top:
Fez — medieval history and traditional life.
Meknes + Volubilis — imperial Morocco and Roman archaeology.
Rabat — ancient Chellah and historic architecture.
Marrakech — palaces, markets, music and performances.
Ouarzazate + Aït Ben Haddou — historic settlements and desert culture.
Merzouga — Sahara experience.
How long should you spend in Morocco?
Trip length Recommendation
14 days Main highlights
21 days Most of the top destinations
28 days Comprehensive Morocco trip
35 days Slow travel, including smaller towns and archaeological sites
My recommendation: 28–30 days. You could see a remarkable amount of Morocco without rushing.
For official destination information, see the Moroccan National Tourism Office and UNESCO's Morocco heritage list.
Morocco is an excellent destination for your next trip. It offers ancient Roman ruins, medieval Islamic cities, traditional markets, desert landscapes, mountains, beaches, and distinctive local culture.
Here are my top 15 Moroccan cities and towns to visit, ranked with particular attention to history, archaeology, traditional culture, architecture, and value for money.
Top 15 destinations in Morocco
Best for history
Suggested stay: 3–4 days.
Suggested stay: 3–4 days.
Suggested stay: 2 days.
Top archaeological site
Suggested visit: day trip from Meknes.
Suggested stay: 2–3 days.
Suggested stay: 2–3 days.
Suggested stay: 2 days.
Suggested stay: 2–3 days.
Suggested stay: 2 days.
Suggested visit: day trip from Ouarzazate.
Suggested stay: 1–2 days.
Suggested stay: 2 days.
Suggested stay: 1–2 days.
Suggested stay: 1–2 days.
Suggested stay: 1–2 days.
These include several of Morocco's UNESCO-listed heritage properties, including Fez, Marrakech, Meknes, Volubilis, Rabat, Essaouira, Tétouan, Aït Ben Haddou and El Jadida.
UNESCO World Heritage Convention+1
Map: Where these destinations are
Morocco is easiest to explore in regional sections rather than zigzagging across the country.
travelchinaguide.com
My recommended priorities
Given your interest in ancient civilizations, archaeological sites, traditional culture and low-cost travel, I would put these at the top:
How long should you spend in Morocco?
Trip length Recommendation
14 days Main highlights
21 days Most of the top destinations
28 days Comprehensive Morocco trip
35 days Slow travel, including smaller towns and archaeological sites
My recommendation: 28–30 days. You could see a remarkable amount of Morocco without rushing.
For official destination information, see the Moroccan National Tourism Office and UNESCO's Morocco heritage list.
I can prepare a 30-day Moro