What Is The Best City In Morocco? Where Not To Miss In 2025
Looking for the best city in Morocco for your next trip?
One of the most fascinating countries just a short flight from Europe, Morocco is a country that captivates. With a vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, the cities in Morocco offer an unforgettable experience for every kind of traveller.
With so many incredible cities to choose from, it can be tough to decide which one to visit, especially if you’re short on time.
Lucky for you, we spent a month exploring everything Morocco has to offer. Using our expertise, we’ve rounded up a list of the best cities in Morocco, each with it’s own unique charm and character.
Whether you’re looking to discover more of Morocco’s history in Fes, soak up the sun in Agadir, or dance the night away in Casablanca, Morocco has a city for you.
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Marrakech: Best City for Culture and History
Marrakech is one of the most well-known cities in Morocco, and is often the starting point for many travellers. It was the first place we visited and we absolutely loved it.
Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is bustling with life. The skyline is characterised by tall palm trees, terracotta minarets, and mountain peaks in the distance.
Marrakech is truly an explosion for the senses. Whether it’s the smell of spices wafting through the air, the sound of street performers and calls to prayer, the vibrant colours of textiles in the souks, there is always something going on.
At the heart of Marrakech is Jemaa el-Fnaa, the iconic main square. This is a lively market place during the day, where you can buy the best fresh orange juice for just 5 MAD.
At night, it transforms into a bustling food market, surrounded by street performers. We loved wandering around, enjoying the traditional music and soaking up the culture.
Marrakech is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, including the iconic Jardin Majorelle. Offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city, make sure to book your tickets in advance to guarantee a visit.
You’ll also find some of the most beautiful architecture in Marrakech, making it one of best cities in Morocco. You’ve got the Koutoubia Mosque, the beautiful tiles of Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the arches of Bahia Palace, to name but a few.
If you’re after full immersion into Moroccan culture and history, Marrakech is the best city for you. With so much to see and do, it’s impossible not to jump straight in and discover the essence of Morocco.
And lucky for you, we have a full 3-day Marrakech itinerary to make your trip completely hassle-free!
Where To Stay In Marrakech
✅ Best Budget Stay – Riad Sijane – A beautiful hostel with private rooms in the heart of the medina, just a short walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa. The breakfast here is incredible! Click Here To Book Riad Sijane
✅ Best Mid-Range Stay – Riad L’Etoile D’Orient – A sleek, modern hotel featuring its own hammam (Moroccan spa) and a beautiful rooftop terrace. Click Here To Book Riad L’Etoile D’Orient
✅ Best Luxury Stay – Riad Flamme D’Orient & Spa – A luxurious riad in the central medina, with spacious rooms and beautiful decor. Click Here To Book Riad Flamme D’Orient & Spa
Click Here to discover more incredible places to stay in Marrakech!
Best Things To Do In Marrakech
Fes: Best City for History and Tradition
Fes is the oldest city in Morocco, so naturally it is the best city to visit if you want an authentic and deeply historical experience.
Wandering round the Fes souks, it feels as though time has stood still for centuries. The alleys are narrow and winding, the shop owners are still selling their traditional crafts, food is sold from little hole-in-the-wall shops. You share the paths with donkeys and chicken. Artisans are at work alongside you.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities.
Fes is also a city of spiritual learning and intellect. It is home to the world’s oldest continuously operating university in the world: the Al Quaraouiyine University. This university was originally built in the year 859 AD. Unfortunately, only Muslims may enter the university, though you can get a glimpse of the courtyard from the outside.
Wandering the souks is the best way to explore Fes. We would highly recommend booking a walking tour to familiarise yourself with the layout of the medina in the first instance.
Fes is famous for its leather tanneries, where people still dye the leather in the traditional way, using big baths of dye. This is a must-see when you’re visiting the city. This is included in a walking tour. We would recommend booking with an official guide, as you may be hassled by touts in order to see the tanneries otherwise.
Ultimately, Fes is the best city to visit in Morocco if you want to step back in time and experience the Morocco of centuries ago.
Where To Stay In Fes
✅ Best Budget Stay – Palais Fes Yahya – A beautiful riad in the heart of the medina, with stunning tilework and stained glass. Click Here To Book Palais Fes Yahya
✅ Best Mid-Range Stay – Riad Sidrat – Spacious rooms in a beautiful setting, and wonderfully helpful hosts. Click Here To Book Riad Sidrat
✅ Best Luxury Stay – Riad Ommeyad Suite & Spa – One of the best hotels in the medina, with a beautiful rooftop terrace and suites featuring hot tubs. Click Here To Book Riad Ommeyad Suite & Spa
Best Things To Do In Fes
Chefchaouen: Best City for Photography and Scenic Beauty
Chefchaouen is one of the most unique cities in Morocco, if not the world. Located in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is known as the “Blue City”, as the entire medina is painted blue.
There are many different theories as to why the city is painted blue. Some believe it is to keep the mosquitoes away, while others believe its a Jewish tradition to connect the earth with the sky and heaven. Regardless, it creates a pretty unique destination.
Chefchaouen is also an incredibly peaceful city due to its mountain location. It offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, with incredible views over the mountains.
Wandering round the medina, you are spoilt for photography locations. In the daytime, many locals set up their doorsteps and streets with props, making for great insta pics. However, exploring in the early morning will allow you to get the same shots, just without the props.
Chefchaouen is also an amazing place to catch those incredible African sunsets you’ve been dreaming of. Head up to the Spanish Mosque to watch the sun set over the mountains, with the blue city spread below you.
If you like hiking, Chefchaouen is also one of the best cities in Morocco to do so. We highly recommend making the day trip to nearby Akchour falls. However, there are also many hikes directly from the city.
Where To Stay In Chefchaouen
✅ Best Budget Stay – Dar El Fanne – This riad is perfectly located in the heart of the medina, offering cute and cosy rooms, and a beautiful rooftop terrace. Click Here To Book Dar El Fanne
✅ Best Mid-Range Stay – Casa Amina – Each room comes with a small seating area, and the location couldn’t be more central. Click Here To Book Casa Amina
✅ Best Luxury Stay – Dar Jasmine – One of the most luxurious stays in Chefchaouen, complete with a pool and very spacious rooms. Click Here To Book Dar Jasmine
Best Things To Do In Chefchaouen
Casablanca: Best City for Modernity and Luxury
Casablanca is the most cosmopolitan city in Morocco. Famous for its sleek architecture, wide boulebvards, and vibrant nightlife, Casablanca is the best city in Morocco if you want the perfect blend of modernity and tradition.
Whilst it may not have the ancient medinas of Fes or Marrakech, Casablanca offers a unique glimpse into Morocco’s economic centre.
This metropolis is home to the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, perched dramatically on the Atlantic coast.
Casablanca is the best city to visit in Morocco if you’re after a high-end experience. The city is home to some of the best luxury hotels in Morocco, and the boulevards are lined with high-end shops and fine dining restaurants.
With a young scene and an energetic vibe, Casablanca is the perfect destination for those wanting to experience the modern side of Morocco.
Where To Stay In Casablanca
✅ Best Budget Stay – LHOSTEL à Casablanca – With many spacious private rooms available, the standout feature of this hostel is its beautiful garden and terrace. Click Here To Book LHOSTEL à Casablanca
✅ Best Mid-Range Stay – Kenzi Tower Hotel – Located in Casablanca’s twin towers, the views from this hotel are insane. The rooms are luxurious and modern. Click Here To Book Kenzi Tower Hotel
✅ Best Luxury Stay – Royal Mansour Casablanca – This hotel is absolutely stunning, and everything about it screams luxury, with polished wood and marble everywhere you look. Click Here To Book Royal Mansour Casablanca
Best Things To Do In Casablanca
Rabat: Best City for Peace and Tranquility
Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, is a city that beautifully blends old with new. Despite being the capital city, it offers a more relaxed pace compared to the hustle and bustle of cities like Marrakech and Fes.
In fact, Rabat is the best city in Morocco if you can’t decide what you want from your trip. It’s almost like a blend of all the other cities.
Sitting on the Atlantic coast, Rabat is home ot beautiful beaches, lush gardens, historical landmarks, and a vibrant souk. It is also one of the best places in Morocco to sample the local cuisine through a food tour.
The Kasbah of the Udayas offers a peaceful escape from the city, while the Mausoleum of Mohammed V perfectly showcases the beautiful Moroccan architecture.
Like Casablanca, Rabat is also a modern city, with wide boulevards, vibrant cafés, and a flourishing art scene.
We’d highly recommend booking onto a city tour to discover all the hidden gems of Rabat, and gain access to the Mausoleum Mohammed V.
Whether you want to haggle in the souks, relax on the beach, or shop in the cosmopolitan centre, Rabat has something for everyone. This undoubtedly makes it one of the best cities in Morocco.
Where To Stay In Rabat
✅ Best Budget Stay – Riad Dar El Manzah – This basic hotel is in the perfect location for exploring Rabat, and the hosts are wonderful. Click Here To Book Riad Dar El Manzah
✅ Best Mid-Range Stay – La Ville Mandarine – Set in the middle of an orange grove, this hotel offers spacious rooms and a swimming pool in a peaceful setting. Click Here To Book La Ville Mandarine
✅ Best Luxury Stay – Conrad Rabat Arzana – A modern, luxury hotel with seaviews, 3 pools, and a hotel gym. Click Here To Book Conrad Rabat Arzana
Best Things To Do In Rabat
Agadir: Best City for Beaches and Relaxation
If you’re visiting Morocco for its beautiful beaches, Agadir is the best city to visit.
Known for its long stretches of golden sand, sunny weather, and a relaxed vibe, Agadir is Morocco’s premier beach destination.
Agadir is a modern city, with palm-lined boulevards, modern beach resorts and upscale restaurants. This makes the best city in Morocco for those that like an all-inclusive holiday, with many deals to be found.
Alongside the luxury boulevards, Agadir is also home to a traditional medina with a bustling souk. We’d also highly recommend heading to the Oufella Ruins for amazing views of the city and coastline.
There are plenty of adventure activities in Agadir too, such as quad biking over the dunes, learning to surf, or taking a horse ride along the beach at sunset. Plus, you have to take a trip to Paradise Valley, where you can see lush palm trees surrounding pools of water for you to swim in.
Agadir is the best city in Morocco if you’re looking for a convenient holiday, with everything you need at your fingertips.
Where To Stay In Agadir
✅ Best Budget Stay – Hôtel Lynx – This is a basic hotel in a prime location for exploring the souks and visiting the beach. The staff are super helpful and the hotel is impeccably clean. Click Here To Book Hôtel Lynx
✅ Best Mid-Range Stay – Hotel Timoulay & Spa – Large comfortable rooms and a lovely swimming pool, located just 500m from the beach. Click Here To Book Hotel Timoulay & Spa
✅ Best Luxury Stay – The View Agadir – A 5-star hotel with exceptional service, a beautiful swimming pool, and spacious rooms. It is located right on the beach.Click Here To Book The View Agadir
Best Things To Do In Agadir
Ouarzazate: Best City For Film Fanatics & Desert Adventures
Ouarzazate is often referred to as the “gateway to the Sahara”, and is a must-visit for film fanatics and desert adventurers alike.
Known for its stunning landscapes, Ouarzazate is most famous for its use in many famous films over the last 60 years. Most recently, this desert city was used as a backdrop in Game of Thrones, but you may also recognise it from Gladiator, and Lawrence of Arabia.
Just outside of the city, you’ll find the Atlas Film Studios, one of the the largest studios in the world. You can take a guided tour to see some of the sets used in these famous productions.
If you’re visiting Ouarzazate, you also have to make sure you take a day trip to Aït Ben Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers incredible views over the surrounding desert landscapes. Take some time exploring the iconic red mud-brick kasbah, stopping to admire the artwork and handicrafts of the few locals who still call this incredible place home.
Ouarzazate is most commonly visited on a day trip from Marrakech
Where To Stay In Ouarzazate
✅ Best Budget Stay – Hotel Marmar – The rooms are huge and comfortable, the breakfast is delicious, and the staff are super helpful (we stayed here!). Click Here To Book Hotel Marmar
✅ Best Mid-Range Stay – Dar Chamaa – Located within the palm grove, this stylish hotel has a swimming pool and incredible breakfast. Click Here To Book Dar Charmaa
✅ Best Luxury Stay – Berbère Palace – In a prime location in the heart of Ouarzazate, Berbère Palace has four restaurants serving different cuisines, an outdoor pool, spacious and comfortable rooms, and world class service. Click Here To Book Berbère Palace
Best Things To Do In Ouarzazate
Essaouira: Best City for Relaxed Coastal Vibes
Nestled along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essouira is place where time seems to slow down. With windswept beaches, whitewashed buildings with bright blue shutters, and a bustling medina, Essaouira is a refreshing escape from the larger cities in Morocco.
Known as “the windy city”, Essaouira is one of the best places in the world to learn to windsurf. If adventure activities are not your thing, the city is home to a historic fishing port with iconic blue wooden fishing boats. It’s a photographers dream!
The medina is full of narrow winding streets, lined with art galleries, cafés, and boutique shops. The atmosphere is so laidback, and you can browse freely without being hassled to buy – a complete contrast to many cities in Morocco!
And if you’re after a bit of history, head to the Skala de la Ville, which has stood protecting the city since the 18th century. This is also the best place to watch the sunset in Essaouira.
Essaouira is also the best place in the world for argan products, as they’re produced locally. Take a trip to an argan co-operative, try some argan butter (my fav), and support the local communities in their sustainable production of argan products.
Ultimately, Essaouira is a laidback haven that offers the best of many cities. With so much to do, it perfectly combines history with beautiful beaches, culture, and tradition.
Where To Stay In Essaouira
✅ Best Budget Stay – Dar Halima – A beautiful and comfortable stay in the heart of the medina. The suite is truly insta-worthy! Click Here To Book Dar Halima
✅ Best Mid-Range Stay – Riad Lyon-Mogador – Home to a beautiful rooftop terrace with a sea view. The rooms are traditional, yet modern. Click Here To Book Riad Lyon-Mogador
✅ Best Luxury Stay – Casa.b Mogador – Just 400m from Essaouira beach, Casa.b Mogador is a stunning accommodation, with comfort, space and tranquility being the top priority. Click Here To Book Casa.b Mogador
Best Things To Do In Essaouira
FAQs
Still have some questions about which is the best city in Morocco? We’ve answered the most common ones below.
Which City In Morocco Is Best For First Timers?
If it is your first time visiting Morocco, we would highly recommend basing yourself in Marrakech. Marrakech has so much to see and do, and allows you to get the full Moroccan experience.
It is also very budget friendly, and really ‘set-up’ for tourism, so everything you need will be right at your fingertips.
Got more time? Check out this 7-day itinerary to combine many of the best cities in Morocco!
Is Morocco Safe?
We found Morocco to be a very safe country and encountered no issues. It is, however, common for scams to occur, so be mindful of those, but it is highly unlikely you will face a dangerous situation.
Of course, when visiting Morocco’s cities, exercise the same caution you would in any city around the world, such as keeping your belongings close and not going out alone at night.
How Do You Travel Between Cities In Morocco?
Morocco has a well-established public transport system which we used and can highly recommend. We travelled the whole country using Supratours and CTM buses. They connect all cities in Morocco, are comfortable, and easy to use.
Alternatively, for more freedom and to maximise your time, consider hiring a car and driving between cities in Morocco.
Wrap Up
Morocco is a country full of diverse landscapes and experiences, with each city offering something completely different.
From the vibrant culture of Marrakech to the peaceful vibe of Essaouira, the cinematics of Ouarzazate, and the history of Fes, there is truly something for everyone in Morocco.
The question is, which are you visiting first?
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