MOROCCO Travel Guide 2023 - Best Towns & Attractions

Morocco is the most visited country in Africa. From the mesmerizing Sahara desert to the exotic markets of Marrakech, Morocco is a country that promises an unforgettable journey. Now let's discover its most popular attractions. Rabat, Morocco's capital, is a city many travelers overlook, but it is really worth discovering. It's the cleanest major city in Morocco and also tourist-friendly. Rabat has a European feel. Wide sidewalks and a new tram system make getting around very easy. Rabat's history includes phases as a pirate hub under the Republic of Buregreg and later as the political capital of Morocco. Today it serves as the residence of the king, hosting various ministries and embassies. The city regained its status as the capital of Morocco in 1912 during the French Protectorate era, and has continued in that role since Moroccan independence in 1956. The Kasbah of the Udayas is a 12th century fortress built by the Almohad dynasty. Within the fortress, you can wander through the Andalusian gardens. The gardens are a fusion of Moorish design and Moroccan flora, making them a peaceful oasis in the heart of Rabat. The city's maze-like medina offers a nice shopping experience with fixed prices. You can browse for teapots, carpets, and souvenirs without the need for haggling. The medina is relatively small and cleaner than others in Morocco. Casablanca usually serves as a mere entry and exit point for Morocco for many travelers. However, it's a city that perfectly balances modernity, showcasing the new Morocco while still preserving its historical charm through art deco buildings and traditional Moroccan-style architecture. Founded and settled by the Berbers in the 7th century on Morocco's Atlantic coast, Casablanca is not only Morocco's main city port, but also its economic capital, which contributes to its perception as a metropolis. The most recognizable landmark of Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque, constructed to commemorate a former king's 60th birthday. This magnificent mosque stands gracefully at the water's edge, featuring a huge 210-meter minaret, making it one of the city's prominent symbols. For an authentic experience, you should explore the Old Medina, where winding streets are lined with authentic Moroccan shops and open-air markets. And if you seek a serene seaside walk, just head to the Corniche Boulevard, where a gentle sea breeze constantly accompanies you. Chefchaouen certainly has a name that's difficult to pronounce, but its appearance is very easy to recognize. Its nickname, the Blue City, stems from its unique architectural aesthetics. The walls of its buildings, along with staircases and interior courtyards, are painted with a striking combination of indigo and white. But the question of why the houses in this locale are coated in shades of blue remains unanswered. Some suggest that the use of the color blue serves as a deterrent to mosquitoes. Founded in the 15th century by the Berbers, Chefchaouen occupies a breathtaking place under the Rif Mountains. A traditional agro-pastoral system sustains the economy and includes fig and olive plantations. There is so much to see and do in Chefchaouen. You should visit the Great Fortress, characterized by its imposing red walls, but also the 15th century Grand Mosque and the Medina with its labyrinthine narrow streets and colorful shops. Before we continue, please hit the like button and subscribe to help our channel reach a wider audience. Near the town of Tanimelt, around 150 kilometers away from Marrakesh, you'll find the famous Ouzoud Falls. These falls are Morocco's largest and most beautiful waterfall, standing at a height of 110 meters and divided into three different sections. The falls are fed by a river of the same name, ensuring a substantial and continuous flow of water throughout the year, creating a mesmerizing display of sights and sounds. Visitors can begin their exploration from a nearby elevated viewpoint, providing a stunning perspective of the falls, the lake into which they cascade, and the red clay cliffs that surround the area. Another interesting aspect of this natural wonder is the presence of a community of Barbary macaque monkeys, which roam around freely and interact with visitors. At the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, you'll find one of Morocco's most famous tourist attractions, Marrakesh. Often called the Red City or the Jewel of Morocco, Marrakesh has the perfect blend of ancient and modern. At its core is the Medina, an old town maze that's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a web of narrow streets, lively markets, and historic palaces. On the flip side, the modern part of the city has some fancy resorts and trendy cafes. Red City actually got its name from its red colored walls and buildings. One iconic spot is the Kutubia Mosque, with its tall tower that you can't miss. Another popular attraction is the Bahia Palace, a 19th century masterpiece showcasing stunning Moroccan architecture and lovely gardens. Jemaa Elfna Square is the beating heart of Marrakesh. During the day, it's buzzing with snake charmers and henna artists. At night, it transforms into a lively food market with Moroccan dishes to enjoy. For some peace and quiet, you should explore Marrakesh's beautiful gardens. The Jardin Majorelle, created by French artist Jacques Majorelle, is a colorful paradise with exotic plants and blue buildings. You might also want to check out the Marrakesh International Film Festival or the Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival to experience the city's cultural scene. Located on the Atlantic west coast of Morocco, Essaouira presents a huge contrast to its frenetic neighbor, Marrakesh. Unlike many ancient medinas, Essaouira is a relatively newer addition to Morocco's architectural landscape, dating back to mid-18th century. Consequently, its medina design exhibits significant European influences. Due to its role as a seaport connecting North Africa and Europe, Essaouira evolved into a multicultural place, welcoming Berber, African, Arab, and European communities. The town has a bohemian vibe, with its labyrinthine souks showcasing musical instruments and local artists proudly displaying their works in small galleries. The local beach is perfect for surfers seeking some of Africa's windiest spots. While many travelers flock to Essaouira for its beach, there's even more to explore. About two kilometers from the beach's far end, you'll find old ruins. The heart of the city resides within its preserved old town, encircled by fortress walls. The seafront fortress, Scala de la Ville, offers panoramic views of the ocean and the medina, especially at sunset. In the heart of Morocco's mesmerizing landscapes lies Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient desert fortress that has captured the imaginations of travelers worldwide. This remarkable mud-brick citadel is a special kind of village called Aixar, and its central attraction is the Kasbah, which is like a fortress. The entire village is built from traditional mud bricks, in beautiful earthen architecture Morocco is famous for. Ait Ben Haddou has starred in many Hollywood movies, making it one of Morocco's most famous film locations. Films like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and the popular TV series Game of Thrones have used its unique setting to transport viewers to exotic worlds. In 1987, Ait Ben Haddou earned the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status for its cultural significance and historical authenticity. For an introduction to Morocco's charms, Tangier stands out as an exceptional choice. This cosmopolitan city stands at the tip of Morocco's northern coast, serving as a historic connection point between Europe and Africa. In fact, on clear days, you can easily spot Spain across the straits. Getting to Tangier is straightforward, whether you decide to take a ferry from France or Spain, or opt for a flight from European airports. With its Mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches like Achakar Beach, Tangier seems perfect for summer holidays. Tangier's Old Town lies at the heart of the city. The Kasbah is home to the Dar el Makhzen, which was once the Sultan's Palace, and is now a museum dedicated to Moroccan art and history. Also located within the Old Town is the Tangier American Legation Museum. It's actually an 18th century building that was the first American public property outside the United States. It offers insights into the historical ties between the United States and Morocco. Did we miss your favorite place in Morocco? Let us know in the comments. 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