Top 10 Must-Visit Cities in Morocco
Morocco is an interesting country that has a lot to offer to tourists whether it is history, culture, or beautiful sceneries. It may be possible for people to travel from the bustle of the big cities to the quiet desert and mountain terrains of the country if they desire to. Whether it is the colors of the bazaars, the centuries-old castles, or the Moroccan cuisine of the cities that are unique and completely different. It is always beneficial to have a list of cities that, without a doubt, you should visit when starting to make arrangements for your trip to this beautiful state. However, before you make your Morocco travel arrangements, make sure you have your Morocco Visa to avoid any inconvenience during your travel.
Moroccan cities are beautiful cities that blend the past and the present in the most appealing way that you could ever imagine. The first city is Fes, the third largest imperial city in Morocco and the second city is Essaouira, the latest of the imperial cities on the coast. Thus, regardless of which group you belong to – the culture vulture, the adrenalin junkie, or simply the holidaymaker, the following top 10 Moroccan cities that you should not miss are ideal for you. Always remember that applying for your Morocco Visa is key to ensuring that you enjoy Morocco without any interruption.
Here are the Top 10 Must-Visit Cities in Morocco
1. Marrakech: The Heartbeat of Morocco
Marrakech is one of the most beautiful cities that exist in Morocco with culture, history, and a great atmosphere. You can get an idea of the Moroccan spirit from the city’s famous medina with the narrow streets, shops, and markets. Some of the great attractions are the Majorelle Garden, the colorful lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, and the palaces and mosques of the city. For those who are interested in Moroccan culture and activity, Marrakech is a perfect place for them.
2. Fes: The Spiritual and Cultural Centre
Fes is the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco, which has many historic and preserved buildings. It is among the oldest cities in Morocco and it hosts the oldest university in the world, Al Quaraouiyine. Visitors can be taken back to the medieval ages through the crooked alleys of Fes el-Bali medina that host traditional schools, famous tanneries, and souks. Fes is more historic and for anyone who wants to get a full feel of Morocco’s cultural heritage, Fes is the place to go.
3. Casablanca: Morocco’s Modern Metropolis
Casablanca is a city of contrasts that represents both the new and the old and is sometimes referred to as Morocco’s economic and business capital. Nowadays the skyline of the city is crowned with large high-rises and one of the most significant of them is the Hassan II Mosque one of the largest and beautiful mosques in the world. Besides the orientation towards the large city Casablanca has nice sand beaches, a rich café and club life, and entertaining nightlife. If you are interested in both contemporary Moroccan and the history of the country, Casablanca is exactly what you are looking for.
4. Rabat: The Capital City
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco and it is a perfect example of a city that has both contemporary architecture and a rich history. That is why, despite the limited number of attractions, Marrakech is famous for its calm and allows tourists to drive to other Moroccan cities. These are the grand Royal Palace, the ancient Hassan Tower, and the beautiful Chellah Necropolis. Rabat has gardens, broad avenues, and a seaside location which make it a pleasant city for tourists who are interested in Morocco’s history and also its natural attractions but with less traffic.
5. Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl
Chefchaouen is one of the most beautiful cities situated in the Rif Mountains and it is well known for its blue-painted houses and narrow streets. The city has a blue tone which makes it to be so calm and this makes it ideal for photographers. Wander through its narrow streets, buy something at its markets, and see the mountain scenery from above. The general environment of the town is very serene, and the town of Chefchaouen is very beautiful it is an ideal town for those who wish to explore Moroccan towns other than the normal touristy destinations.
6. Essaouira: The Coastal Delight
Essaouira is a small and quiet city located in the coastal part of Morocco which is well known for its sandy beaches, seafood, and history. This city has a medina that has been classified as a World Heritage site and has characteristics of the city such as, narrow lanes, fortifications, and souks. Essaouira is perfect for the tourist who wants to see the historical and cultural sites as well as go windsurfing or even sunbathing. It is a picturesque coastal city that gives the liveliness of Morocco that is missing in other places.
7. Meknes: A City of Historical Wonders
Meknes is one of Morocco’s most underrated cities, the city that has so much history and beautiful buildings. It has been one of the most significant imperial cities in Morocco, it houses some of the most striking historical attractions such as Mansour Gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Meknes is slightly less visited than Fes or Marrakech but it has a lot to show in the way of history and architecture and should not be overlooked by anyone interested in the imperial cities of Morocco.
8. Ouarzazate: The Gateway to the Sahara
The town is often described as the gateway to the Sahara desert, it is a small town with a very interesting history to offer visitors. It is also the place where many movie production companies like the Atlas Studios are situated, the place where Gladiator was shot. Tourists can visit the Ait Benhaddou which is one of the world heritage sites according to UNESCO and is famous for the adobe-built Moroccan architecture. Thus, Ouarzazate is perfect for those, who intend to go deeper into the Sahara or explore the beautiful desert landscapes around the city.
9. Tangier: The Crossroads of Africa and Europe
Tangier is a city located at the point where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. It is a coastal city that has had lots of interaction with the Africans, Europeans, and even the Arabians. They can go to Kasbah, go for a walk in the Medina, and go for a walk along the beach. Tangier is one of the most diverse and exotic cities in Morocco because of the stunning views and relatively relaxed atmosphere.
10. Tafraoute: A Hidden Gem in the Atlas Mountains
Tafraoute is a relaxed small town located in the southern of the High Atlas in Morocco and offers great views and a real Berber experience. The environment that borders the desert is characterized by outstanding rocks and the town has painted kasbahs coupled with active souks. In other words, Tafraoute is perfect for those tourists who are looking for less crowded travel and who want to hike through the picturesque landscape and get acquainted with the Moroccan mountain’s village’s culture.
Conclusion:
Morocco is a wonderful place to visit, it has the bustle of Marrakech, and the beauty of the blue-washed houses of Chefchaouen. Every city on this list offers a different view of the country’s cultural, historical, and tourist attractions. From wandering through the historic areas of the medinas to sunbathing on the beach, or even going on a desert safari, Morocco’s cities will not disappoint. Therefore, do not miss the following top 10 must-visit cities during your Morocco tour and travel.
When preparing for your Moroccan trip, make sure to get your Morocco Visa in place. The right visa will make the process of entering the country as easy as possible so that you can fully appreciate the country’s culture, history, and beautiful views. Once you have your visa, you are ready to see Morocco at its best!