Morocco is a country in North Africa that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It blends Berber, Arab, and European cultures. In Marrakesh, the old city (medina) is full of narrow streets, busy markets, and the lively Djemaa el-Fna square. Rabat, the capital, features the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, a 12th-century fort by the sea. Casablanca is known for the grand Hassan II Mosque, with its tall 210-meter minaret. In Fes, the ancient Fes el Bali medina is a highlight. Across the country, you’ll find places like Aït Benhaddou, a clay-built trading village, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis. You can ride camels in the Sahara Desert at Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga or go hiking and skiing in the Atlas Mountains. For beach lovers, Essaouira is popular for windsurfing, while Agadir offers a wide, curved shoreline perfect for relaxing.
Morocco – places to visit in Morocco
Jemaa el-Fnaa
Jemaa el-Fnaa is a famous square in the heart of Marrakesh’s old city (medina). During the day, it’s filled with orange juice stands, traditional water sellers, and local performers. On one side of the square is the bustling Marrakesh souk, where locals and tourists shop for everything from spices to handmade goods.
Ouzoud Waterfalls
The Ouzoud Waterfalls are a group of beautiful falls that flow into a deep river canyon near the village of Tanaghmeilt in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Visitors can walk down a scenic path through olive groves to reach the base. At the top of the falls, there are several old water mills still used by locals.
Toubkal
Toubkal is the tallest mountain in the Atlas Mountains and the highest peak in North Africa. It is located in Toubkal National Park and is a favorite spot for hikers and mountain climbers. Most people start their journey to the summit from the village of Imlil, not far from Marrakesh.
Todgha Gorges
Todgha Gorges are deep canyons carved by the Todgha and Dades Rivers, located near the town of Tinerhir in eastern Morocco. The dramatic cliffs rise high on either side of the narrow river, making it a popular spot for sightseeing, hiking, and photography.
Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace in Marrakesh is a grand 19th-century palace built by top officials of the Moroccan royal court. It’s well-known for its elegant rooms, intricate carvings, colorful tiles, and peaceful courtyards. Today, it serves as a historic site open to visitors.
Hassan Tower
Hassan Tower in Rabat is the minaret of a mosque that was never completed. Built in the 12th century, it was meant to be the tallest in the world. Though only parts of the mosque and columns remain, the tower stands as a historic landmark and symbol of the city.
Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh are the resting place of Saadian royalty from the 16th century. Hidden for many years, they were rediscovered in the 20th century. The tombs are beautifully decorated with tiles, calligraphy, and carved wood, showcasing Moroccan craftsmanship.
El Badi Palace
El Badi Palace, now in ruins, was once a magnificent royal palace in Marrakesh built by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in the late 1500s. It featured imported materials and grand designs to show the Sultan’s power. Today, visitors can explore the remains and imagine its past glory.
Museum of Marrakech
The Marrakech Museum is housed in a historic building with traditional Moroccan design, including a courtyard with fountains and decorated ceilings. Inside, it displays a mix of old and modern Moroccan art, along with cultural items like coins, pottery, and textiles.
Bab Agnaou
Bab Agnaou is one of the historic gates of Marrakesh, built in the 12th century during the Almohad rule. It served as the main entrance to the royal district of the city. The gate is known for its stone carvings and stands as a reminder of the city’s rich past.
Top destinations in Morocco
Marrakesh
Marrakesh, once an imperial city in western Morocco, is now a busy and vibrant place filled with history and culture. Its old town, called the medina, is a maze of narrow streets where visitors can explore colorful markets selling handmade items like pottery, fabrics, and jewelry. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the Koutoubia Mosque, with its tall minaret that can be seen from far away.
Fes
Fes is a historic city in the northeast of Morocco and is often known as the cultural heart of the country. Its most famous area is Fes El Bali, a large walled medina full of old buildings, traditional markets, and religious schools. Two well-known schools, Bou Inania and Al Attarine, are admired for their detailed wood carvings and tile art.
Casablanca
Casablanca is a large coastal city in western Morocco and an important center for business and trade. The city’s architecture mixes traditional Moroccan style with French influences. One of its most famous sites is the Hassan II Mosque, which sits partly over the ocean. The mosque is known for its tall minaret—the second tallest in the world—with a light that points toward Mecca.
Rabat
Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is located where the Bouregreg River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It has a mix of historic and modern buildings. One highlight is the Kasbah of the Udayas, a centuries-old fortress with gardens and ocean views. Another important site is the Hassan Tower, a tall minaret that stands next to the remains of an unfinished mosque.
Best Time to Visit Morocco
The best time to visit Morocco is in spring, from March to May. During these months, the weather is warm and mostly dry across the country. Summer, from June to August, can get very hot, especially in the desert and mountain areas away from the coast. Spring is ideal for exploring cities, nature, and cultural sites in comfort.
