Top 20 Cities to Visit in Morocco Solo or with Family

Legend says that Morocco has one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets. Morocco, a country in the northwestern corner of Africa, literally translates to “place the sun sets” in the local language. Morocco is one of the three nations that have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. It is easy to spot Morocco on the map. If you check the map of Morocco, you will see that it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Alboran Sea, Algeria to the east, Western Sahara to the south, and Spain to the north.

Its geographical location, history, and culture make people wonder what continent is Morocco in. Some thinks it is in Europe, while others think it is in Asia. These are incorrect though since Morocco is a country in Africa. The Kingdom of Morocco, the country’s official name, receives millions of tourists per year. The country houses nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hundreds of points of interests for tourists, and offers authentic Moroccan experience. 

The Moroccan flag is recognized by being plain red with an emerald green pentagram in the middle. The red background represents hardiness, bravery, strength, and valor while the green represents love, joy, wisdom, peace, and hope. The emerald green also represents the color of Islam (Sunni Islam is the religion of most Moroccans) and the pentagram represents the seal of Solomon. 

The Morocco population is made up of 36 million Moroccans living in Morocco and a couple more living abroad such as in France, Belgium, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, and few more places. The majority of the Moroccans are of Berber (ethnic groups mostly indigenous to North Africa and some parts of West Africa) descent.

The official Morocco languages are Arabic and Berber, while a couple of other languages are also spoken in varying degrees of popularity such as Darija and Hassaniya. The most common foreign languages being spoken and taught in Morocco are French, English, and Spanish. Getting around the cities of Morocco as a foreign tourist won’t be as challenging communication-wise as long as you speak English. 

In terms of Morocco currency, the country uses Moroccan dirham. It is issued by the Bank Al-Maghrib which is the central bank of Morocco. One Moroccan dirham is subdivided into 100 centimes or cents and one US dollars is equivalent to 9.60 Moroccan dirham. When visiting Morocco, you can take your USD or Euro, but having it changed by money changers in airports, banks, or malls is highly recommended since not all shops accept any other currency aside from the Moroccan dirham. Most major establishments in big cities accept credit and debit cards though, but you should have the local Morocco money readily available anytime. 

The geography of Morocco spans from the Atlantic Ocean, to mountainous and rocky areas, to the Sahara Desert. Due to its geographical location, Morocco has many climate zones: Mediterranean, Sub-Mediterranean, Continental, Alpine, and semiarid. The notable cities in Morocco with a Mediterranean climate include Tangier, Tetouan, Al Hoceima, Nador, and Safi.

In this climate, summers are hot to moderately-hot and dry while winters are generally mild and wet. For Morocco’s Sub-Mediterranean climate, there are two major influences – Oceanic and Continental. The capital of Morocco Rabat, as well as major cities Casablanca, Kenitra, Sale, and Essaouira have Oceanic Sub-Mediterranean climate. This means that these cities experience cooler summers and chilly to mild winters.  Continental Sub-Mediterranean climate is experienced in Moroccan cities such as Fes, Meknes, Chefchaouen, Beni-Mellal, and Taza.

These cities occasionally experience snowfalls during the winter season and can have below freezing temperatures between the months of December to February. For the mountainous regions of Morocco such as Khenifra, Imilchil, Midelt, and Azilal, summers can get up to 32 degrees Celsius with winters up to negative 5 degrees Celsius. The popular tourist city of Marrakesh in Morocco on the other hand has a semiarid climate where rainfall is lower. Depending on what region or city in Morocco you would like to visit, make sure to check the weather forecast ahead of booking your flights. 

With regards to flights, Morocco has over 20 airports with hundreds of flights daily.  Out of this number, 10 are considered major international airports. The busiest airport in Morocco is the Casablanca Mohammed V Airport followed by Marrakesh Menara Airport and Agadir Al Massira Airport.

One of the best connections to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport is from Paris, France. Direct flights from Paris to Casablanca, Morocco are usually operated by Air France, Royal Air Moroc, and British Airways. Flights from CDG Paris Airport to Rabat-Sale Airport (the international airport in Sale that also serves the capital city of Morocco, Rabat) is around 3 hours on average. If you are flying from the USA, there are direct flights from New York JFK to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport which takes about 7 hours. 

Traveling within cities in Morocco is quite easy. Once landing in one of the major international airports, you can take domestic flights to other cities. Traveling by train in Morocco is also one of the most efficient and comfortable ways to get around. Most of the major tourist cities in Morocco including Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Rabat, Oujda, Tangier, and Meknes, are easily reached by train. 

The desert and mountain regions of Morocco however, such as Atlas Mountains, Agadir, or Essaouira, can only be accessed via bus or rental cars. If you’re heading to Morocco, visiting multiple cities is a must!

Here are the top 20 cities to visit while in Morocco. 

1) Marrakesh

Marrakesh, also spelled as Marrakech, is one of the best cities to visit in Morocco. This is also home to one of the country’s major airports- the Marrakesh Menara Aiport (RAK). Direct flights from Paris Charles de Guelle to Marrakesh Menara Airport takes about 3 hours and 25 minutes. If you are flying from Asia, Hamad International Airport from Doha, Qatar has direct flights to Marrakesh which takes about 8 hours and 15 minutes.

So, where is Marrakesh, Morocco? Marrakesh is the capital of the mid-southern region of Marrakesh-Safi just west of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. If you landed in Casablanca, you can take a domestic flight for 50 minutes from Casablanca to Marrakesh.

You don’t have to worry about where to stay in Marrakesh because there are hundreds of riads, hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs in the city due to the gradual increase in tourists visiting Marrakesh, Morocco. The weather in Marrakesh is semiarid which means that the months with desirable weather are from March to May and September to November. June, July, and August can be incredibly hot!

Your Morocco vacation will not be complete without touring around Marrakesh. Getting lost in the old Medina while checking the small, local shops is a good way to spend an afternoon. You might want to check out the local souks as well for anything from crafts to ceramics to leather – they have everything you’d ever need for souvenirs.

The Jardin Majorelle which was created by the French Painter Jacques Majorelle is also one of the best places to see in Morocco. If you are into fashion, Musee Yves Saint Laurent is also open for public visit in Marrakesh. The Maison de la Photographie is a must if you are a photography enthusiast. Other points of interest in Marrakesh include Musee des Confluences, The Mellah, Hammam De La Rose, and El Badi Palace. 

2) Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco located in the central-western part of the country bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Casablanca is also Morocco’s chief port and is considered as the economic and business center of Morocco. This is why there is no surprise why the city also has the busiest international airport and highly likely, this is your port of entry.

The weather in Casablanca, Morocco is Oceanic Sub-Mediterranean, thus the best time to visit Casablanca is during the months of July and August. This is the optimal weather for exploration and outdoor adventures. Casablanca shows the French colonial legacy mixed with traditional Arab culture. Hassan II Mosque and La Corniche are the top two sites that you should not miss while visiting Casablanca.

The famous Morocco Mall is also in Casablanca. Morocco Mall is one of the biggest shopping centers in Africa. You can find your favorite International brands here, but the main tourist attraction is the indoor aquarium. If you are traveling to Morocco with kids and are wondering what to do in Casablanca, head over to Morocco Mall.

The indoor aquarium is complete with a small shark, a fountain display, an indoor ice skating, and a fairground. If you’re looking for other things to do in Casablanca, then The Old Medina, the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, and King’s Palace are some of the best places to visit in Casablanca, Morocco. 

3) Fes

Fes, sometimes spelled as Fez, was Morocco’s capital until 1912. This is the second-largest city in the country, the first one being Casablanca, and is situated at the crossroad of the big cities of all regions including Tangier, Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakesh. Fes is in the northern inland part of Morocco just northeast of Atlas Mountains. Getting to Fez directly if you are flying internationally is possible because of Fes-Sais International Airport. Some of the popular routes are from Barcelona, Spain to Fes or Fez, Morocco.

A lot of tourists who are traveling to Morocco would visit Fes because of its culture, traditions, history, and food. The oldest university in the world, University of al-Qarawiyyin, also written as al-Karaouine, was founded in Fez, Morocco in 859 AD. To this day, the university is still operational and is visited by tourists year round although some parts of the university are not open to non-Muslims.

The Merenid Tombs also draws tourists to Fes. These tombs house the remains of sultans and royals of Merenid Dynasty in Morocco. Authentic Morocco architecture can be observed in these tombs. If you love Morocco architecture, then another place to see in Fes is the Dar el Makhzen. This is the Royal Palace of Fez which stands out with its gigantic brass and gold doors. This is not open for public visits but taking photos outside is allowed.

For outdoorsy families, hiking in Mount Zalagh is one of the best things to do in Morocco. At the top, you will be welcomed to a picturesque view of the city. The mountain is also full of olive groves that give the perfect shade and breeze for an afternoon picnic. Of course, the Borj Nord Arms Museum is also a must-visit. This will give you and your kids the opportunity to learn more about the traditions and military history of Fes. Another point of interest in Fes is the Tanner’s Quarter.

Due to its pungent smell, this may not be as popular with kids but visiting the Tanner’s Quarter would give you first-hand experience on how the leather is made. There are also a couple of shops that sell everything leather which is a good place to bargain for souvenirs. 

4) Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen, Morocco is known as the Blue City. This may be the part of Morocco that you see every so often in travel pages and on Instagram with hashtag “travel goals”. Why is Chefchaouen blue, you ask? Well, there are different theories as to why most parts of the city are painted blue. The first theory is that blue keeps mosquitoes away, while the second theory is that blue was introduced by the Jews in the city when they took refuge from Hitler in the 1930s.

Blue is also said to symbolize the sky and heaven. To say that Chefchaouen, Morocco is Instagrammable would be an understatement. There is no international airport in the city itself, but there are a lot of convenient ways in how to get to Chefchaouen. Let’s say your international flight landed in Casablanca Mohammed V Airport. To get to Chefchaouen, you can take a 6-hour train ride or a 7-10-hour bus ride.

Private taxis or cars are also available, and the drive will take about 4-5 hours. You can also get to Chefchaouen from Tangier, Fes, or Rabat. You will not have a hard time thinking of what to do in Chefchaouen with kids. You can start your day by eating at Alladin Restaurant. If your kids are fans of the animated movie, this would be a plus. Of course, getting lost in the blue Medina is a must-do in this city.

The blue Medina is basically a small souk that is filled with merchandise stalls, cafes, and restaurants. You would spend a lot of time taking photos in this beautiful blue Medina. You will know the perfect photo spots right away because you will see other tourists queueing and waiting for their turn to take photos.

Other great places to visit in Chefchaouen are Kasbah Museum, Grand Mosque, Ras el-Ma, and Cascades d’Akchour. 

5) Rabat

Rabat is the capital of Morocco and the seventh-largest city in the country. It is located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Wadi You Regreg. The city is accessible to international tourists through Rabat-Sale Airport. Some of the best Morocco attractions can be found in Rabat. Compared to the popular Casablanca, Rabat is more calm and quiet, but equally stimulating which is perfect for people traveling with kids.

When planning for what to do in Rabat with kids, exploring the exotic gardens at Bouknadel, the Forest Maamora, the Bee Museum, and the Rabat Zoo should be added to the list. Place Pietri is also a favorite among families where the kids can run around freely and safely. The Hassan Tower is also one of the must-sees in Rabat, Morocco.

This stands beside the Mausoleum of Mohamed V which is also one of the most visited historic sites in Rabat. There are a lot of luxury hotels and affordable accommodations in here, so you need not worry about where to stay in Rabat. To maximize your time, the best area to stay in Rabat is the city center which is in close proximity to Oudaias Kasbah and the medina.

If you would like some Morocco beach experience, there are a lot of riads and hotels fronting the beach in Rabat. The warmest months in Rabat are July, August, and September and these months are perfect for beach activities with kids.

6) Meknes

Meknes is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco along with Fez, Marrakesh, and Rabat. It is located in the heart of Morocco surrounded by Middle Atlas Mountains, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Fes. Anytime is a good time to visit Meknes because of its hot-summer Mediterranean climate.

It rarely snows in Meknes and the average winter high is only 15 degrees Celsius. The most convenient way of getting to Meknes is from Casablanca or Rabat. The train ride from Casablanca to Meknes, Morocco takes about three hours and a half while it would only take two hours and a half if your starting point is Rabat.

With plenty of historical places to visit in Meknes, you may want to start with Bal El Mansour.  The focus of this site is the huge main gate adorned with intricate mosaic tile-work and inscriptions. Morocco tourism isn’t as popular in Meknes as it is in other cities like Casablanca and Marrakesh, but there are plenty of sites and places in Meknes that are worth visiting such as Medersa Bou Inania, Palais Al Mansour, Agdal Basin, and Place El Hedim. Meknes, Morocco is also famous for having Fantasia.

Fantasia is a traditional exhibition of horsemanship where horsemen and women do mock battles and fire synchronized shots in the air. If you are in Morocco during the festival time, grab the opportunity of witnessing this event. 

7) Agadir

Agadir is one of the best cities to visit in Morocco because of its beautiful beach. Agadir, Morocco is all about the beach. Thousands of European tourists flock here every year to have some dose of vitamin sea. Agadir is situated on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean near the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Agadir Al-Massira Airport is usually the entry port of tourists visiting the city.

This airport is in Temsia which is twenty kilometer southeast of Agadir. The weather in this Moroccan city is hot semiarid climate with warm summers and mild winters. To enjoy the beach, the best time to visit Agadir is during the months of June, July, August, September and October. Warm summer afternoons in Agadir will give you the opportunity to stroll along the shore with your kids or build sandcastles on the beach.

Afterwards, head over to the Kasbah. This is a historic attraction made of the remains of what was once Agadir’s fortified town. Taking a stroll down the city center would introduce you to a few interesting monuments in Morocco. Check out the Grand Mosque, the Amazigh Museum, and the Agadir Memorial Museum to learn about the interesting historical facts about the city.

A great place to visit in Agadir with kids is the Crocopark where Nile crocodiles are being safeguarded. If you would like to go surfing, drop by Taghazout. This is not only one of the best beaches in Morocco, but also the main surfing hot spot of the country. The town is small and laid back, so you can have the beach to yourself during low season.

The waves here are beginner-friendly and there are also dedicated surf operators that offer surfing lessons and holiday packages. For a different outdoor activity, take a side trip to the Paradise Valley. This is a beautiful gorge which is a perfect setting for day hikes that are kid-friendly. You will pass by almond and olive orchards during the hike. Local shops in Paradise Valley sells the best honey and argan oil. 

8) Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate, Morocco is the country’s “the door of the desert”. It is located south of the High Atlas Mountains in the middle of a bare plateau. Often referred to as “The Hollywood of Morocco”, Ouarzazate is a popular filming location for local and international films. Parts of HBO’s Game of Thrones were shot here. Other Hollywood films such as Gladiator, The Mummy, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Hanna, and Lawrence of Arabia were shot here.

Most tourists visiting Morocco with the intention to visit Ouarzazate usually prefers to get to Ouarzazate from Casablanca, Marrakesh, or Rabat since the direct international flights to Ouarzazate Airport from Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille are not as frequent.

The cheapest transportation option from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate is via bus which takes about four hours and a half. You should visit this part of Morocco for the “Ouallywood” experience. It would be awesome to tour around the sites where some parts of your favorite films were shot. The Atlas Film Corporation Studios which was built in 1983 is one of the best attractions to visit in Morocco.

Guided tours are conducted here every day and they last for 30 minutes to an hour. You are free to wander on your own if you prefer to. You should also not miss dropping by Taourirt Kasbah, Tifoultoute Kasbah, Barrage El Mansour Eddahbi, and Musee de Cinema.  

9) Tinghir

Sometimes spelled as Tinerhir, Tinghir is an oasis in the southern part of Morocco that spans about 30 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide. The weather in Tinghir, Morocco is arid subtropical. The green palm trees are a beautiful contrast to the Morocco desert that surrounds it.

Todgha Gorge, a series of river canyons in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains, is located 15 kilometers north of Tinghir and is one of the best places to see in Morocco especially for adrenaline seekers. Todgha Gorge is a popular place for rock climbing and hiking. The views in Todgha alone is why you should visit Morocco with your kids.

Some hiking organizers would take you to the Berber Settlement within Todgha Gorge where you can have tea with the few people living there. The village of Tizgui is also nearby, and it is a sight to behold. Aside from the amazing views, you would also get a front-seat view of the daily life of the residents here. There is no airport in Tinghir, Morocco so your best option would be to take domestic flights to either Ouarzazate or Zagora and take a bus or taxi from there. 

10) Essaouira (Mogador)

Essaouira, commonly known as Mogador until 1960s, is a coastal city in Morocco with a climate the same as that in Los Angeles, USA. This means the best time to visit this part of Morocco is basically anytime of the year. This is the perfect laid-back alternative to Marrakesh for those who would like to avoid the crowds. Essaouira also has that vibrant blue medina, colorful ports, old stone gates, and beautiful beaches which are enough reasons why you should visit Morocco with kids.

Getting here is easy since you can fly to Essaouira-Mogador Airport. You can fly direct from Lyon, Bordeaux, and Paris-Orly to Essaouira-Mogador Airport. There are also hundreds of domestic flights weekly and most of these are to and from Casablanca. A bus ride from Marrakesh to Essaouira takes a little over two hours. After resting for few hours upon arrival, begin your exploration by taking a walking tour around the medina.

Getting lost in the city center is fun and exciting. You do not have to wonder if it is safe to travel in Morocco because it is, but of course being cautious and attentive all the time is a good practice wherever you are traveling. You will see a lot of shops in the souks. If you are planning to shop for souvenirs, bring cash since the small shops may not accept credit cards. For your shopping spree, head over to Had Draa Souq and Souq Joutiya. One of the best parts about visiting Morocco is the food. Get a table at a local café or restaurant and sample authentic Moroccan food.

By the end of the day, catch the sunset at the beautiful Essaouira beach. A lot of families spend their afternoons here. The beach is wide and perfect for strolls and beach sports. You will see locals kitesurfing or playing beach volleyball here on weekends. On windy days, swimming in this beach is discouraged because of the strong current. Other places to visit in Essaouira are Skala de la Ville, Domaine du Val d’Argan, and Simon Attias Synagogue. 

11) Tangier

Tangier has been Europe’s gateway to Africa for centuries. This is the entry point if you want to take the ferry from Spain to Morocco. There are ferries from Malaga, Algericas, and Tarifa that travel directly to Tangier, Morocco daily. The ferry ride from Tarifa to Tangier takes only an hour for around 60 euros one way. There are ferries leaving Tarifa to Tangier every four hours. Morocco is also visa-free for 90 days to nationals of 67 countries which is one more reason why you should visit Morocco with your kids.

If you prefer to fly rather than take a ferry from Spain to Morocco, Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport is the Moroccan airport serving Tangier with hundreds of international and domestic flights weekly. When in Tangier, visit the Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures. The museum showcases remnants of the Phoenician trade, the mosaic of Venus from Volubilis and statuary, and other artefacts that hold significance to the history and culture of Tangier, Morocco.

If you are only taking a day trip and looking for what do to in Tangier, Morocco for a day, The Grand Socco is a spot that you should not miss. It is like the central part of the city. Near it is Cinema Rif which is a popular movie theater in Tangier.

Another familiar site in the city is the Gran Café de Paris. This was opened in 1927 and is said to be a place of inspiration by famous artists such as Jack Kerouac and Tenesse Williams. If you are a literature fan, come here, have coffee, and read a book. Part of the Hollywood film The Bourne Ultimatum was filmed in Tangier and Gran Café de Paris had a cameo in it. Other points of interest are Sour Al Maagazine, Teatro Cervantes, St. Andrew’s Church, and Petit Socco which all can be explored if you are looking for things to do in Tangier, Morocco for a day. 

12) Tetouan

One of the best places to visit in Morocco is the city of Tetouan. This jewel of a town is located at the foot of the Rif Mountains. Its proximity to Spain can be seen in some parts of town. A lot of people traveling to Tetouan takes the ferry from Spain (Tarifa or Malaga starting point) to Morocco (Tangie). From Tangier, you can take a taxi or ride a bus for 45 minutes to Tetouan.

Other common connections are from the cities of Ceuta and Chefchaouen. The weather in this part of Morocco is the typical Mediterranean weather. During summer, the average temperature is 35 degrees Celsius while winter is at 22 degrees. If you want a warm winter escape, Tetouan, Morocco is the place to be for you. Stepping into the ancient medina which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is like stepping into another century. 

Tetouan also has a unique Hispano-Moorish character that adds to its charms which draws tourists in. Compared to the medinas all over Morocco, the one in Tetouan is relatively small, so you can explore it in lesser time without getting lost. There are also tour guides available which can point out the three sections in the medina which are Andalusian, Jewish, and Berber.

The Mohammed V Avenue is where you can hang out for meals and drinks while breathing in the warm Tetouan air. Other places to visit in the city include the Tetouan Museum of Modern Art, Feddan Park, Dar El Oddi, Grand Mosquee, and Ensanche. 

13) El Jadida

El Jadida is a favorite tourist destination among Moroccan locals. The Portuguese City of Magan, now part of the city of El Jadida, is the main reason why this is a popular tourist destination. The city offers a relaxed atmosphere and wide beaches. You can get to El Jadida from Casablanca via train.

If you are coming from Agadir, hop on a bus instead. Once in the city, marvel over the old Portuguese City which is the perfect mixture of Europe and Morocco. A seafood food trip is a must-do in El Jadida. Delicious menu of oysters, crab, lobster, and shrimp are plenty here. If you want somewhere laid back and quiet, this is the perfect holiday destination for you. 

14) Asilah

Asilah is another fortified town in Morocco which is located on the northwest tip of the Atlantic coast and 19 miles south of Tangier. This compact town used to be a Spanish territory years ago. During summer, the crowd in Asilah, Morocco triples as Moroccan and foreign tourists flock in the city and head over to the beaches for swimming, surfing, and other beach activities.

If you want to avoid the huge crowd, spring and autumn are the best times to come here. Asilah’s medina, which has been restored, is the most notable landmark in here. Strolling around the medina is a popular activity among visitors. For some beach time, head over to Sidi Mghayet Beach or Rada Beach. Paradise Beach, which is still in Asilah, is also one of the best places to see in Morocco. 

15) Merzouga

Merzouga, Morocco is the country’s gateway to the grand Erg Chebbi Dunes. This quaint, dusty town is tucked in the Sahara Desert. By this fact alone, it came as no surprise that life in Merzouga revolves around the desert. If you are looking for fun and adrenaline-pumping activities in the desert, Merzouga, Morocco has a lot to offer. For one, the town is known for its camel safari and camping sites.

There are a couple of tour operators in this part of the Sahara Desert. Most of the tour packages offer transportation from Marrakesh or Fez. The number of tourists spikes up between the months of October to February. These months October, November, December, January, and February, have the most pleasant temperature and fewer chances of sandstorms. You can traverse the desert riding on the back of a camel and spend the night in the desert campsite or in an accommodation in the Berber village.

International and local meals, as well as refreshments, are usually part of the package. The Sahara Desert night sky is known for its beauty, so spending a night or two at the campsite is one of the best things to do in Morocco with kids. Other fun things to do here include sand boarding, sand skiing, and quad bike riding.

For once in a lifetime experience, you can also book a hot-air balloon over the sand dunes. It is a bit pricey, but it is totally worth it. The best time to go on a hot-air balloon ride is very early in the morning when the sun is just about to rise or in the afternoon before sunset. You will get to have a bird’s-eye view of the desert transforming its colors under the different shades of the sun. 

16) Volubilis

Volubilis is the ancient ruined Roman city in Morocco located near the city of Meknes. It played a great part in both history and agriculture for the country, but today, it is widely known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being an exceptionally well-preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Empire.

While the activities in Volubilis may be limited, the ruins of this old Roman city is one of the best places to visit in Morocco for a quick stopover. The old edifice and monuments are now being occupied mostly by nestling storks, but the ruins are still a sight to behold. Tour operators usually include Volubilis as part of Meknes to Fes tour package.  

17) Oujda

Oujda, sometimes spelled as Wejda, is the largest city in the eastern part of Morocco. This used to be a popular city for traders and tourists until its border crossing with Algeria was closed in 1995. Oujda is located about 15 kilometers west of the Moroccan-Algerian border and 55 kilometers south of the Mediterranean Sea. You can reach the city by flying to Oujda Angads Airport.

There are hundreds of domestic flights to and from major cities such as Rabat and Casablanca and there are also a couple of flights from Paris, Lyon, Brussels, and Amsterdam to name a few. Being in the eastern part of Morocco, visiting Oujda means you can enjoy the view of the Rif Mountains, explore the desert, and enjoy the coast of the Mediterranean in a single visit. A guided city tour in Oujda is one of the best things to do in Morocco.

Make sure to check out the clock tower which is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. The clock tower was built in the 1920s. Afterward, proceed to the Grand Mosquee which is the oldest mosque in the city. Rebuilt during the 13th century, the Grand Mosquee towers over Oujda’s small medina. For a relaxing place, head over to Park Lalla Meriem.

The park offers a breathtaking space filled with plants as well as a museum and an open-air theater. The museum showcases collections of traditional weapons from this region. Another park worth visiting in Oujda, Morocco is Park Lalla Aicha. Aside from the beautiful gardens and wide-open space where kids can run freely, the park has two swimming pools which are open during summer.

A tennis court is also available. Horseback riding lessons are available here and are perfect for families with kids who would like to learn how to ride a horse. Of course, shopping in the souks of Oujda is a must-try while you are in the city. You can find everything here from spices to clothing to cute souvenirs you can take home to your friends and family. 

18) Taroudant

Taroudant, Morocco is known as the “grandmother of Marrakesh”. It gives the same vibe as the famous tourist city, but a little laid-back and quiet. Taroudant is in Sous Valley in the southern part of Morocco. If you are looking for great finds in local crafts, jewelry, and carpets, this is the city to be.

Exploring the walled city under the Moroccan sun with the snowcapped High Atlas in the background seems to be one of the best things to do in Morocco during your vacation with the whole family. If you happen upon horse-drawn coaches on the streets, then hop on one.

You can ask the driver to take you to Palais Musee Claudio Bravo which is a hotel and a museum that displays paintings of Claudio Bravo and Francis Bacon. You can also find dinosaur fossils, and priceless antiques from Japan, India, and Mali. Other great places to visit in Taroudant, Morocco are Bab El Kasbah, Ramparts, and Place Al Alaouyine. Taroudant is a great alternative to Marrakesh especially if you would like to avoid the crowds. 

19) Safi

Safi, also known as Asfi, is not exactly a top tourist city in Morocco, but it has its own charms. Safi is Morocco’s main fishing port for the sardine industry. It is located about 150 km northwest of Marrakesh and halfway between the ocean ports of Casablanca and Agadir.

The city is more of an industrial center where tourists would usually drop to check out the colorful pottery works that Safi is known for. You can take a day trip to Safi from Essaouira. If you are coming from Marrakesh, you can get to Safi via bus or shared taxi which would take about two hours.

Walking around the city of Safi would give you a glimpse of daily life in Morocco. Collines des Potiers attracts traders and tourists who are interested in purchasing ceramic goods. If you are decorating in a Moroccan theme, you can also buy handcrafted tiles and mosaic here.

The medina and souks here are also worth checking out. Since tourism is not very high in Safi, prices of local goods are way cheaper compared to those in Marrakesh or Casablanca. Another attraction here in Safi would be its ocean waves perfect for surfing. Aside from the few locals, you can have the waves almost all to yourself in Safi. 

20) Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

Another lesser-known city but still totally worth visiting in Morocco is Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. Located near Meknes and overlooks the ruined Roman city of Volubilis, this city was named after the first major Islamic ruler of Morocco, Idris I. The tomb of Idris I is located here thus making Moulay Idriss Zerhoun a sacred town.

Because of its secluded geographical location, this place is untouched by foreign influence. Visitors coming here are mostly Muslims on a pilgrimage. In fact, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is dubbed as “Morocco’s Mecca.” Up until 2005, non-Muslim tourists were not allowed to stay overnight in this city. As the years have gone by, a couple of things has changed of course. You can stroll on foot in the small Moroccan streets in the city.

The town looks whitewashed which is a picturesque contrast to the green mountains nearby. Some of the noteworthy places to visit here include the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, Haroune Aqueduct, as well as the Cylindrical Minaret. If you are up for it, you can also visit and experience the Roman Baths. It does not have water in it all year round though.

After a day of exploring Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, you can hang out in Grande and Petite Terrassses. The Grande Terrasse will give you a panoramic view of the town and the beautiful landscape. This is one of the favorite spots among locals and tourists to catch the glistening sunset. You might want to take your camera with you when coming here as well because the view is postcard perfect. It is a challenge to find the Grande and Petite Terrassses by yourself, so you might want to hire a local guide to take you. This will also save you time and maximize your stay.

These twenty cities in Morocco are a few of the best places to visit in Morocco!

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