Must Visit Places in Morocco

Morocco is a beautiful country where you will find a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. The Moroccan people value community, family, love, and hospitality. The way of living is quite simple, and people love to stay rooted in their culture and tradition. Here is a list of some of the best cities to visit in Morocco: -

Marrakech: This city reflects a vibrant mix of traditions mixed with modern living. The historic Medina, lively souks, and enthralling Jemaa el-Fna square make this city a beautiful experience for all visitors. You will also get to see some lush gardens as well as busy markets against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
Casablanca: Casablanca is the largest city and one of the best Moroccan places to visit. It is a cosmopolitan center with business, history and art all around. The stunning Hassan II Mosque sits here. Also, with a seaside promenade, Art Deco architecture, and posh cafes, Casablanca lets you enjoy a sensory experience of elegance and tradition.
Rabat: Rabat is the capital of Morocco, and like Casablanca and Marrakech, it also mixes history with modernity. The clean streets, calm atmosphere, and coastal view will make your stay in this city enjoyable. Hassan Tower and Kasbah of the Udayas are the iconic places to visit here.
Ouarzazate: This city is known as the “gateway to the Sahara”. It is famous for the breathtaking desert landscapes and film studios. You may have seen Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO site in Ouarzazate, in a number of Hollywood productions. It is a fantastic location to explore, particularly for filmmakers and adventurers.
Chefchaouen: The azure streets that are surrounded by the Rif Mountains frequently astound visitors. This charming village features expansive vistas, welcoming cafes, and lively local marketplaces.Click as many pictures as you want!
Essaouira: This is a charming coastal town that exudes a relaxing and artistic vibe. The breezy beaches are a perfect spot for enjoying water sports and evening/morning walks. You must also visit the white-and-blue Medina here. While you are here, tasting the seafood must be on your list. What makes this city stand out from the rest of Morocco is its music festivals and art galleries.

Historical Places of Morocco

Here is a list of the most breathtaking historical places to see in Morocco that will remain in your bank of memories forever: -

Hassan Tower, Rabat – it’s an unfinished minaret dating back to the 12th Century that speaks much about Moroccan history.
Medersa Bou Inania, Fes – an Islamic school showcasing intricate Moroccan artistry.
Volubilis, Meknes – explore the Roman ruins here, known for mosaics and grand arches.
El Badi Palace, Marrakech – a must-visit royal palace that is in ruins now.
Bahia Palace, Marrakech – a beautiful example of extraordinary Moroccan architecture with ornate courtyards and tilework.
Tanneries (Fes) – witness the centuries-old leather tanning pits that showcase traditional craftsmanship.

Best Time to Visit Morocco

Spring and Fall are the two best seasons to plan a Morocco tour. Spring, from April to early June, and Fall, from September to November, offer mild, comfortable weather that makes travelling to various Moroccan cities, deserts, and mountains easier. Spring also means warm days and cooler nights with flowers and colours everywhere to refresh your mood. Summer (June to August) would be very hot, so even if you are going to Morocco, you should stick to the coastal regions. The winter season is cold, and it’s advised to avoid it.

How to Reach Morocco

Although Morocco is well connected by air, land, and sea, the most convenient way to reach it is by flying. You can reach Morocco by following these means: -

By Air: Morocco has major international airports in Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat. There are direct flights to these international airports from Europe, Africa, U.S. cities, and the Middle East.
By Sea: There are regular ferry services that connect some adjoining places to Moroccan ports like Ceuta and Tangier. The route offers scenic views across the Strait of Gibraltar.
By Land: Many travellers can enter Morocco from Ceuta or Melilla.

Food & Cuisine of Morocco

Moroccan cuisine is flavourful, blending Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean influences. Here is a list of such soulful dishes that you must try during your Morocco travel: -

Maghrebi Mint Tea – this is the national drink of Morocco. Just as Italians pair up their meals with wine, Moroccans do that with a cup of refreshing mint tea.
Tagine – enjoy this slow-cooked stew of fish/chicken/meat/poultry with vegetables. The spices include cumin, ginger, saffron, and turmeric, while dry fruits and nuts make Tangine sweet and royal.
Couscous – if mint tea is the national drink of Morocco, couscous is the national food. Steamed semolina grains are served with a slow-cooked mix of vegetables and meat. The flavourful broth makes this dish tantalizing. It is a sign of hospitality and unity and is often prepared on Fridays or special occasions.
Harira Soup – this is a lentil soup made with tomatoes, vermicelli, and chickpeas.
Pastilla – this is served as a starter before meals. It has two versions – one with poultry and the other with seafood. Pastilla is a sweet and flavourful pie with poultry or seafood wrapped in a flaky pastry and dusted with cinnamon and sugar.
Zaalouk & Taktouka – these are salad versions that would change your perception about salads. Zaalouk is a cooked salad consisting of eggplant and tomato, while Taktouka is made with tomatoes and peppers.

Shopping Points in Morocco

While you are going for your much-awaited Morocco trip, you should know about the places where you can shop your heart out. Shopping here is going to be a beautiful experience filled with culture, art, and craftsmanship. Here is a list of places you should go to get souvenirs for your loved ones: -

Fes Medina Souk – for leather goods, metals, and pottery
Souk El Had – it has everything from handmade crafts to souvenirs, spices to fresh produce. It is one of the largest covered markets in Africa.
Marrakech Medina – for leather goods, traditional clothes, spices, and lanterns
Morocco Mall – this is the largest mall in Africa. It has various brand stores and entertainment options like cinema, restaurants, and aquariums.
Le Souk Essaouira – famous for flea and street markets.

Travel Tips for Morocco

Not all mosques allow entry to non-Muslim folks. While you enter certain mosques, cover your head and follow other traditions.
Carry light yet covered clothes so that you are comfortable without getting any sunburn.
You must also carry sunglasses, sunscreens, and hats to stay safe during your Morocco tour.
You should refrain from any public display of affection, as that is frowned upon.
Morocco has a closed currency, which means you cannot get Moroccan Dirham outside the country. Most of the places operate on a cash economy, so get cash as soon as you get there. Cards are also accepted, but having cash saves you at times.
Haggling is a common marketplace practice, so don’t get frustrated.
In Morocco, it is illegal to speak about Islam and the King disrespectfully. So, respect that.

FAQ’s

What are the most famous things to buy from Morocco?

Some of the most famous things to buy from Morocco are ceramics, leather goods, carpets and rugs, argan oil, mint tea sets, kaftans, rose water, etc.

What is the best time to schedule a trip to Morocco?

The best time for a Morocco trip plan would be either spring or autumn, i.e., March to May or September to November. These months offer a favourable climate to explore the cities, walk around the market, and visit the desert.

Which is the most famous place in Morocco?

Marrakech is the most famous place in Morocco, which is also known as the Red City. You will find a vibrant culture here and spend time in places, gardens, and souks.

Is a visa mandatory for everyone travelling to Morocco?

Morocco allows visa-free entry to citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, and Schengen countries like Iceland, Switzerland, Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and many more for short stays. But the rest all require a visa that can be easily obtained online.

Which language is spoken in Morocco?

Arabic and Amazigh are the official languages of Morocco. Alongside these two languages, French is also widely spoken for trade and tourism purposes. English is also spoken and understood in all tourist spots.