Things to do in Morocco: 18 must-see attractions

Marrakech is an assault on the senses. In the narrow alleys of the medina, the scent of cumin mingles with tanned leather as the call to prayer echoes from the Koutoubia. The red city offers labyrinthine souks, secret riads with tile-covered patios, and tanjia slow-cooked in hammam ashes. It is an intense, occasionally disorienting experience that stays with you.

Morocco's capital sits right on the Atlantic coast, offering a distinct alternative to the country's busier tourist hubs. Founded in the 12th century, this imperial city operates as a genuine center of daily life and culture where you experience Moroccan rhythms firsthand.

At the heart of Moroccan history

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kasbah of the Udayas is an absolute must-see in Rabat. Walking through this ancient fortified military camp offers a direct look into Morocco's political and cultural past. You can wander narrow alleys framed by whitewashed walls and enjoy the surprising quiet inside the kasbah, located just steps from the Rabat Beach. Make time for the exceptional Museum of History and Civilizations, which traces Morocco's timeline from prehistory all the way through the contemporary Islamic era.

Head about a mile and a half from downtown to reach the Chellah Necropolis. Built over the ruins of an ancient Roman city, this atmospheric site holds layers of history. Stork nests sit atop the ruined tombs, and the grounds offer sweeping views over the Bouregreg River. It carries a remarkably peaceful and poetic energy, making it a favorite spot for a late afternoon walk as the light hits the stone.

Life at the local rhythm

Skip the overwhelming crowds found in Fez or Marrakech and head instead to the Rabat Souk. You will find a much calmer environment here for browsing. The finest leather goods are concentrated on Rue des Consuls. If you do not mind getting slightly turned around, dive deeper into the stalls to track down authentic pastillas (flaky pigeon or chicken pies with almonds and cinnamon), traditional tajine, or local sweets like chebakias (sesame and honey pastries scented with orange blossom and anise), briwates (crispy almond triangles), and other Maghrebi baked goods.

To decompress after the market noise, head to the Botanical Trial Gardens, established in 1914 during the French Protectorate. It is an ideal spot to put the local proverb into practice: those who hurry are already dead. If leafy paths and local flora are not your priority, you can check out the coast, though swimming here requires caution because the surf can run rough and debris occasionally washes ashore.

When to go

Rabat enjoys an oceanic climate where temperatures rarely top 86 degrees Fahrenheit, making it comfortable to visit nearly year-round. To minimize rain and maximize sunshine, plan your trip between May and October.

How to get there

No airline flies nonstop from North America to Rabat itself. Royal Air Maroc serves Casablanca direct from New York, Washington, Miami and Montreal, and a train runs from that airport to Rabat in about an hour and a half. If you are already in Europe, low-cost carriers fly straight into Rabat-Salé from a number of cities, with fares from $90 to $230* depending on the airline.

Fez holds its own against Marrakech, its larger Moroccan counterpart. This imperial city boasts a history stretching back over 1,200 years, and travelers increasingly view it as a top-tier destination in North Africa.

The Medina, a World Apart

The defining neighborhood here is the ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. It stands as the largest medieval city in North Africa, sprawling across more than 9,000 narrow alleyways. Getting lost in Fez-el-Bali, the historic walled quarter, is practically part of the itinerary. You enter through one of the monumental gates cut into the ramparts that frame the old town. Bab Boujloud is the most striking, with brilliant blue and green ceramic tiles laid in 1913. The commercial corridors of Talâa Kbira to the north and Tala Seghira to the south overflow with traditional merchants and food stalls amid a lively sensory mix of sounds, spices, and bright textiles. Local cooperatives offer hands-on introductions to argan oil production, Moroccan pastry baking, and traditional weaving. The Bou Inania madrasa ranks as the architectural crown jewel of the medina, showcasing intricate bronze metalwork, carved cedar wood, onyx, marble, and colorful tilework. The Merenid Tombs sit on a nearby hill, offering panoramic sunset views over the entire medina.

Mosques, Festivals, and Tanneries

Fès-el-Jdid, the new town the Merinids built beside the medina in the 13th century, holds the royal palace and the mellah. Back in Fez-el-Bali, Karaouine functions simultaneously as the oldest continuously operating university in the world and a major mosque capable of holding 20,000 worshippers. Because interior access is restricted to Muslims, non-Muslim visitors view it from the threshold. Housed in a 19th-century summer palace, the Batha Museum displays an extensive collection of Moroccan craftsmanship, including wood carvings, Berber textiles, and regional musical instruments. Its Andalusian-style garden hosts the annual World Sacred Music Festival, a major international gathering featuring musical acts from around the globe alongside literary debates, film screenings, and art exhibitions. The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts also warrants a stop.

Another essential stop is the tanners' quarter, an area known for intense aromas and striking visual contrasts. Near Place Seffarine, the Chouara Tanneries process leather goods famed for their durability. Visiting in the morning lets you watch artisans working alongside stone vats filled with natural dyes.

When to go

Temperatures stay mild year-round in Fez, but spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather. Summer temperatures spike significantly, often reaching oppressive levels during the afternoon. June is an ideal time to visit if you want to experience the World Sacred Music Festival firsthand.

How to get there

There are no nonstop flights from North America: you connect in Madrid, Paris, or Casablanca, and the final European leg into Fez runs about two hours and forty-five minutes. Airfare drops considerably during the off-season, with tickets starting as low as $45*.

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city, blending high-rise modernity with deep historical roots. You can spend your morning at the Hassan II Mosque, which features one of the tallest minarets in the world, before wandering the traditional alleys of the medina. The city also showcases a striking collection of Art Deco architecture from the colonial era, while the Aïn Diab waterfront offers a coastal scene for relaxing that feels similar to a Pacific beach town.

Flattened by a 1960 earthquake, Agadir was rebuilt for the sun rather than for history. Forget the old-world medina, because this city is all about its six kilometers of beach and an Atlantic light that feels like Santa Monica. It is a secure, accessible seaside base that works well for families or a quiet off-season trip.

Twenty minutes away, Taghazout draws surfers from all over the globe to breaks like Anchor Point.