Morocco Travel Guide – Top Attractions, Places to Visit

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Hi. Jenn here. For the first time on Sick Girl Travels, I’ve decided to feature a guest post for a place I have yet to visit. I’m doing so because I have wanted to visit Morocco for a long time and have gotten several questions from readers about this beautiful country. Morocco is one of the most popular holiday destinations for solo female travelers over 40. Since I haven’t been, I’m unable to offer travel guides to its many beautiful cities. So I turned to someone who knows: Supraja Lakshmi of Viral Vacation Ideas. I hope these travel tips and information will inspire you to travel Morocco. Please enjoy this post and let me know what you think in the comments below.

Visiting Morocco

Just an hour by ferry from Spain, Morocco in North Africa is a completely different world for most Western tourists. Morocco travel is a journey deep into the past, natural wonders, colorful markets, adventures, cosmopolitan cities like Casablanca and Rabat, and the country’s culture, which is deeply traditional, despite years of Spanish and French colonial rule. Fes is probably the most beautiful city in the Arab world. It goes back to medieval times. Head out to the Rif and Atlas Mountains to meet tribal Berber people. Explore the hidden treasures and visit the ancient sites. The Mediterranean coast and empty sands of the Sahara Desert present a beautiful landscape.

Visiting Morocco is sure to be a rewarding experience. It will be eye-opening, colorful, and chaotic, giving you a sensory overload. Visit Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Ouarzazate, and Tangier depending on the time you have. A seven-day Morocco Itinerary will give you a great sampling of the country. If you’re looking to see all the highlights, you could also plan an epic 3-week Morocco Itinerary. You will come back with an amazing experience to share. Many tourists will only scrape its surface, visiting the laid-back Atlantic resorts. But there is a lot to see and do in the interiors of the country as well.

Morocco is a country of 35,740,000 people (2017), most of them Arabs and Berbers. You will also find European cultural influences. Spread over 274,460 square miles or 710,850 square kilometers, Morocco is a North African country bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Algeria. The southernmost point of Gibraltar in Europe is just 16.09 kilometers, or 10 miles, from Morocco.

Morocco – Quick Facts

1. Official Name – Kingdom of Morocco.

2. Size – About the same as California, USA.

3. Currency – Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

4. Time Zone – UTC+1

5. Phone Code – +212

6. Languages – Arabic, French, and Berber. Many speak English, mostly in the tourist areas.

7. Capital – Rabat

8. Largest City – Casablanca

9. Electricity – Double round pin plug for 220 volts AC, 50 Hz.

10. Popular Foods – Pastilla, tajine, harira. Chicken is popular.

Top 8 Reasons To Visit Morocco

1. Mountains, Desert – The landscape is diverse. Rif and Atlas Mountains offer many pleasures. At the base is a rugged coastline with caves, forested hills, and waterfalls. Take a 4×4 camel ride to reach the depths of the Sahara. Take the sandy road to visit a desert village. Camp in an oasis to spend the night and wake up to a glorious sunrise over the dunes.

2. Ancient Medinas – You will find some of the most exciting cities of Africa in Morocco. Explore the winding maze at Fez, enjoy the streets of Marrakesh, and join the trail of traders and nomads to visit the ancient heart of the country. Kasbahs protect Morocco’s medinas in the rocky deserts.

3. Beaches – The country has a long beachfront on the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Stunning views at many places. Very good facilities in Asilah, Agadir, Tangier, El Jebha, Casablanca, and El Jadida. Water sports are available in some places in Morocco.

4. Imperial Cities – Meknes, Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech have been at some time the capital of Morocco. There are mosques, churches, museums, and palaces. Take a guided tour to get a glimpse of the country’s rich history.

5. Architecture – Huge cultural diversity. See the best Marrakech riads, rich palaces, and majestic mosques. Many buildings have traditional tilework (zellige), woodwork, archways, plasterwork, and decorative carvings. See the ornate geometric patterns. You will find the best examples of Moorish and Islamic architecture in the country that will captivate you.

6. Traditional Life – Morocco is often a modern society now, but the country retains its past, which is tied to the Middle East, Europe, and Saharan Africa. Berber and Arab people give it a distinct identity. Hear prayers from mosques beside hip hop from a café, side by side. There are a hundred sounds and faces.

7. Food – The cuisine is famous for its originality and outstanding flavor. Spices and herbs will greet you everywhere as you explore the souks. There is seafood along the coast. In Rabat and Marrakech, you will have a fusion of international and traditional cuisine.

You could also learn a lot about Moroccan cuisine by taking an amazing cooking class in Essaouira.

8. Souks & Shops – Browse the markets and shops in all the cities endlessly. They’re a great place to buy some of the best souvenirs from Morocco. The biggest markets are at the main square of Fez and Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech. Pick from spices, pottery, jewelry, woven rugs, traditional clothing, paintings, and leather goods. You will find snake charmers and street dancers in the souks.

Morocco Travel – The 4 Zones

Geographically, the country can be divided into 4 zones –

• The Coast

• Cities in the plains

• Atlas and Rif Mountains

• Desert and oases

You should at least spend 10 days in Morocco, but to fully and truly appreciate the country, you will need about a couple of months,

The Coast

Atlantic and Mediterranean. Many of the good beaches are around Tangier in the north and also at El Jadida in the south.

Cities

Marrakesh and Fes are both outstanding, bustling cities. I recommend spending at least 2 days in Marrakech. These great imperial capitals, largely medieval, retain their charm, whereas Casablanca is a more relaxing city.

The Mountains

Hike the Atlas to reach Djebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. It is an easy summer trek for many. The Atlas is beautiful, while the Rif is craggier.

Desert

Bordering Algeria, this is the pre-Sahara, mostly rocky. The oases at Erfoud, Zagora, and Tinerhir offer classic images.

Best Cities and Towns in Morocco

Tangier – On the Strait of Gibraltar, a port city. Palaces and museums house many artifacts. Moorish-style architecture. Caves of Hercules, old city, beautiful beaches, lighthouse.

Casablanca – Commercial hub and port city. Moorish architecture. French colonial legacy. Mosques, medina, beachfront, Central Market, old Portuguese citadel, minaret.

Marrakech – Bustling city with a vast medina. Many mosques, gardens, and palaces. A walled medieval city that goes back to Berber times. Mazelike alleys with souks or marketplaces. 12th-century Moorish minaret.

Essaouira– Essaouira is a relaxing town perched on the Atlantic coast, perfect for quad biking, surfing, swimming, camel rides, shopping, and relaxing. It may not be the first place one thinks of when visiting Morocco, but it’s easy to get from Marrakech to Essaouira, and well worth the trip.

Fes – Also called Fez, a northeastern city, the cultural capital of Morocco. The walled medina has medieval architecture. Old-world atmosphere. Vibrant souks. Mosques, palatial buildings with elaborate courtyards, museums, and hills. Traditional homes with ornamented mosaic tiles.

Chefchaouen – Also called Chaouen, this city is in the northwest in the Rif Mountains, next to the Jebel Bouhachem Nature Reserve. An old town with stunning blue-washed buildings. Cobbled lanes. 15th-century fortress with a dungeon. Museum, minaret.

Essaouira – Port City on the Atlantic. An old town with 18th-century ramparts. Old brass cannons. Beautiful ocean views. It has a popular beach for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and surfing.

Rabat – It is smaller in size than Casablanca or Marrakesh, but Rabat, on the Atlantic coast, is the capital of Morocco. It is located beside the Bouregreg River. French and Islamic colonial heritage. The city has an 11th-century fortress, mosques, a 12th-century minaret, towers, mausoleums, gardens, museums, and a medina.

World Heritage Sites in Morocco

Morocco is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites.

1. Fez Medina – Fes el Bali in the city of Fes is the oldest walled part of the city. Founded between 789 and 808 AD, this is the first site to make it onto the list.

2. Meknès – City in northern Morocco; it has arches, gates, mosaic tiling, and a mausoleum. This is the Versailles of Morocco.

3. Volubilis – Roman city partly excavated. Close to Meknès. Ancient capital of Mauretania. Stunning mosaics.

4. Tetouan – Impressive medina. Andalusian overtones.

5. El-Jadida – Old city with Portuguese walls.

6. Essaouira – Medina and seafront ramparts from the 18th century.

7. Djemaa el-Fna – Marketplace and square in the Medina quarter of Marrakesh.

8. Ksar of Aït Benhaddou – Impressive mud brick architecture.

Morocco Travel Visa

All tourists need a valid passport. However, residents of these countries don’t need a visa for 90 days –

Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Bahrain, Canada, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Chile, Croatia, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Japan, Kuwait, Macau, Mali, New Zealand, Mexico, Oman, Peru, Senegal, Singapore, Qatar, Romania, Philippines, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, UAE, Venezuela, and Schengen countries.

• Apply early because sometimes the visa may not arrive on your travel date.

• Apply at the Moroccan consulate or embassy in your country.

• A visa is normally for 3 months.

To apply –

• Filled out an application form

• 4 passport-size photos (within 6 months)

• Valid passport (must have a minimum of 1 black page)

• Fee (only by postal order)

• Hotel reservation and flight ticket (photocopy)

Best Time To Visit Morocco

The best time to visit Morocco is between April and May, and also between September and November. It will be warm and nice this time of the year. There will be fewer tourists as well, except in the coastal regions or the hills where you can meet many hikers, especially in the Atlas Mountains.

Summer – June to August. Very hot in the day, particularly in the south close to the desert. Most visitors are only along the coast.

Winter – December to February. The winter is mild, but the evenings can become cold. Marrakesh, the temperature can go down to -3°C or 27F. There will be heavy snow in the Atlas Mountains. The coastal regions will be wet.

Spring – This is between April and May, which is good for hiking in the Atlas. September to October is the fall, another good time for hiking. Summer is best for the coast.

Morocco is a Muslim country, but it is not dry. You will find alcohol in restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and clubs.

Morocco Travel Budget – How to Save Money

Morocco is relatively cheap. Many, however, stay at expensive riads, eat fancy foods, and end up spending too much. Utilize these suggestions to cut costs. –

Food

Go to the street stalls. A meal in a restaurant can cost $3 USD, which is 30 MAD, but the street stalls can be even cheaper. You can have barbecued corn, mint tea, sausages, delicious kebabs, sandwiches, and roasted chicken. Go to the medina and eat at the local markets.

Transport

Public transport is not as good as in the Western world. Take a taxi, but bargain the fare first. There are no set prices.

Faux Guides

There will be false guides in the medinas. Say no and move away. Overcharging is what they do.

Wheelchair Accessibility In Morocco

Morocco’s standards for accessibility are in need of improvement, especially compared to most of the Western world. Traveling in a wheelchair around this area has its challenges. Given the old, historic infrastructure, there are many cobblestones and potholes throughout the cities’ walkways. In general, it’s much easier to travel this area in a manual wheelchair.

If you need to rent a wheelchair, Handi Consulting is a great company operating in Marrakech. If you plan on visiting multiple cities within Morocco, it is recommended you start your trip in Marrakech so you can pick up your wheelchair.

It can be difficult to find accessible restrooms throughout the country, especially in Fez. But hotels will offer accessible public restrooms.

Another difficulty is finding accessible transportation. Trains are not wheelchair accessible, so you will need to hire a car service to drive between cities, or fly. There are several adaptive taxis with large windows that allow you to view the countryside.

To make traveling the country easier, it is recommended you use an accessible tour company like Morocco Accessible Travel Consultants.

I Hope You’ll Visit Morocco

Jenn here… I hope this Morocco travel guide has really inspired you to read more about Morocco and plan a trip to this beautiful country. It remains high on my list of must-see places. This travel guide to Morocco has made me even more eager to visit the major cities and explore a bit off the beaten path.

Have you been to Morocco? I’d love to hear about the things you liked and any travel advice you might have. Drop it in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Morocco

Is Morocco worth visiting?

Yes. Morocco offers imperial cities, medieval medinas, Atlantic beaches, mountain scenery, desert landscapes, intricate architecture, and one of the world’s most distinctive cuisines. Few destinations allow you to explore Roman ruins, shop for rugs, eat an alarming quantity of bread and watch the sunrise over Saharan dunes during the same trip.

How many days do you need in Morocco?

Allow at least seven days for two cities and one shorter excursion. Ten to fourteen days is better if you want to combine Marrakech or Fes with Chefchaouen, Essaouira, the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara without spending most of your vacation inside a vehicle.

Where should first-time visitors go in Morocco?

A first trip could combine Marrakech, Fes and either Essaouira or a desert excursion. Travelers who prefer a slower pace might choose Marrakech and Essaouira, while those interested in history and traditional architecture may prefer Fes, Meknes and the Roman ruins at Volubilis.

Is Marrakech or Fes better for a first visit?

Marrakech has famous gardens, palaces, restaurants, riads and the energetic Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Fes offers an older, denser medina with remarkable architecture, traditional workshops and a particularly strong sense of history. Marrakech is generally easier for first-time visitors, while Fes rewards travelers prepared to become spectacularly lost.

Is Casablanca worth visiting?

Casablanca is worth visiting for the Hassan II Mosque, coastal views, Art Deco and Mauresque architecture, and a look at modern urban life in Morocco. However, travelers with limited time may prefer to spend more days in Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira or Chefchaouen.

Is Chefchaouen worth visiting?

Yes, particularly if you enjoy photography, mountain scenery and exploring smaller cities. Its blue-painted medina is beautiful, but the steep lanes, steps and cobblestones can be difficult for wheelchair users and travelers with limited mobility.

Is Essaouira worth visiting?

Essaouira is an excellent choice for visitors who want a more relaxed alternative to Marrakech. The coastal city has historic ramparts, seafood restaurants, markets and a breezy beach, although that breeze occasionally behaves as if it has a personal grievance against your hairstyle.

Is a Sahara Desert tour worth it?

A desert tour can be a highlight of a Morocco itinerary, but many excursions involve extremely long drives. Reaching the large dunes around Merzouga from Marrakech normally requires a multi-day trip, so carefully examine driving times, accommodations, restroom stops, and camel or vehicle requirements before booking.

What is the best time to visit Morocco?

Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring cities and lower-elevation attractions. Summer can be extremely hot inland and near the desert, while winter evenings may be cold and mountain areas can receive snow. Coastal destinations such as Essaouira remain cooler than Marrakech and the interior.

Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Morocco?

U.S. tourists generally do not need a visa for visits of 90 days or less. Passport rules and entry requirements can change, so check the current U.S. Department of State information for Morocco before booking your trip. Travelers of other nationalities should consult the nearest Moroccan embassy or consulate.

What currency is used in Morocco?

Morocco uses the Moroccan dirham, abbreviated MAD or sometimes written as DH. ATMs are widely available in cities, and major hotels and some restaurants accept cards. Carry cash for souks, taxis, small restaurants, tips, and rural areas because a market stall’s card terminal may be largely theoretical.

Can you use U.S. dollars or euros in Morocco?

Some tourism businesses may accept euros or occasionally U.S. dollars, but the exchange rate may not be favorable. Paying in Moroccan dirhams is normally easier and less confusing. Obtain cash from a reputable bank or ATM and keep smaller notes available for everyday purchases.

What languages are spoken in Morocco?

Arabic and Amazigh are Morocco’s official languages, while French is widely used in tourism, business, and transportation. Spanish is common in some northern areas, and English is increasingly spoken in major visitor destinations. The Moroccan Tourist Office provides additional language information.

What should tourists wear in Morocco?

Visitors are not generally required to wear traditional or religious clothing, but modest dress demonstrates respect for local customs. Loose clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, and knees is useful, particularly in medinas, villages, and religious areas. Bring layers because desert, coastal and mountain temperatures can change considerably.

Can non-Muslims enter mosques in Morocco?

Most active mosques in Morocco do not permit entry to non-Muslims. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is a prominent exception when visited during an authorized tour. Rules, tour schedules, and prayer-time closures can change, so confirm access before arriving.

Can tourists drink alcohol in Morocco?

Alcohol is available at licensed hotels, restaurants, bars and certain shops, particularly in major cities and tourism areas. Drinking in public or appearing intoxicated is inappropriate and can cause legal or safety problems. Availability may be more limited during Ramadan and in smaller communities.

What is it like to visit Morocco during Ramadan?

Travel remains possible during Ramadan, but some restaurants, attractions and shops may operate on reduced or altered schedules. Eating, drinking, or smoking conspicuously in public during daylight hours can be insensitive even when permitted for tourists. Evenings become lively after the fast ends, so the experience can be culturally rewarding with a little planning and respect.

Is Morocco safe for tourists?

Many travelers visit Morocco without serious problems, but petty theft, scams, unwanted guiding, and persistent selling can occur in busy tourist districts. Remain aware of your surroundings, use licensed guides and transportation, and check the latest official Morocco travel advisory before departure.

Is Morocco safe for solo female travelers?

Women travel independently in Morocco, but some experience persistent attention or harassment. Modest clothing, confident refusals, prearranged transportation, and centrally located accommodations can reduce difficulties. Avoid isolated areas after dark and review current safety guidance for women travelers.

Are unofficial guides common in Morocco?

Yes. Someone may offer directions and then expect payment or insist that an attraction, street, or hotel is closed. Politely decline unwanted assistance and hire guides through your accommodation, an established tour company, or another reputable source. In the medina, “this road is closed” occasionally translates to “I would like to sell you a carpet.”

Do you need to bargain in Moroccan souks?

Bargaining is common when prices are not displayed, particularly for rugs, leather goods, clothing, ceramics and souvenirs. Decide what an item is worth to you, negotiate politely and walk away if you cannot agree. Fixed-price shops, restaurants and supermarkets generally do not require bargaining.

Should you ask permission before photographing people?

Yes. Always ask before photographing individuals, artisans at work or performers, and be prepared for someone to decline or request a tip. Photography near military, security, or politically sensitive sites may be prohibited. Never assume that a picturesque person, animal or doorway is part of the scenery provided for your camera.

Can you drink tap water in Morocco?

Water quality can vary by location, and travelers with sensitive stomachs may prefer sealed bottled or appropriately filtered water. Use caution with ice, raw produce, and food that has been sitting unrefrigerated. Review the CDC’s current Morocco traveler health guidance before traveling.

Do you need vaccinations for Morocco?

Recommended vaccinations depend on your medical history, activities, and destinations within the country. Routine vaccines should be current, and some travelers may need additional protection. Discuss your plans with a travel-health professional several weeks before departure and consult the CDC destination guidance.

What is the best way to travel around Morocco?

Trains connect several major destinations, including Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes and Meknes. Buses and private drivers reach places outside the rail network, while domestic flights can reduce travel time on longer routes. A private driver is often the most flexible option for travelers with mobility limitations or chronic illnesses.

Are Moroccan trains wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies among stations, platforms, trains, and routes, so Morocco’s rail system should not be described as uniformly accessible or inaccessible. ONCF provides an advance-assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility, but travelers should confirm boarding equipment, wheelchair spaces, station elevators and assistance at both ends of the exact journey. Contact ONCF before purchasing tickets.

Are taxis in Morocco wheelchair accessible?

Standard petit taxis are usually small cars and rarely accommodate a passenger who must remain seated in a wheelchair. Larger grand taxis may provide more space but are not automatically accessible. Travelers needing a ramp, lift, or securement system should arrange a suitable vehicle through an accessible-tour specialist before arrival.

Should you rent a car in Morocco?

A rental car provides flexibility outside the major cities, but driving in crowded urban areas can be stressful. Road conditions, mountain weather, limited parking, and unfamiliar traffic habits require careful planning. Hiring a driver allows everyone in the group to admire the scenery instead of conducting an extended argument with a roundabout.

Is Morocco wheelchair accessible?

Morocco presents substantial accessibility challenges. Modern hotels, airports and newer districts may provide step-free facilities, but historic medinas frequently contain narrow passages, cobblestones, steep slopes, steps and crowded markets. A successful accessible trip usually requires careful hotel selection, private transportation and a guide who understands the traveler’s specific needs.

Which Moroccan city is best for wheelchair users?

Rabat and newer parts of Casablanca generally provide wider roads and more modern infrastructure than the historic centers of Fes or Chefchaouen. Marrakech has more accessible tour services and adapted accommodation choices, although its medina remains uneven and crowded. Accessibility varies considerably within every city, so no destination should be assumed to be completely barrier-free.

Can wheelchair users explore Morocco’s medinas?

Some sections may be possible with assistance, particularly in flatter areas of Marrakech or Essaouira. Fes contains extremely narrow, steep, and uneven lanes that can be difficult even with a strong companion and a manual wheelchair. Ask an experienced accessible guide to plan a route with realistic surfaces, entrances, toilets, and escape points if fatigue or pain becomes overwhelming.

Are accessible restrooms easy to find in Morocco?

No. Properly accessible public restrooms can be difficult to locate, especially in medinas, markets, and rural areas. Hotels, modern shopping centers, museums, and upscale restaurants are the most likely options. Identify several potential restroom stops before each outing and never place your complete faith in the phrase “accessible toilet” without asking for details.

How can I verify an accessible hotel room in Morocco?

Contact the property directly and request photographs or measurements of the entrance, elevator, bedroom, and bathroom. Ask specifically about steps, doorway width, bed height, toilet clearance, grab bars, and whether the shower has a threshold. The word “accessible” sometimes means nothing more than an elevator somewhere in the building.

Can travelers with limited mobility take a desert tour?

Possibly, but the experience must be adapted carefully. Standard tours may involve long drives, high vehicle steps, sand, inaccessible camps, squat toilets and mounting a camel. Ask whether the operator can provide a suitable vehicle, a ground-level room, an accessible bathroom and a dune-viewing experience that does not require a camel transfer.

How can I visit Morocco with a chronic illness?

Build rest days into the itinerary and avoid combining long drives with demanding medina tours. Heat, dehydration, unfamiliar food, limited toilets, crowds, and interrupted sleep can aggravate symptoms. Carry extra medication in its original packaging, bring copies of prescriptions, and choose accommodations where you can comfortably spend a recovery day.

Should I purchase travel insurance for Morocco?

Yes. Choose a policy covering medical treatment, evacuation, trip interruption, and your planned activities, including trekking or desert excursions if applicable. Travelers with chronic illnesses should read the pre-existing-condition rules carefully rather than assuming the policy will admire their optimism and pay anyway.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in Morocco?

Morocco currently has nine properties on UNESCO’s World Heritage List: the medinas of Fes, Marrakech, Tétouan and Essaouira; historic Meknes; the archaeological site of Volubilis; the Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou; the Portuguese City of Mazagan in El Jadida; and Rabat. Jemaa el-Fnaa has separate recognition as intangible cultural heritage rather than being an additional World Heritage property. See the complete UNESCO Morocco list.

What electrical plugs are used in Morocco?

Morocco generally uses Type C and Type E plugs with a 220-volt, 50-hertz electricity supply. Travelers from the United States will need a plug adapter, and appliances that do not support 220 volts also require a voltage converter. Check the small print on each device before plugging it in and creating an unexpected smoke-based cultural exchange.