What should you see in Morocco on a first trip? The country concentrates centuries of history: imperial cities, Roman ruins, kasbahs of the south and contemporary architecture. Here are the ten monuments and sites we most often recommend to our travellers, city by city.
1. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
Built partly over the ocean, the Hassan II Mosque has one of the tallest minarets in the world. It is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, on guided tours. It is easy to include in our Casablanca tour with a driver.
2. The Koutoubia in Marrakech
Nearly 77 metres high, the Koutoubia minaret is the symbol of Marrakech and a model of Almohad architecture. Its gardens are perfect for a break in the shade.
3. Jemaa el-Fna square
A few steps from the Koutoubia, Jemaa el-Fna square is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. It comes alive at sunset with storytellers, musicians and food stalls.
4. The Bahia Palace and the Majorelle Garden
Built in the 19th century, the Bahia Palace displays zellige tilework, cedar ceilings and flower-filled courtyards. The Majorelle Garden, created by the painter Jacques Majorelle, offers a green haven around its famous blue villa. Explore them with a private driver in Marrakech.
5. The Fez el-Bali medina
A World Heritage Site, Fez el-Bali is one of the largest medinas in the world. Enter through the Bab Boujloud gate, visit a madrasa and admire the tanneries from a terrace. A local guide is highly recommended so you don’t get lost.
6. Volubilis and Meknes
Volubilis preserves superb Roman mosaics, columns and a triumphal arch amid rolling hills. Nearby, Meknes impresses with the Bab Mansour gate and its ramparts. Both stops feature in our imperial cities tour of Fez, Meknes and Volubilis.
7. The Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower in Rabat
The capital offers a calmer visit: the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Chellah necropolis and the blue-and-white alleys of the Kasbah of the Udayas facing the ocean. See our guided tour of Rabat.
8. Chefchaouen, the blue city
Nestled in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-painted alleys. It can be visited in a day from Tangier with our Tangier → Chefchaouen day trip.
9. The ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
This fortified earthen village, a World Heritage Site, is one of the finest examples of traditional architecture in southern Morocco. It can be reached on a day trip from Marrakech.
10. The Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga
It is not a monument, but it is often the strongest memory of a trip to Morocco: the great golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, explored by camel before a night in a desert camp. Discover our 3-day Merzouga desert tour.
How to link these sites on a single trip?
Distances in Morocco are long: Fez and Merzouga are about 7 hours apart by road, Marrakech and Merzouga 9 to 10 hours. To see everything without tiring yourself out, a tour with a private driver lets you move from stage to stage at your own pace. Our 8-day Grand Tour of Morocco links Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fez, the desert, Ouarzazate and Marrakech.
- Visit mosques and religious sites wearing clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
- Check the closing days of monuments, especially during religious holidays.
- Bring change for entrance fees and official guides.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most famous monuments in Morocco?
The Hassan II Mosque, the Koutoubia, the Fez medina, Volubilis, the Kasbah of the Udayas and the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou are among the most visited.
Can you visit the Hassan II Mosque?
Yes, it is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, only on guided tours and outside prayer times.
How many days do you need to visit Morocco?
A week lets you see the imperial cities and the desert; 8 to 10 days give a more comfortable pace with a driver.
How do you get around between Moroccan cities?
The train links the big cities in the north, but for the desert, the Atlas and smaller sites, a private driver is the most practical solution.
