When planning your first trip to Morocco, there are a lot of options for where you can go. While the best cities to visit are in traveling distance from one another, keep in mind that distances can be far and transportation is not always fast, clean, or reliable. With that said, the top places to visit in Morocco are:
Marrakech – With the bustling Medina and busy souks, Marrakech is sure to keep your senses stimulated for your entire stay.
Fez – The cultural capital of Morocco won’t disappoint with its beautiful architecture.
Essaouira – This seaside town is a great retreat from the heat of the desert.
Atlas Mountains – High above the desert, the Atlas Mountains are a beautiful place to camp or drive.
Casablanca – Famous for the movie by the same name, Casablanca is an amazing city and well worth a visit.
Morocco Hammams
Hammams are traditional baths in Morocco. Locals and visitors alike enjoy relaxing and bathing in hammams, and it is easy to schedule an appointment for other treatments as well.
Morocco hammams range from very basic to very luxurious, so visitors have their choice in what kind of hammam suits them best. Many hotels and riads also have their own private hammams.
In addition to bathing, higher-end hammams usually offer an array of spa services. Traditional massages are always an option, as are private baths, scented massages, and a whole range of other pampering opportunities.
Looking for a great hammam? My favorite is Les Bains de Marrakech.
Ourika Valley Day Trip from Marrakech
The Ourika Valley is a great day trip from Marrakech. Located at the base of the Atlas Mountains and home to Marrakech’s Berber population, the Ourika Valley is a beautiful place to visit.
A short driving or bus trip from the busy streets of Marrakech will land visitors in the heart of the fertile Ourika Valley. Fed by snow melt from the Atlas range, the Ourika Valley is green even in the hot summer months.
People visiting Marrakech can take tours of Berber villages and see the unique architecture of the valley. You can also stretch your legs a bit and go hiking to the Ourika Valley’s beautiful waterfalls. Be aware that locals will ‘adopt’ you and guide you to various spots, but they will expect payment at the end.
Koutoubia Minaret and Gardens
The Koutoubia Minaret is one of Marrakech’s most visible landmarks. Located a short distance from the Djemaa el Fna, the Koutoubia Minaret and adjacent gardens are worth a visit. While non-Muslim visitors are not allowed entrance into the mosque, the Koutoubia Minaret itself is worth seeing up-close.
The Koutoubia Minaret dates back to the 12th century and is a beautiful example of Moorish architecture. In addition to being an iconic symbol of Marrakech, the Koutoubia Minaret is a helpful landmark for orienting oneself in the maze-like streets of the souks.
Souks in Marrakech
The souks in Marrakech are vast and labyrinthine, and half the fun of visiting is getting lost in the maze. The souks have everything from dyes to jewelry to lamps to indigo. Vendors at the souks expect you to bargain, so never take the first price offered.
Riad El Mansour, Marrakech
Riad El Mansour in Marrakech is a beautiful riad located right in the heart of the Medina. Riad El Mansour is just moments away from the souks and a short walk from the Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech’s main square.
Riad El Mansour offers massages, a hammam, a gym, a sun deck, and a plunge pool. Guests at Riad El Mansour can eat meals on the roof deck on sunny days and the staff is very friendly and helpful. As an added bonus, Riad El Mansour provides complimentary transport to and from the airport.
Room rates at Riad El Mansour range from 146-319EUR, depending on the season.
