The culture blends passionate enthusiasm with easy-going and laid-back vibes, making space for creativity, religious devotion and relaxation in equal measure.
Morocco is a treasure trove waiting to be opened, with the medinas, museums and galleries in towns and cities, and expansive natural and mountainous terrain. Visiting Morocco is a chance to dive into food and fashion, view exquisite religious buildings and tombs and witness the beauty of the Sahara.
What to see in Morocco
Planning a Moroccan itinerary begins with selecting the towns and cities to include, and mapping out the sites between them. Let’s dive in, starting with the lesser-known destinations we recommend and then covering the well-known must-see places in Morocco.
Essaouira
Essaouira, Morocco by Zoe Francis
A small and charming port city on the western coast of Morocco, Essaouira is a fishing hub that smells thickly of damp stone, with hints of coffee and cedar. This exceptional example of a late 18th-century fortified town was built with principles of European military design in mind.
Essaouira is a romantic town and a destination where artists, writers and musicians have flocked to throughout the 19th century — among these were Cat Stevens, Bob Marley and Frank Zappa. Parts of season 3 of Game of Thrones were filmed here too, featuring the city walls and fortifications.
Start the day with the lively spectacle of the fishing boats coming with the dawn catch, discover the ‘Door of the Navy’ which connects the city with the port and symbolises the journey of the Islamic prophet Mohammed from Mecca to Medina, and the many other things to do in Essaouira.
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is known as the ‘Door of the Desert’. It’s home to famous film studios, cinematic landscapes and stunning kasbahs. A truly exotic experience, this city is framed by palm groves, sand dunes and the nearby Oasis of Fint.
Taourirt Kasbah’s history begins with the French departure in 1953, birthing a thriving Moroccan film industry. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site undergoing restoration, the rammed earth and mud brick three-story complex is a sight to behold.
Ouarzazate, Morocco by AdobeStock
Step into the cinema screen at Atlas Studios, the largest film studio (by acreage) in the world — this is the location where productions like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed.
Casablanca
Casablanca, Morocco by Dennis Bunnik
Casablanca is the most famous city in Morocco, a modern economic and industrial centre with a blend of cultural influences. Modern office towers and convention centres surround the towering Hassan II Mosque. This is the city where young Moroccans move to begin their careers and adult lives, and its population is 3.5 million. Buildings are painted white with a uniformity that’s rare elsewhere in the country and there are even chains like Starbucks and McDonalds.
Now ultra-modern, Casablanca’s history runs deep. Dine at traditional Moroccan restaurants and explore the architecture, which spans from the Berber tribes through Phoenician, Roman, Portuguese and French rule, and finally independence. A visit to Casablanca must include a visit to Rick’s cafe, inspired by the 1942 film named for this city — there’s so much to see and do.
Merzouga
Merzouga, Morocco by Zoe Francis
Exploring Morocco must inevitably include a desert experience, which can be had at Merzouga, a small town in the Sahara Desert near the Algerian border. This is one place to bring a camera to capture the stunning desert landscapes. Make sure to carry (and fill) a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated too.
The night sky in the desert is exquisite, with every sparkling star in view. Sunrises and sunsets are unparalleled — this is a place to pause and reflect on the beauty of nature.
Morocco’s Imperial cities
Imperial cities are those that were once the capital of Morocco during one dynasty or another, and there are four in total. We’ll explore three, which are absolutely worth a visit.
Marrakesh
The red city of Marrakesh is the heart of Morocco. The fourth largest city, it is situated within sight of the High Atlas Mountains snowy peaks. The city is adorned with mosques, palaces and gardens, the Moorish minaret of the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque can be seen from afar.
The vibrant and bustling culture comes to life in the medina, a densely packed walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire with maze-like streets where thriving marketplaces now sell traditional textiles, pottery and jewellery.
Marrakesh, Morocco by Dennis Bunnik
Fez
Fez, Morocco by Dennis Bunnik
The city of Fez retains much of the traditional culture that defines it. See the heritage-listed Medina and Karaouine Mosque, a central place of worship for the Muslim community. This city is filled with smells, colour and activity.
The Chaouwara Tannery is an iconic place where men work leather using centuries-old techniques. Accept a sprig of mint on entry to counter the strong smells and see craftsmen at work from the viewing platforms.
With some free time, visitors might wander through the Rcif Market to see Fassis in their daily lives and explore corridors packed with small shops selling a variety of goods.
Meknes
Meknes was the capital of Morocco during the 17th century and features ornate gates, courtyards and fountains from this era. The city is more laid-back than Fez and smaller, and like Fez, there’s an old and new medina to discover. Visit both to experience the contrasting vibes, with historic sights and romantic vibes in the old medina juxtaposing with the modern cars, international takeaway brands and big homes of the new medina.
Meknes, Morocco by Dennis Bunnik
Volubilis
Thirty-three kilometres north of Meknes is Volubilis, the best-preserved archaeological site in Morocco. This site contains a partially excavated Beber-Roman city, settled as early as the third century BC. Today it mainly holds the remains of the Roman occupation from around 40-285 AD.
Spanning several civilisations within 42 hectares, this is one of the richest archaeological sites in North Africa for this period, with a wealth of architectural and epigraphic evidence that gives insights into the ancient inscriptions and the creativity of generations of Moroccan dwellers.
Volubilis - Morocco - Dennis BUnnik
How to get around Morocco
Public transport in Morocco is extensive and reliable, however, the easiest way to get around cities is to walk or hail a ‘petit taxi’. Check the taxi has a meter, and if not, negotiate the price for the trip before getting in. A knowledgeable local tour guide will be able to recommend reputable taxi companies.
In big, modern cities like Casablanca, ‘Careem’ is the Arabic alternative to Uber, providing affordable and quick local transport.
To travel between towns, look for a ‘grand taxi’ which is a little more costly, take a train or bus, or catch domestic flights between cities. Trains are comfortable and fast, with overnight options between some cities.
Getting around by an air-conditioned bus is convenient and comfortable, travelling directly from ‘door-to-door’ along the itinerary of a small group tour. Whether on a private or public bus, choose a seat on the side away from the sun for comfort — a well-spaced bus service will make it easy to achieve comfortable transit.
How to get to Morocco
International flights land and depart from Casablanca in western Morocco, there are also international flights that land in Marrakesh.
Already in Europe? Catch a ferry from France, Spain or Gibraltar.
When to go to Morocco
Travelling to Morocco is a wonderful experience at any time of year, and the perfect way to escape a southern winter. But for those looking for the most temperate weather, from October to December and March to May temperatures average in the low 20s.
Summertime can be hot, with Marrakesh and Fez reaching 38 degrees Celsius and coastal cities like Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier a moderate (but humid) 27-29 degrees. Southern Morocco, below the Atlas Mountains, experiences the hottest summer climate of this country. A sunhat and lightweight clothing (plan to pack linen, and cotton and be sun-safe with clothing that covers the skin) are essential.
Whether chasing the best weather or simply embracing the experience, the best time to go to Morocco is now!
Unique experiences in Morocco
Once in Morocco, seeking out the unique experiences this country offers will maximise the trip. Travelling with a small group provides opportunities not available to large tour groups, such as intimate cooking classes, time with local families and so much more.
Here are some examples of the unique experiences in Morocco:
Luxury camp in the Sahara Desert
Merzouga Luxury Camp, Merzouga, Morocco by @MerzougaLuxuryCamp
Imagine camping for two nights, waking up to take a sunrise camel ride and viewing the sunrise from the top of the dunes — spectacular! The luxury desert camps in Merzouga are a truly unique glamping experience, located right within the big dunes of the Erg Chebi Desert.
High Tea at the enchanting Royal Mansour Marrakesh
Royal Mansour, Marrakesh, Morocco by @RoyalMansourMarrakesh
Time is suspended for those who enter the sanctuary of the Royal Mansour Marrakesh, one of the finest hotels in Africa and the world. With nowhere else to be and nothing pressing to do, it’s time to savour a mouth-watering high tea, with freshly squeezed juices, coffee, tea and memorable snacks. This luxury experience is the ultimate in decadence and indulgence.
Visit Khamlia and meet local nomads
Khamalia is a small desert village on the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in southeast Morocco, where the history and music tell stories of resilience and freedom.
A small group will have the opportunity to enjoy a cup of Moroccan tea in a traditional home setting and hear the local Gnaoua music, a combination of Berber, Sufi and sub-Saharan African songs and rhythms, accompanied by acrobatic dancing.
What language is spoken in Morocco?
Two official languages are spoken throughout Morocco — Arabic and Amazigh, however many Moroccans also speak and understand French, and many in north and south Morocco speak Spanish.
Arabic is an enchanting language to hear, dancing through the vocal range with warm intonations that encourage and invite conversation.
Arabic phrases for travel
Make the most of the experience and connect with new friends using these Arabic phrases:
- As-salaam alaykum (السلام عليكم) — ‘Peace be upon you’: this is how you greet a new friend.
- Waalaykum as-salaam (وعليكم السلام) — ‘And upon you be peace’: this is how you respond to a greeting.
Moroccan food
Moroccan food is exotic, with big flavours, aromas and subtle spices. It’s one of the highlights of visiting this country, as the tastes of Morocco express the vibrancy of the culture and history. Here are a few favourites:
Harira
Harira is a traditional garbanzo and noodle soup often enjoyed as a starter to a meal. This local comfort food is used to break the Ramadan fast at sunset each day. It’s rich with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas and lamb, zesty with a squeeze of lemon and (optional) chopped coriander, served with a sticky sweet pretzel known as ‘chebakkiya’.
Tagine
A tagine is the clay cooking pot this meal is prepared in, featuring a conical lid. Found at roadside cafes, in top-tier restaurants and every Moroccan home, there are many different combinations of stewed meat, chicken and vegetables that are cooked with spices and sauces and served in the pot with bread.
Couscous
This fine wheat pasta is traditionally rolled by hand and steamed over a stew of meat and vegetables, taking on the flavours. Couscous is served in a pyramid shape sitting on the meat. Vegetables are pressed into the sides, and the sauce is served separately on the side. It might be garnished with sweet raisin preserves or a bowl of buttermilk.
B’stilla
This dish represents the epitome of Fassi cuisine and is one to try in Fez. It’s comprised of layers of paper-thin pastry that contain pigeon meat with almonds and egg, spiced with saffron, cinnamon and fresh coriander, and dusted with icing sugar and cinnamon. Exquisite!
Mint tea
Sweet mint tea is the drink of choice throughout Morocco (it’s even known as ‘Moroccan whisky’. It’s a very special drink, consisting of gunpowder tea steeped with sprigs of spearmint, poured from a height to create a froth called the ‘crown’.
Taste Morocco for yourself on an unforgettable small-group tour
Diving into Morocco wouldn’t be the same without a group of like-minded travellers and a knowledgeable local guide to share the experience. With thoughtful late starts, free time to explore and immerse in each city or town and a big tour bus where travellers can stretch out between stops on the Moroccan itinerary, Bunnik Tours offers a small group travel experience that is not to be missed.
What are you waiting for? Discover Morocco (we even offer Luxury Tours to Morocco) for yourself this year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Morocco worth visiting?
Yes! A week in Morocco is a wonderful experience that might include a visit to the Sahara Desert, Marrakesh and Fez — the ideal way to spend a short time is to include a combination of royal palaces, mosques and natural scenery.
What are some tips for first-time travellers in Morocco?
Show respect to everyone you meet, regardless of appearance. Travelling with a group is more fun (and safer). Be prepared to bargain at the markets! Enjoyment of alcohol is discouraged in open areas and beer and wine tend to be available only in restaurants catering to foreign visitors.