Best Places to Visit in Morocco: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide (2025-2026)

Introduction: Why Morocco Should Be Your Next Destination

Morocco is a dizzying, dazzling assault on the senses—in the best way possible. It is one of the few places on earth where you can wake up to the call to prayer in a medieval city, hike through snow-capped mountains by lunch, and watch the sunset over endless desert dunes by dinner.

For travelers planning a trip in late 2025 or 2026, the country is buzzing with energy. With the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) taking place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the major cities will be electric with football fever. Meanwhile, infrastructure upgrades, like the high-speed Al Boraq train, are making travel smoother than ever.

Whether you’re here for the timeless magic of the souks or the rugged beauty of the Atlas Mountains, this guide covers the unmissable classics and the hidden gems you won’t find in every guidebook.

The “Big Five”: Classic Destinations for First-Timers

If it’s your first time in Morocco, these are the anchors of your itinerary.

1. Marrakech: The Red City

Marrakech is the heartbeat of Moroccan tourism. It’s chaotic, colorful, and utterly captivating.

Why Go: To get lost in the winding medina, see snake charmers in Jemaa el-Fnaa square, and stay in a traditional Riad (courtyard house).
Must-See:
- Jardin Majorelle: Yves Saint Laurent’s electric-blue botanical garden.
- Bahia Palace: A masterpiece of intricate mosaics and painted ceilings.
- The Souks: A labyrinth of artisans selling leather, lamps, and spices.
2025/2026 Travel Tip: You cannot buy tickets at the door for Jardin Majorelle anymore. You must book online in advance (approx. 170 MAD). For Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs, entry is now around 70 MAD each—bring cash.

2. Fes: The Spiritual Capital

While Marrakech is built for tourists, Fes feels like it’s built for history. The medina, Fes el-Bali, is the world’s largest car-free urban zone and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Why Go: To step back in time. The streets here are narrower, the donkeys are the primary transport, and the vibe is deeply traditional.
Must-See:
- Chouara Tannery: Watch leather being dyed in stone vessels from a rooftop terrace (bring mint leaves to mask the smell!).
- Al Quaraouiyine: The oldest existing, continually operating university in the world.
- Bou Inania Madrasa: An architectural jewel of cedar wood and zellige tilework.

3. The Sahara Desert (Merzouga)

No photo can prepare you for the scale of the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Why Go: For the silence. Riding a camel into the dunes at sunset and sleeping under the Milky Way in a luxury tent is a bucket-list experience.
Pro Tip: It’s a long drive (9-10 hours) from Marrakech. Break up the journey by stopping in the Dades Valley or Aït Benhaddou (the Gladiator and Game of Thrones filming location).

4. Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl

Nestled in the Rif Mountains, every wall, door, and archway in this town is painted a shade of blue.

Why Go: It is arguably the most photogenic town in North Africa. It’s also much more relaxed and hassle-free than Marrakech or Fes.
Must-See: Hike up to the Spanish Mosque on the hill for the best sunset view over the blue city.

5. Essaouira: The Windy City

A laid-back coastal fortress town that attracted Jimi Hendrix and avid surfers alike.

Why Go: To escape the heat and chaos. The vibe here is breezy and bohemian.
Must-See: Walk the Skala de la Ville ramparts (another Game of Thrones spot) and buy fresh seafood at the port to have it grilled right in front of you.

Hidden Gems: Go Where the Crowds Don’t

Want to escape the tour buses? Add one of these stops to your itinerary.

1. Akchour: Waterfalls & God’s Bridge

Located just a 45-minute drive from Chefchaouen, this is a nature lover’s paradise.

The Vibe: Crystal clear emerald pools, waterfalls, and a massive natural rock arch known as “God’s Bridge.”
How to Get There: Take a “Grand Taxi” (shared taxi) from Chefchaouen The ride costs about 25 MAD per seat and takes 30-40 minutes.
Activity: Hike the trail to the Grand Cascade (approx. 2-3 hours) or take the shorter route to God’s Bridge.

2. Tafraoute: Morocco’s Anti-Atlas Heartland

Surrounded by red granite mountains and palm oases, Tafraoute is stunningly beautiful and quiet.

The Vibe: otherworldly landscapes and intense peace. Famous for the “Painted Rocks”—giant boulders painted blue by Belgian artist Jean Verame in 1984.
How to Get There: It’s a journey. From Agadir, you can take a CTM bus (check schedules, usually one per day) or a Grand Taxi, which takes about 3-5 hours through winding mountain roads.
Best Time: Visit in February for the Almond Blossom Festival.

3. Volubilis: Roman Ruins

Morocco isn’t just Islamic history; it was once part of the Roman Empire.

The Vibe: A sprawling complex of ancient ruins with remarkably preserved floor mosaics sitting in the middle of an open green plain.
Logistics: A great day trip from Fes or Meknes. Entry fee is 70 MAD.

Practical Guide for 2025 & 2026 Travelers

1. The AFCON Effect (Dec 2025 – Jan 2026)

Morocco is hosting the Africa Cup of Nations from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

What to expect: Massive excitement and full hotels in host cities (Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, Fes).
Advice: If you aren’t coming for football, book your accommodation months in advance or consider visiting the countryside/desert regions during match days to avoid the crowds.

2. Ramadan 2026 Dates

Ramadan is predicted to fall roughly between February 18 and March 19, 2026.

Travel Impact: You can absolutely travel during Ramadan, but respect the culture. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours.
Sites: Tourist sites often close early (around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM).
Dinner: Restaurants may be closed during the day but come alive after sunset for Iftar (breaking of the fast).

3. Getting Around: The Al Boraq & Taxis

High-Speed Train (Al Boraq): This train is a game-changer, connecting Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, and Casablanca. You can get from Tangier to Casablanca in just over 2 hours.
- Note: While extensions to Marrakech are planned, they likely won’t be ready for early 2026. You’ll still need to take the regular train or bus for the Casablanca-Marrakech leg.
Grand Taxis: For inter-city travel where trains don’t go, “Grand Taxis” are the local way. You pay for a seat in a shared sedan. If you want privacy, you can pay for all 6 seats to hire the whole car.

4. Money Matters

Cash is King: While luxury hotels and upscale restaurants take cards, you need Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) for souks, taxis, and entry fees.
ATMs: They are everywhere. Decline the “conversion” offered by the ATM machine to get the best exchange rate from your home bank.

Conclusion

Morocco in 2025 and 2026 offers a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern excitement. Whether you’re cheering in a stadium during AFCON or sipping mint tea in the silence of the Sahara, the Kingdom of Light is ready to welcome you.

Ready to book? Start by securing your flight to Casablanca (CMN) or Marrakech (RAK) and let the adventure begin!