Marakech, yes! But what else?

Marrakech is the most touristic city in Morocco, but if you only stay there, you’re missing out on so much the rest of the country has to offer! Many other cities are well worth visiting, each with its own vibe and character. Traveling from one city to another feels like visiting different countries. Each city has its own unique color and atmosphere, from the modern energy of Casablanca, to the coastal charm of Tangier with its strong Spanish influence, all the way to the ancient traditions and history of Fes.

Here’s my two-week itinerary to explore all the must-see spots in North Morocco

• Casablanca: 2 days
• Rabat: 2 days
• Tangier 3 days
• Tetouan: 1 day
• Chefchaouen: 2 days
• Fes: 4 days

For tips and information I invite you to look at my article about Marrakech

Casablanca

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and economic hub, with many more modern buildings and public transportation compared to most cities in Morocco. I wouldn’t recommend spending more than two days in Casablanca, as the city is mostly modern buildings and doesn’t have many major attractions to visit.

Hassan II Mosque

The main thing to see in Casa is the Hassan II Mosque, which is the largest and most breathtaking mosque in the world!! You will realize it once you stand in front of it. Uniquely, it’s also one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors through guided tours.

Mohammed V Square

Mohammed V Square is Casablanca’s lively central plaza, where locals often gather. It is surrounded by beautiful colonial-era buildings and lively cafés. The square is also close to the Wilaya building and the Cathedral of Sacré-Cœur.

Arab League Park

The Arab League park, not far from the Mohammed V place, is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings with its beautiful fountains, palm trees, and the impressive Cathedral of Sacré-Cœur.

Old medina

The old medina of Casablanca isn’t as big as in other cities, and it’s much less chaotic, making it a lot easier to walk through. Just like in other medinas, you’ll still find plenty of traditional food and local shops.

Rabat

Only an hour north of Casablanca, you will find the city of the king, Rabat, which is also the capital of Morocco. It combines rich history with a modern vibe, with the Bou Regreg river surrounding the city. It is also known for its well-preserved historic sites.

Tour Hassan

Tour Hassan is a tall, unfinished minaret from the 12th century. The mosque was actually never completed, but the tower still stands as an important historical landmark. Close by, you can visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a nice spot to learn about Morocco’s past.

Kasbah of the Udayas

On the western side of the city near the beach, you’ll find the famous Kasbah of the Udayas. This historic fortress has narrow streets, blue-and-white painted walls, and a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Chellah Necropolis

Chellah is one of my favourite places in Morocco! This is a must seen place that I highly recommend. It is a fascinating historic site where Roman and medieval ruins sit among gardens. It is just outside Rabat’s city center, so don’t forget to stop there before leaving the city. Just before the exit you can have an amazing view on the archaeological site, the storks nesting and Mohammed VI Tower. The prices of the coffee place are quite expensive, but the view is worth getting a drink!

Rabat-Sablé

On the other side of the bridge, Hassan II, you will arrive in Rabat sablé. You can walk there or take the tram, but the city taxi won’t go there as it is considered as another city. You can walk along the coast all the way to the beach and enjoy the view.

Tangier

Two and a half hours north of Rabat, driving along the coast, you will find Tangier. Tangier is a lively coastal city where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. It has a cool mix of old and new, with busy markets, colorful streets, and great views of the sea.

Kasbah

Such as Rabat, Tangier has its own Kasbah as well. From the top of the hill, you’ll get a beautiful panoramic view of the Strait of Gibraltar. You can also find inside the kasbah a museum of Mediterranean Culture.

Café Hafa

Along the coast, you’ll find a few cafés with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. One spot I highly recommend is Café Hafa. Many locals go there. The prices are reasonable, and you can easily spend hours there sipping a Moroccan tea and admiring the incredible view.

Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules

Just 12 km west of Tangier’s city center, you’ll find Cape Spartel, the point where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, you might even see Spain if you’re lucky.

Not far from there are the Caves of Hercules, a legendary site tied to Greek mythology. Be aware that the entrance fee is quite expensive for how small the cave is. You can get there by car easily, if you do not have a car, you will need a taxi, or you can join an excursion group.

Grand Socco and Medina

Take a break at Grand Socco Square and enjoy the lively atmosphere, from street vendors to locals going about their day. It’s the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and watch what’s going on. Since it’s right at the entrance of the old medina, it’s also a great starting point for exploring Tangier’s medina.

Tetouan and Chefchaouen

Tetouan

On the way to Chefchaouen, it’s worth stopping for a few hours or even staying a night in the coastal city of Tetouan. One of its highlights is the old medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for being one of the most authentic in Morocco. Enclosed by tall white walls, the medina is a maze of narrow alleys, traditional shops, artisan workshops, and hidden courtyards.

Chefchaouen

About four and a half hours south of Tangier, along the mountain roads, you’ll reach the small city of Chefchaouen, famously known as the Blue City. It’s a must-see destination! It is built on a hillside, with the Ras El Ma river flowing through the town. You can drive there, but be prepared for only mountain roads, there’s no highway. Alternatively, you can join an excursion from Tangier or Fes.

Arkchour Waterfalls

Before heading further south, make sure to visit one of my favorite places in Morocco, the stunning Akchour Waterfalls. It is about 40 minutes from Chefchaouen, and it is also known as the blue pearl, which you’ll know why once you get there!

If you’re driving, avoid taking the shortest route suggested by your GPS, it can be dangerously narrow and steep (I did take it and I don’t recommend it…). Instead, stick to the main numbered road, which is much safer and easier to drive.

Once you arrive, you can choose to hike to the Grand Waterfall, a beautiful trail that takes about 2 to 3 hours round trip, depending on your pace. Be sure to ask locals beforehand if the water is flowing, as it can vary by season. You’ll also find local guides available if you’d prefer some help or insight along the way.

If hiking isn’t your thing, no worries, there’s a smaller but as beautiful waterfall near the start of the trail that is definitely worth seeing!

Fes

The final destination of my itinerary is Fes, stay a few days to explore the city but also the cities around. Fes is known for its deep history, traditional crafts, and one of the world’s oldest medinas. The medina feels like a maze, you’ll get lost very easily. It’s famous for its tanneries, madrasas, and al-Qarawiyyin University, which is considered the oldest existing university in the world!

Take at least two days to explore Fes. The city is split into two main parts: the old city, with the medina, and the newer, more modern area. One of the must-see spots is the famous tanneries, they’re free to visit, and you’ll find signs guiding you, and somoene will take you on the top of the roof. For a peaceful break from the busy streets, head to Jnan Sbil Garden, a beautiful and quiet public park that’s perfect for a relaxing walk. And yes, it’s free too!

Barbary apes of Azrou

Take a day trip through the Middle Atlas Mountains to visit the Barbary apes of Azrou. It’s about an hour and a half away from Fes. On the way to Azrou, you can stop in Imouzzer and Ifrane, two small and quiet towns. The Barbary apes of Azrou is a place where monkeys live freely. You can feed them, but be careful, they can be quite aggressive.

Meknes, Moulay Idriss, and Volubilis

Take another day trip to Meknes. It is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Spend a few hours exploring the city, walking through its medina, and visit the beautiful Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Near the entrance to the medina, you’ll find one of the largest gates in Morocco, Bab Mansour, built in the 18th century.

Near Meknes, there is a small town named Moulay Idriss located on the top of a hill. The city was named after Idris I during the Idrisi dynasty. One main place to go is the famous Mosque of Moulay Idriss, which is one of Morocco’s most important religious sites. It is not open for non-Muslim people, but it is nice to see fromthe outside, and the city is very cute to just walk around.

Not far from Moulay Idriss, you will find the archeological site of Volubilis. It’s a very well-preserved Roman archaeological site as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I really recommend visiting, especially if you drive near it. (entrance is 100DH=10E)

You can either do it on your own if you have a car, or take a cheap excursion that goes to all three places

Back to Marrakech

Now it’s the end of the trip, time to head back to Marrakech. The drive takes around 6 hours, but it’s mostly highway and offers a striking contrast between the green landscapes of the north and the dry, desert-like scenery of the south. If you do not have a car, you can take the train, with a connection in Casablanca, it will take you about the same time.

So as you can see, there’s so much more to Morocco than just Marrakech. The country is full of incredible spots and hidden gems that are absolutely worth the detour!