From castle ruins sinking into the sand where ocean waters wrap around historic embankments to whitewashed walls of coastal cities shining brightly against cobalt water and the golden dessert sand, explore Morocco: where legendary storytellers tell tales of flying carpets and mysterious princesses. The country’s mystique is endless and always fascinating.
| Destination | Our Suggestion | Important Info |
Marrakesh |
Ben Youssef Madrasa Now functioning as a historic site, Ben Youssef Madrasa was the largest Islamic college in Morocco at its height. With zellige tilework, intricate stucco and finely carved cedar wood, it’s the most impressive medieval Koranic school in Morocco. Popular as one of the few things tourists can photograph, it’s recommended to go early (or late) in the day to avoid the largest crowds. |
$ – $$ Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Location: In the heart of Marrakesh, next to the Musee de Marrakech. |
| Saadian Tombs A monument not to be missed – the mausoleum contains the intricate burials of over fifty members of Saadi Dynasty royalty, as well as an attractive garden area containing the grave sites of servants and soldiers. |
$ Hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Location: Next to the Great Kasbah Mosque on Rue de la Kasbah. |
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| Tiskiwin Museum Set in a gorgeous riad house with wall hangings and carpets to mimic Berber furnishings, this museum is set up to take you through a typical old caravan route going from the Sahara to Marrakesh, with each room representing the different stops a caravan would have taken. |
$ – $$ Hours: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm; 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm every day Location: 8 Rue de la Bahia, near the Bahia Palace. |
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Essaoira |
Essaoira Fishing Port Back in the day, the Port of Essaoira linked Morocco to Africa, Europe and the Americas. Now, the port is a hive of activity, with small boats in the harbor unloading their catch, vendors selling fresh fruit and fish, and lots of options for fresh and tasty snacks. |
FREE Hours: Accessible 24/7 Location: Essaoira 44000 |
| Plage Tagharte Just south of Essaoira’s fishing port is one of Morocco’s most popular beaches, Plage Tagharte. Enjoy the sun and sand, and consider water sport activities like surfing or wind surfing, or take a horse or camel ride along the coast. |
FREE Hours: Dawn to dusk Location: Just a few minutes’ drive south of the Essaoira Port |
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| Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum Named after the founder of Essaoira, Mohammed Ben Abdallah, this museum located in a 19th-century mansion houses historical artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, photographs and carpets all relevant to Essaoira’s history. |
$ – $$ Hours: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm Location: Rue Laalouji Derb |
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Casablanca |
Marche Central This daily market is a fascinating place to get a taste of local culture – from fresh fish, to fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables. Whether you go to admire the Neo-Mauresque style architecture, or just to people watch, you won’t want to miss this historical market. |
FREE – $ Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm; closed on Sundays Location: Muhammed V Blvd |
| Cathedrale Sacre Coeur Constructed in 1930 with an extraordinary architectural mix of art deco, Moorish and neo-Gothic styles, L’Eglise du Sacre-Coeur was deconsecrated in 1956 after the independence of Morocco. This beautiful white church is often considered to be one of the most amazing African churches, and today visitors can admire the mesmerizing stained glass windows and monumental facade. |
$ Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Location: Angle Rue d’Alger et boulevard Rachdi |
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| Muhammed V Square Located right in the city center, this historic square is often considered the heart and soul of Casablanca. Check out the array of Neo Mauresque buildings, statues and fountain in the middle of it all. |
FREE Hours: Accessible 24/7 Location: In the heart of the city center, just south of the Old Medina |