Which Moroccan City is Right for You?

Struggling to decide where to go in Morocco? It can be hard when each city promises magic, mysteries, and enough mint tea to float a ship. But don’t worry! This guide cuts through the noise to help you find your perfect Moroccan match.

For First-Timers: Marrakech

Want to dive into Morocco without drowning? Marrakech is your spot. Think of it as Morocco with training wheels – but way more exciting than that sounds!

The famous Djemaa el-Fna square is like a circus, carnival, and food festival all rolled into one chaotic package. By day, dodge snake charmers and eager sellers of everything imaginable. By night, join the food-stall frenzy where local grannies will judge your couscous-eating technique (spoiler: you’re doing it wrong).

Where to Stay:

• Splash out: La Mamounia (where the Instagram influencers pretend they live).
• Mid-range: Riad BE Marrakech (gorgeous without requiring a second mortgage).
• Budget: Rodamon Riad (proof that backpackers can do fancy too).

Top Tips:

• The souks are a maze. Getting lost is part of the fun – just remember ‘tourist tax’ is about 300% markup.
• Book a food tour early in your stay – it’ll help you spot the good stuff later
• That ‘free guide’ isn’t free. Trust us on this one.
• The modern Gueliz neighbourhood offers sweet relief when the medina intensity gets too much. Think trendy cafes where you can recover from haggling-induced exhaustion.
• If you are a first-timer to Morocco, remember that understanding Morocco’s visa policy is important.

For History & Culture: Fes

Fes is like that cool history teacher who makes the past come alive – except here, the past never actually left. The medieval medina is UNESCO-listed and hasn’t changed much since people thought the earth was flat.

As for the tanneries, yes, they smell exactly as bad as everyone says. But watching leather being made using methods from the 8th century? Pretty cool. Just know that the mint sprigs offered at the entrance aren’t a souvenir – they’re for your nose!

Where to Learn:

• Al-Qarawiyyin: The world’s oldest university (sorry, Oxford).
• Madrasa Bou Inania: Medieval architecture that’ll make your jaw drop.
• The Mellah: Jewish quarter with stories around every corner.

Local Know-How:

• Hire a guide – Fes’s medina has 9,000 streets.
• The best views are from the hills around sunset (head to Marinid Tombs).
• Learn these words: “La shukran” (no thanks) and “Balak!” (watch out!)

For a Modern Vibe: Casablanca

Forget Humphrey Bogart – today’s Casablanca is more suited to a Fast & Furious movie. This is where modern Morocco comes to play, work, and sip overpriced lattes.

The Hassan II Mosque is the showstopper – it’s got a laser beam pointing to Mecca and can fit a football field inside. Talk about extra! But Casa’s real charm lies in its Art Deco architecture and hipster haunts.

Where to Hang:

• Quartier Habous: The ‘new medina’ (built by the French who thought the old ones needed updating…)
• La Corniche: Beachfront promenade where locals jog and judge other people jogging.
• Twin Center: Morocco’s answer to Wall Street, minus the wolves.

Food & Drink Scene:

• Rick’s Café: Yes, it’s touristy. No, it wasn’t in the movie. Yes, you’re going anyway.
• Le Petit Rocher: Fresh seafood without the tourist prices.
• Sqala: Local food in a converted fortress, because why not?

For Photography & Relaxation: Chefchaouen

Welcome to the most Instagrammable city in Morocco! Every corner of this blue heaven looks like it’s been run through the world’s most flattering filter. Why blue you might ask? Local legends say it keeps mosquitoes away, represents the sky, or was painted by Jewish refugees representing the blue threads in their shawls. It’s just gorgeous – and that’s reason enough.

Photo Spots:

• Spanish Mosque hill at sunset (worth the climb, promise)
• The waterfall in the medina (bonus: cool your feet)
• Any random staircase (they’re all photogenic)

Chill-Out Guide:

• Best hammam: Hammam Amanour (get scrubbed until you’re as smooth as a baby seal)
• Yoga spots: Check out Lina Yoga (mountain views included)
• Café Clock: When you need a break from tagine

For Beaches & Surfing: Essaouira & Agadir

Ready to trade the medina maze for some ocean waves? These coastal gems offer two very different takes on Moroccan beach life. One’s a boho surfer’s paradise, the other’s a modern beach resort – both deliver serious vitamin sea!

Essaouira: The Boho Beach Town

Imagine a place where Jimi Hendrix once wandered, Game of Thrones was filmed, and the catch of the day is actually from today. That’s Essaouira. This wind-swept city perfectly balances culture and coast, though you might want to hold onto your hat – they don’t call it the ‘Wind City of Africa’ for nothing.

Must-Do’s:

• Watch the sunset from the 18th-century ramparts (mind the seagulls – they’re notorious photobombers).
• Browse the art galleries in the medina.
• Try windsurfing or watch others get blown across the bay.
• Shop for argan oil (skip the tourist traps, local women’s cooperatives are the real deal).

Local Tips:

• Those cats at the fish market aren’t hungry, they’re just Oscar-worthy actors.
• The wind never stops. Ever. Pack accordingly or buy a stylish windbreaker from the souk.
• For the best seafood: head to the port, point at what you want, and follow it to a nearby grill.

Agadir: Modern Beach Life

Just down the coast, Agadir took a different path. After a devastating earthquake in 1960, this city said “hold my mint tea” and transformed into Morocco’s premier beach resort. Think wide boulevards, modern hotels, and a more relaxed approach to beachwear.

Beach Scene:

• Agadir Beach: 10km of sandy paradise with proper beach facilities.
• Taghazout: Just north of the city, this former fishing village is now surf-central.
• Paradise Valley: A hidden oasis in the nearby hills when you need a break from sand.

Where to Stay:

• Luxury: Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort (fancy pants option)
• Mid-range: Riad Villa Blanche (boutique vibes)
• Budget: Surf Hostel (for your point-break dreams)

Which one to choose?

• Essaouira for authentic Moroccan vibes, historic architecture, and windsurfing
• Agadir for resort amenities, modern comfort, and consistent sunshine
• Both for amazing seafood, surf culture, and beach time