Sights of Morocco: 13 must-see places to go
Sights of Morocco: There are many tourist attractions in Morocco and in this post, you’ll see what they are and where each one is. In Morocco, you can find incredible places steeped in history and rich in culture.
Whether it’s the contrast with French architecture, the culture full of meaning or the natural beauty, more and more travelers are seeking to visit the country, which is located in North Africa.
What’s more, the quantity and beauty of these sites are unique, as many Moroccan cities and sites are UNESCO cultural heritage sites. So, check out this article to see the sights you can’t miss when you visit Morocco!
Hassan II Mosque – Casablanca
This is perhaps one of the most breathtaking sights in Morocco, as the colossal structure of the mosque impresses with its size and architectural richness.
In other words, there are many details, several rooms and a unique religious and cultural grandeur. And the best part: the only mosque open to non-Muslim visitors in the country.
What’s more, the 20,000 square meter building can accommodate 25,000 worshippers. Built facing the sea, the mosque has the tallest minaret in the world.
The tower is 200 meters high, equivalent to a 50-storey building!
Visits are closed during prayers and only Muslims are allowed to attend. So be aware that the tours are guided and have specific times.
It’s also important to be aware of the permitted clothing, i.e. no shorts, shoulders or cleavage.
And there are no shoes allowed, so you’ll probably be given a bag to put on your feet until the end of the tour.
Chellah – Rabat (capital)
Sights of Morocco: This is one of the most interesting sights in Morocco, as it allows you to understand how the country’s history intersects with other cultures.
In other words, it is an archaeological site that houses the ruins of an ancient city from the Roman Empire.
Called Sala Colonia, the city was one of the main naval centers of the Romans until they lost their rule in 250 AD.
In addition, the Almohad dynasty, which ruled the country in the 12th century, used the site as a necropolis. It is possible to find some royal tombs during your visit.
Kasbah des Oudaias
This fortification is impressive from afar, as it was built with the aim of protecting the empire’s seat city. Even with the passage of time, the building has not lost its imposing character.
The wall is about 10 meters high and the walls are more than two meters thick.
Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, the Kasbah is mostly residential. As such, its alleys give the feeling of being in a small country town.
The façades of the houses have the same blue and white paintwork, which adds harmony to the place.
In addition, the architectural details, such as the entrance doors and gardens, give the Moroccan and Arabic tone that is necessary to understand the culture imbued in this work.
Mohammed V Mausoleum
Near Rabat‘s esplanade are two of Morocco’s most important tourist attractions that bring together faith and local history.
The Mohammed V Mausoleum and the Hassan Tower share the same space, opposite each other. However, inside the Mausoleum is the tomb of the king after whom the building is named, as well as the tombs of his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Moulay Abdallah.
The building is considered a modern masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, as the interior decoration is rich in detail and an expression of the country’s art.
In addition, marble and gold reign supreme in the last dwelling of this dynasty made up of great figures from history.
Non-Muslims are allowed to enter, as long as they pay attention to the way they dress (as in all other places of visitation). Due to the importance of the tomb, royal guards protect the esplanade and the mausoleum.
Hassan Tower
Also located on Rabat’s esplanade, opposite the Mohammed V Mausoleum, is this tourist attraction in Morocco.
The Hassan Tower was supposed to be the largest mosque in the world, but its creator died and the work was abandoned.
Today, only the columns and the minaret (tower) remain. But it’s worth a visit, not only for its historical value, but also for the grandeur of what it is.
In other words, despite being unfinished, the building has 200 columns, as well as a tower, called a minaret, and a fountain.
The site also houses a mosque, from where you can hear the daily prayers, but only Muslims are allowed inside.
Djemaa el-Fna Square
The square, also known as Jamaa el Fna, is another of Morocco’s tourist attractions.
This is the central place in Marrakech, as the square is inside the Medina and it is in this area that the life of the city pulsates. Today, the site is a UNESCO Intangible and Oral Heritage Site.
During the day, you can find the popular snake charmers, monkey tamers and some stalls selling spices. This is the best time to visit for those who don’t like crowds.
You also have to pay attention to the photos, as the artists and charmers charge for them. So I suggest you agree on the price beforehand so that there are no problems.
When night falls, the artists and vendors leave and the typical food stalls, musicians and artists of different styles come onto the scene.
There are also several bars, restaurants and souvenir stores around the square.
Majorelle Garden
Sights of Morocco: Marrakech is an exuberant and sometimes chaotic city. But you can find places that escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, like the Majorelle Garden.
This is one of Morocco’s quieter tourist attractions. The botanical oasis was created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, who settled in the city and was passionate about the Arab world and Islamic art.
There is also a wide variety of plants on site, as well as an exuberant museum of ornaments and jewelry.
In the heart of the city, the garden is privately owned by the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
Royal Palace – Fez
Fez is the oldest imperial city in Morocco. Imperial cities are the places where dynasties have established official residences.
The Royal Palace of Fez is not the home of the Moroccan kings, but a political and administrative headquarters. As such, around 2,000 people work and live there.
Built in 1864, the immense palace was built outside the old medina, which meant that another medina was needed to supply the needs of the kings.
However, it is important to know that it is not allowed to visit the palace inside, so visitors have to make do with the beautiful view from the entrance doors.
The large bronze doors are surrounded by small blue and green ceramic tiles with various geometric shapes.
In addition, around the palace, a small Jewish quarter completely transforms the visitor’s experience from a predominantly Muslim environment to a new style.
Chouara Tannery
This is another of Morocco’s tourist attractions, located in the heart of the Medina of Fez: the longest of the city’s tanneries still in operation.
The natural dyes in the tanks add a touch of curiosity and beauty to such an ancient site.
The tannery is where the raw leather is dyed, worked and dried and then sold as raw material to craftsmen.
The smell is rather strong, not only because of the leather but also because of the ingredients used in this process.
There are also people handing out sprigs of mint at the entrance to the place to alleviate the smell. However, they may charge you for your visit or insist that you buy something there.
So, if you’re staying in a hotel, I recommend that you check out the possibility of scheduled tours so that you don’t run the risk of arriving at the tannery and being surprised.
Kasbah of Taourirt – Ouarzazate
Sights of Morocco: A typical Berber fortification, the Kasbah is one of Morocco’s most significant tourist attractions.
This is because it was built to protect the local population in the event of war, invasions, storms and any other threats.
Built with earth, using the technique known as adobe, the Kasbah of Taourirt is considered to be the best preserved in Morocco.
There is also a museum which can be visited for a small fee. Here, you’ll find colorful tile work and unique architecture.
You can also go up to the terrace and enjoy the view over a traditional mint tea.
Ksar of Aït Benhaddou
At the foot of the Atlas Mountains is the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou.
The Ksar is practically a fortified city, as it is larger than a Kasbah (which is just the part of the wall).
In other words, protected by forts and ramparts, the site is made up of houses stacked together and built using the adobe technique (handmade clay bricks).
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the village has houses, palaces, a mosque, watchtowers, a square and various other earthen constructions.
Dunes – Erg Chebbi
For those wishing to venture into the desert, you should know that one of the most popular sights in Morocco is the Erg Chebbi dunes.
In other words, as well as going on an excursion to the Sahara Desert and enjoying the atmosphere of the region, you can also opt for this other Moroccan part of the Sahara Desert.
The dunes of Erg Chebbi offer more security, as well as the local infrastructure, which I think is better for those who are not used to the region’s climate.
Here, you can find the tradition of nomadic peoples, families who still live in tents. It is therefore necessary to hire a guide to gain access to the site and to have time for this visit.
In addition, Erg Chebbi is more than 10 hours’ drive from the capital. It is therefore best to book 3 days and 2 nights for this unforgettable visit.
Todra Gorges
Sights of Morocco: The region bordering the Sahara is an important part of Moroccan history, mainly because of trade.
The Todra River cut through the Atlas Mountains to form this large gorge, ideal for those who enjoy hiking and climbing. The canyon, with walls over 300 meters high, is much visited by travelers, but without much infrastructure such as parking and food.
In other words, I suggest you book an excursion with a guide to visit this place.
Nevertheless, it is an impressive destination and one of Morocco’s main tourist attractions.
Atlas Mountains
If you’re looking for a different kind of road trip, you’ll find it here! The Atlas Mountains are located in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, among other nations. Therefore, the cultural experience will be unique here, as all the people who live in the region are Berber, which ensures a lot of learning moments.
In addition, kasbahs, hills and peaks can be visited and adventure is guaranteed with trails, waterfalls, the green of the vegetation mixing with the red of the earth and even snow!
Therefore, I recommend that you rent a car in Morocco and visit the place with more freedom.
In fact, the ski centers, located in some of the mountains, are usually busy from January to April.
Enjoy the sights of Morocco
Contrary to what many people think, cultural diversity is not only found in Morocco’s typical foods, but also in the tourist attractions throughout the country.
From Morocco’s cities, markets and palaces to its canyons, mountains and deserts, the country offers a huge range of activities to do.
And for travelers who are brave enough to try out adventurous itineraries, Morocco is certainly the ideal option, as it is a land rich in wisdom, different in habits and unique in experiences!
Take the opportunity to read the article on when it’s best to go to Morocco, so you can get organized and make the most of your trip.
Best tours in Morocco
It’s best to book tickets for your Morocco tours in advance, to avoid queues at the entrance to the attractions and to guarantee your presence at the most popular activities, as they may not be available for purchase at the last minute.
I recommend the Sahara Morocco Tours, which offer the lowest prices, free cancellation up to 48 hours before the scheduled date and mobile-optimized tickets. As well as 24/7 customer service in Portuguese.
Internet chip in Morocco
Having a cell phone chip in Morocco with internet 100% of the time is essential for using apps like Uber and Google Maps, as well as chatting on WhatsApp and posting photos on Instagram.
Thanks to our partnership with America Chip, you can get a 10% discount with the coupon QUEROVIAJARMAIS to buy any SIM card and have it delivered to your home, so you can have a HIGH SPEED 4G connection during your trip to Morocco.
Travel insurance in Morocco
Sights of Morocco: Taking out travel insurance for Morocco is essential for your safety abroad, as it guarantees 24-hour medical, hospital and dental care in the event of an accident or illness contracted during your trip.
Get a quote online at Seguros Promo, comparing prices from the best insurance companies. Take advantage and get up to 20% off using the coupon VIAJARMAIS15.
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