Attractions of Morocco

To help inspire or plan your trip to Morocco, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Morocco which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Cities of interest in Morocco

Marrakech
Marrakech Marrakech is one of the most evocative names in travel and this medieval North African city remains very popular with travellers. Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids, Marrakech has numerous historical structures of interest and retains a medieval atmosphere reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. The Medina, or old city, is centred around Djemaa el Fna Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world, which comes alive at nights with travelling musicians, acrobats, snake charmers, storytellers, jugglers and hundreds of small restaurants and food stalls. Marrakech's other highlights include the beautiful 19th century Bahia Palace, the 16th century Saadian tombs and the Dar Si Said palace which houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts. The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest in Marrakech, and its spectacular and graceful minaret dominates the skyline and is a symbol of the city. The labyrinth of souks off Djemaa el Fna Square are world famous and the perfect place to haggle for Moroccan souvenirs. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Marrakesh

Marrakech

Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the most evocative names in travel and this medieval North African city remains very popular with travellers. Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids, Marrakech has numerous historical structures of interest and retains a medieval atmosphere reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. The Medina, or old city, is centred around Djemaa el Fna Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world, which comes alive at nights with travelling musicians, acrobats, snake charmers, storytellers, jugglers and hundreds of small restaurants and food stalls. Marrakech's other highlights include the beautiful 19th century Bahia Palace, the 16th century Saadian tombs and the Dar Si Said palace which houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts. The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest in Marrakech, and its spectacular and graceful minaret dominates the skyline and is a symbol of the city. The labyrinth of souks off Djemaa el Fna Square are world famous and the perfect place to haggle for Moroccan souvenirs.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Marrakesh

Essaouira
The port town of Essaouira lies on Morocco's Atlantic coast. It dates back to the 15th century but was largely rebuilt in the late 18th century with a significant European architectural influence. Essaouira is a relaxed and picturesque town from the narrow streets and white-washed buildings of its medina to the ramparts and fortifications along the sea wall. The former pirate's lair is now a substantial fishing port and it's interesting to observe the daily catch and auction. The coast provides a scenic and fascinating stroll, along the ramparts and beaches to the crumbling castle. Elsewhere, the shops and artisans' workshops in the medina offer opportunities to buy rustic leather belts, gold and silver jewellery or elaborately decorated wooden boxes. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)

Essaouira

The port town of Essaouira lies on Morocco's Atlantic coast. It dates back to the 15th century but was largely rebuilt in the late 18th century with a significant European architectural influence. Essaouira is a relaxed and picturesque town from the narrow streets and white-washed buildings of its medina to the ramparts and fortifications along the sea wall. The former pirate's lair is now a substantial fishing port and it's interesting to observe the daily catch and auction. The coast provides a scenic and fascinating stroll, along the ramparts and beaches to the crumbling castle. Elsewhere, the shops and artisans' workshops in the medina offer opportunities to buy rustic leather belts, gold and silver jewellery or elaborately decorated wooden boxes.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)

Rabat
Rabat The historic city of Rabat became capital of the French Protectorate in 1912 and Morocco's capital after independence. The earliest settlement was in the Chellah area in the 1st century BC where the remains of the citadel are now found. The city's historic areas have many important attractions, including the Hassan Mosque minaret, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Royal Palace and the walled Kasbah des Oudaias. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rabat, modern capital and historic city: a shared heritage

Rabat

The historic city of Rabat became capital of the French Protectorate in 1912 and Morocco's capital after independence. The earliest settlement was in the Chellah area in the 1st century BC where the remains of the citadel are now found. The city's historic areas have many important attractions, including the Hassan Mosque minaret, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Royal Palace and the walled Kasbah des Oudaias.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rabat, modern capital and historic city: a shared heritage

Fez
Fez Though it lost its status as political capital of Morocco to Rabat in 1912, Fez remains the spiritual and cultural capital of the country and one of the finest examples of a medieval Islamic city in the world. Home to the world's first university, Fez was one of the great centres of education and learning in the medieval world, especially at its peak under the Marinids in the 13th and 14th centuries. Walking through the medina of the old city of Fez (there are no cars), Fez el Bali, is an almost overwhelming assault on the senses. Its narrow streets are packed with mosques, madrassas, fondouks (or shops), artisan workshops, khans and palaces, little changed since medieval times. Buildings of note include Karouine University, Attarine madrassa and the Royal Palace. Outside the medina are the other parts of Fez - Fez el Jedid is the new city founded by the Marinids, a planned city with broad streets and many gardens, Nouveau Ville has a distinctive European character while the Mellah is the Jewish quarter. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Fez

Fez

Fez

Though it lost its status as political capital of Morocco to Rabat in 1912, Fez remains the spiritual and cultural capital of the country and one of the finest examples of a medieval Islamic city in the world. Home to the world's first university, Fez was one of the great centres of education and learning in the medieval world, especially at its peak under the Marinids in the 13th and 14th centuries. Walking through the medina of the old city of Fez (there are no cars), Fez el Bali, is an almost overwhelming assault on the senses. Its narrow streets are packed with mosques, madrassas, fondouks (or shops), artisan workshops, khans and palaces, little changed since medieval times. Buildings of note include Karouine University, Attarine madrassa and the Royal Palace. Outside the medina are the other parts of Fez - Fez el Jedid is the new city founded by the Marinids, a planned city with broad streets and many gardens, Nouveau Ville has a distinctive European character while the Mellah is the Jewish quarter.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina of Fez