Best Cities in Morocco for First-Time Solo Travellers
Planning your first trip to Morocco can feel overwhelming. The country is incredibly diverse, with everything from sun-drenched surf beaches to dreamy desert landscapes and rugged mountain hiking trails.
Added to that, there are soooo many amazing cities to discover, it can be hard to know where to start!
With over 10 years of travel experience in Morocco, I have a few insights when it comes to the best cities to visit in Morocco. Some are ancient and intense, others are modern and relaxed. Take your pick!
In this guide, I’ll highlight the best cities in Morocco for first-time solo travellers. I’ll explain what each offers, who it’s best suited for and why they belong on your Morocco bucket list.
Want to build your own Morocco itinerary? Discover my top planning tips for solo travellers.
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1. Marrakech — Best Overall City for First-Time Solo Travellers
Perfect for: Culture lovers, foodies and first-timers who want the classic Morocco experience
Vibe: Energetic, colourful, slightly intense
Marrakech is the Morocco that most people dream of. It’s home to bustling souks, ochre-hued buildings and the famous square of Djemaa el-Fnaa, which ignites with energy every night.
In the “Red City”, you’ll find stunning Islamic architecture, beautifully restored palaces and an abundance of cultural museums. The riads in Marrakech are also inspiring – aside from traditional residences, you’ll find design-led boutiques by international creatives.
Highlights of Marrakech:
- Palaces (Bahia and El Badi)
- Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Majorelle Garden + Yves Saint Laurent Museum
- Koutoubia Mosque
- Souks, souks and souks (discover how to survive them here)
- Traditional (and spa-like) hammams
- Rooftop restaurants with sunset views
- Design-inspired riads
Discover more of the best things to do in Marrakech as a solo traveller in my detailed article here.
Why Marrakech is great for first-time solo travellers
Marrakech is easy to access, with flight connections from Europe, North America and the Middle East. It’s home to incredible riads (you can check out some of the best here) and rooftop restaurants that make Instagram drool.
Adding to its appeal, Marrakech offers some incredible day trips. You can venture into the Atlas Mountains to hike and soak up the views or spend a night at a luxury desert camp in Agafay. If you want to go hot air ballooning in Morocco, Marrakech is the place to do it
In my opinion, it’s the perfect mix of culture, sightseeing, food and fun, all while being a little chaotic!
Discover some of the best small-group tours in Marrakech for solo travellers.
How to get to Marrakech:
Book a flight to Marrakech Menara Airport
2. Fes — Best Moroccan City for History Lovers and Traditional Culture
Perfect for: Culture vultures, architecture fans and experienced solo travellers
Vibe: Authentic, historic, labyrinthine
Fes is the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Its medina — Fes el-Bali — is one of the world’s largest pedestrian-only urban areas and dates back over 1,000 years. Oh, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Fes, you’ll find centuries-old tanneries, beautifully restored madrasas (Islamic schools) and the world’s oldest university, Al Quaraouiyine. It’s also a fantastic place for artisan crafts and cultural museums showcasing Morocco’s artistic traditions.
Highlights of Fes:
- Chouara Tannery
- Dar Batha Museum of Islamic Arts
- Al Attarine and Bou Inania madrasas
- Souks and artisan workshops (ceramics, leather, weaving)
- Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
- Fassi cuisine and cooking classes
- Traditional riads
Discover more of the best things to do in Fes as a solo traveller in my detailed article here.
Why Fes is great for first-time solo travellers
Compared to Marrakech, Fes is less cosmopolitan and shows Morocco at its most authentic. For some, it feels more intense than the “Red City”, largely due to its labyrinthine medina and lack of big, open squares.
However, I think Fes is deeply rewarding for travellers who love history and culture. Many of its architectural landmarks have been (or are being) restored and the riads showcase incredible details (zellige tiles, wood carvings and stucco work).
Discover some of the best small-group tours in Fes for solo travellers.
How to get to Fes:
Book a flight to Fes–Saïss Airport or Casablanca Mohammed V Airport and catch the train to Fes
3. Chefchaouen — Best for Relaxed Sightseeing and Photography
Perfect for: Introverts, photographers, slow travellers
Vibe: Calm, artistic, scenic
The “Blue Pearl” is one of Morocco’s most atmospheric destinations and ideal for slow travel. Its dreamy medina is painted in shades of blue and white, backed by the rugged peaks of the Rif Mountains.
Chefchaouen provides the perfect escape if you’ve flown into one of Morocco’s northern cities – Tangier, Fes or Casablanca. It’s easily accessible from all three but feels a world away with its calm laneways and mountain views.
Planning a slow travel itinerary in Morocco? Discover some of the best destinations to visit.
Highlights of Chefchaouen:
- Wander the photogenic blue streets
- Shop for handicrafts in the relaxed stalls
- Soak up the views from the Spanish Mosque
- Rif Mountains hiking
- Admiring the Cascades d’Akchour
Why Chefchaouen is great for first-time solo travellers
Compared to big cities like Marrakech or Fes, Chefchaouen is calm and easy to navigate. It’s the ideal place to unwind, capture HEAPS of photos and ease into Moroccan culture. I never feel overwhelmed here!
During the day, Chefchaouen is a popular destination for day trippers, so it can get busy in the medina. But it’s easy to schedule your sightseeing for the early morning or late afternoon and relax back at your riad or escape to a mountain hiking trail in the middle of the day.
For more information about visiting Chefchaouen, check out my solo traveller’s guide here.
How to get to Chefchaouen:
Book a flight to Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (2.5 hours by CTM bus) or Fes–Saïss Airport (3.5 hours by CTM bus)
4. Essaouira — Best Moroccan Coastal City for Beginners
Perfect for: Surfers, foodies, creatives
Vibe: Relaxed, breezy, artistic
If you want to visit a coastal Moroccan city, Essaouira is my pick. This laid-back Atlantic port centres around a whitewashed medina that has been UNESCO World Heritage listed. Plus, it boasts a thriving arts scene.
During the day, you can wander between the artisan stalls and art galleries, relax at the eclectic cafes and feast on seafood at the port. In the evenings, there are often pop-up events and live music nights that are great for meeting like-minded travellers and locals.
Highlights of Essaouira:
- Shopping in the relaxed souks
- Feasting on fresh seafood at the port
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing
- Art galleries and concept stores
- Globally-inspired cafes and restaurants
- Watching the sunset from Skala de la Kasbah
- The Gnaoua World Music Festival (in June)
Discover more of the best things to do in Essaouira as a solo traveller in my detailed article here.
Why Essaouira is great for first-time solo travellers
Essaouira is safe, walkable and has a relaxed, coastal vibe. I think it’s “easier” than Marrakech for first-time travellers and if you do want to visit the “Red City”, it’s just 2.5 hours away.
I also love the creativity that presents itself around every corner in Essaouira. Whether you’re into music or art, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. Plus, the cafes and restaurants are really good – you’ll find great coffee and classic brunch menus if you’re missing a taste of back home.
Discover some of the best small-group tours in Essaouira for solo travellers.
How to get to Essaouira:
Book a flight to Essaouira Mogador Airport or Marrakech Menara Airport
5. Rabat — Best Moroccan City for Urban Energy and Modern Museums
Perfect for: First-timers who want modern energy, French architecture, culture lovers
Vibe: Cosmopolitan, modern, spacious
In my opinion, Morocco’s capital, Rabat, is underrated. It combines a historic medina with a tree-lined “new ville” and a spectacular kasbah overlooking the coast. There are great museums, a modern tram network and some beautiful French colonial buildings. In short, it feels really different from Marrakech and Fes.
If you’re looking for urban energy and are tossing up between Casablanca and Rabat, the latter gets my vote. It’s far more relaxed and manageable for first-time travellers.
That being said, Rabat is just an hour’s drive or train ride from Casa. So you can easily visit the country’s economic centre and its monumental Hassan II Mosque as a day trip.
Highlights of Rabat:
- Tree-lined Ville Nouvelle and French colonial buildings
- Outstanding museums
- Mausoleum of Mohammed V + Hassan Tower
- Kasbah of the Oudaias + Andalusian Garden
- Day trip to Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Wandering through the sister city of Salé
Why Rabat is great for first-time solo travellers
It’s modern, easy to navigate and enticingly relaxed. In Rabat’s Ville Nouvelle, you’ll find lots of parks and public green spaces that add to its appeal – I particularly love the flower market! As the capital, there’s also a notable security/police presence, so it just feels really safe.
Rabat is also within easy reach of Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport – one of Morocco’s main entry points for international flights. Additionally, there’s the Rabat–Salé Airport, which is closer but with fewer flight options.
When it comes to accommodation, Rabat boasts some wonderfully preserved riads, as well as modern hotels. You’ll find some of my favourite places to stay in Rabat for solo travellers here.
How to get to Rabat:
Book a flight to Rabat–Salé Airport or Casablanca Mohammed V Airport and catch the train to Rabat.
6. Agadir — Best Moroccan City for Beaches and All-Inclusive Resorts
Perfect for: Beach lovers, surfers, first-timers wanting an all-inclusive stay
Vibe: Sunny, modern, seaside resort
With its long sandy beaches, palm-lined promenades and a reliably warm climate, Agadir is Morocco’s premier beach resort. It lacks the historic medina of Essaouira (it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1960), but makes up for it with its stunning coastal resorts and modern marina.
Agadir is the place to visit in Morocco if you’re after an all-inclusive stay and want a gentle introduction to Morocco. There are fantastic waterfront restaurants, a croc-filled wildlife park and a newly completed cable car.
Highlights of Agadir:
- Relaxing on Plage d’Agadir
- Dining and shopping at the marina
- Shopping in Souk El Had
- Day trip to Paradise Valley
- Surfing the breaks of Taghazout
- Ride the cable car to the Agadir Oufella
Why Agadir is great for first-time solo travellers
It’s one of Morocco’s easiest cities for beginners — clean, safe and ideal for a beach vacation. Agadir boasts a great choice of all-inclusive resorts, so you can plan a completely hassle-free stay on your first visit to the country.
While Agadir lacks a historic medina, there are plenty of things to do, including some great museums and one of Morocco’s biggest markets, Souk El Had. It’s also a fantastic destination for day trips – the surf breaks of Taghazout, the walled city of Taroudant and the natural swimming holes of Paradise Valley.
Plus, Agadir is just three hours’ drive from Marrakech if you want to visit the “Red City” as a day trip.
For more information about visiting Agadir, check out my solo traveller’s guide here.
How to get to Agadir:
Book a flight to Agadir Al-Massira Airport.
7. Tangier — Best City for Exploring Northern Morocco
Perfect for: Travellers coming from Spain, culture lovers, literary enthusiasts
Vibe: Cosmopolitan, creative, coastal
Due to its setting overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier blends European and Moroccan influences with a fascinating artistic history. It can easily be reached by ferry from Spain, so it’s ideal for first-timers who are coming from the Iberian Peninsula.
In Tangier, you’ll find excellent museums exploring its history as a crossroads of cultures and there’s a rich literary heritage here. Influential artists and writers have all left their mark, with many making Tangier their temporary (or permanent) home.
Highlights of Tangier:
- Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Civilisations + Museum of Contemporary Art
- Cap Spartel + Hercules Caves
- Art galleries/museums + fantastic street art
- People-watching in Petit Socco and Grand Socco
- Beaches and coastal walks
For more information about visiting Tangier, check out my solo traveller’s guide here.
Why Tangier is great for first-time travellers
Tangier is well-connected, less overwhelming than Marrakech or Fes, and makes a great base for exploring northern Morocco. It’s within easy reach of Chefchaouen, Tetouan and Asilah, all of which are fantastic destinations to explore.
While I find the Tangier medina slightly confusing to navigate, it’s endlessly fascinating and first-timers will do fine with maps.me (or similar) installed on their phone. There are always new galleries and concept stores popping up, so it will appeal to those with a creative streak.
If you’re a fan of William S. Burroughs, Jack Kerouac or Allen Ginsberg, you can follow in their footsteps while visiting their favourite Tangier cafes and bookstores.
How to get to Tangier:
Book a flight to Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport.
Which Moroccan City Should You Visit First?
Honestly, the best city in Morocco for first-time solo travellers depends on your individual interests.
If you’re craving the energy of an ancient medina, captivating architecture and inspiring riad stays, then consider Marrakech or Fes. For urban insights and easy access to Hassan II Mosque (without staying in crazy Casablanca), consider a visit to Morocco’s atmospheric capital, Rabat.
For something more relaxed, without compromising on cultural adventure, I’d suggest Chefchaouen (in the north) or Essaouira (in the south).
Agadir is perfect if you’re seeking a relaxed beachside vacation at an all-inclusive resort. Meanwhile, Tangier is ideal for a creative escape – it abounds with galleries, street art and literary legends.
If you can’t decide, the good news is that Morocco boasts really good transport connections. So you can easily visit a few of the most popular cities in Morocco during one trip.
Not only do buses travel throughout the country, but the train network in the north is particularly good. And with the recent addition of the high-speed Al Boraq train, you can get from Rabat to Tangier in less than 1.5 hours.
Final Tips for First-Time Visitors to Morocco
- Trains and buses make inter-city travel easy – you don’t have to rely on tours
- Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and at local markets
- Learn a few phrases in Darija (Moroccan Arabic) to ease interactions
- Avoid unsolicited offers of “help” – seek assistance from riad hosts or restaurant staff instead
- Visit in spring or autumn for ideal weather across the country
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVOURITE RESOURCES:
Find hotels via Booking
Book tours and attractions via Viator or GetYourGuide
Find a rental car via Discover Cars
Book flights via Kiwi or Booking
Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
Get travel insurance via SafetyWing
Buy a digital eSIM with Airalo
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