Smart Self-Managed Tours

Country guide

Morocco

A photograph of Morocco
Photograph · Petar Milošević · CC BY-SA 4.0

Morocco is 446,550 km2 with two coastlines, Mediterranean along the north and Atlantic down the west, and the 2024 census counted 36,828,330 people. Rabat is the capital and Casablanca the largest city, but neither is usually what a visitor books. The trip is normally built around the former capitals, Fes and Marrakesh, whose walled old towns are the point of coming and are covered on foot because nothing wider fits down them. Tangier faces Spain across the strait and is the shortest way in from Europe. The Atlas range separates all of it from the desert south.

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
Arabic and Amazigh; French is widely used
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+212
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Moroccan dirham (MAD)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
19 police in cities · 177 gendarmerie · 15 fire/ambulance
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C and E · 220 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No verified nationwide visitor drinking-water statement was recorded

Planning a visit

  1. January: no seasonality data recorded
  2. February: no seasonality data recorded
  3. March: no seasonality data recorded
  4. April: no seasonality data recorded
  5. May: no seasonality data recorded
  6. June: no seasonality data recorded
  7. July: no seasonality data recorded
  8. August: no seasonality data recorded
  9. September: no seasonality data recorded — this month
  10. October: no seasonality data recorded
  11. November: no seasonality data recorded
  12. December: no seasonality data recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Le Jardin Secret Le Jardin Secret
    02 1 hour

    Le Jardin Secret

    Le Jardin Secret is a restored historic riad garden situated within the medina of Marrakesh. It exemplifies traditional Islamic garden design principles, incorporating geometric layouts, water features, and vegetation arranged according to classical patterns.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Marrakesh
  2. Jardins de la Ménara Jardins de la Ménara
    03 1 hour

    Jardins de la Ménara

    The Menara Gardens constitute a historic olive grove and garden complex situated to the west of Marrakesh's medina. Established during the Almohad period in the twelfth century, the site represents one of Morocco's oldest surviving garden landscapes.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Marrakesh
  3. Agdal Gardens Agdal Gardens
    04 1 hour

    Agdal Gardens

    Jardin de l'Agdal

    The Agdal Gardens, known locally as Jardins de l'Agdal, constitute a vast historic orchard and water landscape situated south of the medina of Marrakesh.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Marrakesh
  4. Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam
    05 1 hour

    Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam

    Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam is a restored historic garden located in central Marrakesh, positioned between the medina and the Hivernage district.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Marrakesh
  5. ANIMA Jardin ANIMA Jardin
    06 1 hour

    ANIMA Jardin

    Anima Garden is a botanical garden and cultural space located outside Marrakesh, created by Austrian artist André Heller. The garden combines extensive plantings with integrated artworks and sculptures by international artists.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Marrakesh
  6. Koutoubia Gardens Koutoubia Gardens
    07 1 hour

    Koutoubia Gardens

    Koutoubia Gardens, locally known as Jardins de la Koutoubia, is an open garden situated at the base of the iconic Koutoubia Mosque minaret in Marrakesh.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Marrakesh
  7. Place du 16 Novembre Place du 16 Novembre
    08 1 hour

    Place du 16 Novembre

    Place du 16 Novembre is a central civic square in Gueliz, Marrakesh's modern new town. It functions as a key urban landmark and gathering point where the planned colonial-era grid meets contemporary city life.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Marrakesh
  8. Arset El Bilk عرصة البيلك
    09 1 hour

    Arset El Bilk عرصة البيلك

    Arset El Bilk is a public garden located in the historic core of Marrakesh, Morocco. Positioned immediately beside the world-famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, this green space serves as an urban refuge amid the dense medina environment.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Marrakesh
  9. Jardin de Bab el Khemis
    10 1 hour

    Jardin de Bab el Khemis

    Bab el Khemis Garden, known locally as Jardin de Bab el Khemis, is a public green space situated adjacent to the historic Bab el Khemis gate in the northern reaches of Marrakesh's ancient medina.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Marrakesh
  10. k
    16 1 hour

    k

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Marrakesh
  11. Parc Issil
    22 1 hour

    Parc Issil

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Marrakesh
  12. Villa Janna
    26 1 hour

    Villa Janna

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Marrakesh

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Morocco be?

Eight to twelve days can join Marrakesh with one Atlantic, imperial-city or Atlas route. A desert extension needs dedicated road time and should replace, not simply be added to, another distant region.

What entry documents are needed for Morocco?

Morocco’s Accès Maroc service is the government channel for electronic visa and travel-authorisation checks. Eligibility is passport-specific; verify the required route through that portal before committing to transport.

What is the best way to travel around Morocco?

Casablanca and Marrakesh are the largest air gateways. ONCF trains serve the main northern and Atlantic cities, whereas mountain, desert and smaller-town journeys depend on coaches, cars or organised transfers.

When is a practical time to visit Morocco?

March to May and September to November avoid the strongest heat on many city and inland routes. Atlas conditions, Atlantic weather and desert temperature swings require separate checks for the planned circuit.

What money and payment basics apply in Morocco?

Moroccan dirhams (MAD) are the local currency. This record does not state nationwide card coverage or exchange costs; agree the amount and method before a taxi, market or remote accommodation transaction.

What practical safety details should I save for Morocco?

Morocco distinguishes 19 for city police, 177 for the gendarmerie and 15 for fire or ambulance. Power is 220 V through Type C and E sockets, while tap-water guidance is Not recorded.