Discover imperial cities of Morocco: A First-Timer’s Guide

Morocco has four imperial cities that are living museums with history inscribed on their ancient walls. It is common with most countries to have one old capital city, but Morocco has four cities that previously had this great privilege. This created an unparalleled wealth of historical attractions.

Where Morocco's Cities Come Alive

Each of Morocco's imperial cities was once the capital of a great dynasty. Walking through them, it is not difficult to feel the birth and death of the dynasties in the buildings, the culture, and the atmosphere that permeates the streets even today.

Fez charms with its scholarly beginnings and bustling souks, which were once a center of learning and trade. Marrakesh, noisy and chaotic, buzzes with the vitality of dynasties that left behind gardens, palaces, and thronged marketplaces.

Meknes reveals to us the majestic dream of a king who did not think small—its towering walls, palace stables, and magnificent gates are from legend. And Rabat, once a sea fortress, now blends tradition and modern life as Morocco's peaceful but forceful capital.

Four Cities, Four Personalities

What makes these cities so special is the way each of them differs from the next.

 Fez wraps you in curving alleys and shows you elegant madrasas with bright tiles and carved cedar. It's like a city frozen in time. 

Marrakesh hits you with energy—red walls, Berber motifs, palm trees, and the call to prayer echoing through the souks.

Meknes is quieter, but the scale of its plan is one of empire and ambition. Gates like Bab Mansour and open piazzas keep you thinking of royal power. 

Rabat is more relaxed, with traditional Moroccan buildings and wide, avenue-like tree-lined boulevards from the French heritage. It's a city where past and present stroll hand in hand.

The imperial cities of Morocco each tell a unique story through their rich history. Masterpieces of architecture and ancient skills provide an insight into Morocco's rich cultural heritage.

Fez: Discover tanneries and madrasas

The Chouara Tannery in Fez takes you back to the 11th century. One of the oldest tanneries in the world, it continues to utilize centuries-old leather-making techniques unchanged. You can sit on nearby shop terraces and observe workers staining leather in stone cauldrons with natural dyes—red from poppies, blue from indigo, orange from henna, and green from mint.

Fez contains the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, the oldest working university in the world. Don't miss the Bou Inania Madrasa, its stucco and wood carvings so intricate, or the lesser Al-Attarine Madrasa, with its refined courtyard and exacting Marinid craftsmanship.

Marrakesh: Explore gardens and palaces

During your Morocco tour, Marrakesh shines with its beautiful green gardens. The Yves Saint-Laurent-owned Majorelle Gardens flaunts more than 1,800 species of cacti and striking blue architectural features.

The Bahia Palace stretches classical Moroccan landscaping across eight hectares. The El Badi Palace is the historic palace that welcomes visitors with sunken gardens that offer breathtaking vistas of the medina and Atlas Mountains.

Meknes: Discover royal stables and gates

Meknes impresses tourists with its Royal Stables that used to keep 12,000 of Sultan Moulay Ismail's horses. Each horse had its own slave and groom. Right next to it, the huge granary Heri Es-souani kept enough grain to feed these horses for 20 years. Rabat's pride is the Bab El Mansour Gate, which people refer to as Morocco's most handsome monumental entrance.

Rabat: Visit the kasbah and mausoleum

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is unique in its Italian white marble façade and pyramidal green-tiled roof. In the interior, elegant mosaics, cedar wood, carvings, and gold leaf trimmings surround the white onyx sarcophagus.

The Kasbah of the Udayas charms visitors with blue and white narrow streets lined with houses, rainbow-colored blooms, and stunning ocean views.

Morocco's imperial cities are famous for their stunning architecture. These cities in Morocco also give an insight into the kingdom's cultural core through authentic traditions that have survived centuries that you will experience  on your journey through Morocco.

Shopping at the traditional souks

Morocco's imperial cities' winding markets are a treat for your senses. Morocco's souks followed an ancient model of how goods were organized based on value. The most precious items like gold were placed in the middle, and other commodities spread outwards. 

Marrakesh's Souk Al-Attarine beckons with its scented spices, while Souk Jeld houses the renowned Chouara Tannery. Marrakesh's main shopping street runs through Souk Semmarine, which is full of cloth and handicrafts. Meknes is a cost-effective alternative that involves less negotiation than other tourist areas.

Enjoying Moroccan cuisine in each city

Moroccan cuisine is a tasty blend of Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and Mediterranean. Some traditional fare includes aromatic tagines, which simmer away in cone-shaped clay pots, and puffed, pale-colored couscous, traditionally eaten on Fridays. 

Each imperial city tastes differently. Fez is renowned for dishes flavored with citrus, and Meknes serves the best quality fresh mint tea. You'll find tfaya wherever you look - a very delicious mix of raisins and cinnamon fried together with caramelized onions that typically accompanies meat meals. Experiencing Moroccan cuisine will make your tour even more memorable.

Learning about Berber and Arab heritage

The Imperial cities of Morocco offer a fascinating mix of Berber traditional customs and Arab influences arriving in the 7th century. The native music culture consists of Gnawa performances from Africa that are popular in southern regions.

Northern Morocco boasts Andalusian classical music heritage. Berber handicraft is achieved through ornate weaving, pottery, jewelry, and cloth patterns, with most of these art forms being dominated by tribal women.

Enjoying local music and festivals

The imperial cities are brought to life by stunning festivals celebrating their rich cultural mix throughout the year. Fez shines with the Festival of World Sacred Music in May/June with sacred music from all over the globe. 

Rabat's Mawazine Festival is among the greatest music festivals of North Africa, hosting international stars as well as local celebrities. Marrakesh's Jemaa el-Fna square is transformed every evening into an open-air theatre where minstrels, musicians, and dancers entertain the public under moonlight.

Your first  visit to the imperial cities of Morocco necessitates effective planning with proper timing, and cultural sensitiveness. The following tips will guide first-time visitors to have a wonderful Moroccan experience while evading possible mistakes.

Best time to visit the cities of Morocco

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal times to travel to Morocco's imperial cities. The weather remains warm enough to allow you to stroll through old medinas without any issues. You won’t have to deal with the scorching summer sun or winter rains. October is an ideal time to visit the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara, the Atlantic Coast, and the cities in Morocco.

Each season offers something special. Summer seasons (Jun-Aug) are quite warm with over 110°F temperatures, so walk early mornings. Mild weather happens in coastal areas during winter and great snowfall landscapes in the Atlas Mountains.

How to dress and behave respectfully

Morocco's Muslim society values humble clothing from tourists. Shoulders and knees must be covered by both men and women, more so in conservative areas. Women might have to carry a scarf to cover their head over religious sites. Rural areas will want women to cover from wrist to ankle and men from shoulder to knee.

Urban existence sees the majority of young Moroccans dressed in modern clothes, yet tourists earn respect by dressing modestly. Take off your shoes when you step into someone's home. 

Q1. What are the 4 imperial cities of Morocco?

The four imperial cities of Morocco are Fez, Marrakesh, Meknes, and Rabat. Each played a key role in the country’s history and showcases unique architecture, culture, and royal heritage.

Q2. What is the oldest city in Morocco?

Fez is the oldest city in Morocco and one of its most important imperial cities. Founded in the 8th century, it’s known for its ancient medina and deep spiritual and educational roots.

Q3. What should you not miss in Marrakesh?

 In Marrakesh, you shouldn’t miss the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the colorful Majorelle Garden, and the historic Bahia Palace. It’s one of the most vibrant cities in Morocco and a highlight of any tour through the imperial cities.

Q4. Why is Meknes famous?

Meknes is famous for its massive city gates, royal granaries, and impressive walls. As one of the imperial cities of Morocco, it was once the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail and still reflects the grandeur of that era.

Q5. Is there anything to see in Rabat?

Yes, Rabat offers a blend of modern life and historical charm. Key sights include the Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas, making it a must-visit among the imperial cities of Morocco.

Q6. Which month is best to visit Morocco?

October is one of the best months to visit Morocco. The weather is mild and ideal for exploring cities in Morocco, especially the historic imperial cities, without the extreme heat or winter rains.

Ready to explore Morocco and the best destinations in the Middle East? Book your Morocco tour now!