Top 3 Cultural Cities in Morocco

Morocco is famous for its beautiful beaches, fishing ports, mountains, countryside and oases. But there is much more to Morocco than just the natural beauty of the city. The country, a melting pot of Arabic, Berber, European and various other cultures, is home to some of the most splendid examples of Islamic architecture. The different cultural influences and the preservation of the geography, language, traditions and culture make Morocco one of the most unique countries in the whole world. Take a look at three culturally rich cities in Morocco.

Marrakesh Medina

The beautiful and vivacious city of Marrakesh Medina perfectly summarises the whole Moroccan experience for many tourists. The entrance to the old city is from the plaza of Djemma el-fnaa Square, a bustling market place, where the locals socialise. From snake charmers, acrobats, musicians, vendors and stall keepers to the shoppers and casual visitors, the market is frequented by one and all and perfectly reflects the rich cultural history of the city. Marrakesh Medina is truly a lovely place to simply roam around the streets and watch people animatedly haggle over goods.

Fes el Bali

Fes el Bali, often referred to as Fes, is another top cultural destination of Morocco, along with Marrakesh. In terms of population, it is the largest car-free urban space in the world. In fact it is a medieval city which has remained almost intact throughout the passage of time. Even today, the goods are transported from one place to another by carriages, donkeys and motorbikes. Fes el Bali which translates as Old City, has beautiful vintage buildings with chipped tadlakt (Plaster-work) and has gorgeous doors. The tanneries are among the most visited places in the ancient city. Tip: Carry a mask if you can’t stand extreme smells.

Tangier

Tangier is perhaps one of the most “European” amongst all the cities in Morocco. It has a fascinating place in the literary history of the 20^th century. In fact, this old world charm and the blend of Arabic, Berber and European influences make it a tourist hotspot. This city has inspired many famous works in the past including “The Sheltering Sky” by Paul Bowles, “Naked Lunch” by William Burroughs and recently, “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. Tangier is famous for its social settings like cafes, eateries and various streets selling home-wares and rations.