The Imperial Cities of Morocco Explained

The short answer: Morocco's four imperial cities are Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat, each of which was a royal capital at some point in history. All four have medinas or monuments listed by UNESCO, and you can visit them in one itinerary of about a week, usually combined with the Sahara.

Fes: the spiritual and scholarly capital

Founded at the end of the 8th century, Fes grew into a great centre of learning and trade. Its old medina, Fes el Bali, is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, with the Chouara tannery, medersas and the al-Qarawiyyin mosque and university. Read our Fes medina guide.

Marrakech: the red city

Founded by the Almoravids in the 11th century, Marrakech gave its name to the whole country in many languages. Highlights include the Koutoubia, Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs. See our 3 days in Marrakech.

Meknes: the city of Moulay Ismail

In the late 17th century Sultan Moulay Ismail made Meknes his capital and surrounded it with kilometres of walls, monumental gates like Bab Mansour, and huge granaries and stables. It is calm and easy to visit, often with Roman Volubilis nearby. See our Meknes guide.

Rabat: today's capital

Rabat has been the capital since 1912. Visit the Kasbah of the Udayas above the ocean, the unfinished Hassan Tower from the 12th century and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. See our Rabat travel guide.

How to see all four

Casablanca is not an imperial city, but its Hassan II Mosque makes it a strong first stop: see Casablanca in one day.

How many days in each city

Tips for visiting

• Hire an official guide for your first day in the Fes medina; it saves time and makes the visit much richer.
• Many monuments close or change hours on Friday at midday prayer time.
• Non-Muslims cannot enter most active mosques; the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the main exception.

Frequently asked questions

Which imperial city is the best?

Fes for history and craftsmanship, Marrakech for atmosphere. Meknes and Rabat are calmer and less touristy.

Can I visit the imperial cities by train?

Yes, trains link all four, but you cannot reach the Sahara by train. A private tour combines both.

See the imperial cities tours: 8-day tour from Casablanca and 11-day Morocco tour, or browse tours from Casablanca.

Plan it with us: Marrakech tours and trips, Morocco itineraries and Fes desert tours.