Short answer: Morocco’s four imperial cities are Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat. Each served as the capital of a ruling dynasty, and each has a historic centre listed by UNESCO. You can see all four in about a week from Casablanca.
Fes, the spiritual capital
Founded at the end of the 8th century by Idris I and expanded by his son Idris II, Fes became the intellectual heart of Morocco. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world.
- Highlights: Bab Boujloud, the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas, the Qarawiyyin (founded in 859), the Chouara tannery, the Mellah and the Royal Palace gates.
- Time needed: two nights, with one full guided day.
Marrakech, the red city
Founded around 1070 by the Almoravids, Marrakech gave its name to the country in many languages. It flourished again under the Almohads and the Saadians.
- Highlights: Jemaa el-Fna, the Koutoubia, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Majorelle Garden.
- Time needed: two to three nights. Start with a private Marrakech day tour.
Meknes, the city of Moulay Ismail
Sultan Moulay Ismail made Meknes his capital in the late 17th century and surrounded it with walls and monumental gates. It is quieter than Fes and Marrakech.
- Highlights: Bab Mansour, the Heri es-Souani granaries, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (when open) and the medina.
- Nearby: the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.
- Time needed: half a day, usually as a stop between Rabat or Chefchaouen and Fes.
Rabat, the modern capital
The Almohads built a fortress here in the 12th century and began the Hassan Mosque, whose unfinished minaret still stands. Rabat became the capital in 1912 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage city.
- Highlights: the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Chellah.
- Time needed: half a day to one day. See our Rabat day trip.
How to visit all four
A classic route from Casablanca: Rabat, then Meknes and Volubilis, two nights in Fes, then the long drive to Marrakech and back to Casablanca. It takes six or seven days. Our 6-day imperial cities tour covers Meknes, Fes and Marrakech, and the 7-day tour adds Rabat and Chefchaouen. With more time, add the Sahara between Fes and Marrakech, as on our 8-day Sahara tour.
Which imperial city is best?
- For history and craftsmanship: Fes.
- For atmosphere, food and gardens: Marrakech.
- For a calm, easy visit: Rabat.
- For monuments without crowds: Meknes.
All our imperial city routes are on the imperial cities tours page. UNESCO describes each site on its Morocco page.
Frequently asked questions
What are the four imperial cities of Morocco?
Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat. Each was the royal capital under a different dynasty.
Why are they called imperial cities?
Because each served as the capital of a Moroccan dynasty, with royal palaces, walls and monumental gates built by the sultans.
How many days do you need to see the imperial cities?
About six to seven days from Casablanca, with two nights in Fes and two in Marrakech.
Which imperial city should I visit if I only have time for one?
Fes for history and the most authentic medina, or Marrakech for variety and atmosphere.
Want to see the imperial cities with a private driver? Ask for a tailor-made route.