The Medinas of Morocco: Discover Culture, Art, & History in Northern Africa
- Marla Brown
- Aug 7
- 8 min read
The medinas of Morocco are more than just historical sites. They are lively, bustling communities that tell stories of the daily life of local people. It’s a chance to connect with local artisans, enjoy the local street food, and gain a deeper understanding of the resilience, creativity, and connections within the medina community.
Not every Moroccan city has a medina, but the historic towns do. Let’s explore life in Morocco by checking out the five most popular medinas.
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Table of Contents
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What is a Medina?
In Arabic, the term medina means “city” or “town.” Usually, a medina is the old, walled part of a North African city. They are known for their narrow, winding streets, enclosed by walls that showcase the remaining history of their architecture, mosques, palaces, and other historic structures.
The streets are designed for pedestrians, and generally, motor vehicles do not pass through medinas. Locals and tourists explore life in the medinas side by side, creating a lively and thrilling atmosphere.
What is a Souk?
A souk is a traditional market with vendors selling a variety of goods. They are part of the medinas.
These marketplaces usually focus on their specialties. For example, in Fes, the Souk Attarine is known for its wide range of spices, including over 50 varieties like saffron and cumin. In Marrakesh, the Souk Cherratin mainly deals with leather products such as shoes, bags, and other accessories.
One medina can contain multiple souks.
What is a Riad?
If you want an authentic Moroccan experience, stay in a Riad. A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house, usually found in the medinas of cities like Marrakesh and Fes.
In terms of design, the riads are focused on a central courtyard (or patio) which provides a calm and peaceful location. They are designed with high walls, water fountains, minimal windows facing out, and decorated with tile work, carved wood, and stucco.
As tourism in Morocco increases and there is a desire to preserve the architectural heritage of these traditional homes, many riads are being restored and converted into boutique hotels and guesthouses.
On our journey into Morocco, we chose to stay in Riads to get a more personal experience of the Moroccan culture. They weren’t always easy to find in the narrow winding streets of the medina, but street guides were happy to lead you for a price.
I share my top 10 tips to get the most out of your Medina visits later in the article.
A Brief History of the Medinas of Morocco
Morocco’s medinas reflect various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arab tribes, and Berber people. The architectural styles showcase the cultural blend of these groups.
The earliest medinas date back to the 7th century. This was a time when Islamic rule expanded across North Africa. The medinas became hubs of commerce, religion, and social interaction.
Today, these historic districts (medinas) are UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase the rise and fall of various dynasties and traditions in Moroccan society. The medinas of Fes, Marrakesh, Essaouira, and Tetouan are all recognized by UNESCO.
5 Medinas to Explore in Morocco
Marrakesh
The Marrakesh Medina is one of the most well-known areas in Morocco. Many travelers include this city in their Moroccan plans, making it a popular tourist spot full of activity.
In the first half of 2025, Morocco welcomed 8.9 million tourists (according to Morocco World News). The Marrakesh Medina, being a central attraction, likely accounts for a significant portion of these visitors.
Until just over 100 years ago, the whole city of Marrakesh lived within the walls of the medina. Today, the riads in the Marrakesh medina are home to about 200,000 people (about a fifth of the city’s population).
At the epicenter of the medina is the Jemaa el-Fnaa square. This is the place where, during the day, you'll find snake charmers, fortune tellers, herbalists, and various food stalls. At night, the square transforms with more food stalls, musicians, and performers. The energy and lively atmosphere after dark in Jemaa el-Fnaa square are fun if you like big crowds, a bit of haggling, and a vibrant atmosphere.
When you go beyond the souks of the medina and the main square, the medina begins to quiet down, and the streets start to feel more like a neighborhood of locals.
Fes
The Fes Medina is magical (and large)! This Medina is one of the biggest in the world and the easiest to get lost in. There are over 9,000 winding alleyways rich in history, art, and culture. But, don’t let that keep you from visiting and getting lost, as there are some souks and historical locations that you won’t want to miss.
Not only is the Medina of Fes one of the largest in the world, but it is also considered one of the best-preserved historic towns in the Arab-Muslim world. It contains 144 different districts, each with its school, mosque, library, and craftsmen.
There are also 350 mosques in the Fes Medina, spread across different districts. The Al-Qarawiyyin University and Mosque are worth visiting, as it is one of the oldest universities in the world.
If you love world markets, the El Attarine Souk (spice street) is full of stalls selling food, spices, woven items, and fresh fruit. It’s a lively market and a great spot to find traditional beauty products. Be ready to haggle.
Other souks that might interest you include the Serrajine (famous for its slippers), the Souk Jeld (leather market), and Place Seffarine (known for metal goods like iron, brass, and copper).
If you want to see a leather tannery, the Chouara Tannery offers an unforgettable experience. This is where you can watch artisans dye leather, a tradition passed down through generations. Visit my post to learn more about the Chouara Tannery.
Essaouira
For those exploring the coast, Essaouira Medina combines Moroccan and European influences. The town is known for its whitewashed buildings with blue shutters, which look beautiful against the sea.
This is a quieter, slower, and easier-to-navigate Medina than the larger ones like Fes. The narrow streets are lined with art galleries and local restaurants known for their fresh seafood catch of the day.
Chefchaouen
Popularly known as the “blue city” of Morocco, the Medina of Chefchaouen is unlike any other. Located in the Riff Mountains, the town is painted in various shades of blue, drawing artists, photographers, and travelers from far and wide.
Chefchaouen is easy to get around. It’s built on a hill, so be ready to climb stairs. But the views, charming shops, and cafes create a place where you can take it slow and enjoy the local culture.
Although Chefchaouen can get touristy with day-trippers, this town is worth a few days if you are looking to unwind and even get out in nature. There are great hikes in the nearby mountains for both beginners and advanced trekkers.
Make sure to enjoy a cup of the mint tea Morocco is famous for at one of the cafes. To learn more about Chefchaouen, read my article here.
Tangier
Tangier has a feel all its own. Sitting at the northernmost part of Morocco, it has a history with Europe worth enjoying. It showcases a blend of Spanish, Portuguese, and Muslim culture and influences.
The highlight of Tangier is the historic kasbah. The kasbah is a landmark citadel and fortress located at the highest point of the medina. Stunning views can be found along the Mediterranean Coast and the coastline of Spain.
We also enjoyed visiting the American Legation Museum. It is located in Tangier’s Haoumat Beni-Ider medina. This cultural hub showcases the long history of good relations between the United States and Morocco. The museum continues today to engage diverse and active communities of Tangier and beyond with cultural and research activities. There are one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork, books, maps, and photographs that will interest any traveler with an interest in history.
10 Tips for Navigating the Medinas
1. Download maps, but embrace getting lost: Getting lost can be part of the fun, so don’t be afraid to wander and explore. But if mazes and spotty cell service make you nervous, download an offline map of the medina before heading out.
2. Pack light and comfortably: Dress modestly to respect local customs. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
3. Learn basic Arabic or French Phrases: Although many vendors speak English, knowing the language helps you connect with locals.
4. Consider a local guide: We hired a local guide in Fes, and we learned much more than we would have on our own. Visit GetYourGuide.com or Viator.com to find a local guide
in some of the larger medinas. It will be worth your travel dollars.
5. Bargain politely: Haggling is common in the souks, but do it with a smile and humor. It makes a big difference.
6. Stay in the Riads: Riads (an inner courtyard house or hotel) offer a glimpse into Moroccan hospitality and family life. The accommodations are comfortable, and the architecture showcases delicate tilework, serene gardens, beautiful woodwork, and a peaceful retreat from the medina.
7. Hire a guide to help you find your riad in the large medinas. It's best to arrange a guide in advance through the medina so you can locate your riad upon arrival. The medinas can be a maze to navigate if it’s your first time there. When booking your riad, ask about their guide services. This is the most straightforward and most stress-free option, especially if you're arriving at night or during a busy time.
8. When booking your riad, consider its location: if you are arriving by car, you will be dropped off at one of the medina's gates. If you prefer not to walk far, choose a riad near a gate.
9. Be cautious of “helpful” locals: If you get lost in a medina, you might find several locals eager to assist you in finding your way. However, be aware that not all offers are genuine. Be wary of anyone offering unsolicited help, especially if they expect payment afterward. Minarets at mosques can help you get your bearings, as they are often visible from various areas in the medinas.
10. Enjoy the sensory overload, but stay alert to your surroundings. We spent three weeks exploring medinas in Morocco and never felt unsafe. However, watch out for scooters and motorbikes zipping through narrow streets. As with any destination, avoid walking around with your phone in your hand and being unaware of your environment. Pickpockets and scams are common in crowded areas, so be discreet with your valuables and avoid flashing expensive items.
Some Final Thoughts
The medinas of Morocco are more than just places to shop; they embody the heart of Moroccan culture.
As tourism in Morocco continues to grow, so does the need for responsible travel practices to help preserve the medinas for future generations.
Traveling into the medinas of Morocco encourages visitors to immerse themselves in local Moroccan culture by supporting artisans and businesses, connecting with residents, savoring local cuisine, and learning the language along the way.
For those ready to explore the winding paths of medinas, be prepared to immerse yourself in the warmth of the Moroccan culture. The history in this part of the world is fascinating, and the medinas are a great way to get a deeper understanding of its past.
As always, wherever the road may take you, I wish you a safe and meaningful journey.
Marla
