Morocco’s imperial cities of Marrakech and Fez have been ranked among the world’s best destinations to explore on foot, according to an annual report by travel platform GuruWalk.
In GuruWalk’s global ranking of the 100 best cities to discover by walking, based on 467,000 verified traveler reviews covering more than 3,600 guided walking tours across 800 cities, Marrakech placed 56th, while Fez ranked 60th.
Egypt’s Cairo was the only other African city to feature higher, at 55th.
GuruWalk said Marrakech stood out for its centuries-old colorful medina, anchored by the UNESCO-heritage site of Jemaa el‑Fna square, whose street performers, snake charmers and acrobats have remained a central attraction since the 11th century.
Walkers also highlighted the city’s historic palaces, hidden riads, gardens such as Majorelle, and the “enchanting atmosphere” of its souks, which, the platform said, turns every stroll into a journey through the Maghreb.
Fez, Morocco’s old capital, was praised for its vast medieval medina, the largest in the Muslim world, and for hosting Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 and widely regarded as the world’s oldest continuously operating university.
GuruWalk described getting lost in Fez’s 9,000 narrow alleys, among traditional tanneries and artisans working with age‑old techniques, as a “journey back through millennia” and a “festival of colors, scents and sounds.”
The recognition comes as Morocco seeks to strengthen its position as a major global tourism hub ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will help host and which officials see as a catalyst for long‑term economic growth.
After the 20 million milestone, Morocco has set a target of attracting around 26 million visitors annually by 2030, and has launched a multi‑year strategy focused on expanding air connectivity, upgrading transport infrastructure, and increasing hotel capacity across key cities and coastal resorts.
Authorities are investing heavily in airport expansions, high‑speed rail links, and urban redevelopment projects, particularly in cities expected to host matches or fan zones. The government is also promoting lesser‑known destinations while upgrading historic medinas and public spaces to improve visitor experiences.
