Marrakech and Fez continue their global winning streak with a new travel honour from Travel + Leisure.
Fez– Morocco has once again secured its place on the global travel map, with Marrakech and Fez earning prestigious spots on “Travel + Leisure” magazine’s 2025 “Top 10 Cities in Africa and the Middle East” list, a ranking based entirely on reader experiences.
Marrakech, the famed Red City, landed an impressive fourth place among a competitive group dominated by regional heavyweights such as Cape Town, which took first place, along with Dubai and Jerusalem.
Fez followed closely in sixth position, confirming Morocco’s enduring allure for international travellers seeking culture-rich getaways.
This year’s list overwhelmingly put the spotlight on destinations in North Africa and the Middle East, with only one city located outside the two regions.
Egypt’s Luxor and Jordan’s Petra made strong appearances thanks to their ancient ruins, while modern hubs like Doha and Abu Dhabi showcased the region’s flair for contemporary luxury and rapid transformation.
According to “Travel + Leisure”, readers consistently favoured cities that deliver “a sense of place” where history, culture, and cuisine converge.
This year’s responses revealed a clear appetite for destinations that offer both authenticity and safety, with culinary heritage emerging as one of the strongest pull-factors.
In addition to ranking inside the top five, Marrakech received a special accolade: it was inducted into the publication’s Hall of Fame, a status reserved for cities that have featured on the list for ten consecutive years.
This milestone reflects the Moroccan city’s continued power to enchant travellers year after year.
Marrakech’s global appeal stems from its vibrant souks, historic sites, luxury riads, and distinct cultural personality, a brand of sensory richness that marries chaos and refinement in equal measure.
The city’s culinary universe, filled with iconic dishes like tangia and spiced lamb slow-cooked in traditional clay pots, sets it apart even within Morocco’s celebrated gastronomic landscape.
Fez, often referred to as Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual heart, draws visitors seeking depth, reflection, and a step back in time.
As the country’s oldest capital and home to the world’s oldest continuously operating university, Al-Qarawiyyin, Fez offers a labyrinthine UNESCO-listed medina, cloaked in heritage and architectural splendour.
The dual presence of Marrakech and Fez in this year’s ranking serves as a striking reminder of Morocco’s diversity as a tourist destination where medieval cities can claim their place alongside modern metropolises.
Whether through Marrakech’s irresistible energy or Fez’s contemplative silence, Morocco continues to offer a travel experience defined not only by what one sees, but by what one feels.
As travellers search for destinations that provide meaning as well as beauty, Morocco’s imperial pair proves that authenticity, craftsmanship, and history remain some of the most valuable currencies in global tourism today.
