Complete guide to Morocco's 6 AFCON 2025 host cities. Where to stay in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, and Fez with hotels, transport, and cultural highlights.
The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 will showcase Morocco's finest cities across 9 world-class stadiums. Whether you're following the Atlas Lions through their historic home tournament or supporting your national team, choosing the right city base is crucial for an unforgettable AFCON experience.
This comprehensive guide covers all six AFCON 2025 host cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, and Fez. We'll help you decide where to stay based on match schedules, hotels near the stadiums, local transport, and cultural attractions.
Quick City Comparison
| City | Stadiums | Total Matches | Best For | Cost |
|---|
| Rabat | 4 venues | 16 matches (incl. Final) | Opening & Final | $$$ |
| Tangier | 1 venue | 7 matches (incl. Semi-final) | European gateway | $$ |
| Casablanca | 1 venue | 8 matches (incl. 3rd place) | Business travelers | $$$ |
| Marrakech | 1 venue | 8 matches (incl. Quarter-final) | Tourism & culture | $$-$$$ |
| Agadir | 1 venue | 8 matches (incl. Quarter-final) | Beach & relaxation | $$ |
| Fez | 1 venue | 5 matches | Cultural immersion | $ |
1. Rabat — Morocco's Capital & Tournament Epicenter
Overview
As Morocco's political capital and AFCON 2025's primary hub, Rabat hosts 16 matches across 4 stadiums, including the Opening Match (December 21) and the Final (January 18).
Stadiums in Rabat
1Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (69,500) — Opening, Quarter-final, Semi-final, Final
2Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan (22,000) — Group stage + Round of 16
3Stade Olympique Annexe (21,000) — Group stage
4Stade Al Barid (18,000) — Group stage + Round of 16
Getting Around Rabat
From Airport:
Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA): 18 km from city center
Taxi: ~150-200 MAD ($15-20), 30 minutes
Train: ONCF service to Rabat Ville station
Stadium Access:
Prince Moulay Abdellah: Tramway to Madinat Al Irfane (10 min)
All stadiums: Taxi 30-70 MAD ($3-7)
Intercity Transport:
High-speed train to Casablanca: 55 minutes
Train to Tangier: 2h 10min
Where to Stay in Rabat
Hassan District (Best for Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium)
The View Rabat (4★) — 1.9 km from stadium, $150-250/night
Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses (5★) — 4 km, $180-350/night
The Ritz-Carlton Rabat (5★) — $300-500/night
Agdal District (Central)
Ibis Rabat Agdal (3★) — From $70/night
Hotel Majliss (3★) — From $60/night
Rabat Medina (Old City)
Riad Kalaa (Boutique) — From $80/night
Dar Shaan (Boutique) — From $120/night
Cultural Highlights
Hassan Tower — Historic 44m Almohad minaret
Mausoleum of Mohammed V — Royal burial site
Kasbah of the Udayas — Medieval fortification with ocean views
Chellah Necropolis — Roman-Islamic archaeological site
Match Day Tips
Book accommodation 3+ months ahead for Opening and Final
Arrive 2 hours early for high-profile matches
Underground parking (5,200 spaces) fills quickly
December weather: 15-20°C, bring light jacket
2. Casablanca — Morocco's Commercial Heart
Overview
Morocco's largest city hosts 8 AFCON matches at the historic Stade Mohammed V (45,000), including the Third-Place Playoff.
Stadium
Stade Mohammed V
Opened: March 6, 1955 (Morocco's oldest)
Home to Raja and Wydad Casablanca
6 Group Stage + Round of 16 + Third-Place Match
Getting Around Casablanca
From Airport:
Mohammed V International (CMN): 30 km
Train: 23 minutes to Casa Voyageurs
Taxi: 280-350 MAD ($28-35)
Stadium Access:
Location: Maarif neighborhood (central)
Tramway: Line within walking distance
Taxi: 50-70 MAD ($5-7)
Where to Stay in Casablanca
Maarif District (Best for Stadium)
Le Casablanca Hotel (5★) — 0.2 km from stadium, $150-250/night
Onomo Hotel (4★) — 0.3 km, $100-180/night
Corniche & Oceanfront
Four Seasons Hotel (5★) — Ocean views, $300-600/night
Le Casablanca by Barceló (5★) — Beachfront, $200-400/night
Budget Options
Hotel Excelsior (3★) — From $50/night
Ibis Casa-Sidi Maarouf (3★) — From $60/night
Cultural Highlights
Hassan II Mosque — Africa's largest mosque
Old Medina — Historic bazaar and souks
Corniche Beach — Oceanside promenade
Mohammed V Square — Art Deco landmark
Match Day Tips
Arrive 2+ hours early for high-profile matches
Maarif has excellent dining pre/post-match
Avoid driving during peak times
3. Tangier — Gateway Between Africa & Europe
Overview
Morocco's northern jewel hosts 7 AFCON matches at the spectacular Grand Stade de Tanger (75,600 — Morocco's largest).
Stadium
Grand Stade de Tanger (Ibn Batouta Stadium)
Capacity: 75,600 (Morocco's LARGEST)
Reopened: November 14, 2025
New roof covering all seating
3 Group Stage + Round of 16 + Quarter-final + Semi-final
Getting Around Tangier
From Airport:
Tangier Ibn Battouta (TNG): 13 km
Taxi: ~100-150 MAD ($10-15), 30-40 minutes
Stadium Access:
Location: Route de Rabat, 13 km from center
Bus service: 40-minute route
Taxi: 70-100 MAD
Where to Stay in Tangier
City Center
Fairmont Tazi Palace (5★) — $200-400/night
Ibis Tanger City Center (3★) — $80-150/night
Hotel Rembrandt (4★) — From $100/night
Near Stadium
Hotel Andalucia Golf & Spa (4-5★) — 2.6 km from stadium, $120-250/night
Tangier Medina
La Maison Blanche (Boutique) — From $90/night
Nord-Pinus Tangier (Historic) — From $180/night
Cultural Highlights
Tangier Kasbah — Fortified palace complex
Grand Socco Market — Traditional bazaar
Cape Spartel — Atlantic meets Mediterranean
Tangier Medina — UNESCO old town
Match Day Tips
Recently inaugurated stadium = cutting-edge facilities
Coastal weather: bring jacket
Stadium parking: 7,500+ spaces
4. Marrakech — The Red City Experience
Overview
Morocco's tourist capital hosts 8 AFCON matches at the Grand Stade de Marrakech (45,240), including a Quarter-final.
Stadium
Grand Stade de Marrakech
Capacity: 45,240
Hosted FIFA Club World Cup Finals (2013, 2014)
Phase 1 renovation completed June 2025
6 Group Stage + Round of 16 + Quarter-final
Getting Around Marrakech
From Airport:
Marrakech Menara (RAK): 14 km
Taxi: ~100-150 MAD ($10-15), 20 minutes
Stadium Access:
Location: 11 km north of city center
Taxi from Jemaa el-Fnaa: 80-120 MAD
Where to Stay in Marrakech
Hivernage District
Four Seasons Resort (5★) — $300-600/night
Sofitel Palais Imperial (5★) — From $250/night
Es Saadi Resort (5★) — From $200/night
Gueliz (New Town)
Ibis Marrakech Centre (3★) — From $70/night
Kenzi Farah (4★) — From $100/night
Marrakech Medina
La Mamounia (5★) — From $400/night
Royal Mansour (5★) — From $800/night
Riad Kniza (Boutique) — From $120/night
Cultural Highlights
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square — UNESCO Masterpiece
Koutoubia Mosque — Iconic 12th-century minaret
Majorelle Garden — Yves Saint Laurent's blue garden
Bahia Palace — 19th-century vizier palace
Match Day Tips
Book medina riads early
December weather: 20-25°C (pleasant)
Combine match days with desert excursions
5. Agadir — Beach & Football
Overview
Morocco's premier beach destination hosts 8 AFCON matches at Adrar Stadium (45,480), including a Quarter-final.
Stadium
Adrar Stadium
Capacity: 45,480
Design: Stone pyramid facade
Recent renovation: €34 million
6 Group Stage + Round of 16 + Quarter-final
Getting Around Agadir
From Airport:
Agadir Al Massira (AGA): 30 km
Taxi: ~150-200 MAD ($15-20), 30 minutes
Stadium Access:
Location: 6 km from city center
Taxi from beachfront: 50-80 MAD
Where to Stay in Agadir
Beachfront
Sofitel Royal Bay Resort (5★) — $180-350/night
Hyatt Place (4★) — From $120/night
Hotel Atlantic Palace (5★) — From $150/night
Agadir Marina
Studiotel Afoud (4★) — From $80/night
Ibis Agadir (3★) — From $60/night
Cultural Highlights
Agadir Beach — 10 km of sandy coastline
Agadir Marina — Modern waterfront
Kasbah Oufella — Hilltop fortress ruins
Paradise Valley — Scenic palm oasis
Match Day Tips
Most relaxed AFCON city
December weather: 20-25°C, warm and sunny
Excellent seafood restaurants
6. Fez — Imperial City Heritage
Overview
Morocco's ancient spiritual capital hosts 5 AFCON matches at Fez Stadium (45,000).
Stadium
Fez Stadium
Capacity: 45,000
Major renovation completed June 2025
3 Group Stage + Round of 16
Getting Around Fez
From Airport:
Fez Saïss (FEZ): ~15 km
Taxi: ~100-150 MAD ($10-15), 20 minutes
Stadium Access:
Location: Route de Sefrou
Taxi from medina: 60-100 MAD
Where to Stay in Fez
Fez Medina
Palais Faraj Suites & Spa (5★) — From $200/night
Riad Fès (5★) — From $180/night
Karawan Riad (Boutique) — From $120/night
Ville Nouvelle
Hotel Sahrai (5★) — From $150/night
Ibis Fès (3★) — From $50/night
Cultural Highlights
Fez Medina — UNESCO World Heritage
Al-Qarawiyyin University — World's oldest (859 AD)
Bou Inania Madrasa — Islamic architecture
Chouara Tannery — 11th-century leather dyeing
Match Day Tips
Fewest matches (5) but richest cultural experience
December weather: 15-20°C
Medina is car-free
Multi-City AFCON Itineraries
Option 1: Opening to Final (Full Tournament)
Base Cities: Rabat (primary) + 2 others
Week 1: Rabat (Opening + Group Stage)
Week 2: Tangier/Casablanca (Group + Round of 16)
Week 3: Marrakech/Agadir (Round of 16 + Quarter-final)
Week 4: Return to Rabat (Semi-finals + Final)
Option 2: Group Stage Hopper (14 days)
Choose 2-3 cities based on your team's group stage venues.
Option 3: Knockout Rounds Only (10 days)
Base Cities: Rabat + Tangier or Casablanca
Focus on Round of 16 through Final
Option 4: Cultural + Football Combo (18 days)
Route: Casablanca → Rabat → Fez → Marrakech → Agadir
8-10 matches + UNESCO sites + beach time
Accommodation Booking Strategy
Timing
Before Nov 1, 2025: Standard rates, excellent availability
Nov-Dec 2025: +20-30% markup, moderate availability
Week Before: +50-100% markup, limited availability
Recommendation: Book by **early November 2025** at latest.
Budget Planning
| Category | Daily Budget |
|---|
| Budget | $50-80 USD |
| Mid-Range | $100-180 USD |
| Luxury | $250-500+ USD |
Transportation Between Cities
By Train (Recommended)
ONCF High-Speed Network:
Casablanca ↔ Rabat: 55 min, ~80 MAD
Casablanca ↔ Tangier: 2h 45min, ~200 MAD
Casablanca ↔ Marrakech: 2h 40min, ~150 MAD
Book ahead: www.oncf.ma
By Bus
CTM & Supratours:
Marrakech → Agadir: 3-4 hours
Fez → Rabat: 3 hours
By Domestic Flight
Royal Air Maroc:
Casablanca ↔ Agadir: 1 hour
Safety & Practical Tips
General Safety
Morocco is very safe for tourists
Watch belongings in crowds
Emergency: 19 (police), 15 (ambulance)
Currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
$1 USD ≈ 10 MAD
ATMs widespread
Language
Official: Arabic (Darija), French
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas
Weather (December-January)
| City | Daytime | Nighttime |
|---|
| Rabat | 18°C | 9°C |
| Casablanca | 19°C | 10°C |
| Tangier | 17°C | 10°C |
| Marrakech | 21°C | 7°C |
| Agadir | 22°C | 11°C |
| Fez | 17°C | 6°C |
Pack: Layers, light jacket, rain gear
Final Recommendations
Best for First-Time Visitors: Rabat
Best for Budget Travelers: Fez
Best for Luxury: Marrakech
Best for Beach & Football: Agadir
Best for Culture: Fez
Best for Europeans: Tangier
Resources
*Last updated: November 28, 2025*
