Have you ever wondered if it's possible to experience the essence of four Moroccan cities in four days? I recently embarked on this whirlwind adventure through Morocco, and let me tell you – it was absolutely magical! From the bustling streets of Casablanca to the coastal charm of Tangier, each city revealed its own unique personality and left me with memories I'll treasure forever.
The Journey Begins: Casablanca's Urban Energy
My adventure started in Casablanca, Morocco's economic powerhouse. The moment I stepped into the city, I was struck by the incredible energy that pulses through its streets. Unlike my previous visits to Morocco, this trip had a special purpose – I was here to represent Egypt in a showcase match between Morocco and Egypt, but more on that later!
Discovering Casablanca's Culinary Treasures
One of the first stops on my Casablanca adventure was trying Maqila, a delicious Moroccan dish I'd never experienced before. Picture this: a perfect blend of eggs, cheese, and seafood (fruits de mer) that creates a symphony of flavors. The restaurant on Rue Tantan served it piping hot, and honestly, it was love at first bite.
But the culinary adventure didn't stop there. I discovered Pastéis de Nata – yes, the famous Portuguese pastries – right here in Casablanca! And I have to tell you a secret: the ones I tried here were actually better than many I'd tasted in Portugal itself. Sometimes the best surprises come when you least expect them.
The Red Taxis and Local Life
One thing that immediately caught my attention was Casablanca's distinctive red taxis. In Morocco, each city has its own color for taxis – it's like a visual identity card for each destination. These red beauties are everywhere, weaving through the traffic with the skill of seasoned professionals.
The people of Casablanca are incredibly welcoming to visitors. I was amazed by how many locals recognized me from my previous videos, and their warmth made me feel like I was visiting old friends rather than exploring as a tourist.
Rabat: Where History Meets Modernity
The journey from Casablanca to Rabat was smooth and comfortable aboard the Al Boraq high-speed train. This modern marvel connects major Moroccan cities and will extend to Agadir by 2027 – just in time for the World Cup preparations.
Exploring Morocco's Capital
Rabat, as Morocco's capital, offers a perfect blend of historical significance and contemporary life. The city's layout tells the story of Morocco's evolution, with ancient medinas sitting alongside modern districts.
One of the most fascinating experiences was taking a caleche (horse-drawn carriage) through the old medina. For about 50 dirhams (approximately 5 euros) for half an hour, you get an authentic tour through the narrow streets while contributing to environmental conservation – these carriages run without fuel and help preserve the historic atmosphere.
The Art of Zellige
During my exploration, I learned about Zellige – the traditional Moroccan tilework that decorates many of the city's fountains and buildings. This isn't just decoration; it's high art. Each tiny piece is hand-cut from Moroccan clay, colored, and carefully hammered into shape before being assembled into intricate geometric patterns.
The fountain I examined had taken the craftsman over ten days to complete. Imagine the patience and skill required! This type of ceramic work exists nowhere else in the world except Morocco, making it a truly unique cultural treasure.
Salé: The Other Side of the River
Just across the river from Rabat lies Salé, a city with its own distinct character. The locals have a saying: "Salé residents go crazy after Asr (afternoon prayer)" – but don't worry, it's just friendly banter between neighboring cities!
The Stadium Experience
In Salé, I got to visit the stadium where our upcoming Egypt vs. Morocco match would take place. Standing on that 11-on-11 field for the first time in years, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The stadium's capacity and the energy from the stands during practice sessions promised an incredible match atmosphere.
The Bridge Between Cities
The connection between Rabat and Salé is seamless, with the tramway being one of the cheapest forms of public transport in the world. For just a few dirhams, you can cross between these two fascinating cities in about four minutes.
Tangier: Where Two Continents Meet
My final destination was Tangier, a city that holds a special place in my heart. Despite having limited time during my previous visit (when I was unfortunately sick for most of my stay), I knew I had to return to properly experience this magical coastal city.
The Journey North
The train journey to Tangier offered spectacular views of the Moroccan countryside. Watching the landscape change from urban to rural, seeing the endless greenery between cities, was a meditation in itself.
Tangier's Unique Charm
Tangier has an indescribable quality that sets it apart. Maybe it's the fact that you can see Spain from certain viewpoints, or perhaps it's the way the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea here. The city has a relaxed atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.
The white houses dotting the hillsides create a picturesque scene that's quintessentially North African. Walking through the marina area, even in the rain (which I hadn't seen in ages!), felt refreshing and invigorating.
Local Encounters and Authentic Experiences
One of the highlights was meeting Fekri, an 18-year-old local footballer who plays as a striker. These spontaneous encounters with locals are what make travel truly special – they remind you that behind every destination are real people with their own dreams and stories.
Practical Tips for Your Own Four-City Adventure
Transportation
- Al Boraq train: Excellent for Casablanca-Rabat-Tangier route
- Local taxis: Each city has its distinctive color
- Tramway: Cheapest option for short distances
- Calèche rides: Perfect for medina exploration
Food Experiences to Try
- Maqila: A unique egg and seafood dish
- Pastéis de Nata: Portuguese pastries with a Moroccan twist
- Mint tea (Atay): The perfect accompaniment to any meal
- Tajine with prunes: A classic that never disappoints
Cultural Highlights
- Zellige workshops: Watch artisans create traditional tilework
- Marina areas: Perfect for sunset photography
- Local markets: Immerse yourself in daily Moroccan life
- Historic medinas: Each city's old quarter has its own character
Budget Considerations
Visiting four Moroccan cities in four days can be done on various budgets. While first-class train tickets cost more, the time saved allows for more exploration. Local transportation is extremely affordable, and street food offers delicious, budget-friendly options.
The Magic of Morocco's Diversity
What struck me most during this journey was how each of these four cities offered something completely different. Casablanca pulses with business energy, Rabat balances tradition with governance, Salé maintains its authentic character, and Tangier offers coastal romance with international flair.
Morocco's beauty lies not just in its famous destinations like Marrakech or Fez, but in these diverse urban experiences that showcase different facets of Moroccan life. The warmth of the people, the richness of the culture, and the incredible variety of experiences make every moment worthwhile.
Planning Your Own Adventure
If you're considering your own journey through four Moroccan cities in four days, I can't recommend it highly enough. While it might seem rushed, the excellent transportation connections make it entirely feasible. Each city deserves more time, of course, but this whirlwind tour gives you a fantastic overview of Morocco's urban diversity.
The key is to embrace spontaneity while having a loose itinerary. Some of my best experiences – like discovering those incredible pastéis de nata or learning about zellige craftsmanship – happened when I was simply wandering and staying open to new experiences.
Have you ever attempted a multi-city adventure in Morocco? Which of these four cities intrigues you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I'd love to hear about your own Moroccan adventures or help you plan your first visit to this incredible kingdom!