Salam aleikum! Just two days ago, I stepped off the plane in Casablanca with no idea what Morocco had in store for me. Now, sitting in the magical blue city of Chefchaouen, I can barely believe the incredible journey I've experienced. This Morocco travel guide for your first 48 hours will take you through the same amazing path I followed – from the bustling streets of Casablanca to the dreamy blue walls that have stolen my heart.
The Journey Begins: Landing in Casablanca
After a long 21-hour layover in Doha (that's another story entirely!), I finally touched down in Morocco's economic capital. The first thing that hit me wasn't the heat or the sounds – it was the realization that I was actually here, in this gorgeous destination I'd dreamed about for so long.
Pro Tip: If you need a trolley at the airport, it costs 20 Moroccan dirhams. Also, don't worry about getting Moroccan dirhams in India – they're not available there. Instead, bring US dollars and exchange them locally for the best rates.
Casablanca: Where Old Meets New
Rick's Café - A Hollywood Dream Come True
Our first stop was the famous Rick's Café, inspired by the fictional café from the classic film "Casablanca." Walking into this place feels like stepping into an old Hollywood frame – elegant arches, soft jazz, candlelight. It's a real-world homage to the film, even though the original café was purely fictional. The word that comes to mind? Timeless.
Exploring Casablanca's Medina
Every Moroccan city has a medina – the old, historic part of town. These areas are made up of narrow streets, tiny alleys, and bustling markets, usually surrounded by fortress-like walls. You'll find local homes, small hotels, shops, and an incredible cultural vibe.
Unlike the chaotic charm of Fez and Marrakech that I'd heard about, Casablanca's medina is quieter and much more local. It's where everyday life unfolds – no touristy gloss, just real streets. It's a bit raw, but this is what real Casablanca looks like.
The Magnificent Hassan II Mosque
The next morning brought us to one of Morocco's most spectacular sights – the Hassan II Mosque. Standing 210 meters tall, this is literally the tallest religious building in the entire world! Built partly over the ocean, this mosque isn't just grand – it's symbolic.
The craftsmanship here is mind-blowing. The mosaic work, the marble, the detailed architecture – every single pillar looks like a piece of art. I remember standing there, just staring at how beautiful and intricate everything was. The delicate work, so detailed and so beautiful, took my breath away.
King Mohammed V Mausoleum and Hassan Tower
We also visited the final resting place of King Mohammed V, known as the father of modern Morocco. He played a key role in gaining independence from French colonial rule in 1956. The mausoleum blends tradition with elegance – completely royal, completely rooted in Moroccan heritage.
Nearby stand the towering stone columns of the Hassan Tower – remains of an ambitious 12th-century mosque project that was never finished. These columns were meant to hold the world's biggest mosque, but the sultan's death stopped this dream. It's a beautiful reminder of history paused in time.
Practical Money Exchange Tips
Before leaving Casablanca, we exchanged money at one of the city's best exchange rate locations. Here's what you need to know:
- You can't get Moroccan dirhams in India
- Bring US dollars for the best exchange rates
- Convert dollars to dirhams locally rather than exchanging rupees directly
- Ask locals for the best exchange spots in each city
The Road to Tangier: A Coastal Adventure
After lunch at Dar Naji (an authentic Moroccan restaurant with amazing slow-cooked tagines), we began our five-hour drive to Tangier. Morocco has a strong coffee culture, and you'll find great coffee everywhere. However, if you're a heavy Indian masala chai drinker, bring your own tea from home – the local mint tea is completely different and contains no milk.
Tangier: Where Two Continents Meet
Waking up in Tangier was magical. This place literally sits just 40 minutes by boat from Malaga, Spain – only 15 kilometers away! From certain viewpoints, you can actually see two continents and watch where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
Exploring Tangier's Medina
Tangier's medina is a colorful maze of narrow streets, buzzing markets, and hidden courtyards. It's a mix of cultures, colors, and endless stories waiting to be discovered. As one of Morocco's oldest medinas, it beats with a unique blend of African and European influences.
This place has been my absolute favorite so far in Morocco. It has a mix of southern Italy and a little bit of Greece – it's incredibly beautiful. The local area where people live has been converted into riads (local homestays), and the medina here is simply outstanding.
The Strait of Gibraltar and Hercules Cave
We visited the famous viewpoint where Africa and Europe almost touch – the Strait of Gibraltar. Legend says that the mythical hero Hercules rested in the nearby cave during his adventures. The cave opens to the sea and even looks like the shape of Africa from inside. It's the perfect combination of nature and mythology.
Asilah: An Artist's Paradise
About an hour's drive from Tangier lies Asilah, a small charming town on Morocco's Atlantic coast. This place looks like a movie set that's been fully decorated, but it's completely real! Known for its beautiful whitewashed buildings and colorful street art, Asilah hosts an annual arts festival that turns the entire medina into a vibrant outdoor gallery.
The small medina offers a quiet escape with narrow alleys, seaside views, and incredibly friendly locals. Asilah's blend of art and history makes it a unique Moroccan treasure, where you'll find carpets and lots of street art everywhere.
Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl of Morocco
Finally, after a drive through the mountains, we reached the place I'd been most excited about – Chefchaouen, the famous blue city of Morocco.
Why Everything is Blue
Chefchaouen is a small mountain town in northern Morocco, famously painted in shades of blue. Walls, doors, streets – everything is blue, set against the Rif Mountains. It's peaceful, photogenic, and full of charm.
But why is everything blue? Some say the color keeps mosquitoes away, others believe it keeps homes cool during the heat. But the most popular story is that Jewish refugees painted it blue in the 1930s – a spiritual color that symbolizes the sky and heaven. So this blue isn't just a color – it's history, it's belief.
Early Morning Photo Magic
I woke up at 6 AM for a pre-arranged photoshoot in the empty blue streets. Here's a crucial tip: if you want amazing Instagram-friendly photos in Chefchaouen, get up very early! The beautiful blue walls and streets are usually empty in the early morning before tourists and locals start coming out.
Traditional Moroccan Breakfast
After our freezing 9-degree morning photoshoot, we headed back for an amazing Moroccan breakfast. This is what you'll find at every breakfast: olives, cheeses, breads, jams, omelets, juice, mint tea, and fresh fruits. The breakfast spreads across all accommodations in Morocco are absolutely incredible.
The Akchour Waterfall Adventure
We planned to visit Akchour Waterfall, but it was super crowded and none of us wanted to visit a touristy, crowded place. So we decided to ditch that plan and instead randomly found a river stream somewhere and decided to spend time by the river – basically doing nothing and also doing everything, which is having fun.
One of our group members even took a freezing cold dip in the mountain water for five whole minutes! It was hilarious watching everyone's reactions.
Moroccan Cuisine: A Taste Adventure
Throughout this journey, I discovered the heart of Moroccan cuisine – the tagine. Moroccan tagine is more than food; it's a slow-cooked story of spices, meat, and vegetables cooked in a special clay pot that locks in flavor. Tagine combines tender meat, fresh vegetables, and warm spices, simmered low and slow to perfection. Each bite is a taste of Morocco's rich culinary heritage.
Remember this dish name because you'll hear it in every episode of any Morocco travel guide!
Morocco's Vibrant Night Life
Morocco also has an interesting nightlife scene. We visited a very local Moroccan bar where you'll find not just DJs but also live singers – apparently, it's a big thing here. The live music was really, really good and gave us a taste of authentic Moroccan evening culture.
Practical Morocco Travel Tips for Your First 48 Hours
Transportation
- Shared taxis are cheaper than private cars and a great way to meet locals
- Remember: shared taxis only leave when they're full!
- Long drives between cities are common – plan for rest stops
Money Matters
- Bring US dollars for the best exchange rates
- Exchange money at local recommended spots, not airports
- 20 dirhams needed for airport trolleys
Food and Drink
- Coffee culture is very strong – you'll find great coffee everywhere
- Bring Indian masala chai from home if you're a heavy tea drinker
- Moroccan mint tea is completely different (no milk, red tea)
- Every breakfast spread is incredibly generous
Photography
- Wake up early (6 AM) for the best photos in tourist areas
- Mornings offer empty streets before crowds arrive
- Bring warm clothes for early morning shoots
Your Morocco Travel Guide Continues...
These first 48 hours in Morocco have been absolutely incredible. From Casablanca's bustling medina to Tangier's two-continent views, and finally to Chefchaouen's dreamy blue walls – every moment has been magic.
The journey isn't over yet! There are new cities and more adventures waiting. Morocco has this incredible ability to surprise you at every turn, blend cultures seamlessly, and create memories that last forever.
Let's Connect!
What part of this Morocco travel guide excited you most? Are you planning your own first 48 hours in Morocco? I'd love to hear about your travel dreams and answer any questions about these amazing places.
Have you ever visited a place that completely changed your perspective in just two days? Share your own travel transformation stories in the comments below – I read every single one and love connecting with fellow travelers!
Next up: We're heading deeper into Morocco's heart, exploring more incredible cities and experiencing even more magic. Stay tuned for the next part of this Moroccan adventure!