I remember my first glimpse of Morocco—stepping off the plane into Casablanca's warm air, the scent of spices already finding me. That moment marked the beginning of my love affair with this beautiful North African country. Morocco is a feast for all senses—vibrant colors, intoxicating aromas, melodic calls to prayer, and of course, the delicious tajines that will forever change how you think about food.
In this Morocco travel guide, I'll take you through my journey across four incredible cities: Casablanca, Fez, Chefchaouen, and Marrakesh. Each has its own distinct personality, but all are bound by Morocco's rich history, stunning architecture, and the warmth of its people.
Whether you're planning your first trip or returning to explore more of this magical country, this guide will help you discover the best of Morocco through a local's eyes. So let's begin our adventure!
Casablanca: Beyond the Movie
Many people's first introduction to Casablanca is through the famous 1942 film—but I've got some news for you! The movie was never actually filmed in Morocco but in Hollywood studios. And the famous Rick's Cafe you might be hoping to visit? It's a recreation from 2004, not the original from the film.
But don't let that disappoint you! Casablanca has its own authentic charm that deserves your attention.
Hassan II Mosque: A Modern Marvel
The crown jewel of Casablanca is undoubtedly the Hassan II Mosque. With its 210-meter minaret (the second tallest in the world), this magnificent structure can accommodate an astounding 105,000 worshippers—25,000 inside and 80,000 in the outer courtyard.
What's surprising is that despite its traditional appearance, the mosque is relatively new, completed in 1993. When I first visited, I was completely blown away by the intricate details—the gorgeous tiles in stunning green, the beautifully carved ceilings painted in rich reds and golds, and the massive columns that make you feel so small.
The mosque sits right on the Atlantic Ocean, and at low tide, you'll see locals swimming in the rock pools nearby. It's a beautiful contrast—this sacred, magnificent structure with people enjoying the natural surroundings.
Tip: Entry to the mosque costs 140 dirhams per person. For the best views, visit around sunset when the light creates a magical glow on the minaret.
Exploring the Medina & Markets
Walking through Casablanca's old medina feels like stepping back in time. The white buildings with their wooden shutters perfectly explain why the city is called Casablanca (White House in Spanish).
For the best shopping experience, head to the undercover markets where you'll find everything from fresh produce to handcrafted souvenirs. I spent hours wandering through these colorful stalls, amazed by the vibrant red watermelons, shiny purple eggplants, and the endless array of argan oil products.
One of my favorite discoveries was the central market with its incredible seafood section. The sight of fresh fish, massive king shrimp, and unusual spiky crabs is impressive, but what's even better is the service—buy your seafood and have it filleted right there, then take it to a nearby restaurant where they'll cook it for you. Talk about farm-to-table!
Tip: If someone offers to "guide" you through the market, be aware they'll likely expect payment or take you to shops where they receive commission. It's better to explore at your own pace.
The Habous Quarter & Boulevard Strolls
When you need a break from the hustle and bustle, head to the Habous Quarter. This market area has a completely different feel—quieter, more organized, with beautiful white buildings and archways. It's a great place to shop for traditional Moroccan clothing and handicrafts.
Don't miss having mint tea at Café Imperial, one of the busiest cafes in Casablanca. The fresh mint tea served with plenty of sugar is the perfect refreshment while people-watching.
For a relaxing end to your day, take a stroll along the Corniche. This long boardwalk overlooks beautiful beaches packed with locals enjoying the sun and sea—something I didn't expect to see in Morocco!
Fez: A Journey Through Time
Fez was the city that truly transported me back in time. Founded in the 9th century, it's home to the world's oldest university and a medina so complex it was deliberately designed as a maze to confuse invaders. Today, it still works—I got lost countless times, even with Google Maps!
Navigating the Ancient Medina
The moment you step into Fez's medina, you're transported to another era. Narrow alleyways wind between high walls, occasionally opening into stunning courtyards and riads. Donkeys and horses still serve as transportation, squeezing through passages so tight you need to press yourself against the wall to let them pass.
What struck me most was how authentic everything feels. This isn't a tourist attraction—it's a living, breathing community continuing centuries-old traditions. Craftsmen work on traditional looms, tanners process leather using methods unchanged for hundreds of years, and merchants sell their wares just as they have for generations.
Tip: Hire a local guide for at least your first day in the medina. They'll help you navigate the labyrinth and show you hidden gems you'd never find on your own.
The Tanneries: Fascinating But Fragrant
The tanneries of Fez offer one of the most unique sights in Morocco—but prepare your nose! These ancient facilities process animal hides using traditional methods that include soaking them in mixtures containing pigeon droppings (which contain natural ammonia).
From viewing platforms above the tanneries, you can watch workers standing in large stone vats of colored dyes, staining the leather that will eventually become bags, jackets, and shoes. The rainbow of colors against the stone vats creates a scene that's both picturesque and educational.
Tip: Shopkeepers will offer you mint leaves to help combat the smell—accept gratefully! The best time to visit is morning when the colors are vibrant and the smell less intense.
Traditional Cuisine & Where to Eat
Fez is where I had some of my most memorable Moroccan meals. The local specialty is lamb tajine with prunes, apricots, and almonds in a caramelized onion sauce. It's a perfect balance of sweet and savory that melts in your mouth.
For an unforgettable dining experience, try Café Clock. Their rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the medina and the minaret, and their lamb tajines are absolutely delicious. The meat falls off the bone without needing a knife.
Tip: Many restaurants are hidden down small alleyways that might look sketchy at first glance. Don't judge by the entrance—some of the best dining experiences are in the most unassuming locations!
Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl of Morocco
For a break from the heat and hustle of the bigger cities, Chefchaouen is perfect. Located in the Rif Mountains about 3.5 hours from Fez, this blue-washed town is 10° cooler and infinitely more relaxed.
Walking the Blue Streets
The first thing that strikes you about Chefchaouen is just how blue it really is. Every building, doorway, and staircase is painted in various shades of blue, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that's perfect for photography and slow wandering.
I spent hours just walking through the town, discovering beautiful blue alleyways decorated with colorful pots and Bougainvillea flowers. Some streets have been set up specifically for tourists to take photos, but many others are just everyday lanes where locals go about their business in this extraordinary setting.
Tip: The most beautiful and least crowded photos are early in the morning. For the famous "Instagram" spots, be prepared to leave a small donation to local residents who maintain these areas.
Local Crafts & Shopping
Chefchaouen is known for its handicrafts, particularly woven blankets and carpets. The shopping here feels less pressured than in bigger cities, with shopkeepers who are friendly without being pushy.
I was particularly impressed by the soap shops filled with handmade soaps in every color and scent imaginable. The orange-scented ones were my favorite—so fresh I was tempted to take a bite!
The local art galleries are also worth visiting. Many talented artists create paintings featuring Chefchaouen's famous blue and white color scheme, capturing the town's unique beauty in a souvenir you can take home.
Mountain Views & City Perspectives
For the best views of Chefchaouen, head to a rooftop terrace cafe. Cafe Clock (the same chain as in Fez) offers a perfect vantage point to see the blue city against the backdrop of mountains. Their Moroccan spice cappuccinos make the perfect companion to the breathtaking views.
When you've had your fill of the blue streets, venture to the edge of town where the city meets the mountains. The contrast between the blue buildings and the natural green landscape is stunning, and it's a beautiful spot to watch the sunset color the sky.
Marrakesh: The Red City's Sensory Overload
My journey ended in Marrakesh, nicknamed the Red City for its distinctive terracotta buildings. This is Morocco at its most vibrant and chaotic—a place that can both exhaust and exhilarate you.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square: The Beating Heart
No visit to Marrakesh is complete without experiencing Jemaa el-Fnaa, the famous market square that transforms throughout the day. In the morning, it's relatively calm, but by evening, it becomes an enormous open-air theater filled with food stalls, musicians, snake charmers, storytellers, and countless vendors.
I have to be honest—this place can be overwhelming. The sensory overload is intense, and some vendors can be quite aggressive. Snake charmers and performers with monkeys will demand money if you take photos (even from a distance), and the constant calls of "menu, menu!" from restaurant touts can test your patience.
Tip: Visit the square twice—once during the day for orientation, and once in the evening for the full experience. For a respite, head to one of the surrounding rooftop cafes that offer views over the chaos below, complete with cooling fans that spray water.
Historical Treasures
Marrakesh is home to some extraordinary historical sites. The 16th-century Saadian Tombs showcase the extravagance of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour, who imported Italian Carrara marble for his final resting place. Remarkably, the tombs were walled up and forgotten until their rediscovery in 1917!
The Bahia Palace offers a glimpse into royal Moroccan life with its massive courtyards, swimming pools, and underground tunnels. And don't miss the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic school with stunning mosaic tiles and Arabic inscriptions.
For a peaceful contrast to the busy medina, visit the Secret Garden. This hidden oasis provides a calm retreat with beautiful pavilions, exotic plants (including a rosemary hedge!), and terraces overlooking the garden.
Shopping & Haggling
Marrakesh is a shopper's paradise, with everything from spices and oils to handcrafted lamps and traditional clothing. The lamp shops particularly captivated me—the intricate patterns cast magical shadows when lit, creating an atmosphere straight out of Arabian Nights.
Haggling is expected, but approach it as a friendly exchange rather than a battle. Start by offering about 1/3 of the initial price and work your way up to about half. Walk away if you feel pressured—there are plenty of other shops selling similar items.
Tip: Beware of carpet shops that invite you in for tea. While the mint tea and carpet-showing "ceremony" is fascinating, some shops use high-pressure tactics and vastly inflated initial prices. One shop quoted €2,160 for a small carpet, then dropped to €300 when firmly rejected!
Practical Tips for Traveling Morocco
Transportation Between Cities
Getting between cities in Morocco can be an adventure in itself. For my trip from Fez to Chefchaouen, I left at 7 AM for a 3.5-hour drive that took us through stunning mountain scenery with pine and eucalyptus trees. However, the roads became narrow and bumpy with frequent animal crossings, so prepare for some challenging driving if you're renting a car.
Tip: If you're not comfortable driving in Morocco, shared taxis are a good alternative. They're cheaper than private cars and offer a chance to meet locals, though they only depart when full.
Accommodations: Stay in a Riad
For an authentic Moroccan experience, stay in a traditional riad. These historic houses built around central courtyards offer a peaceful retreat from the busy streets. In Fez, I stayed in a 120-year-old riad that was like a palace, with intricate carvings, mosaic tiles, and a beautiful rooftop terrace overlooking the medina—all for just €118 per night including breakfast.
Tip: Look for riads within the medina for the most authentic experience, but be prepared to walk the last part as many aren't accessible by car.
Dining on Tajines
Moroccan cuisine centers around the tajine—a slow-cooked stew named after the conical clay pot it's cooked in. You'll find endless variations: lamb with prunes and apricots, chicken with preserved lemon and olives, beef with vegetables.
The food isn't spicy in the hot sense, but it's incredibly flavorful with a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Fresh orange juice is another must-try—Moroccan oranges are so sweet they taste almost like Fanta but without the fizz!
Tip: Many restaurants offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare tajines yourself—a delicious souvenir to take home.
Navigating Cultural Sensitivities
Morocco is a Muslim country with its own cultural norms. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites (covered shoulders and knees). During Ramadan, be respectful by not eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
Most Moroccans are incredibly friendly and welcoming. A simple "Salam" (hello) and a smile go a long way in breaking the ice, even if you don't speak Arabic or French.
Final Thoughts: Morocco Will Bewitch You
As I sat on the terrace of my Casablanca apartment watching the sunset paint the Hassan II Mosque in golden light, I realized that Morocco had completely captured my heart. Each city peeled back new layers of this onion-like country, revealing depths I hadn't expected.
From the coastal charm of Casablanca to the ancient labyrinth of Fez, the dreamy blue streets of Chefchaouen to the sensory whirlwind of Marrakesh—Morocco offers endless discoveries for the curious traveler.
What struck me most was how Morocco balances tradition and modernity, holding firmly to its cultural heritage while embracing visitors from around the world. You'll find 700-year-old buildings next to trendy cafes, traditional craftsmen working alongside young artists, and ancient customs that still have meaning in contemporary life.
Have you visited Morocco? Which city captured your imagination? Or if you're planning a trip, what are you most excited to experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I'd love to hear your Morocco stories!
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