There's something special about arriving in Morocco. The moment you step off the plane, you can feel the energy. The air smells different. The sounds are new. Your adventure is about to begin, and I want to help you make the most of your first hours in this beautiful country.
I've watched many travelers make their first steps in Morocco, and the ones who enjoy it most are those who jump right into the experience. So, what should you do when you're arriving in Morocco? Let me share the perfect first-day plan that will help you start your Moroccan journey the right way.
Take a Taxi Straight to Hassan II Mosque
When you land in Casablanca, don't rush to your hotel. Instead, grab a taxi and tell the driver, "Take me to Hassan II Mosque" (in Arabic: "Nedalni 3and Masjid Al-Hassan"). This is where your Morocco story should begin.
Why start here? Because Hassan II Mosque is not just another tourist spot. It's one of the most beautiful mosques in all of North Africa. The building sits right on the Atlantic Ocean, and the view will take your breath away.
Finding Your Taxi
At the airport, you'll see many taxi drivers. Choose an official taxi—they have meters and proper identification. The ride from Mohammed V Airport to the mosque takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Don't worry about the language. Most drivers know the mosque well. Just say the name, and they'll understand.
A quick tip: Keep your luggage with you. You'll need it for the next part of your day.
Walk and Discover the Mosque
When the taxi drops you off, take your bags and start walking around the mosque area. Yes, I know—you just traveled for hours. But trust me on this. The walk is worth every step.
The Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Africa and the 13th largest in the world. Its minaret reaches 210 meters into the sky, making it taller than any other minaret on earth. The craftsmanship is incredible. Moroccan artisans spent years creating the detailed tilework, carved wood, and painted ceilings.
What Makes This Mosque Special?
The mosque can hold 25,000 worshippers inside and another 80,000 in the courtyard. Parts of the floor are made of glass, so when you look down, you can see the ocean below. At night, a laser beam shoots from the top of the minaret toward Mecca, visible for 30 kilometers.
Take your time walking around the outside. Look at the details in the walls. Watch the ocean waves crash against the foundation. Find a quiet spot and just breathe it all in. This moment—right here—is when Morocco really starts to feel real.
The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors during specific tour times. If you're interested in seeing the inside, guided tours run several times a day. The tour costs around 130 dirhams (about $13) and lasts about an hour. It's worth every dirham.
Experience Your First Moroccan Hammam
After walking around the mosque, you'll be ready for something truly Moroccan. It's time to visit a traditional hammam (public bath). This is where the magic happens. This is where you'll wash away your travel tiredness and start fresh in Morocco.
What Is a Hammam?
A hammam is a traditional Moroccan bathhouse. It's been part of Moroccan culture for centuries. People go there not just to get clean, but to relax, socialize, and feel renewed. The experience is unlike anything you've tried before.
Near Hassan II Mosque, you'll find several hammams. Some are basic local spots where Moroccans go every week. Others are more upscale with additional services. Both types are good—it just depends on what you want.
The Hammam Experience
Here's what happens in a traditional hammam:
You'll enter a warm, steamy room with marble benches and tiled walls. The temperature is hot but not uncomfortable. Someone will give you a bucket and a small stool. You'll sit and pour warm water over yourself to open your pores.
Then comes the special part. An attendant (called a "kissas" or scrubber) will use a rough glove called a "kessa" to scrub your skin. They'll scrub hard. Don't be shy—this is normal. Dead skin will roll off your body. It sounds strange, but it feels amazing.
After the scrubbing, they'll wash your hair and cover you in black soap made from olives. You'll rinse it all off and feel like a completely new person. Your skin will be soft and clean like never before.
The whole experience takes 1-2 hours. When you're done, you'll understand why Moroccans love their hammams.
How Much Does It Cost?
The prices for hammams vary. A basic local hammam costs around 10-20 dirhams (about $1-2). A mid-range hammam with better facilities costs 100-200 dirhams ($10-20). An upscale spa hammam with extra treatments can cost 500-600 dirhams ($50-60).
For your first time, I suggest spending $10-15 on a decent hammam. You'll get the authentic experience without breaking your budget. The attendants usually expect a small tip of 20-50 dirhams.
Leave Your Worries Behind
Here's something important about your first day in Morocco: Let go.
When you're in the hammam, turn off your phone. Don't check your messages. Don't worry about work or problems back home. Just be present in this moment. Let the steam, the scrubbing, and the ritual wash away all your stress.
Moroccans have a saying: "The hammam takes away your worries." They're right. When you walk out of that bathhouse, you'll feel different. Lighter. Cleaner. Ready for whatever comes next.
This is your chance for a fresh start. You're in a new country. You're beginning a new adventure. Leave your old baggage behind—both the mental kind and the worries you carried with you on the plane.
What Happens After?
After your hammam experience, you'll probably be hungry. Perfect! Morocco has incredible food, and it's time to try it. Look for a small local restaurant near the mosque. Order tagine (a slow-cooked stew), couscous, or a simple Moroccan salad.
Don't go to fancy tourist restaurants yet. Save those for later. On your first day, eat where local people eat. The food is authentic, delicious, and cheap. A good meal will cost you 40-70 dirhams ($4-7).
Then, finally, head to your accommodation. Check in, unpack, and rest. You've had a full first day. You've seen Morocco's most beautiful mosque. You've experienced a traditional hammam. You've tasted Moroccan food. And most importantly, you've started to understand what makes this country special.
Practical Tips for Your First Day
Bring Cash: Not all hammams take cards. Have dirhams ready. You can exchange money at the airport or use an ATM.
Pack Light for the Day: You'll be walking with your luggage. If you have big bags, consider taking just a small backpack for the mosque and hammam visit, and leave the rest in airport storage.
Dress Modestly: When visiting the mosque area, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. This shows respect for local customs.
Learn Basic Arabic Phrases: "Salam" (hello), "Shukran" (thank you), and "Afak" (please) will help you connect with people.
Stay Hydrated: Morocco can be hot, especially in summer. Carry a water bottle.
Be Open to the Experience: Your first hammam might feel weird at first. That's normal! Just relax and enjoy it.
Why This First-Day Plan Works
You might wonder why I suggest this specific plan. Why not just go to your hotel and rest? Why not start with the famous markets or the old medina?
Here's why: This plan helps you transition into Morocco properly. The mosque shows you Morocco's architectural beauty and spiritual side. The hammam connects you to Moroccan daily life and traditions. By the end of your first day, you're not just a tourist looking at Morocco from the outside. You've actually experienced Morocco from the inside.
Plus, this plan is budget-friendly. You can do everything I've described for $25-70, depending on which hammam you choose. That's an affordable way to have an unforgettable first day.
Your Morocco Journey Starts Here
Arriving in Morocco is the beginning of something special. How you spend your first day sets the tone for your entire trip. Will you hide in a hotel room and plan? Or will you jump into the experience with both feet?
I hope you choose the second option. Take that taxi to Hassan II Mosque. Walk along the ocean. Feel the spray from the waves. Then wash away your travel stress in a traditional hammam. Let Morocco welcome you properly.
This first day will become one of your favorite memories. Years from now, you'll think back to that moment when you walked around Hassan II Mosque for the first time, or when you experienced your first hammam. These are the moments that make travel meaningful.
Have you been to Morocco? What did you do on your first day? Share your experience in the comments below! And if you're planning your trip, let me know if you have any questions. I'm here to help make your Morocco adventure amazing.