Introduction: Flying into a Different World
You think you know Morocco from Instagram: pastel-pink riads, perfectly plated tagines, and camel rides into the sunset. But landing at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, the reality hits—this is not a curated highlight reel. It’s a living, breathing, buzzing country with chaos and charm in equal measure. And it’s better than you imagined.
I flew out of JFK, a direct leap from glass-and-steel New York to the earthy hues of North Africa. The real magic? It began after touchdown—when we climbed aboard a tour bus and hit the road. This Moroccan loop was a ride through history, culture, and surprise from Casablanca to Marrakesh, Fes, Rabat, and back again.
Casablanca: A Modern Gateway with a Classic Name
First Impressions: Casablanca may have cinematic fame, but it’s Morocco’s business heart—modern, sprawling, and less romantic than its name suggests. That doesn’t make it boring.
Start at the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, perched dramatically over the Atlantic. The details—hand-carved cedar ceilings, mosaics, and marble floors—are mind-blowing. It’s one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors, and the guided tour is worth every dirham.
While the medina here is more low-key, it’s a good primer. You’ll want to warm up before hitting Marrakesh’s sensory overload.
Marrakesh: A Market Maze You’ll Love (and Hate)
Marrakesh is Morocco’s siren—colorful, chaotic, and utterly intoxicating. Stepping into the Jemaa el-Fnaa square feels like being swallowed whole. Snake charmers, henna artists, street food vendors, and blaring motorbikes—it’s a real-life fever dream.
The souks are a maze, and getting lost is part of the deal. Wander through winding alleys bursting with brass lamps, vibrant textiles, spices, and handcrafted leather goods. You’ll bargain hard—because in Marrakesh, no price is final. One of my favorite finds? A deep green leather crossbody with hand-stamped patterns—made in front of me in a stall no wider than a closet.
Henna in the Medina: Skip the women in the square and visit a proper henna café, where the designs are safer and the paste is authentic (no PPD). You’ll leave with art on your hands and maybe a mint tea buzz.
Pro Tip: Always have small change on hand. Cash is king in the souks, whether you’re using cash for bathroom access, tipping your henna artist, or grabbing fresh orange juice.
Fes: Where the Past Refuses to Stay Quiet
Fes was my personal favorite. If Marrakesh is the party, Fes is the professor. Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest university in the world, is located in the city’s medina, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But don’t expect neat signage. The Fes medina is the ultimate labyrinth.
We visited a leather tannery—an unforgettable experience for the nose and the eyes. You’ll be handed fresh mint to sniff as you climb to rooftop terraces to view the ancient dye vats. The rainbow of natural dyes—saffron yellow, indigo blue, pomegranate red—is mesmerizing, but the process is centuries old and stomach-turning.
The artisans here take pride in their craft. It’s the place to buy leather shoes, wallets, jackets, and bags—just be sure to negotiate. Start at half the asking price and work your way up.
Street Food Tip: Don’t leave without trying bissara (a creamy fava bean soup) or sfenj, the Moroccan version of a doughnut. The best bites are served from carts you might otherwise walk past.
Rabat: Underrated Capital with Royal Vibes
Rabat is Morocco’s capital and has a polished, diplomatic feel—less frantic and more refined. It’s often overlooked, but that’s a mistake. Rabat has balance.
Stroll the Kasbah of the Udayas, a blue-and-white painted fortress that feels like Chefchaouen without the crowds. Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, with its guards in pristine uniforms and quiet dignity. The architecture is regal, restrained, and symmetrical—an elegant break from Marrakesh’s sensory assault.
There’s also a wide, clean beach if you want to slow things down. Or wander the city’s palm-lined avenues and catch glimpses of modern Moroccan life—more buttoned-up but just as complex.
Road Tripping Across Morocco: The Journey Between Cities
Let’s talk about the bus. Traveling by road in Morocco isn’t just a way to get around—it’s how you see the country. Our route traced the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, passing through olive groves, roadside date stalls, grazing sheep, and Berber villages.
Between cities, we made scenic stops:
- Aït Benhaddou (filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones)
- Ifrane, dubbed the “Switzerland of Morocco,” with its Alpine architecture and shockingly clean streets
- Spontaneous photo ops of red canyons, camels, and desert scapes that stretch for miles
The Best Seat? Grab a window seat on the driver’s side for coastal and mountain views. And bring snacks—roadside stops don’t always have what you expect (but that’s part of the fun).
Culture Shocks & Real Talk: What Instagram Left Out
- Wi-Fi is spotty, especially in the medinas. Embrace the digital detox.
- Cats are everywhere—adorable, sunbathing, and sometimes begging for food.
- Bathrooms can be unpredictable, so carry tissues and hand sanitizer.
- Street harassment is real, especially for women. Travel in groups when you can, dress modestly, and respond firmly.
- Everything runs late—buses, meals, meetups. Go with the flow, or go mad.
What to Eat in Morocco (And What to Skip)
Must-Try Dishes:
- Tagine: slow-cooked meats or vegetables in a cone-shaped pot. Try lamb with prunes or chicken with preserved lemon.
- Couscous: traditionally served on Fridays, this isn’t boxed stuff—it’s fluffy and handmade.
- Pastilla: a sweet-savory pie of pigeon (or chicken) dusted with powdered sugar. Unexpected but delicious.
- Harira: the soup served during Ramadan—tomato-based, spicy, hearty.
Skip: Salads from questionable spots—raw veggies can upset sensitive stomachs.
Drink This: Moroccan mint tea, of course. It’s a ritual. Watch the pour—higher = better. And try fresh pomegranate juice or avocado smoothies in Marrakesh.
City Comparisons: How They Really Stack Up
| City | Vibe | Must-See | Best Buy | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casablanca | Modern & Practical | Hassan II Mosque | Local ceramics | Overpriced “Casablanca” cafés |
| Marrakesh | Bold, Lively, Overwhelming | Jemaa el-Fnaa & Souks | Leather bags, rugs | Henna in the main square |
| Fes | Historical, Intellectual | Tannery, Al Quaraouiyine University | Leather goods, spices | Wandering without GPS |
| Rabat | Refined, Chill | Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Kasbah | Jewelry, beachwear | Skipping it entirely |
Final Thoughts: Morocco Is a Lot—And It’s Worth It
If you’re expecting a Pinterest-perfect trip, Morocco will disappoint. But if you want reality wrapped in color, chaos, flavor, and soul, Morocco will steal your heart.
The bus rides between cities taught me more than any photo could. I saw shepherds guiding goats, school kids playing soccer barefoot, women baking bread in clay ovens, and shopkeepers pausing as the call to prayer echoed across the valley.
It’s not always comfortable—but it’s always compelling.
Inspired to Explore Morocco?
Thinking about Morocco? Stop scrolling the hashtag and book the flight. For the full picture, choose a route that covers multiple cities—from Casablanca to Marrakesh, Fes, and Rabat. Embrace the discomfort. Ask questions. Eat boldly. Buy the bag. Bargain with heart.
Let Morocco show you who she really is—flawed, fabulous, and unforgettable.
Have you been to Morocco, or are you planning to go? Please share your questions or experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear your story. And don’t forget to share this guide with a friend who needs some travel inspiration.
