As you land in Morocco, you will enter a different world. Located in the north-west of Africa, it is a country filled with culture and fun. It is a country where African, Arab and European cultures are entwined. It has everything from dusty roads to the ever enchanting labyrinths of bazaars and souks in the old Medinas, staggering number of incredible historical monuments, and above all, its friendly people. Famous as a location for many Hollywood movies, some of the country’s natural and cultural beauties that never fail to leave a lasting impression. The landscape is also very diverse with the vast and stunning Atlas Mountains, the impressive Sahara desert and the never ending warm and windy Atlantic coast line. In a nutshell, Morocco guarantees to leave a long lasting impression!
Our trip to Morocco was in the month on May for 9 days, covering 5 cities in a road trip. We began our trip in Marrakesh and ended the trip in Casablanca. Here is a detailed guide to each city. Here is our itinerary day-wise:
Day 1 : Marrakech
Day 2 : Marrakech
Day 3: Marrakech (day trip to Ait Ben Haddou)
Day 4: Rabat
Day 5: Meknes
Day 6: Fes via Volubilis
Day 7: Fes (day trip to Chefchaouen)
Day 8: Casablanca
Day 9: Casablanca
Marrakech
Where to stay?
1. Les Jardins de la Koutoubia
This hotel is a mere 2-minute walk from Jemaa El Fna square. In the Heart of Marrakech, this property has a beautiful outdoor-indoor plan with a great pool and luxurious spa. The rooms are spacious and designed with a Moroccan touch, with direct unobstructed views of Koutoubia mosque. The food in the hotel is amazing and they cater to your every need, including a rooftop Indian restaurant and a bar. The service is nice and people are very hospitable. There is live music every evening around the pool area. The property is ideally situated and the best for a stay in Marrakech.
2. Alternative options
The raw way to experience morocco is through staying in a riad. Marrakech is home to many Riad’s, both luxurious and budget. A riad is a small Moroccan home with an open courtyard decked with beautiful work by traditional Moroccan artists. Some of them are to Marvel at.
If you are willing to splash some cash in luxury accommodation, the more luxurious properties are the Oberoi, Mandarin Oriental and the Four Seasons. Though these properties are all great, the only downside is the location of these hotels. And one of the most expensive and best properties in Marrakech is the Royal Mansour. It is nothing short of luxury at its finest.
Where to eat ?
1. Nomad
This upmarket place serving modern cuisine with a Moroccan twist is a must visit. The highly rated restaurant is full most of the time, so I recommend taking a reservation. The dishes are delicious. We tried the Gazpacho (the best), Cauliflower and a dessert. The presentation, taste and service was phenomenal.
2. La Famille
A vegetarian restaurant serving health food is a guaranteed hit. The food is very nice and the earthy ambience makes the place worth a visit.
3. Fine Mamas
Located in a busy street, this 3-storey restaurant is a quick service restaurant. Serving health bowls and traditional Mediterranean Moroccan food, the place is quite nice. We tried the Lebanese platter and the lemonade pitcher, which was very nice. We ended the meal with an exotic lemon meringue pie.
4. Restaurant Marocain
A Moroccan restaurant in Hotel Les Jardins, the food was the best authentic Moroccan food we had in the entire trip. The couscous was very flavourful, and the tagine was delicious. The entire experience got amped with traditional Moroccan performances and great service and attention to detail.
5. Les Jardins De Bala
Being away from home lingers the palette to have a taste of home, that’s why a craving of Indian food develops quite often. Luckily our hotel had an amazing rooftop Indian restaurant. Serving classical Indian dishes in a traditional décor, the food was delectable.
6. Barometer
The environment of barometer combines coolness and exquisiteness. The team made us very comfortable and the food was whacky and whimsical. The cocktails and mocktails are a must try as they are served in unique whacky ways with interesting concoctions. The food is modern and plated very well, and quite scrumptious.
Other options :- +61, Dar Yacout, Bacha coffee house, Cafe Des Epices, Naranj, Comptoir Darna, Azar, Pattisserie Amandine, Al Fassia
What to do?
1. Take a hammam
Navigating through the medinas of Morocco during extreme weather may be tiring and gruesome. To relax, a hammam is the best option. Including scrubbing, washing and a light massage, it is a traditional spa like experience not to be missed. There are both budget friendly hammams and luxury hammams spread all over the city. Make sure to make a booking as they are more-or-less always full.
2. Bahia Palace
Bahia in Arabic means brilliance, and it is not an over-exaggeration. Bahia palace is beautiful with intricate marble work and beautiful lush courtyards and several gardens. Preserved brilliantly, the palace is a fantastic display of Moroccan artisan work. It is a tranquil respite from the hot weather of the city.
3. Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is the most famous monument of Marrakech. The mosque has a tall 70 meter tower which is visible from every direction of the city. In addition, a large square with gardens adds beauty to the mosque. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the monument, and they can admire the beauty from the outside.
4. Djemaa El Fnaa
This large square is the center of Marrakech. It is a vibrant hub of stalls, juice vendors, shops, fortune tellers, musicians, snake charmers etc., springing into action after the hours of sunset. There are thousands of people in the square at any evening, specially at weekends. The square fills with intoxicating smoke from the grills of food. It’s also easy to escape the chaos of the square for a time-out at one of the many cafés that rim the square. Many of these cafés also offer the best panoramic views of all the Djemaa El Fnaa action from their rooftops. The best money changers also sit along this stretch.
5. Jardin Majorelle
The Majorelle Garden is a one-hectare botanical and artist’s landscape garden in Marrakech, Morocco. The garden is the masterpiece of artist Jacques Majorelle of French origin. The garden is decorated with distinct blue buildings and many cactus and plants. It also hosts the famous Yves Saint Laurent museum inside. The entry queues are usually long here, hence it is recommended to go early when the place opens in the morning.
6. Visiting modern Marrakech
Morocco has a layer of modernity that sits alongside the traditional scenes of the bustling souks and historical medinas, ensuring it caters to all traveler tastes. The Gueliz area is a great place for shops, cafes, and upmarket restaurants. If bored of the traditional culture, this might be a good refresh.
Where to go?
1. Ait Ben Haddou
Aït Benhaddou is a historic ighrem or ksar along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh in Morocco. It is considered a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its unique architecture and incredibly magical ambience, Ait Ben Haddou has already served as a movie set for many well-known films. Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and Lawrence of Arabia were all filmed here. Ait-Ben-Haddou is about 180 kilometers southeast of Marrakech and the route is extremely scenic as it passes through the high Atlas Mountains. Once you reach, you can have a nice brunch/lunch and get on exploring the kasba of Ait Ben Haddou. It is so Instagrammable and so beautiful, it will leave you in awe. A must day visit I must say.
Rabat
Rabat, Morocco’s capital, rests along the shores of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. The city is divided into two sides by a river, Rabat and Sale. It is one of the modern cities with developed building, but not very touristy and very commercialised by business, being a port.
Where to stay?
1. Dawliz Art and Spa (Sale)
Dawliz Art and Spa, located on the banks of the river on the Sale side of the city is a 5-star property. The rooms are spacious and the pool overlooking the river is a standout. The food is very delicious and they cater to every food request. The staff is not very professional and struggle to understand simple instructions in English, as there is a language barrier. Nevertheless, the property is nice but a bit far from the city centre. Trams and buses can be used for ease of commuting.
2. Alternate option
Staying in the city centre may be better to access restaurants and tourist spots. Sofitel is a nice option.
Where to eat ?
1. Cosmopolitan
Cosmopolitan is a French cuisine restaurant serving classical dishes. The food is prepared fresh and is mouth-watering. We had the black truffle gnocchi (a must order) and the eggplant, which were standouts. Look out for the desserts as they are amazing as well.
2. Ty Potes
Located in a 1930’s house, this boutique restaurant specialises in pancakes, salads, sandwiches and other such delicacies. Not to miss is the fondue and the variety of cheese selections they offer.
Other options:- Dar Zaki, Dinarjat
What to do?
1. Hassan Tower
The Hassan tower is the thought of Yacoub-al-Mansour. He wanted it to be the largest Mosque in the world but he died during the ambitious undertaking of the project. Thus, the mosque is left unfinished and all that is left is a 45m tower with immaculate architecture. The site is extremely photographic and is one of the postcard places of Rabat.
2. Stroll the Ouidas Kasbah
Rabat’s Kasbah district is one of the city’s top sightseeing draws and a UNESCO heritage site. It is located on the hill, at the mouth of the river overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Ouidas Kasbah has a beautiful exterior and will offer plenty of photo opportunities. This is a prime area for meandering in the local Jardins (gardens). The best time to visit is sunset as the views are spectacular from Bab Oudaia. The main road of Rue el Jamma leads to the Kasbah Mosque, which is the oldest mosque in Rabat.
3. Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is a mausoleum located across from the Hassan Tower. It contains the tombs of the Moroccan king Mohammed V and his two sons, late King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. Royal guards wear dress uniforms, and visitors are expected to dress respectfully and are not allowed to enter but can view from a gallery above.
4. Rabat medina
The Rabat medina is more of Spanish influence, thus making it a little different than other medinas of Morocco. If you’re looking for bargains and local craftwork, the two best shopping streets are Souq-es-Sebbat and Rue Souka. Lush greenery fills the peaceful Andalusian Gardens nearby.
Meknes
Where to Stay?
1. Riads
A traditional Riad is a home with multiple stories that centers around an open-air courtyard that contains a fountain / swimming pool. Riads were once the estates of the wealthiest citizens and. The building is in the shape of a rectangle with different rooms on each of the four sides. Riads are an integral part of Moroccan culture and no visit to the country is complete without staying in one and guess what, it is very budget friendly.
We stayed at Riad el ma, which is a Riad located in the old town of Meknes. The Riad is beautiful and has spacious rooms. The staff is very nice and welcoming as well. As you enter you feel you are in a different era as the design and the tiles are very colourful and period. I highly recommend this Riad.
2. Alternate options
If you are looking for a more luxurious stay, I recommend Château Roslane Boutique hotel & Spa.
Where to eat
1. Aisha
Being the top rated restaurant in Meknes, this place is a home-run kitchen serving classical Morocco dishes like tagines and couscous. The staff is very warm, and the place has a very distinctive style. This small place with an open kitchen is situated in a narrow alley. The food is scrumptious and one of the most authentic in Meknes. We ordered the Harira soup, smokey zaalouk, Morocco rice and couscous. Make sure to ask for the harissa paste to add a bit of spice.
Other options:- Dar Hatim, La Baraka
What to do ?
1. Wander around the medina
Meknes medina is a vibrant, bustling place full of local shopping souks and twisty lanes. The main entrance is through Place-el-Hedim, a smaller and less chaotic version of Marrakesh’s Djemaa El Fna. The medina is still encased by its crumbling walls, which in some sections are still fully standing. They are presently in the restoration phase, and will be as good as new very soon. The souk shopping here is definitely cheaper than other places like Marrakech etc.
2. See the famous sites
Bab Al-Mansour is a massive Gate between the imperial city and the City medina. It is very impressive as it has intricate stone work with use of zellige tiling. The gateway is one of the finest examples of architecture in Northern Africa. It is shut currently to avoid the traffic. Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is a sumptuously decorated mausoleum; it was built to house the tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes his imperial capital in the 17th century and fought for its freedom. The mausoleum is lavishly decorated.
Where to go ?
1. Volubilis
The main tourist attraction of Meknes is the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, located 32 kilometers away. It is very well preserved and one of the main places to visit in Morocco. Located amidst fertile plains overlooking the vast countryside, the ruin city is known for its impressive standing buildings. The arches and the ruins are beautifully built. Of particular interest are the Houses with their particularly well-preserved mosaics.
2. Moulay Idriss
This historic city built 1400 years ago on top of a hill is suitable for a pit stop on the way to or from Volubilis, as it is located on the same route. Built on the rocky spur of the Atlas, the buildings tumble down the steep slopes dramatically. It is a religious city for Moroccans, as young people come here to seek blessings for happy wedlock.
Feś
The entire city of Fes is a UNESCO heritage site! After Marrakech, the most visited city in Morocco is Fes. The city is historic and just 2.5 hours away from Casablanca and 1 hour away from Meknes. Fes is the country’s spiritual capital and is one of the best place to visit to soak up the historic ambience of Morocco’s Imperialism.
Where to stay ?
1. Sahrai
Combining modernism and traditional elements of Moroccan design is the Hotel Sahrai. The rooms are spacious, offering beautiful views of the city. The hotel offers a swimming pool, spa by Givenchy and 2 exceptional restaurants with a jungle bar with views to die for. The intricate work in the hotel lobby and rooms is also to admire. The entire property is made with local stone, giving it a modern feel. In the hotel, you will find large ceramic pots paying homage to Moroccan heritage.
Where to eat ?
1. Cafe Clock
Cafe clock is a nice rooftop cafe in the city of Fes serving classic dishes like burgers, sandwiches, salads, fries and some local delicacies with nice drinks. It has a nice ambience and is mostly filled with tourists.
2. Relais de la Paris
A fine dining restaurant chain in Morocco, this restaurant serves classic French dishes with a modern twist. Located in hotel Sahrai, Relais de Paris has an informal chic atmosphere. A few dishes I recommend are the mozzarella, pasta and the truffled egg. The desserts are one of the best I have had in the world. The lemon dessert and the chocolate lava cake are exquisite.
3. Amaraz
Located in Sahrai hotel, Amaraz lets you to sample gourmet Moroccan & Lebanese cuisines in a setting that’s in tune with the spirit of the place. The food is delicious and the ambience is even better. I recommend sampling the mezzo and the stuffed peppers as a Moroccan dish. The muhallabia with the orange blossom is also delicious.
4. Fondouk Bazaar
Another upmarket cafe is Fondouk Bazaar serving global cuisine. The ambience is appealing to the youth audiences and food is good as well.
Other Options:- Ouliya, L Amandier, Cinema Cafe, Dar Roumana, Darori
What to do ?
1. Wander around the medina
The narrow, twisty streets of the Fes medina are meant to be lost in. The city is historic and very beautiful. The entire Old City is a walker’s delight, with plenty of opportunities to explore and soak up the atmosphere of Fes life. Be aware that the area is hilly, and the lanes are laid with cobble stones, so wear sturdy shoes. The city is full of smells, sights and sounds.
2. Take a nice hammam
Fes is also home to many hammams. We chose to go to hammam Mernissi. We did the full hammam experience with the massage. It was very relaxing, and I was a new fresh man after the hammam. A hammam is not to be missed when in these areas.
Where to go ?
1. Chefchaouen
A three and a half hour drive from Fes, Chefchaouen the blue city of Morocco is a beautiful town of cobalt-stained streets set amid the majestic Rif Mountains. The city is blue up and down and wandering through the streets is a delight. It is nothing less of a unique experience. The city has stalls selling many goods such as paintings, handicrafts etc. For lunch, we again went to Cafe Clock which was the same as in Fes, so if visiting Chefchaouen, I would recommend not visiting Cafe Clock in Fes. After a nice lunch and a million photos, we visited the Kasbah area. The lush green gardens complement the blue city beautifully. It is filled with artefacts and has a tower to soak in a bird’s eye panoramic view of the blue town of Chefchaouen.
Casablanca
The heart of modern morocco is Casablanca. It is the largest city in Morocco and most famous for its business aspect. One of the best nightlife and restaurants are in Casablanca. It is one of the largest Financial centres in Africa. Needless to say, compared to the history and heritage of Marrakesh and Fes, it can’t compete. Nevertheless, if you dive deeper, there are some hidden gems.
Where to stay
1. Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency hotel located right in the center of Casablanca is the best choice to stay in. The hotel rooms are very well planned and the staff is very helpful. The view is amazing as you can see in the photo below. The breakfast spread is large and nice as well. If you book a room, try to get club access for free drinks and snack during the happy hours, which is a lovely area to hang around before dinner.
If you want to stay in a beach property I would recommend the Four Seasons hotel.
Where to eat
1. Le Cabestan
The sublime scenery of the Atlantic Ocean and the Casablanca coastline makes the Le Cabestan Ocean View a mythical and unmissable place. The ambience of the place is amazing, so make sure to sit on the deck.
2. Lily’s
An Asian restaurant in the lighthouse area, Lily’s serves delicious food. We had sushi, dim-sums, edamame, green curry and stir fry vegetables. The food, ambience and service was great. It is a high-end restaurant, as every other restaurant in this stretch.
3. Marina Juice
A large restaurant located on the Casablanca marina, this always busy place serves a variety of dishes and amazing juices and desserts. it is great for a late night snack or just some refresments while walking on the Corniche.
3. NKOA
A fusion restaurant in the modern area of Casablanca, NKOA run by an all-black community serves fusion food, inspired by several countries around the world. They have illustrations of each dish to choose from, and the dishes are healthy and succulent.
4. Clay Oven
Serving classic Indian food, clay oven has the Indian feel to it. We ordered some favourite classics, and it was made just how it was needed to be made, with the correct spices which made it amazing and a fitting finale meal to our trip!
Other Options:- La Sqala, Ricks Cafe, Le Gatsby, Patisserie Tennis
What to do
1. Hassan II Mosque
It is pretty obvious that the main attraction in Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque, as it can be seen from every corner of the city. This mosque is the largest in Africa, and perhaps even ranks high in the world. The prayer hall can accommodate 25,000 worshippers, while the courtyard (which boasts of a retractable roof) can fit another 80,000. Astonishingly intricate decoration covers every millimetre of surface. The interior and exterior are a must visit.
2. Shopping
After a load of traditional sight-seeing for 9 days, all we wanted was some conventional shopping; so we went to the famous Morocco Mall where we enjoyed some shopping in famous branded and local shops.
3. Old city
Although Casablanca’s medina doesn’t have the same historic atmosphere as the medinas of Fes and Marrakesh, the maze-like tumble of alleyways is still an interesting area to stroll in. The shops and cafes are nice and is a good time killer.
4. Party hopping
Amongst all cities, Casablanca is the most alive at night. The lighthouse area is filled with nightclubs and party places where DJs play songs, and you can enjoy amazing food and drinks with views of the ocean.
5. Enjoy some sea air along the Corniche
For sea views and fresh sea breezes close to downtown, head to the Hassan II Mosque area and stroll the eastern end of Casablanca’s Corniche road. Many people can be found here picnicking and playing in parks, or just strolling.
General Tips :
- The condition of taxis are very bad in Morocco. It is preferred to hire a private car for long commutes.
- People in Morocco haggle a lot, and may even follow you to sell their stuff. Beware of pick-pocketers, and do not indulge much if not interested.
- Bargaining is almost mandatory in Morocco, especially in the medinas. You may start at 40% of what they quote and comfortably settle around 60-70%.
- Language might be a barrier at places, as very few people understand clear English. But you will get your way around with them, as they are keen to serve tourists and happy with little tips.
- Medinas are the best place for money changers. Never get it done at the airport, as it is a complete rip-off.
- Temperature contrasts are huge in the country, being a desert region along the coast. Carry light clothing for the day, and a light jacket for the evenings.
- Morocco is famous for Argan oil which may sell under various brand names, and is available almost everywhere. Be sure to buy the authentic one, as there are many fake vendors all over.
Morocco is an overload to the senses. It was chaotic at times, a lot of language barriers and sometimes stressful, but as a traveller it put me out of my comfort zone which I loved. It felt like I have entered another world. I would definitely not hesitate recommending Morocco for someone who wants an out of the box culturally unique experience!
Travel Footprints 