Know before you go
Morocco is situated in Northern Africa and inhabited by 32M residents. Its official language is Arabic, but people in the tourism sector often speak English, French, and Spanish fluently. The Moroccan government is led by a constitutional monarchy and their currency is called the dirham. The predominantly Muslim country is mostly comprised of Arabs and the indigenous people of Northern Africa known as Berbers. Consequently, moroccan food draws influence from Arab, Andalusian, and Mediterranean cultures. Their cuisine offers an array of salads, meat dishes, and exquisite desserts. Compared to Americans or Europeans, Moroccans are extremely warm and hospitable. The country is rich in culture, blessed in beauty, and adorned with historical sites. With its beaches, cities, mountains, forests, and deserts-- you are certain to find an adventure that suits you. You’ll see beauty in the people, places and sites everywhere you go. You’ll never be the same. The following is what we consider the ultimate travel guide to Morocco.
How long should you spend in Morocco?
If you’re thinking about traveling to Morocco, then we would recommend that you spend a minimum of two to three weeks. Pinpoint the destinations that you would like to explore and spend about 2- 4 days at each place. Morocco is also in close proximity to Europe. This means that you can easily add other countries to your itinerary if you have the time. Spain is a quick 30 minute ferry from the coast of Morocco. Other European destinations are a short flight away.
Is it safe to visit Morocco?
Yes, it is safe to travel in Morocco. There was never a moment while traveling in Morocco that we felt unsafe. The majority of people were kind, helpful and friendly. Americans are welcomed in Morocco along with the millions of other tourists that visit from around the globe. We experienced Arab hospitality during our visit to Morocco. Wow! To be treated with such great hospitality from complete strangers was such a beautiful experience. Arrive with an open heart and you’ll experience the warmth of the Moroccan people.
Weather and best times to visit Morocco
Morocco has a subtropical climate, but with its diverse geography temperatures can vary dramatically. Temperatures can fluctuate between 41ºF/5ºC in the winter and 120ºF/48ºC in the peak of summer. The ocean breeze keeps the coastal towns cool year round, but the inland cities like Marrakech get unbearably hot in the summertime. We recommend visiting in the spring or fall. Yet, many Europeans still brave through the summer heat to explore its beauty. Ladies, keep in mind that Moroccans dress modestly, so dress conservatively in order to avoid unwarranted attention.
Best places to visit in Morocco
Casablanca, Fes, Chefchaouen, Marrakech, and Merzouga (Sahara Desert).
Casablanca Itinerary: Spend 0-1 day
The top attraction in Casablanca is the beautiful Hassan II Mosque, and totally worth seeing if you have time in your itinerary. Most importantly, it’s the only mosque in Morocco where non-Muslims can enter (see visiting hours below). Although, the mosque is very beautiful, it's pretty much the only attraction worth seeing in Casablanca. There are plenty of other Moroccan destinations that have way more to offer, so plan accordingly.
The Hassan II Mosque is the world’s seventh largest mosque and it’s beautifully backdropped by the North Atlantic Ocean. It took five years of intensive labor by over 30,000 workers and craftsmen to complete. It cost a whooping $700M to construct and it can host 80,000 worshippers at one time! The mosque is adorned with beautiful carvings of stone, colorful mosaics, and intricate marble flooring. While touring around the mosque you’ll fall in love with Morocco’s talent for artisanal craft.
The Hassan II Mosque offers guided tours at 9am, 10am, 11am, 3pm, and 4pm Sat-Fri, plus noon Sat-Thu. This is the only mosque in Morocco where Non-Muslim visitors are allowed to enter, but only within touring hours. Definitely confirm online or with your hotel’s receptionist for your exact visiting hours and holidays.
Best place to stay in Casablanca
We recommend that you stay at Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche Hotel in Casablanca. The staff is lovely and the rooms are spacious. They also have the most sweeping view of the Hassan II Mosque. The highlights of the hotel include the restaurant, bar, spa, and pool area.
Fes Itinerary: Spend 3-5 days
Fes is truly the heart of Morocco. It is more charming and far less chaotic than Marrakech. If you can we recommend that you stay within the medina. The medina, which was founded in the 9th century, is a walled medieval city with narrow and maze-like streets. It was purposefully built like a labyrinth in order to ward off intruders. No cars are allowed in, but you’ll see the occasional motorbike zipping through. Spending time in the medina is like stepping back in time. Some things haven’t changed in centuries, but its beauty remains. All of your senses will be marveled. It’s pretty easy to get to Fes from Casablanca or Marrakech. You can get there by plane, train, or bus.
Tips on getting to Fes from Casablanca or Marrakech:
• You can buy train tickets the day of at the train station.
• There are two classes on the train, first and second. In first class the compartments fit 6 people and 8 in second class. The price difference between the two is about $10 USD. In first class you can reserve a specific seat and in second class it’s first come first serve. We paid $19 USD for each first class ticket.
• The train ride took a total of 4 hours, so make sure to load up on snacks before the ride.
• For more information about tickets and timetables please visit the ONCF site.
Tips on getting to the Medina:
• You will most likely be approached by several cab drivers as soon as you walk out of the train station. Make sure to negotiate a price before proceeding with a cab driver.
• The cab drive to the medina will take about 20 minutes.
• Make sure you know exactly where your accommodations are located. If it’s within the medina, your cab driver will only be able to get you to one of the many gate entrances of the medina, then you will have to walk through the medina to get to your accommodation.
• Rolling luggage will take a beating from the cobblestone streets in the medina. We recommend you travel with a top loading backpack.
• Locals will often approach you and try to help you with directions. They will say that they will do it for free, but a customary tip is expected.
Best Restaurant in Fes
The best restaurant in all of Morocco happens to be located in Fes and is called Nur, which means "light". The restaurant is housed in a beautiful 18th century riad. Visit and you will be taken through a multi-course gestation of impeccable dishes paired with great wine. Chef Najat Kanaache and her team are the innovative force behind the most-warded Moroccan food in the world. Make sure to schedule a reservation as far in advance as possible, this place fills up!
Best place to stay in Fes
The best place to stay in Fes is the Karawan Riad. It’s located within the medina and it’s one of the most beautiful hotels we’ve ever seen. Traditionally, a riad is a Moroccan house with an interior courtyard and the Karawan has been transformed into a 7-suite hotel equipped with a restaurant and spa. As soon as you step in, you’re greeted by a gorgeous courtyard ensconced by 2 levels of suites. Each suite is decorated with its own unique theme and embellished further with antiques and handcrafted furniture. The hotel has a shared library and a restaurant where they serve traditional moroccan breakfast as well as modern cuisine for dinner. They also have a gorgeous rooftop garden that overlooks the medina. Highlights of the hotel include the delicious food from the restaurant, the spa, the wonderful and helpful staff, and of course the gorgeous suites.
Things to do in Fes
You can only explore the medina on foot, so remember to bring along a good pair of walking shoes. There are hundreds of places to see, shop, eat, and explore within the medina. Venture out of your comfort zone and try new things. We recommend that you hire a guide on your first day venturing out. It will help you establish your bearings before exploring some of the 9,000 maze-like streets on your own. Plan-it Morocco is one of the leading tourist guide providers in Morocco. They can arrange pretty much anything from Moroccan travel packages, accommodations, transportation, and guides.
Top attractions in Fes
• Chouara Tannery is one of the most famous tanneries in Fes. Many shops are located right above the site and offer you to see the process from their balcony. You can also venture to the pits wandering through the streets. Warning, the scent that comes from the leather process is pungent and acrid. Luckily, we were provided sprigs of mint to hold up to our nose so that we could filter out the intense smell. Below you’ll see men working waist deep in the various pits.The squeamish should stay away from this site.
• University of al Karaouine is the oldest existing university. Non-Muslims can only peer in, but it’s worth catching a peek.
• Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts hosts an impressive 3 floors of Moroccan artifacts.
• Medersa Bou Inania is a beautifully handcrafted building worth visiting.
• There are also a tons of souks/markets that are worth visiting like Place Seffarine Market at the Andalous Quarter and Boujloud Souk. There are tons of other souks and markets to explore.
• Take a cooking class! Cafe Clock is not only a great place to grab a bite to eat, but they also offer cooking classes. Through their fun and interactive classes you’ll get to meet fellow travelers and learn how to cook a few Moroccan dishes. Chef Soued is lovely and passionate about Moroccan cuisine.
• Spend a day at the hammam. A hammam is a local bath house, but the ones targeted towards tourist resemble more like a spa. There are tons of hammams to choose from that match any budget.
• Make sure you load up on souvenirs in Fes. They have far better prices than Marrakech and don’t forget to haggle. Aim for 50% of whatever they open with and slowly add 5-10% as they come down 5-10% percent until you meet in the middle.
Chefchaouen Itinerary: Spend 1-3 days
This majestic town painted in blue is worth seeing. The town was originally painted blue to ward off evil spirits in the 15th century. Since then, the inhabitants have kept with tradition. This quaint town has great shops and restaurants. We booked a day trip through Plan-it Morocco. They provided a driver for the 3.5 hour drive and they also provided us with a great tour guide to show us around town. The town is small, but you can easily find a great place to stay and great restaurants and shops.
Marrakech Itinerary: Spend 0-3 days
Marrakech is the most popular destination in Morocco. It’s world renowned and it hosts some of the best hotel and resorts the country has to offer. The medina is jam packed with people, shops and speeding motorbikes. In comparison to Fes, Marrakech seemed crowded, far less charming and fast-paced. We enjoyed Fes so much more, so If you have the time to visit Marrakech, then we would recommend spending a couple days at most. Prices of items in Marrakech are higher compared to Fes and the vibe from everywhere was a bit rougher, less helpful, and more selling vs. actually talking to you.
If you do decide to visit here are some top attractions:
• Jemaa el-Fnaa is a large square where you’ll find snake charmers and henna artist during the day. At night it transforms into a food market lined with food stalls.
• Majorelle Garden is a beautiful botanical garden with a gorgeously painted blue building at the center. Prepare to wait in line for tickets and photo opportunities. Go at the end of the day when the crowds are more manageable. The guards will let you linger for up to 30 min past closing time so use that time for photographs without the tourists.
• Bahia Palace is a gorgeous palace for great photographs. Hire a guide to learn more about the palace.
• Medina of Marrakesh is a great place to shop and explore. We recommend staying outside of the medina in Marrakech (the opposite of what we recommend for Fes).
• The Selman Marrakech is a beautiful resort that offers the best Sunday brunch. They had the most incredible buffet with everything from moroccan dishes all the way to savory sushi bites. Along with the food, they offer great entertainment and you will get to see their beautiful Arabian thoroughbreds.
Merzouga (Sahara Desert) Itinerary: Spend 2-3 days
Merzouga should be on your list if you want to experience the Saharan Desert. Hire a driver just like we did from to take you to your Saharan desert experience. Marrakech Limo offered us a very comfortable ride with a professional and courteous driver and onboard WiFi. We had tons of space in the Mercedes Benz Vito van to take naps and relax. This drive takes between 8-10 hours with lots of curving roads so plan accordingly! You cannot do this trip in a day and anyone from Marrakech who tells you otherwise is selling you a drive around the outskirts of the city.
Best place to stay in Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
If you want to experience glamping in the Sahara Desert, then you must stay at Merzouga Luxury Desert Camps. They will provide you with the most magical Saharan experience like none other. They offer 5-star service and meals all set between beautiful orange sand dunes. In addition, they offer an array of excursions like camel rides, dune buggy/quad rides, and guided treks. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions on how to improve our travel guide to Morocco! If you're interested view more of our photography.
