Morocco
Diverse and exciting
My first visit to this North African country was a very pleasant one.
Very friendly people, great food and a mixture of cultures that you don’t find anywhere else.
Did I mention that the people are very friendly? They are.
Morocco is incredible diverse. If you travel to another city it can feel like you are in another country.
The architecture is different, the food, the language and even how people greet you will be different.
Therefore I have made different blog-posts for the parts of the country I visited (listed below). If you want to get a general picture of the country, stay on this page.
I have made separate gallery showing the people of Morocco. You can find it here
What to see and do in Morocco
Because this is such a diverse country I recommend you to see at least a couple of places on your visit. You don’t need to do what I did and stay at nine different places in 14 days but to visit more than one will enhance your experience.
If you’re looking for things to do in Morocco I recommend you to check out GetYourGuide that has a lot offer. From guided tours, day trips, tickets and more.
Some of the places I visited
Marrakech - Morocco's tourist heart. Vibrant, buzzing and energetic. A must visit in the country. Keep in mind that it is very touristy, for better or for worse. They are so used to looking after visitors in the red city and they will make sure you have a great experience, but, because it is so tourist oriented it can be difficult to find 'the real Morocco'. Nevertheless, you will find the city's energy exciting, eat good food and meet interesting people. Be aware of scammers, more about this further down this page.
Fes - This two million city is in one way similar to Marrakech, the buzzing energy. In other aspects it is totally different. The Medina, a Unesco world heritage site, has over 9000 streets and is crowded with people and very few of them are tourists. Here you will find the genuin city life of Morocco and much less of tourist attractions.
Casablanca - The largest city and economical centre of the country. You will immediately get the “big city vibe” when arriving in this four million people metropol. Me, I didn’t like Casablanca so much. It has a lot colder atmosphere than the rest of the country and the gaps between the poor and the rich are very obvious. Hassan II Mosque was amazing to see though (more on my Casablanca page)
Rabat - The Capital. This city is a lot more relaxed than other parts of the country, even the Medina. This could might as well be a city in Spain, Portogal or Greece because of its vibe. A nice, and welcomed, contrast to the rest of Morocco.
Chefchaouen - The blue city. Gorgeous and unique. A visit in this small city is highly recommended if you have the time. It’s not only different from the rest of the country, it is different from anything you have seen before.
Sahara Desert - For me, that is from Sweden, this was a somewhat exotic experience. Riding a camel in the sunset among the golden sand dunes, sleeping in a tent under a starry sky and more. With what I know now there are a few things I would have done differently. More about that on my Sahara desert page.
The famous tanneries in Fes
Places I researched but never visited
Essaouira - A smaller, ancient, city by the Atlantic coast. It seams to be very cozy with nice beaches and excellent sea food. This Unesco world heritage site is historically interesting as well. A must visit for me on my next trip.
Tangier - If you have heard that this north Moroccon city is dangerous you can now forget what you have heard. From people I have talked to it is quite charming.
Meknes - From what I have heard it has a similar vibe as Fes but maybe a little bit calmer.
Agadir - The rumour says that it is a surfers paradise especially for beginners and people that want to try.
Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
Aït Benhaddou
Do’s and don’ts of Morocco
Most of Morocco is safe but there are places you should avoid or be extra cautious.
Be aware of pickpockets - Nothing that is unique for Morocco. Unfortunately they appear in all major citys and tourist destinations. Keep your belongings close in crowded areas.
Avoid the suburbs of Casablanca - And be extra careful in this city in general.
Be cautious in the outskirts of Rabat and Tangier - Even though the crime rate have gone down in these cities I just want to give you a heads up to be careful.
Use Cash - Most places in Morocco accept cash only. If you are buying tickets for bus or train you can use credit card. Also in fancier restaurants and bigger hotels.
Taxi - Either negotiate the rate before you get in or see so the meter is on.
Don’t drink in public - It is a rather conservative muslim country but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a glass of wine or a beer in some restaurants. There are also licensed shops where you can buy alcohol. Be aware that it can be expensive because the license for selling is quite expensive for the provider.
Don’t visit Mosques - Well, you are not allowed unless you are a muslim. (Except for Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca). The reason is that the mosques are only open for prayer times and they don’t want to be disturbed by other people. Understandable in my opinion. If you still want to visit a mosque you can but it requires you to make contact before and they will show you how to wash and you will be part of a prayer time.
Dress properly - this is not mandatory. Moroccans are open minded towards tourists but if you want to show some curtesy you should make sure that your shoulders and knees are covered.
Scammers 1 - People, often polite men, offers to help you find the way or carry your bags and then they will ask for a large tip. Maybe 20€. Common in Marrakech and Chefchaouen and very common in Fes.
Scammers 2 - Street artists with either costumes or animal that ask you to take photo of them. After the photo is taken they will ask for a large tip. Maybe 20€. Very common in Marrakech.
Scammers 3 - Taxi. Especially drivers that are “fishing” for customers around train stations etc. Always ask for the rate before you get in.
Language
Most people in the country are multilingual and can speak at least two languages well and will get by with one or two more.
The main language is Arabic and the second most common language is French. Some people also speak Berber, Spanish and/or English. I got by with English most of the time but I had to refresh my school French a few times as well.
It is always good to know a few phrases in the native language, they will appreciate it.
Hello - Salam (the short and informal version of hello)
Hello - As-salamu alaykum (the proper way to say hello which means “peace be upon you”)
Thank you - Shukran
If God will - Inshallah (they use this all the time, E.G “It’s not far, 10 minutes walk inshallah”)
How to get to Morocco
By boat or plane.
Multiple countries have a direct flight to Morocco.
If you need to rent a car I highly recommend Rentalcars.com to get the best deal.
Book your flights here
Public transport in Morocco
Going from city to city is very easy and surprisingly comfortable,
Take the train. Easy and cheap. Book it on ONCF
Take the bus. Same here, easy and cheap. Book it on CTM
Rent a car and drive yourself Rentalcars
I only visited the airport in Marrakech and they have a fixed rate for taxi to the city center. I believe it was 9€.
There are also buses that goes every 30min or so.
What to eat in Morocco
Everything. The food is unique and great
The most famous dishes would be
Tagine - Slow cooked things in a clay pot. It could be Chicken, beef or lamb together with vegetables and often fruits like preserved lemon. There are of course vegetarian alternatives also. My favourite became beef with prunes.
Couscous - For Moroccans this is a Friday dish (the day when they are free from work). Served with meat and/or vegetables,
Soup - Try the traditional Moroccan soup with tomatoes, onion and spices as a starter. It is fantastic.
Bastilla - Like a pie made from filo stuffed with things, often chicken and onions and powdered with sugar. A very odd and special taste and not my favourite.
BBQ sticks - Chicken, beef, lamb or vegetables. Often served with a spicy chili sauce.
Smoked lamb - Meat that have been smoked on the grill served with a spice blend that often only is salt and cumin. Take a piece of bread and grab a little bit of meat with it and dip in the spice blend. Surprisingly good.
Starter pack - Often you get small bowls of vegetable dishes as a starter. Aubergine, Olives, tomato sallad and my favourite green lenses. I am still dreaming of those lenses.
Normally you tip 5-15% depending on the amount on your bill.
Snails
Tagine with lamb and vegetables
Chicken bastilla and mint tea
Even the most touristy restaurants will serve you good food because the competition for customers are tremendous. They will be a bit more expensive though.
Drink?
Mint tea and fruit juices. You will never find fresher fruit and the juices are mind blowing. The mint tea is served everywhere, don’t be surprised if they welcome you at your accommodation with it or that the restaurant will give you tea “on the house” after a dinner.
Vegetarian starters
Thank you for reading my travel blog about Morocco.
I hope you found it interesting and helpful.
Use the form, under contact, if there is something that you think should be added to this site.
Cheers
Roger