Morocco

Casablanca

Note: I wouldn’t suggest spending more than 1 day in Casablanca. The mosque is beautiful but that’s really the only thing to see.

Activities

  • Visit the Hassan II Mosque: The Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. Non-Muslims can visit the mosque, but only with a guided tour outside of prayer hours. Current tour times can be found here: https://www.fmh2.ma/
    • The tour costs ~$12.50 and lasts ~1 hour.
    • There are guided tours in English, French, Spanish, Italian and German.
    • Women do not need to cover their head, but men and women do need to cover their knees and shoulders.
  • Schedule a Hammam: I did a traditional hammam experience at Hammam Ziani and it was fantastic. It was more of a locals spot and almost no one spoke English, but the experience came with a scrub, a seaweed treatment and the use of traditional black soap. There is a hammam at the Hassan II Mosque but the reviews were not great, so I went to Ziani at the recommendation of my hotel.

Food

  • La Sqala: A traditional Moroccan restaurant, with everything being made in house using ingredients only from Morocco. There is a large selection of tagines. Note that they do not serve alcohol.
  • Le Gatsby: This is a breakfast / brunch spot right across the street from the Hassan II Mosque. The restaurant has a great view but it felt a bit run down compared to the photos that are shown online. The food was decent and they had a variety of breakfast items.
  • Rick’s Cafe: The food and the drinks were very good here. But, I would suggest making a reservation or you may not get in. Note that they do allow smoking inside.
  • Le Béret: A lovely dinner spot right on the ocean. Amazing views; go for sunset. The reviews online were mixed on the food, but I had a great meal. If you are a dessert person, it’s worth going here just for the profiteroles; they were the best I’ve ever had. I would suggest making a reservation.

Accommodation

  • I stayed at the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche. It was a good location (~15 minute walk to the Mosque) and the staff were incredibly nice and helpful. That said, while my room had a great view, it felt very musty and damp. If you can afford to spend a bit more than the Sofitel, I would upgrade and look at the Marriott or Four Seasons on the water.

Other

  • The national currency is the dirham. I would strongly suggest carrying cash with you at all times. While all of the restaurants took card, some things need to paid for in cash like tips and taxis.
  • Most people speak Arabic and French.
  • The train system in Morocco is very easy to use, and, it’s cheap and efficient. There are two main stations in Casablanca, so if you are traveling to other cities, make sure you go to the correct station. I would strongly suggest spending a few extra dollars to book a first class train ticket.

Fes

Activities

  • Explore the Medina: I would spend an entire day walking around the medina. I booked a private tour of the medina through my Riad and would strongly suggest that. There is so much to see and explore, it was nice to have a local expert with me.
  • Visit the Tanneries / Chouara Tannery: I did this as part of my tour of the medina. Make sure you go to a roof to view the tanneries from above. Note that there is a rather unpleasant smell, but the shops will give you fresh mint to smell to mask some of the unpleasant odor.
  • Stop by Al Attarine Madrasa: The entrance fee is $2.
  • Explore Jardin Jnan Sbil: The gardens were closed for renovations when I visited but I would around the outside and they looked very nice.

Food

  • Cafe Clock: Great food with several levels to dine – inside, on a terrace or on the roof.
  • The Ruined Garden: Traditional Moroccan food in a cute garden setting.
  • Dar Roumana: More upscale dinner in a lovely Riad. I would suggest making a reservation. They are closed on Monday.
  • Nur: A fine dining restaurant in Fes that was strongly recommended, though at a price (~$80-$100 per person). That said, I didn’t try the restaurant because the chef was traveling when I visited and I was told to no go unless the chef was there.
  • The Riad I stayed at had great suggestions; a few restaurants they suggested that I didn’t have the opportunity to try are:
    • Fondouk Bazaar
    • Le Tarbouche Cafe
    • Chez Rachid at the Blue Gate
    • Fes Cafe
    • Darori Moroccan Restaurant
    • Riad Fes
    • L’Amandier

Accommodation

  • I stayed at Riad Laaroussa and would highly suggest it. The Riad is very clean, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, the staff go above and beyond (I was told “no one will tell you “no” here”), the views from the roof are breathtaking and they have a very nice hammam.
    • I did a hammam at Riad Laaroussa and it was very relaxing. It was a bit different than other hammams I have done (there was more laying and relaxing), but I enjoyed it. If you do the massage after, note that it’s less of. a massage and more of a relaxing rub with oils.
  • Wherever you stay, I would suggest staying in the medina.

Other

  • The medina felt very safe to me but it’s very easy to get lost, so if you are walking around at night, I would suggest having a porter with you.
  • If needed, there are ATMs in the medina.

Marrakesh

Due to the earthquake and various travel complications, I only spent a night in Marrakesh. I stayed at the Bohemian Jungle Riad and would definitely suggest it. The staff are very helpful and easy to communicate with, it’s centrally located in the medina and aesthetic / atmosphere is great.

Background photo taken from the roof of the Chouara Tannery in Fes.