A gateway from Europe into Africa, Morocco beholds qualities of both continents: it is at times distinctly Mediterranean and yet, with its desert landscape, monarchy and Muslim people, typically North African. Just the mention of Morocco and cities such as Casablanca should wake the imagination and stimulate the senses of any tourist. The country has an inherent legendary quality, stemming from its old roots.
hop, skip & a jump from europe
With so many sites Morocco should be added to every backpacker's itinerary - even if they only planned on staying in Europe. It is easily accessible from Spain, where a ferry would take you across the Straight of Gibraltar into the Dark Continent.Although several weeks in Morocco would be acceptable, a 3-day crash course dream tour of Tangier, Casablanca and Marrakesh, is just enough to get your feet wet.
tangier the beautiful
Once home to painters, musicians and authors like Tennessee Williams, Saint-Saens, Henri Matisse, and Joseph Kessel, no other city in the Orient is more dearly beloved by artists and the cultural elite than Tangier. Often called the "dove poised on the shoulder of Africa," this city of strategic position is easily reached through Spain or Gibraltar.Tangier is a compelling city not only known as a common port of entry for travelers, bust as a center for the world's best hustlers. So as you walk through the Bab Erraha gate, take your eyes away from the breathtaking view of the city and bay for a minute and watch your wallet.
Although the high crime rate is a reason for concern in all big cities, do not let it hinder you from sightseeing. A keen eye and confident stride is often enough to discourage local bandits.
rock the kasbah
The hub of activity in Tangier is the Grand and Petit Socco, as it is the city's main center. The Kasbah is the interest of most tourists, containing the former sultan's palace, Dar el-Makhzen, built in the 17th century.Converted into a museum, the architecture and artifacts offer wonderful insight into the story of ancient Morocco. Nearby lies the Tangier American Legation Museum (TALM).
This area, so dear to many writers who were inspired by the hub of the people, beautiful buildings and unique atmosphere, is also home to one of Morocco's most renowned mosques, the Sidi Bou Abid. Along the mosque and the rest of the square, peasants in bright clothing wearing broad hats adorned with pom-poms will be crossing the street selling fruit, pottery and cloth.
tea for killer breath
After walking through the heart of Tangier and soaking in the fact you are walking on a street that is over a thousand years old, it is time for some food. Undeniably, the only places to go are the cafs of Petit Socco. Sipping mint tea and enjoying some local delicacies and fruit should hold you. Because you are eating at a small restaurant, tipping is reduced to only a dirham or two (approximately 10 to 20 cents US). At finer eateries, expect to tip 10-15% of the bill.Get up from your mint tea stupor and explore some more. Remember, it's all about maximizing your time. To get to your next set of destinations, you must take some crazy public transportation.
Although buses are in abundance, they are often crowded, with many a swindler aboard. Your best bet is a taxi, which, due to the exchange rate, is inexpensive. The only drawback is that the drivers often disobey all traffic rules, but at least you'll get to your destination without getting hassled.
museums & festivals
The next stop on the tour of beautiful Tangier is the Forbes museum, where 115,000 lead soldiers replay important battles in history without ever moving. You'll see Waterloo and the Battle of Three Kings at a museum that is more about peace than war. The surrounding gardens and Hafa caf are great spots to watch as people scurry to mosques for evening prayers.As night begins to creep up on the port city, it is time to take in the art that Morocco is famous for. During the summer months, Tangier becomes an enormous gallery for the annual cultural festival.
Hail a cab to the Pasha Rassouni palace where artists show off their amazing work in the streets and sometimes even on the walls around town. Stalls are set up offering meals to delight the senses; just be careful of raw foods that may need to be washed with sanitary water.
This short stay in the most classic of Moroccan cities is a teaser into what the rest of the country has to offer. You undergo transportation in time when you pass through the gates into Tangier and many have returned for second and third visit to this enchanting town. And chances are, so will you.
casablanca
Immortalized in one of Hollywood's most famous films, this buzzing metropolis represents the conflict facing many religious centers: a battle between past traditions and the present smaller, technologically advanced world.Casablanca is the heart and soul of the country, containing all major businesses, shops and attractions. Getting there is easy now that the Mohammed V Airport has been redone and modernized, becoming a facility to be proud of.
The first thing that will catch your eye about Casablanca is the design. The city itself is a feat of city planning with its wide downtown avenues forming the star design that is seen on the nation's flag.
The streets are lined with Art Deco and neo-Moorish architecture, with no dull buildings in site. The prime area to visit is Place Mohammed V, the city's most important square which houses amazing architecture seen in the Post Office, the Palace of Justice and the French consulate, all surrounding a central fountain.
There is much to see and admire here, from the tiny shops to the art galleries and street vendors. Watch the time because it is quite easy to lose yourself for hours on end, and remember to watch your wallet too.
couscous is key
Although it is easy to pick up snacks almost anywhere in the square, the Casablanca Central Market offers a host of delectable items worth savoring. Seafood and dishes served with the national food of couscous (ground semolina) are available to the adventurous traveler, for anywhere from $5-$12 US.After some good Mediterranean eats, head to the medina, Casablanca's ancient quarter. There lies the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest Muslim places of worship in the world. Along the medina are some great examples of Mauresque architecture as well. The old streets, people and unique Moroccan atmosphere combine to transport you way back in time.
man-made harbor
Lastly in this tour of "Casa's" sights is a look at the 2-mile long Moulay Youssef jetty. Normally, a man made harbor would not be a recommended tourist spot, but this is Morocco, where almost everything is steeped in cultural beauty. Because Casablanca has no natural harbor, this jetty was built so that Morocco could have a premier port. The view it provides as the sun sets on your day in this mythical city is incredible.marrakech
As you wake up in the last city of your tour, you will witness a morning routine that has gone on in Marrakech for some 800 years. The Koutoubia, a spiritual beacon, rings out every AM, calling Muslim worshippers to their mosques. The former capital is one of Morocco's most significant cultural centers and as you walk into the Place Djemaa el-Fna, a gigantic square in the old city, you'll understand why. Open-air food stalls tantalize you, and jugglers, snake charmers, storytellers, and magicians enchant you with some old-school entertainment.Marrakech's souqs (markets) are considered the best in Morocco; the prime place to purchase one of the finest products the country has to offer (besides hashish), leather.
At the El Badi palace ruins, a national festival of popular art takes place around the same time as Tangier's, but on a much larger scale. On display and on sale are beautiful paintings, jewelry and religious ornaments.
Music and dance take place all day and night on the steps of this historic ancient palace. Draw yourself away from this enchanting gathering to experience other delights in Morocco's ancient center, just a taxi ride away.
old school attractions
Three large attractions await you in this thousand-year old area of town. The Dar Si Said Museum (Museum of Moroccan Art) contains some of the world's most ancient jewelry, pottery and silver. Never have old, dirty dishes looked so cool.After a nice stroll through the museum, it is time to sample a real Moroccan delicacy. Tangia, available in restaurants that lie just outside the quarter, is a tasty dish of mutton and spices stirred slowly and buried overnight in hot ashes. Taste it before you judge, as I know many skeptical people who, after tasting tangia, admitted to enjoying mutton.
Near the Dar Si Said Museum is the Koutoubia mosque that woke you up this morning. The mosque and its annex, the Koubba Ba'adiyn, represent a rare example of native design. You are welcome to walk in, but remember to remove your shoes prior to entry.
ride the arabian night
Night falls on a final night in magical Morocco and there is only one way to end this mythical journey. Although you may have labeled the many horses along the freeway, avenues and alleys across the cities as annoyances, the carriages in Marrakech are different.They provide a cheap, romantic ride along palm tree lined roads along cobblestone streets. What better way to end your stay than by experiencing the beautiful city of Marrakech by horse-drawn carriage at night?
Although this trip covered the three main cities of Morocco, it represents only the tip of the iceberg of what the country has to offer. One can marvel at the culture, art or even experience the modern sites and scenes that Casablanca has to offer -- nothing cooler than partying it up at an African club. Even here, one can see desert and ski in the same country. Pretty amazing. You'll find yourself saying that a lot when traveling through Morocco, constantly in awe.
Insider tips:
Best to fly. Traveling from city to city is tough in Morocco, so the safest bet if on a nice budget is by flying. If strapped for cash, take the next best thing, the train. They are efficient and clean.
Ask for credentials. When looking for guides around popular spots, be wary of fake ones who prey on tourists. Ask for credentials and look for official papers inside the agencies office before agreeing to be shown around.
Do not drive. The traffic is already crazy and the low-degree of law enforcement on the roads will give you an ulcer. Get around in a taxi, or, if you have a friend living in Morocco, the bus.
Don't carry cash. In urban areas, you'll be fine carrying around travelers checks. Only Casablanca and the capital Rabat have readily available ATMs, so carrying cash may be easier.
Prepare for heat. Morocco is considered the coolest of the hot African countries, but still expect some blazing temperatures in the summer, which is peak tourist time.
Resources:
http://www.morocco.com/travel/tips.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/morocco/
Hotel Reservations
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