Things To Do When Visiting Fes, Casablanca, And Marrakech in Morocco

Black Travelers International • June 20, 2022

Things To Do When Visiting Fes, Casablanca, And Marrakech in Morocco

We might have gotten glimpses of Morocco in movies like the Prince of Persia, The Mummy, Sex And The City 2, Inception, MI6, and more, but Morocco isn't just a sandy desert with straw hut villas like the film industry portrays. It is a famous tourist spot for its beguiling land of art, culture, and delicious food. 


Morocco's rich history is represented in its exquisitely diverse infrastructure, with various architectural designs by people of different cultures, entitling it the Kingdom of the West.

The History of Morocco

The traditional territory of indigenous people in Morocco, currently known as Berbers, has existed in Morocco for around 10,000 years/second Century BC. Morocco has seen substantial migration and has historically been the site of urban settlements founded by immigrants from outside the area. After conquering North Africa by Arab invaders in the late seventh century CE, the region became recognized as the Maghrib ("the West"). The mass majority of its inhabitants embraced Islam. Later Moroccan dynasties that held political dominance expanded far beyond coastal areas.

What is the Country Known For?

Morocco is a rich and diverse combination of civilizations, with coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean and the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Arab, Moroccan, African, and European influences coexist as strongly in its architecture and languages as they do in its famed food. This synthesis may be seen throughout this North African beauty's cities, townships, and settlements. Despite the fast modernization and a growing level of life, the country preserves much of its historic architecture and traditional practices.

Things to Do / Must-do Activities

There is always something to enjoy in Morocco, spanning from the vibrant marketplaces full of incredible craftsmanship to spectacular fine dining with world-class menus—not to mention the architecture, cultural heritage, sandy deserts, and mountainous beauty. The imperial cities in Morocco are Fez, Casablanca, and Marrakech.

FES

Al Quaraouiyine Mosque

Fatima al-Fihri constructed Al Quaraouiyine in 859 AD, and is said to be among the world's earliest colleges. It is now a mosque, and non-Muslims are not permitted to enter. However, it was rebuilt in 2016; its library is available to the general public to see the fantastic, handcrafted tile work from the 9th century.

Dar Batha, Museum

Dar Batha is a medieval palace converted into a museum containing an extraordinary collection of traditional antiques, including a beautiful Andalusian-style garden with flora, fragrances, soundscapes, sculptures, and a water fountain at its entrance. A magnificent wooden carved conventional Moroccan tiles, embroidered crafts, rugs, and even a 14th-century porcelain collection.

The Riad in Fez

A riad is a classic Moroccan residence with a courtyard and a fountain in the center open to the sky. Several of the larger riads have already been transformed into luxury resorts.

CASABLANCA

Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and main Atlantic Ocean port, is an industrial and economic center.

Tour inside the Hassan II Mosque

The setting, situated on the point of a granite harbor above the ocean, is breathtaking. Non-Muslims can tour the mosque with tour guides led by the mosque. Several excursions depart from the mosque's western entrance throughout the day, with intricately astonishing decoration covering every centimeter of the mosque's surface.

Downtown Architecture

The building exteriors are entirely in the neo-Moorish (Mauresque) style that French General Lyautey envisioned for the city when he began upgrading Casablanca in the early twentieth century. The downtown district is brimming with this architecture, blending with art deco and traditional Moroccan design.

MARRAKECH

Marrakech is Morocco's most famous tourist attraction, with renowned French galleries, architecture, and museums. Some of the most famous ones are:

Bahia Palace

It is a 150-room palace that belonged to an enslaved person that turned into a vizir. The palace is filled with intricate colors and beautiful designs.

Museum of Yves St. Laurent

The YSL collection is an extraordinary body of art that even non-fashionistas may admire. It is situated in one of the city's most distinctive structures, beside a serene garden café, bookshop, interim exhibition hall, and an auditorium.

Hamam De La Rose

The hammam (public bath) is a rejuvenating experience, and this hammam provides treatments – including cleansing, masques, and massages – in magnificently lavish settings.

Food & Culture in Morocco

Unlike many other African countries, Morocco generates all of its food. Citrus fruits, melons, tomatoes, sweet and spicy peppers, and potatoes are among the numerous homegrown fruits and vegetables. Lemons, olives, figs, dates, and almonds are other vital ingredients in Moroccan cuisine.


The country is rich in seafood due to its location on the Mediterranean Sea's coast. Since beef is scarce, meals are frequently centered on lamb or chicken. Every meal includes flat, circular Moroccan bread. Tajine, a lamb or fowl stew, is the national cuisine of Morocco. Other typical components are almonds, hard-boiled eggs, lemons, tomatoes, and vegetables.


Moroccan foods are recognized for their distinct flavors, derived from spices such as saffron, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, ginger, cardamom, and ground pepper.

Language

Morocco has two official languages, Moroccan Arabic and standard Arabic. Although the official languages are two forms of Arabic, French is also widely spoken in Morocco, among 5 other languages. Engaging in the languages currently spoken in Morocco can substantially boost your travel experience.


When Moroccans notice your initiatives at communication, they frequently approach you differently and become a lot more polite and hospitable. As a result, a world of excitement opens up to you merely because you put forth slight effort into trying something new.



Fortunately for us, most Moroccans are fluent in more than one of their original languages, including French and English - making it easier for foreigners to communicate. 

Religion

The vast majority population in Morocco practices Sunni Muslim Islam. Religion plays a vital role in the Moroccan state as the state law is similar to Islamic shari'ah law. It is common to assume that tourists traveling to Morocco respect their religion, including the Muslim faith. Several mosques are not inaccessible to the general public and hence are off-limits to both visitors and non-Muslims.



Regarding those few who have access, it is critical that you remove your shoes, cover your legs, chest, shoulders, and occasionally your hair for ladies. Sensitivity and caution are expected once inside, as in any other house of worship worldwide.

Requirements for US Travelers

According to the state of Morocco, the traveling requirements for US citizens are the following:

Passports and Visas

Visas are not required for short-term trips of less than 90 days. Go to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco's website for the most up-to-date visa information. If you stay in Morocco for more than 90 days without requesting an extension of stay, you must appear before a court before leaving. Payment of a fine may be required as part of the clearance process. Carry a copy of your US passport with you at all times to provide proof of identification.



The following required documents for a Morocco visa application are:

  • The Morocco Visa Application Form.
  • Your passport and photocopies of your passport.
  • Passport-size pictures.
  • Return flight ticket.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means.
  • Travel insurance.
  • The minimum requirement is one blank page in a valid passport.
  • Proof of paid Morocco visa fee.

Join Us On Our Upcoming Trip to Morocco

Morocco is a beautiful country, it can be a spectacular experience for you. There is much to see and do, so pack your bags and book your tickets because the luxurious hammams, vintage French architecture, and fabulous cuisine await you! Join us in Morocco as we spread our own black girl magic around the world. 


Join Black Travelers International on one of our upcoming trips. For more information on any of our upcoming tours, check us out
here. We are the premier Black Travel Group.

Stay Connected!

Sign up for our Newsletter to learn more about specials and Become a Member to be the first to know about upcoming events.

paella in cartagena
November 5, 2024
Cartagena offers the best in Colombian cuisine. From fresh seafood and local staples such as arepas, empanadas, and limonada de coco. Cartagena offers the flavors of the Caribbean with a Colombian flair.
October 28, 2024
How Solo Journeys Can Transform Your Life for women travelers
black females self care
October 19, 2024
What Does Self-Care Look Like for Black Women
By Tarsha Richardson October 19, 2024
Sisterhood Adventures: Black Women Traveling in Egypt
Black Travel group in Cuba
By Tarsha Richardson August 12, 2024
Interested in traveling to Cuba but you don't know where to begin. Here are a few tips for first -time travelers to Cuba. Join Black Travelers International on our next journey to Havana, Cuba. We are black travel at its best.
Black Travel group in South Africa
By Tarsha Richardson August 4, 2024
Our black travel group went on a tour of South Africa. Visiting the areas of Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Zimbabwe. Our tour started in CapeTown and ended with a game drive in Botswana.
Black Travel group in Cuba
By Tarsha Richardson August 2, 2024
Our black travel group traveled to Cuba—a vibrant island steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Our experience included 5 days in Havana touring the areas of Varadero Beach, Vinales, and Old Havana. Here’s a glimpse into our Cuban escapade, from the rhythmic beats of salsa to the tranquil shores of Varadero Beach.
Travel group Flying Dress Photoshoot in Havana
By Tarsha Richardson July 28, 2024
Live the experience of our black travel group tour of Havana, Cuba. Our group had several flying dress photoshoots in the Havana area. Join Black Travelers International on our next journey to Cuba.
Detty December in Ghana
By Tarsha Richardson March 10, 2024
Black Travelers International has all the tea on Detty December in Ghana. Live the experience of a lifetime with our black travel group in Ghana. Learn about the fashion do's and don'ts before the next festival.
More Posts
Share by: