Marrakesh is Morocco distilled. The medina (old city) is a UNESCO World Heritage maze of souks, riads, and sensory overload.
Djemaa el Fna square is the beating heart. Created in the 11th century, it's where locals and tourists collide. By day: snake charmers, henna artists, traditional medicine sellers. By sunset: rows of food stalls serving grilled lamb, fried sardines, mint tea.
The souks branch off the square—leather goods in one section, spices in another, metalwork, carpets, lanterns. Haggling is expected. Start at 40% of the asking price.
Jardin Majorelle offers escape—Yves Saint Laurent's cobalt-blue garden with cacti, palms, and quiet courtyards. Admission 150 DHS.
Stay in a traditional riad—converted homes built around internal courtyards. It's the authentic Marrakesh experience.
Morocco's Sahara is accessible and spectacular. Erg Chebbi near Merzouga offers the classic dune experience—28 kilometers of rose-gold sand.
Camel treks at sunset are the main draw. You ride into the dunes, watch the sun drop, spend the night in a Berber camp. Dinner under stars. Complete darkness. No light pollution.
The dunes reach 150-160 meters. Climbing them is exhausting. The views from the top are worth it—sand as far as you can see.
Best time to visit: October to April. Summer temperatures exceed 45°C.
Multi-day desert tours from Marrakesh or Fes include Erg Chebbi, the Atlas Mountains, and traditional Berber villages. It's a long drive (8-9 hours) but shows you Morocco's diversity.
Casablanca is Morocco's largest city—modern, business-focused, less touristy than Marrakesh.
The Hassan II Mosque is the reason to visit. Built in 1993, it sits partially on land, partially over the Atlantic Ocean. The minaret reaches 200 meters—the world's second tallest.
The prayer hall covers 2 hectares and holds 25,000 people (80,000 more in the courtyard). Moroccan artisans spent years on the intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar, marble columns.
It's one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Guided tours run Saturday-Thursday 9am-12pm and 3pm-4pm. Admission 130 DHS for foreigners. Dress modestly.
The official website (www.fmh2.ma) lists current hours and booking details.