Morocco Travel Diary: From Futuristic Cities to Ancient Medinas (My 15-Day Itinerary)

I didn’t expect Morocco to look like this.

I’d seen photos of medinas, deserts, and blue cities—but nothing prepared me for how developed and future-focused this country actually is. From high-speed trains and solar mega-projects to wild movie sets in the desert and ancient Islamic schools, Morocco feels like a place where tradition and modernity are running side by side.

Over 15 days, I traveled through four main regions—Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and the northern cities of Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Tetouan—trying to understand why Morocco is so far ahead of many other African countries and why millions of tourists keep coming back.

This is my personal experience, plus tips you can use to plan your own trip.

Casablanca: Morocco’s Business Engine (and Surprising First Stop)

My Moroccan adventure started in Casablanca, the country’s economic capital and biggest city. It’s not the classic “tourist city” you see on Instagram—but that’s exactly what makes it interesting.

Accommodation here was cheaper than in places like Marrakech, and you can feel that most people are here to work, not to sightsee. Young Moroccans come to Casablanca to chase careers in business, tech, and industry.

One area completely blew my mind: Casa Finance City. Glass towers, wide boulevards, and futuristic office blocks make it feel more like Dubai than the old stereotype of North Africa. It’s become a regional hub for international companies, and real estate here is expensive—I heard that a two-bedroom apartment can go for around $300,000.

Casablanca is also where much of Morocco’s automobile industry is based. The country has produced millions of cars since 2012 and has overtaken South Africa as Africa’s largest car manufacturer. Standing near a massive manufacturing facility, it really hit me: the cars driving around Europe and North America might actually be made right here in Morocco.

Of course, Casablanca also has its iconic landmark: the Hassan II Mosque. Built partly over the Atlantic Ocean, it’s the largest mosque in Morocco and one of the largest in the world. Its minaret sends a green laser beam pointing toward Mecca at night. Even if you’re not Muslim, it’s worth visiting for the architecture alone—just plan your visit between visiting hours (typically in the daytime) rather than during prayer times.

Riding Africa’s Fastest Train & a Quick Stop in Rabat

One thing that truly impressed me in Morocco was the public transportation. The trains are clean, organized, and actually run on time (yes, it happens!).

In 2018, Morocco launched Al Boraq, Africa’s fastest high-speed train, linking Casablanca and Tangier on a dedicated line. It can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h (about 200 mph), cutting the journey between cities to around two hours. If you’re planning to visit multiple cities, honestly, this is one of the best ways to move around the country.

On my way to Marrakech, I first stopped for a few hours in Rabat, Morocco’s capital.

Rabat feels calm, organized, and surprisingly green. As I arrived, I noticed manicured lawns, modern tunnels and flyovers, and a general feeling of order that you don’t always get in big African cities.

Two landmarks stand out:

• Mohammed VI Tower – one of the tallest buildings in Africa, rising over the city as a symbol of Morocco’s modern ambitions.
• Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V – the unfinished minaret of a 12th-century mosque, facing the beautifully decorated mausoleum where the late king and his two sons are buried.

You can’t film inside the mausoleum, but the interior is stunning—intricate tiles, carved wood, and royal guards standing watch over the tombs. It’s both a spiritual and historical stop, and an easy must-see if you pass through Rabat.

Marrakech: The Red City, Hot Air Balloons and Night Chaos

From Rabat, I continued by train to Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most famous cities.

I rented a one-bedroom apartment in a modern neighborhood—open kitchen, living room, fast internet, and a simple but pretty interior design. It would be a great base for digital nomads or slow travelers. The only problem? The heat. In summer, temperatures can hit 40–45°C (104–113°F), so come prepared to drink lots of water, wear light clothing, and plan indoor breaks during midday.

The first thing you notice in Marrakech is the color. Almost every building is painted in shades of red or terracotta. That’s why it’s called the “Red City”. Even the taxis are painted to match the surrounding land. If you’ve been to Casablanca before, the contrast is huge—Casablanca is full of white buildings (hence “Casa Blanca” = “White House”).

Bucket-List Moment: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon over the Agafay Desert

One of the most magical experiences of my trip was the sunrise hot air balloon ride near Marrakech, over the Agafay desert.

I was picked up around 4:30 a.m., driven out toward the mountains, and welcomed with coffee as the crew prepared the balloons. Then, as the sun slowly rose, we floated above the landscape—rocky desert, distant peaks, and soft morning light.

I’ve taken hot air balloon rides in Tanzania and Egypt, but there was something special about this one: the silence, the colors, and the feeling of Morocco waking up below you. After landing, we had a Berber breakfast in a traditional setting—fresh bread, olives, jams, fruit, and juice. Simple, filling, and very Moroccan.

To finish the morning, I hopped on a quad bike and rode through the Agafay desert. Dusty, bumpy, and pure fun.

Architecture, History & Hidden Calm

Marrakech isn’t only about chaos and markets; there’s a lot of depth if you take the time.

At Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Quranic school, you walk into a masterpiece of Islamic architecture: repeating patterns, geometric tiles, carved stucco, and wooden details. It used to be one of the largest educational centers in North Africa, welcoming students from different parts of the world to study religion, science, and art.

What struck me most is how Morocco has managed to preserve its native architectural style. The same types of patterns and materials appear again and again in historical buildings, and they still influence modern designs. In a world where many cities are becoming identical glass boxes, that commitment to identity is powerful.

A few steps away from the busy medina, you can escape to Le Jardin Secret (The Secret Garden). Originally a 16th-century riad built by Sultan Moulay Abdallah, it was abandoned for years and then restored. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house built around a central garden or courtyard, usually owned by wealthy merchants or nobility.

Today, the Secret Garden is a peaceful oasis: trees, plants, fountains, and quiet corners where you can breathe and recharge before diving back into the streets.

Jemaa el-Fnaa: The Heart of the Madness

By night, Marrakech’s famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square turns into a full-on open-air theater.

Snake charmers, street performers, storytellers, drummers, food stalls, vendors, and tourists all mix together in one giant crowd. You can move from a magician’s circle to a music performance, then sit down for grilled meat or fresh juice.

Historically, this square was once an execution ground. Today, it’s an entertainment hub—loud, chaotic, and honestly, overwhelming in the best way. Keep an eye on your belongings, agree prices before you sit or take photos, and be ready to say “no, thank you” a lot. But don’t skip it. It’s a core part of the Marrakech experience.

Day Trips: Ourika Valley, Aït Benhaddou & Ouarzazate

From Marrakech, I did two day trips I’d highly recommend.

1. Ourika Valley – a beautiful valley in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, popular with locals and tourists. I learned how Berber families use cold mountain water as a “natural fridge,” chilling drinks in stone channels. After a hike up to a waterfall (you’ll want good shoes), I realized how many people come here just to cool off, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

2. Aït Benhaddou & Ouarzazate – this was like stepping into a movie. Literally.

On the way, we passed the Noor Ouarzazate solar plant, one of the largest concentrated solar power complexes in the world. Morocco already produces a big share of its electricity from renewables, and this site alone covers thousands of acres. It’s a strong symbol of where the country is heading.

Then we reached Aït Benhaddou, a spectacular ksar (fortified village) made of traditional mud architecture. Parts of it are over 1,000 years old. The old village is mostly a tourist site now, with only a handful of families left, but the construction methods are still the same: mud walls that keep houses cool in summer and warmer in winter. The downside is constant restoration due to heavy rains.

Because of its authentic look, Aït Benhaddou has become a major film and TV location. Movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, and shows like Game of Thrones have all shot scenes here.

Nearby, I visited Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate—one of the world’s largest film studios. Walking around fake Egyptian temples, desert markets, and ancient palaces, you suddenly realize how many “exotic” scenes in movies are actually built here in Morocco.

The North: Tangier, Chefchaouen & Tetouan

After Marrakech, I headed north to Tangier, where Africa almost touches Europe.

From the coast, Spain is just about 14 km away. On a clear day, you can see it across the water, and at night you can spot the lights. Many migrants risk their lives trying to cross this short distance by boat, and standing there, I couldn’t help thinking of all the lives lost in those waves.

Tangier isn’t just emotion and history—it’s also a strategic gateway to global trade. The nearby Tanger Med port is the largest in Africa, handling over 100 million tons of cargo a year, including thousands of cars produced in Morocco.

From Tangier, I drove inland to one of my personal bucket-list places: Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City.

Almost every house in the old town is painted in bright shades of blue. The story goes back to Jewish refugees who settled there; blue has spiritual meaning in Judaism, and over time, locals found that it also helps keep houses cooler and supposedly repels mosquitoes. Today, the government even provides paint each spring to keep the town bright and blue.

Chefchaouen is full of small guesthouses, cafes, and shops. You can find places starting around $30 per night, with prices going up depending on size and location. The vibe is relaxed, friendly, and perfect if you like wandering narrow streets with a camera in hand.

On the way back, I passed through Tetouan, nicknamed the “White Dove” of the Mediterranean. The buildings here are mainly white and green, and the Spanish influence is strong—many locals still speak Spanish because the region was once under Spanish control.

Tetouan is all about beach life and water activities: jet skis, kayaks, boat trips, and even yacht rentals. Beach apartments can get expensive in peak summer (think $350+ per night in some areas), but in exchange, you have the sea, restaurants, coffee shops, and activities all around you. Locals love living here for the Mediterranean weather and easy, seaside lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Why Morocco Stands Out

After 15 days, one thing was clear: Morocco is a country of contrasts—but not contradictions.

You have high-speed trains and mud villages, solar mega-projects and medieval medinas, Hollywood film sets and humble family businesses. The native architecture is still alive. The culture is rich and visible everywhere. And the people are friendly, proud, and often surprisingly relaxed about life.

Out of all the African countries I’ve visited, Morocco is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

If you’re planning a trip, I’ve put everything I learned—contacts for local guides and tour operators, train tips, recommended neighborhoods, best times to visit each city, and a ready-to-use itinerary—into a step-by-step Morocco Travel Guide PDF you can download.

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Credit: I visited the most advanced country in Africa | Morocco