Ah, Morocco… I’m still on the fence about whether I like it or not. During our time there, we encountered both rude and aggressive people as well as kind and hospitable ones, though the latter were less frequent.
The travelers we met ranged from posh Europeans to dreadlocked hippies. The newer parts of the cities, known as “Ville Nouvelle,” are modern with wide cobblestone streets, palm trees, and trendy restaurants, much like a city in Spain. In stark contrast, the old cities, or “medinas,” offer a completely different experience.
Every Moroccan city has a medina, a walled section often dating back a thousand years, situated right in the middle of the newer developments. Stepping through the ancient, keyhole-shaped doors of the medina feels like traveling back in time by a millennium. As you wander through the maze of narrow streets and alleys, you’ll see fruit and vegetable stands bathed in streaks of sunlight piercing the tall stone walls. Vendors sing and shout about the freshness of their produce, while donkeys laden with various goods navigate the tight spaces.
Dariece and I are terrible with directions, so we quickly got lost. But for us, this is where Morocco’s true charm lies.
Another highlight of Morocco is the food, which we found to be some of the best of all our travels. At almost every restaurant, you are greeted with a plate of olives and bread, although we usually pass on the olives. The meals vary widely—from delicious shawarmas and paninis to couscous with chicken and tasty tagines. Tagines are like savory stews with chicken or beef and lots of veggies, all cooked in a clay pot that makes the meat tender and moist. We could definitely get used to the food here.
The incredible food and the enchanting medinas are part of why Morocco stands out to us, but there are also downsides. It’s hard to rate Morocco highly overall. One reason is the people we interacted with—many were tough negotiators, friendly only when there was a chance of getting something from us, and always looking for a way to earn money. However, it’s important to note that not all Moroccans are like this; it’s mainly those in the tourist industry or those who have grown tired of tourists.
Another downside is the accommodation and overall value for money. While Morocco is close to Europe, it’s not cheap, especially compared to Asia. Room prices range from $15 to $30 a night, but you often get what you pay for—damp, musty rooms with no windows, hard mattresses, and lumpy pillows. We’ve occasionally found good rooms at reasonable prices, but they are rare, much like genuine local hospitality.
Despite these issues, I have to say I like Morocco. It has an immense amount of beauty and a unique mix of old and modern vibes that create a one-of-a-kind travel experience. Maybe we didn’t give Morocco a fair shot since we both caught colds in the mountains, or perhaps our experiences were soured by unfriendly locals in the bigger cities. We found more enjoyment in smaller, quaint villages where traditional customs prevail, unlike the larger cities where people frequently haggle with wealthy visitors.
Perhaps it was the few bad encounters that left a negative impression, definitely not the food. The rock-hard pillows, constant hassling in big cities, and the dizzying chaos of the medinas were off-putting at times.
Even so, Morocco is an amazing place. While I might not be planning a return visit anytime soon, it still holds a special place in my heart. The positive experiences do outweigh the negative ones. Soon, we’ll be off to Egypt, another destination from my early travel dreams. I’m excited to finally see the pyramids and explore the ancient hieroglyphics, ticking another item off my bucket list.