Morocco, Day 1: Casablanca, Meknes, and Fes.
Hassan II Mosque, in Casablanca, Morocco. Taken by Kelly Hynes Photography.
Our first day in Morocco felt like stepping straight into a movie—equal parts awe, chaos, beauty, and discovery, all wrapped into one unforgettable whirlwind. We landed in Casablanca, a city that hums with energy from the moment you arrive. Waiting for us at the airport was our guide, Youssef—warm, welcoming, and instantly reassuring. After a long flight, having someone so organized and genuinely kind made all the difference. He set the tone for the day right away: we were in good hands. We had reached out to Linda at her company called So Morocco, on the advice of a friend, and we’re SO glad we did. They made the planning and implementation of the trip a breeze.
Our first stop was the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque. Photos don’t do it justice. Sitting dramatically along the Atlantic coast, it’s one of the largest mosques in the world, and every inch of it feels intentional and grand. The intricate tilework, soaring minaret, and the way the ocean breeze flows through the space—it’s the kind of place that makes you pause and just take it all in. We did a short guided tour of the mosque, where we had to remove our shoes and place them in a little bag that they provided. It was such an interesting experience. the mosque is so impressive, and the rood opens up!
We then made a stop for lunch and had our very first tagine and couscous meal! What a treat. So delicious!
From there, we hit the road toward the imperial cities, with our first cultural deep dive in Meknes. Compared to Casablanca, Meknes felt quieter but deeply historic. Walking through its old streets, we stopped at the iconic Bab Mansour, an enormous gate adorned with detailed zellige tilework that somehow still feels vibrant centuries later. Nearby, we visited Place el Hedim, the lively main square buzzing with local life. Even with some restoration work ongoing, the city’s character shone through.
By evening, we arrived in Fes—and this is where the adventure really kicked up a notch.
Fes is famous for its maze-like medina, and “maze-like” is honestly an understatement. Thankfully, our riad had arranged a porter to meet us, because without him, we would have been completely lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets. Twisting alleys, hidden turns, and doorways that all look the same—it’s magical, but definitely disorienting for first-timers.
Our home for the night was the stunning Riad Dar Bensouda, and it completely exceeded expectations. From the moment we stepped inside, it felt like entering a hidden palace. The architecture was breathtaking—intricate tiles, carved wood, a serene courtyard, and a rooftop terrace that gave us our first real sense of the city.
As you can see from the above (iphone) photos, the hospitality was just as impressive. After a long day of travel, we were treated to a delicious traditional supper that felt both comforting and indulgent. Every dish was rich with flavor, clearly made with care. And the next morning’s breakfast? Fresh, abundant, and the perfect way to start another day of exploring.
What stood out most, though, was how taken care of we felt. From the porter navigating the medina for us to the attentive service throughout our stay, Dar Bensouda made what could have been a stressful arrival feel seamless and special.
By the end of the day, we had gone from the modern pulse of Casablanca to centuries-old imperial cities and finally into the heart of Fes’ ancient medina. It was a lot—but in the best possible way.
If day one was any indication, Morocco was going to be unforgettable.