My husband and I started our Morocco trip right after visiting our daughter in Glasgow. We flew out one day earlier than her, so she joined us later. She was the one who arranged everything—airport pickup, hotel bookings, and private tours. Even though she wasn’t with us on the first day, she made sure everything went smoothly by coordinating directly with our guide.
We landed in Casablanca just past midnight.
Where We Stayed
That night, we checked into the Grand Mogador by Hilton DoubleTree Hotel. It was a comfortable place to settle in after a long flight, and the staff made check-in easy even at midnight. A quick rest there gave us the energy to start exploring early the next morning.
Our Morocco Journey starts...
Our driver and guide, Sala, met us in the hotel the next morning, and our adventure began at the iconic Hassan II Mosque…
First Stop: Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
Our first destination was the iconic Hassan II Mosque. Standing on the edge of the Atlantic, this grand mosque is breathtaking. Even if you’ve seen photos, nothing compares to standing there in person.
Inside, a knowledgeable mosque guide explained every detail — from the marble floors to the handcrafted wood ceilings. We also learned that visitors don’t need to wear shoes inside; instead, you’re given a bag to carry them while walking through the vast prayer hall. It was both an educational and awe-inspiring experience.
Rick’s Café – A Touch of Classic Cinema
Next, Sala took us to the famous Rick’s Café. Yes, the same one inspired by the movie Casablanca. The place had a timeless charm with its piano and cozy ambiance. Even if you’re not a movie buff, it’s worth a visit for the atmosphere.
Panoramic View of Casablanca
Before heading to Rabat, we stopped by the Corniche for a panoramic view of the city. From there, you could see the Hassan II Mosque standing tall against the sea. It felt like the perfect photo spot to capture our first morning in Morocco.
Rabat – The Capital Awaits
After the scenic stop, Sala drove us to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. This is where the day truly felt like a family trip, with plenty of kid-friendly and cultural spots.
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Our first Rabat stop was the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. From this spot, you can even catch a glimpse of the Mohammed VI Tower in the distance. The place is peaceful and beautifully designed, making it a wonderful stop for both history and photography.
Lunch at Dar Naji
By then, we were ready for a meal. Sala brought us to Dar Naji, a local restaurant serving authentic Moroccan dishes. The warm bread, tagine, and fresh salads made it one of our most memorable meals of the trip.
What stood out most was the Moroccan mint tea ceremony. The waiter lifted the teapot high above his head and poured the steaming tea in a long stream into a small glass resting low on his other hand.
The higher the pour, the better the bubbles on top — and the more aromatic the tea becomes. Watching that graceful movement felt like being part of a centuries-old tradition. It wasn’t just a drink; it was a little show that made us smile.
The Archaeological Site of Chellah
After lunch, we visited Chellah, a fascinating archaeological site filled with ruins and countless stork birds nesting on top of the old walls. It’s the kind of place kids would find exciting—like stepping into a storybook with nature and history combined.
The Kasbah of the Udayas
One of my favorite stops was the Kasbah of the Udayas. It’s a maze of white-and-blue alleys that feels magical, but you really do need a guide to appreciate it fully. Inside, there’s also the peaceful Udayas Garden, perfect for a quiet walk.
Looking Back on Our First Day
Our family day trip from Casablanca to Rabat was the perfect start to our Moroccan adventure. Even though our daughter wasn’t with us yet, she made the day seamless by arranging everything. With Sala as our driver and the local guides along the way, we managed to see both iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Traveling as a family means creating memories that last a lifetime—and this journey gave us plenty of them.
What Came Next
The excitement didn’t stop there. On our second day, we headed to Fes, where our daughter finally joined us. Exploring the narrow alleys of the medina together felt like stepping back in time. By the third day, we were on our way to Marrakesh, and having her with us made the trip even more special. The energy, the colors, and the sounds of the city left us all amazed.
Jeng Cua
After borrowing her lifestyle living paycheck to paycheck, this work from anywhere mom wouldn’t let anything stop her from chasing her dreams. Now, Jeng has achieved more than she ever imagined, while crafting her life of freedom and purpose by doing what she LOVE. Her passion to travel and work at her own pace is contagious inspiring others to be their boss!