5 Moroccan Cities to Explore by Train
The country of beautiful colors, lively markets, medieval cities, and magnificent scenery, Morocco is one place that a traveler cannot resist. Although travelling on its cities by car or bus is flexible, travelling to Morocco by train is very unique since it offers comfort, efficiency and the chance to enjoy the changing landscape along the way. The country has quite a modern and well-connected rail system, with Africa having its first high-speed train, the Al Boraq, and this makes it the perfect means of travelling around the country. As more and more Morocco Travel Packages include train travel, it has never been simpler to arrange your ideal getaway and Book Morocco Holidays which will highlight the varied beauty of the country through a new perspective. Moroccan cities captivate with their rich history, vibrant markets, stunning architecture, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
These are the Moroccan Cities to Visit by Train:
1. Casablanca:
Casablanca is the economic powerhouse of Morocco and as such, is usually the point of entry of many international travelers. It is not as ancient as Fez or Marrakech, but Casablanca is a very interesting mixture of modernity and tradition. The rail transport here is great and Casa Voyageurs is a major rail station. The city has numerous highlights that can be easily reached by the station. No one would want to miss the majestic Hassan II Mosque, which was one of the largest mosques in the world and was dramatically located on the Atlantic Ocean. Its design is very detailed, and its impressive size is overwhelming. Visit the Art Deco architecture, take a walk along the Corniche, and get to feel the modern rhythm of this beautiful city. Casablanca is a product of great vision of Morocco where the traditional heritage is blended with modern perspective.
2. Rabat:
Rabat is Morocco, the quiet and refined capital, and only a short comfortable train ride (or an even shorter Al Boraq ride) away to Casablanca. Rabat is a pleasant surprise to the typical tourist who wants to rush to the imperial cities, and it is easy to forget about its existence with its spacious boulevards, beautiful gardens and great historical monuments. Rabat Ville is the main train station which is conveniently located in the city. Visit the UNESCO-designated Kasbah of the Udayas, a beautiful fort that has beautiful blue and white alleys and views of the Atlantic. See the Hassan Tower, the minaret of the half-built mosque, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the masterpiece of the Moroccan architecture. The laid-back atmosphere and the history that Rabat has to offer make it a pleasant detour, which can be navigated on foot once you arrive at the train station.
3. Fez:
When one gets off the train in Fez, one feels like he or she has stepped into a time warp. The city is an ancient imperial city that hosts the largest living medieval medina in the world, Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fez train station is well linked and makes it easy to enter this fascinating maze. Lose yourself (literally!) in the maze of alleys, the main means of transport is donkeys. Visit the bustling Chouara Tannery, where the dye vats are painted in exuberant colors, and the souks, where the spices, leather and handicrafts are displayed in a cacophony of colors and smells. Pay a visit to the Al-Attarine Madrasa, a beautiful instance of Merenid architecture and be amazed by the details of the Bab Bou Jeloud gate. Fez is a cultural experience that can never be compared to any other, a real journey to the past and it is readily accessible by train to the rest of the major cities in Morocco.
4. Marrakech:
The Red City is, perhaps, the most iconic place in Morocco, commonly referred to as Marrakech, and fortunately, this city is well connected with trains with direct services to cities such as Casablanca and Fez. The train station in Marrakech is new and well-organized, and it offers a friendly introduction to this magical city. The hub of Marrakech is the Djemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO location that turns into a hypnotic scene every night, with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers and food vendors. Visit the Bahia Palace, a beautiful piece of Islamic and Moroccan art, stroll through the peaceful Jardin Majorelle, or get lost in the colorful souks that are full of spice, textiles, and traditional crafts. Marrakech is a feast to the senses, an orgy of sounds, smell, and sights and the train ride to Marrakech creates the anticipation perfectly.
5. Meknes:
Meknes has been somewhat eclipsed by its more glamorous imperial city counterparts, but is worth visiting, which can be done easily by train, either from Fez or Rabat. Meknes is a city with very impressive historical sites but no overbearing fan bases like Marrakech or Fez and was once the capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail. The train station is located in the center of the city, and it is easy to explore it. Be amazed by the monumental Bab Mansour gate which is one of the most beautiful and magnificent entrances in Morocco. The vast Royal Stables (Heri es-Souani), where thousands of horses were stabled, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, are to be seen. Its more relaxed shopping and cultural experience is facilitated by the tranquility of its medina that is a UNESCO world heritage site. Meknes provides an enthralling look at the imperial history of Morocco, and it is true that the smaller cities are sometimes the best places to find the most significant discoveries.
Conclusion:
The vast and effective train system which is available in Morocco presents a universe of opportunities to the travelers who are interested in exploring its various cities in a convenient and comfortable way. Whether it is the modern charm of Casablanca, the ancient beauty of Fez and the electric vibe of Marrakech, every city has its own taste of Moroccan culture and history. Train travel does not only allow you to enjoy a beautiful landscape that changes with different landscapes, but it is a real experience of getting to know the country and its people. Traveling by rail is one of the options you should consider when planning your North African adventure. A lot of the awesome Morocco Tour Packages and Morocco Holiday Packages can be tailored to incorporate these unbelievable train routes, and you can easily snake your way through this magical nation and explore its secret and acclaimed riches at your leisure.