Africa's First High-Speed Train: Explore Tangier to Casablanca on Al Boraq
Board the sleek Al Boraq, Africa's pioneering high-speed train, linking the serene, crossroads city of Tangier—where Europe meets Africa and the Mediterranean kisses the Atlantic—with the dynamic economic heart of Casablanca, renowned for its architectural marvels.
Inaugurated in November 2018 by Morocco's King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron, Al Boraq hurtles at speeds up to 320 km/h between the modern Tangier Ville Station and Casablanca Voyageurs, with stops in industrial Kenitra and the capital Rabat. This cuts the former five-hour journey to just two hours, allowing more time to immerse in Morocco's wonders.
Top Attractions in Tangier
From 1924 to 1956, Tangier thrived as an International Zone—a bohemian haven drawing artists, writers, and rock stars with its indulgent vibe. After years of decline, it's reborn: a new port and luxury marina grace the Corniche, hotels proliferate, and the medina gleams with renovations.
Begin in the Kasbah, the medina's elevated historic core of shaded alleys and sunlit plazas. Pass through Bab Al Bahr for Strait of Gibraltar vistas, then visit the restored Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures in a former sultan's palace.
Venture into the medina, passing Café Baba on Rue Zaitouni—still displaying Keith Richards with his iconic pipe—to the lively Petit Socco. People-watch from Café Tingis terrace on Rue Almohades.
Trace ancient walls to Bab Kasbah, shop at Las Chicas concept store, then stroll Rue de la Kasbah to Place du 9 Avril 1947 (Grand Socco). This vibrant square bridges the medina and ville nouvelle, home to the revived art deco Cinema Rif as Cinematheque de Tanger with films and a chic café.
Adjacent, the restored Grand Hôtel Villa de France offers Matisse-inspired views from room 313 (minus the traffic), near the timeless Anglican Church of St Andrew’s.
At the Corniche's start, Tanja Marina Bay—Morocco's premier urban marina—welcomes superyachts and eateries like La Table du Marché and Paul. On clear days, spot Spain's Tarifa, a 45-minute ferry away.
Literary fans: The Tangier American Legation Museum (America's oldest diplomatic site and sole overseas National Historic Landmark) honors Paul Bowles (The Sheltering Sky resident for 50+ years). William S. Burroughs penned Naked Lunch at Hotel El Muniria. Join Plan-it Morocco tours of haunts like Gran Café de Paris.
Dining in Tangier
Savor mint tea on terraces or authentic Moroccan fare at Salon Bleu—intimate rooms or rooftop overlooking Kasbah and ocean. Opt for à la carte or three-course menus with salads, tajines, and almond pastries. Amid global spots, Tangier treasures local flavors.
Stays in Tangier
Hôtel La Maison Blanche, a restored riad near Bab Kasbah, features nine unique rooms and rooftop breakfasts of Moroccan breads and French pastries with panoramic views. Host Aziz, multilingual and expert, arranges tours to Asilah, Tetouan, and Chefchaouen.
Must-See Sights in Casablanca
Beyond its Hollywood fame (filmed in studios), the 'white house' Casablanca blends tradition and modernity amid booming developments.
Under French Protectorate, planner Henri Prost and elite architects crafted neoclassical, art deco, neo-Moorish, and modernist icons. By the 1990s, preservationists via Casamémoire saved them, pushing UNESCO status. Join free heritage tours (June) or private ones (donations appreciated). The Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum showcases Moroccan arts—from posters to Berber jewels—with a top-floor café.
Place Mohammed V boasts the Moorish Palais de Justice and soon Africa's largest theatre, Grand Theatre de Casablanca. Nearby, Parc de la Ligue Arabe and art deco-Moorish-neo-Gothic Cathédrale du Sacré Coeur reopen as a cultural hub.
Chaotic Place des Nations Unies features Zevaco's dome (under revamp) and old medina with mosque-church-synagogue trio.
Taxi to Quartier Habous 'new medina' for souks, ornate Mahakma du Pasha, and Pâtisserie Bennis Habous' cornes de gazelle.
Tour the iconic Hassan II Mosque on Atlantic cliffs—one of two open to non-Muslims—featuring zellige tiles, carved wood, and marble masterpieces.
Dining in Casablanca
Breakfast on eggs and khlii at La Sqala's garden bastion. Evenings, Corniche sunset to Le Cabestan's Riviera seafood.
Stays in Casablanca
1930s art deco Hotel Le Doge & Spa boasts spiral stairs, vibrant rooms, Moroccan restaurant, rooftop, hammam—steps from sights.
Booking Al Boraq Tickets
ONCF site doesn't accept foreign cards; buy cash at stations or via agencies in advance.
