Jan

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Casablanca Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

A trip to Casablanca

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and its economic centre. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman played a big role in the city becoming one of North Africa’s most visited places. Casablanca is a centre for the rich and famous of Africa to come together in the ritzy establishments found along the coast. Remnants of Moorish occupation can still be seen today in the imposing architecture of that time, while cultural attractions provide plenty of entertainment.

Flights to Casablanca
Mohammed V Airport is located just over 12 miles from Casablanca’s city centre. The airport’s single terminal is well equipped with all the usual amenities such as ATMs, bureaux de change, restaurants and duty-free shops. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Casablanca try Thomas Cook. A train line runs from the airport to the main station in the city and farther on to the port. The journey from the airport to the city takes about 45 minutes. Other faster options for getting into Casablanca are taxis and buses.

Traffic in Casablanca is hectic. The best way to get around is by ‘petit taxi’. These are readily available across the city and fares are calculated according to a meter. If you are brave enough to hire your own car, be sure to pay constant to attention as there is little in the way of road rules here. Most tourists never experience sitting on one of the city’s buses, as they are often overcrowded, uncomfortable and entail long waits in traffic.

Casablanca


Sightseeing in Casablanca
There is plenty to do and see in Casablanca. One of the most visited attractions is the Hassan Mosque II, the tallest religious structure in the world and home to a library, school, steam bath and even conference facilities. The architecture of the buildings found in the original Arab town, known as the Old Medina, offer an insight into the traditional design features of the 18th century.

One of the best ways for tourists to take in the sights of the city is to book a guided tour. Operators provide information in English on all the most prominent sights and background of the city’s various areas.

Book Sightseeing Tours

Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Nightlife in Casablanca is found in a number of districts, but is not widespread. Women should be careful if planning a night out alone. Hotel bars are often one of the safest options for females who don’t want to be hassled by local men. Nightclubs generally don’t open until 23:00 or midnight and close about 03:00. Live music can be found in many of the clubs in the city centre.

Local cuisine is rich in flavour and utilises many herbs and spices. Couscous is one of the staples and is often cooked with meat and vegetables. Restaurants across the city offer some of the best food available in all of Morocco. Whether you are on a shoestring budget or are travelling with a bulging wallet, Casablanca will be able to provide culinary offerings that will leave you satisfied.

Fun by day – shopping and activities
Casablanca port is a good place to head for during the day. The area is home to a large shopping complex called Centre 2000, featuring the best of the city’s shopping offerings. The port is also a good location for fishing or just sitting back and taking in the sites and the sounds of the harbour.


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