Casablanca

Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca is a hefty mix of architectural treasures that glisten with gold in the sunshine and near-decrepit old buildings. A sprawling city that brims with a cosmopolitan flair, Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and most hectic port.

Sitting on the country's Atlantic coast, it blends a frenetic lifestyle with stylish restaurants and vibrant shopping opportunities, opening up in a destination that slowly starts living up to its Western counterparts.

Population:

Approx. 3,72 million

Currency:

Moroccan dirham (Dh or MAD) 1 dirham = 100 centimes

Emergency Numbers:

Ambulance/Fire Brigade: 15
Police: 19

Opening Hours:

Shops in Casablanca are generally open Mon-Fri from 8.30am-12pm and 3pm-6pm, from 8.30am-12pm on Saturdays. On Sundays, shops are closed. Banks keep similar hours and the main branches are open from 8.30am–12pm, some are also open in the afternoons.

Newspapers:

L'Observateur du Maroc
L'Economiste
La Vie Eco
TelQuel

The City

Boasting a romantic flair given by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman's 1942 namesake film, Casablanca is the capital of Morocco in all but name. Rabat has the honour, but Casablanca is widely regarded as the most important city due to its key economic, commercial, industrial and shipping activities.

Such activities have conveyed the city's cutting-edge 21st century feel, an attitude that is seen around Boulevard Brahim Roudaini where modern business centres have helped to create areas of fine-dining restaurants and cultural venues in stark contrast to the tiny streets of the Old Town and the bustling souks littered by dusty colonial-style buildings.

Also known as Casa and Dar el Baida (Arabic), Casablanca has a lively history. This was most notable during the 15th century Portuguese occupation thanks to the country’s desire to curb piracy by using the port to launch attacks. The city was consequentially destroyed by an earthquake in 1755, an event that lessened the Portuguese interest in Casablanca, leading to the city's renaissance under the Moroccan leader Sidi Mohammed III.

Do & See

Today's Casablanca is a wonderful, cosmopolitan city that can be entirely enjoyed by venturing out on foot, discovering the stunning Hassan II Mosque with its impressive glass floor, the Old Medina in its many traditional Moroccan facets or the Art Deco new town (Ville Nouvelle).

Sample traditional Moroccan cuisine, get lost through Casablanca's maze of streets or set out on a carpet hunt in one of the city's colourful markets - Casablanca is happy clash of old and new that gives away an insight into Moroccan culture and traditions.

Dining

Casablanca is a multi-cultural city, and while many of the restaurants serve a menu consisting of only Moroccan or French delicacies, it also features Oriental, Mexican, Italian, Indian and American-style eateries.

You should look out for Mechoui, a dish made of paprika and cumin-seasoned roasted lamb, or Bisteeya, a chicken and eggs pastry wrapped up in a lemony and onion sauce, topped with crushed almonds, cinnamon and sugar.

Note that there may be restrictions to menus and opening hours during Ramadan.

Cafes

Casablanca is renowned for its ice cream parlours and traditional patisseries, enriching the country's passion for sweet tooth's treats with tongue-tickling delicacies.

Moroccan traditions encompass an afternoon coffee and snacks break that predominantly includes nuts or dried fruit-pastries and sweet bread, as well as mouth-watering honey or cinnamon desserts.