It can get super hot (100+) on summer afternoons so plan for some steamy days. The airport is located about 40 minutes outside of the city center, and you can get from the airport to the city center by either taxi or train. You can see the new theatre at the top right. How to Spend Your Afternoon in Casablanca? While entrance may be free it is not easy to get in. For me, it is certainly the famous mint tea, so stopping for a Maghrebi tea break is essential during your time in Casablanca. The restaurant is very chic and I absolutely adored the atmosphere, it reminded me of quaint restaurants in Paris. You can either find tours online or purchase it at the ticket office. March 29, 2023 by Allison Green If you're planning a trip to Morocco, you're likely a bit overwhelmed with the options. This was clearly not a very tourist-heavy city and just a place were the locals go and buy their daily meat/veggies and other household items. Many travelers use Casablanca as a point to fly in and fly out of Morocco but few take the time to visit the city. You also have the chance to visit the bathing area, Before we started our @Gadventures tour around Morocco, we took some time to explore the city of Casablanca and visited the gigantic Hassan II Mosque. The ancient city of Casablanca was founded by Berber fishermen in the 10th century BC and was used by the Phoenicians, Romans, and the Merenids as a strategic port called Anfa. These are some of my top recommendations, but be sure to also check out my Itinerary for the Perfect 7 Days in Casablanca for even more recommendations and information! However, it is always better to agree on the price before you jump into the car. Wow Well be at the Four Seasons beach front! The fantastic modern design collides perfectly with the Moroccan style and all the comforts and attention to detail that Four Season Hotels can give. There are so many fun places to visit in Casablanca during your trip! If you arrive after midnight, the taxi is the only option and if you ask me, it is even better to book your transfer in advance. There are many other major cities located quite close by. Casablanca will definitely be on my itinerary. If you are curious about visiting Morocco during Ramadan, be sure to read my post on traveling to Muslim countries during Ramadan to have a better understanding of what to expect. I absolutely loved Casablance and your photos make me want to go back asap! However, please note,Casablanca is a mixed bag of Moroccan extremes. In this guide, well take you along the exact itinerary that we followed during our stay in Casablanca, as we were pretty proud of ourselves for planning our day all by ourselves. There are even several direct flights from the United States to Casablanca. It covers a lot of important sights and fun things to do in Casablanca in a convenient way to maximize your time. Expect to get lost, as it is almost impossible to navigate the interior of the medina however, this is all part of the fun! GetYourGuide and Viator Considering renting a car in Morocco? Personally, in all of my experiences in the Arab World, I have felt just as safe as I would in Europe. Casablanca is not the safest city in Morocco. The winter months see more rain than others, but temperatures tend to stay in the higher 50s or lower 60s. There is so much to do and see in Old Medina, and you can spend hours wandering around the little streets. In general, the taxi is very affordable in Casablanca, but I suggest asking your hotel to book a trusted driver from your hotel to your next stop. Performers are comprised of both international and local artists. Pickpocketing is a real issue, and you should never keep things in your back pockets. Just note that fares jump by 50 percent after 8pm and its best to agree on a price before you get in for your ride. 0 . I hope you enjoyed this Casablanca, Morocco Tourism Guide! If there is one thing you dont want to miss when youre in Casablanca, its visiting the Hassan II Mosque. I will definitely check them out on my next trip! Should You Visit Casablanca, Morocco? - The Present Perspective Posts: 4 Any one visiting Fez be. And not just from the outside, it is essential you visit it inside and learn more about this beautiful treasure of Casablanca. Make sure to get travel insurance! For more information on getting around in Casablanca, check out this great and detailed post on TripSavvy. Marrakech Medina, Palaces & Tombs The park around theSacre Coueur is quite nice and definitely one of the must-things to see in Casablanca. You can capture some unique street photography or simply enjoy the beauty of Moroccan chaos. As it gets crowded, I advise you to visit Mosque early in the morning and start your day by spending a couple of hours around here. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Moroccan Dirham. Regional Tourism Council Grand Casablanca. While there are people here all day long, I think that the best time to hang out here is in the evening when it really starts to get crowded. If youre travelling outside of the trains hours, a taxi is also an option. It offers a central patio with a fountain, a sauna, and even a hammam. I love the everyday hustle-bustle of a city and Casablanca would definitely be a top pick to experience that. Insurance for Morocco? You can take guided tours, rent a car, or take trains. I've spent time living in Mexico, Italy, and China, have traveled to nearly 50 countries, and make a habit of scratching epic experiences off of my bucket list. Casablanca is a good place to base yourself for day trips! Listen to an example here to get a better idea of what the music is all about. One of the best ways to get around Casablanca is via the city's efficient Casa Tramway, which runs every 15 minutes between 5:30am and 10:30pm. Habbous, also known as the New Medina, is an open-air market filled with food, pottery, crafts, art, and so much more. Experience the rich culture of Casablanca on a 3-hour sightseeing tour. So many beautiful things and the towns just look adorable! Fs to Casablanca - 5 ways to travel via train, bus, car, and plane Yum! RELATED: Best Photo Spots in Casablanca: 25 Photos to Inspire You to Visit. Corniche is known as the Miami of Africa. its, whos ready to visit the azores this summer? There are so many delicious food places to visit around the city, and its so fun to try local cuisine and learn more about the culture. Lets get right into the Casablanca travel guide! In this Casablanca travel guide, we will cover the best experiences, fun things to do, best restaurant suggestions, hotel recommendations, and other practical things that you should know before visiting Casablanca. I have love to visit the habbous and the old medina. Hi! At most, visitors decide to fly into Casablanca, spend one night there, and head to another city the next day. Apparently, during Ramadan, it really does get so crowded here. Did you know that there is space for about 20.000 people inside, and another 80.000 people on the square?! Much to Rick's surprise, Lazslo arrives with Ilsa, Rick's one time . While visiting Old Medina, you can smell the history and discover more about Moroccan culture. Posts: 1 Moroccan beaches etc Posts: 7 Looking for a woman tou. The cynical lone wolf Blaine comes into the possession of two valuable letters of transit. With a modern appeal that showcases the "new" Morocco but also . They have outdoor seating and it is such a fantastic place for a meal any time of day! Intrigued? This movie was a massive success, and it threw a lot of attention and publicity Moroccos way. Just remember to be respectfully dressed, meaning knees and shoulders should be covered. Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this affordable hotel in Casablanca. Another great option is a taxi. Climate: Marrakech is warm all year. Casablanca | Morocco Travel Guide | Rough Guides Some drivers get commission for taking passengers to specific hotels, so just be aware that you might be told your hotel or guesthouse of choice is closed it likely isnt. Get to know the cultural, historical and economic center of Morocco on this sightseeing tour. Urban Adventures offers day tours in Casablanca and beyond, all led by local experts who will give you a taste for local life in the city: Religious Casablanca Often travellers skip it, but it's actually a pretty good starting point for most trips, as the airport serves many different airlines and it's easy for most people to fly into. To me, Casablanca is kind of like New York City, in that it is a metropolitan center with a lot of concrete and industrial areas, but that doesnt make it a bad place to visit. In the end were happy that we did! Casablanca is such a unique city, and one that I absolutely recommend checking out on a Morocco vacation. Get an overview of the regions religions on this tour that takes you to some of Casablancas holiest sites, and shows how Islam, Judaism, Christianity and other faiths have lived in harmony for hundreds of years. Visiting Casablanca was a very unique experience for me and I want to help you discover the charm of this underrated Moroccan city. For budget accommodations in Casablanca, definitely check out the many riads (guest houses) around the city. Its amazing because its surprisingly very affordable! Casablanca City Tour. Thats all we have for you about Casablanca! Posts: 2 Surfing in Morocco Posts: 2 High Atlas passes Posts: 3 the peak of Toubkal in . Going for a stroll through the park on a weekday evening is actually one of the best things to do in Casablanca. We were surprised to find out that women didnt need to cover their hair. I would love to stay at that 4 seasonson the beachin Morocco. As with anywhere, be sure the driver either uses the meter or agrees to a price before your journey begins. Service is usually around 1 per hour. One Day in Casablanca, Morocco? Take a piece of everything and taste it all! Casablanca Travel Guide | The Best Things to do in Casablanca Food is as European as it gets in Morocco, with pizzas and hamburgers as frequent as tajines and couscous. There is also frequently live entertainment here, making an evening stop for a beer at Ricks cafe one of the best things to do in Casablanca. There are a few times a day that you can get tickets to have a guided tour, and we aimed for the 3 PM slot. The Hassan II Mosque is the highlight of Casablanca, and I dont think anything else is even close. One Day in Fez, Morocco? 7 Reasons Casablanca Is a Must-Visit City in Morocco | Vogue During my trip to Casablanca we stayed at The Four Seasons. This is largely due to associations with stories like Marrakesh Express and the . Thank you, I hope to eventually one day see all these spots! This includes cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat. One day in Casablanca is usually enough for most people visiting Morocco for the first time. If you are taking a taxi, it will likely drop you off right at your accommodation. Upon flying into Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) and taking a train to the . The complete guide to Casablanca travel - Urban Adventures Morocco is as far from the Middle East as New York City is from Mexico City, or London is from Istanbul. If you are fluent in French, it can still be challenging to understand considering the accent and how fast they speak. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Ready to keep planning your Morocco trip? Smug home cook alert! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Nice pictures. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you are coming from another city in Morocco, there are two main ways to get to Casablanca: again, taxis and trains. When you get to Marrakech, you will see its very different here! Marrakech Tajine Cookery Class More specifically, this post is going to cover the best things to do in Casablanca, how to get there, how to get around, safety, and more. Make sure to also take the date of Ramadan, the month of daytime fasting, in account when planning your trip! While you could cycle through most of the top things to do in Casablanca in a day, I think that giving yourself a little bit of extra time is a good idea. Top things to do in Casablanca: visit the Mosque! We also saw a lot of people on their laptops (yes, there is wifi), so it seemed a popular spot for freelancers and both locals as tourists/expats. RELATED: How to Spend One Day in Casablanca: Complete Casablanca Itinerary. The tagine was very tasty, although you do need to be a bit of a fan of meat on the bone (and in my case also peas, because there were a LOT of them in the lamb tagine, not really my thing!). Average temps are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the coldest months and 85 in the summer. However, Morocco prides itself as being an extremely religiously tolerant nation, having proud Jewish and Christian populations scattered throughout the country. As you already know, Mosque Hassan II is one of the most beautiful places in Casablanca and you simply have to add it to your Casablanca itinerary. There is a small traditional walled town in the north of Casablanca. This guide is a list of the best activities in Casablanca including where to eat and where to stay in Casablanca. Planning a trip to the beautiful city of Casablanca? Your Trip to Casablanca: The Complete Guide - TripSavvy So there you have it! For more information on tickets and hours of operation, check out the Museum of Moroccan Judaisms website. For intrepid parents, Morocco is a great family travel destination. Nowadays, I think one of the best things to do in Casablanca is to visit Ricks Cafe, which is very reminiscent of the cafe that the movie centers around. Casablanca is the economic center and the largest city in Morocco. Afterward, the Moroccan sultan rebuilt the city as Daru l-Badya and it was given the name Casablanca by Spanish traders who established trading bases there. They even had Matcha Latte *ahhhh!*. Casablanca Travel Guide: Things to Know Before Visiting in 2023 We ended up in Cafe de France, which is looking out over the entrance of the old city (medina), right across the big, white Hyatt hotel. This gorgeous square is the administrative centre of the city and was built under the French protectorate. It benefits from one of the best locations in the city, close to the city center and it hosts a wonderful view over the Hassan II Mosque. This is definitely on the TOP of my bucket list. In a modern setting, you can enjoy some amazing salads, poke/buddha bowls, fresh juices and even an all-day brunch on the weekend. Fez Guided Tour with lunch from Casablanca. You are in the right place! There are many great tours and activities in Casablanca. Make sure you bring some extra cash as a lot of places dont accept cards. For many, Casablanca (commonly referred to as "Casa" by locals and translating to "White House" in Spanish) has been a symbol of romance ingrained within the Western psyche. Nobody is going to complain about that. Despite being located in a country that houses part of the Sahara Desert, Casablancas weather is pretty beautiful for the majority of the year. Also, it is poured into glasses from high above to create the foam and improve the flavor. Things to do in Casablanca, Morocco - 5 of the best reasons to visit! Chefchaouen - Blue City Morocco. Compared to Medina, Quartier Habous is very safe and you can easily wander around without a guide. I adore all the detailed mosaic tiles featured in Moorish architecture! This place gets very lively in the evenings, and youll see all kinds of interesting things happening here depending on the day. [amazon_link asins=B001EBWINQ,152180883X,B074F5KD17,1786570327,1640970088,1465457208,1631211579,0241236681 template=ProductGrid store=thetraveltester-20 marketplace=US link_id=61b27f51-e44e-11e8-9541-6f4d568a6271]. That way, youll have tips for a nice morning, afternoon and evening in Casablanca. Casablanca is served by all of the mobile companies that can be found elsewhere in Morocco. Casablanca, in my opinion, should be a destination in and of itself on your itinerary and not just a place that you pass through on your way to Marrakech or Fes. Note that if you want to enter the mosque, you do not need to be a practicing Muslim, but you do need to follow the mosques rules. It is inadvisable to walk alone in Casablanca at night. To my surprise, there is not a strict dress code, however, it is advised to cover your shoulders and knees. Its a ton of fun to sample all of the different local dishes, and the prices cant be beat! While Casablanca is famous for more reasons than just one, the 1942 movie that shares its name definitely helped to put it on the map. Even if youre staying in Casablanca for a longer vacation, a city tour is a great activity for your first day in the city, so you can get to know the neighborhoods and learn about fun things to do! Your email address will not be published. I have not yet visited Morocco, but hope to in the Spring of 2024. Again, the staff was very friendly here and spoke good French and English. We went for the classic, which consisted of a croissant, orange juice and hot drink (coffee/mint tea or something like that). Casablanca was one of the cities that people told me not to bother with when I was planning my trip to Morocco. This restaurant has a plethora of options including pasta, salads, meats, and sushi. Located slightly southwest of Parc de la Ligue Arabe on Bvd Brahim Roudani. In this Casablanca travel guide, we will cover what makes it so special and why you should visit Casablanca for more than just a day trip. Casablanca is gorgeous. If you were wondering Is Casablanca worth visiting? I hope that this post has helped answer your questions! Also, be prepared to bargain and shop! The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham. Souvenir lovers cannot miss Habous, but I am usually more practical with my choices. While Jews and Christians only comprise about 1% of Moroccos population, they have still been allowed more or less to freely practice their faiths for over a millennium. These meals are pricey for Moroccan standards ($18-30 per dinner), but well worth it for the food. Be sure to check out our full review of Ricks Cafe, complete with menu recommendations, reservation information, and dress code regulations. The festival takes place across two main venues in the citys northwest: The Place de Nations-Unies, and the Hippodrome Casa-Anfa. As it is the largest, it also has the most criminals. In truth, Morocco is unique in and of itself, and while there are components of both European and Arab cultures in Morocco, it has developed a culture of its own over its 1000 years of existence. Or maybe because after riding horses and going dog-sledding, this seemed like the logical next step? In Marrakech, a single room can go for as little $8 a night. The Truth About Morocco's Blue City, Chefchaouen - Heart My Backpack The most common crimes in Casablanca are pickpocketing and scamming. Which is your favorite? Best Photo Spots in Casablanca: 25 Photos to Inspire You to Visit, How to Spend One Day in Casablanca: Complete Casablanca Itinerary, Need a place to stay? Posts: 4 Ms. Posts: 10 Trekking in Mgoun Massi. Or a foodie curious to try the flavors of Morrocan cuisine. When you visit Morocco, you not only experience a rich culture, you can travel . Anything between 2-3 days is the ideal time to explore Casablanca and truly experience this city. In fact, the country is 99% Sunni Muslim. Complete City Break Guide. A cat climbs the stairs in Chefchaouen Although Habbous is a medina, it is much smaller and more relaxed than the Old Medina. Mahkama du Pacha is another architectural masterpiece that you do not want to miss. When that number is called, the company adds the price of the card to your accounts balance. Geography & Travel Casablanca Morocco External Websites Also known as: Al-Dr al-Bay, Casa Branca, Dar al-Beda Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica There are more riads in nearby cities of Marrakech and Fes than in Casablanca, however. I pinned this so I can reference it for when I get to this corner of the world. From Moroccan rugs to spices and perfumes, the Habous Quarter has it all. Casablanca Travel Guide - The Art of Travel: Wander, Explore, Discover Complete City Break Guide. Firstly, Casablanca is absolutely worth visiting, and I would never recommend skipping it. The ambiance is amazing and it really feels like youre stepping back in time to the 1940s. Men shouldnt wear shorts in many places, but the dress code is very flexible compared to other places in Morocco. Were, 5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO A MUSLIM COUNTRY DURING RAMADAN, If you ask me, the best way to get from the Casablanca airport to your hotel is by. There are tons of hotels and guest houses to choose from all across the city, and many are so beautiful! Many of these hotels are absolutely beautiful and offer gorgeous accommodations at an affordable price. Casablanca is the cosmopolitan, industrial, and economic heart of Morocco, and its largest city. A neighborhood on the ocean, west of the Hassan II Mosque. Old Medina guided tour for first-time visitors: Guided tour in Hassan II Mosque for non-Muslim visitors. What a fun adventure. By: Rachel Kops | August 23, 2022 | Updated: April 24, 2023 Background and Jewish life in Morocco How the 2020 normalization agreement is changing the atmosphere What makes a kosher program in Morocco so different from other places? Or just some local shops while traveling . Great photos . Casablanca is a city for travelers who like to feel like a local, rather than a tourist, and who want to experience the present as well as learn about the past. We went for the tagine (Nienke) and kebab (Nick), with a starter of bread, dips and fried pastries called briouats. This is a Hispanic-Moorish building comprised of more than 60 ornate rooms with delicately carved wooden ceilings. Jazzablanca is a week-long music festival in the city with a focus on jazz as well as contemporary music that happens during April. Otherwise, I highly recommend the train, as it is safe, efficient, and a fraction of the cost of a taxi. Ricks Caf watch the movie Casablanca first and then come here for the jazz session on Sunday after 9.30 PM, but do not forget to book a table in advance. This private tour is just for you, ensuring youll receive personalized attention. The cityscape of Casablanca is characterized by gray skyscrapers rather than charming old buildings. Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this unique hotel in Casablanca.
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