They even had Matcha Latte *ahhhh!*. From the cities to the desert - follow the footsteps of Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, discover the blue and whitewashed buildings of Chefchaouen before heading on to Fez and consequently the desert. Tickets cost MAD 7 for a single journey and can be purchased from machines on the tramway platforms. Taxis are also an option for getting . The bustling Casablanca - Travel to Morocco Love your suggestions. Le Marly is such a wonderful restaurant and I highly recommend it for dinner! Come here to send your postcards in style! The Cathedrale Sacre-Coeur is the Catholic cathedral of Casablanca, and it is stunning. The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham. We went for the classic, which consisted of a croissant, orange juice and hot drink (coffee/mint tea or something like that). Women, as in all Moroccan cities, should dress modestly to avoid harassment (which almost always consists of lewd comments, but nothing physical.). The restaurant also serves alcohol, which isnt always available in other restaurants around the city. 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. The Hassan II Mosque is the highlight of Casablanca, and I dont think anything else is even close. I agree, 3 days sounds like a great amount of time. Thanks so much for the recommendations! The Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and the largest in Morocco, with a capacity for 25,000 worshipers. The one issue we had, however, was the very potent smell of smoke throughout the entire restaurant. There are even several direct flights from the United States to Casablanca. We recommend checking out worldnomads.com, Click here for availability and current prices. If you are wondering how to reach Casablanca from the airport, there are two options the tram or the taxi. The French occupied the city in 1907, establishing it as a protectorate in 1912 and starting construction of the Ville Nouvelle, however, it gained independence with the rest of the country in 1956. 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. Hidden deep in Habous, you will find a wide choice of local pastries. I am often wary of taxis, but I did take a couple in Casablanca and found them to be safe and trustworthy. Casablanca is often bypassed for more popular cities such as Marrakesh and Chefchaouen, however, I definitely recommend spending at least a couple days in Casablanca as well. I adore all the detailed mosaic tiles featured in Moorish architecture! Customize . These meals are pricey for Moroccan standards ($18-30 per dinner), but well worth it for the food. check out this great and detailed post on TripSavvy. Ask around especially if you speak some French it is worth it. If there is one thing you dont want to miss when youre in Casablanca, its visiting the Hassan II Mosque. Here are some of the suggestions that I absolutely loved. I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Smug home cook alert! Casablanca is the biggest city in Morocco and it hosts the second-biggest port in Africa. Casablanca boats Morocco I loved your article, especially that you included how long youd recommend to stay here. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Personally, I think that Moroccos culture is much more similar to the cultures of Middle Eastern countries, but it is still very unique in and of itself. What do you wear to a Hassan II Mosque? Spring (March-May) or Autumn (September-October). 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. Which organised tours to do in Morocco? Nobody is going to complain about that. Decades ago it was a thriving resort area hotels line the ocean side of the Boulevard de la Corniche, and nightclubs line the other side. Now, the central question of this post: is Casablanca worth visiting? And it is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslim visitors. Food looked great too. 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. Also, be prepared to bargain and shop! One Day in Casablanca, Morocco || The Travel Tester Its amazing because its surprisingly very affordable! After all, Casablanca didnt even make the top five on our list of the best cities to visit in Morocco. I hope you enjoyed this Casablanca, Morocco Tourism Guide! This frequently occurs in the spring, which ties in beautifully with what I mentioned above. I found that the most convenient ways to get around were by tram and Uber. Where to Stay in Casablanca When visiting other major Moroccan cities, like Marrakech and Fes, I definitely recommend staying in a riad. Did you know that there is space for about 20.000 people inside, and another 80.000 people on the square?! A better bet is to walk to it along the beach and catch a view of the beautiful white walls before taking a cab to less remote areas. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information on getting around in Casablanca, check out this great and detailed post on TripSavvy. However, please note,Casablanca is a mixed bag of Moroccan extremes. The fantastic modern design collides perfectly with the Moroccan style and all the comforts and attention to detail that Four Season Hotels can give. When you visit Morocco, you not only experience a rich culture, you can travel . Navigate Travel Adventure Blog Moreover, hotel guests have free access to the swimming pool and sauna. Go to the colorful Habous Quarter and more. Your dresses are beautiful please share where you shop! It covers a lot of important sights and fun things to do in Casablanca in a convenient way to maximize your time. Built in 1918, the faade is composed of both round and rectangular shapes. However, Euros and Dollars are often widely accepted as well. The pastries for starters were perfect and we can for sure recommend them! (Well, it's a well-known beach resort for Moroccans, not international visitors.) THE TOP 10 Casablanca Tours & Excursions in 2023 - Viator 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. Make sure to get travel insurance! Coming Full Circle in Casablanca | Travel Blog Casablanca is often bypassed for more popular cities such as Marrakesh and Chefchaouen, however, I definitely recommend spending at least a couple days in Casablanca as well. In addition to the delicious food, there is also a belly dancing show at 10pm every night! When looking for accommodations in Casablanca, I recommend three main neighborhoods: Anfa (near the beach), Habbous (a nice market neighborhood) and City Center (where most of the action is.). Definitely one of the more peacefulplaces to visit in Casablanca! This square is very close to the Arab League Park, which is the main green space of Casablanca. Casablanca (1942) - Plot - IMDb Or explore other destinations on this travel blog. Casablanca is a good place to base yourself for day trips! 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. This guide is a list of the best activities in Casablanca including where to eat and where to stay in Casablanca. Great article. 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. There are a lot of meat, bread, and veggie options to choose from. Casablanca was one of the cities that people told me not to bother with when I was planning my trip to Morocco. 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! The Mohammed V Square, or Place Mohammed V in French, is the main square of Casablanca. Habbous, also known as the New Medina, is an open-air market filled with food, pottery, crafts, art, and so much more. Old Medina guided tour for first-time visitors: Guided tour in Hassan II Mosque for non-Muslim visitors. Clothing: Morocco is a Muslim country, so you'll quickly notice some cultural differences. And not just from the outside, it is essential you visit it inside and learn more about this beautiful treasure of Casablanca. I love the everyday hustle-bustle of a city and Casablanca would definitely be a top pick to experience that. While visiting Morocco it is very easy to travel between cities. Morocco.com: Morocco Travel Guide The tram ride will cost you around 45 MAD (4 EUR) while the taxi is around 300 MAD (26 EUR). Casablanca travel - Lonely Planet | Morocco, Africa Getty Images/Universal Images Group Casablanca Morocco Though not as atmospheric as other Moroccan cities, Casablanca is the best representation of the modern nation. I felt so lucky to be able to splurge for a couple nights for a special occasion and still not break the bank! When I arrived in Casablanca Morocco, my first impression was an odd one. Thats so true! The best way to get from Fs to Casablanca is to train which takes 3h 50m and costs MAD 110 - MAD 210. Posts: 2 Morocco in Feb 2010 Posts: 10 Extra Plane Ticket!!! Casablanca | Facts, History, & Map | Britannica Wow! Marrakech Tajine Cookery Class Tramway in Casablanca | Photo by Casablanca Urban Adventures. By the name of this restaurant, you can already tell there are some Ozzies involved, and youre right The owner ofBondi Coffee Kitchenis Australian, married to a Moroccan man and together they set up Bondi Coffee Kitchen a few years ago. Thisis the third largest mosque in the world and YES, outside of prayer hours, youre allowed to go inside as a visitor! Sounds like such a fun adventure, the Old Medina looks so cool! Surprisingly well organised! If you are arriving at night, I recommend spending that night plus one more in Casablanca before leaving. Another great option is a taxi. The cost of a ticket is MAD 45. This movie was a massive success, and it threw a lot of attention and publicity Moroccos way. Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 in the Rif mountains by Jews and Moors fleeing Spain. Sign up for our newsletter & get $10 off your first tour, Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2020: What not to miss according to locals, Our 6 favourite social enterprises that empower women. But instead of immediately hopping on a train or connecting flight, it's worth it to spend at least a day or two discovering all the things to do in Casablanca, Morocco. Yet, on the other hand, the poverty, prevalent in slums on the citys outskirts, has led to high rates of crime, drug use, prostitution, and the rise of Islamism. Some essential information for the kosher FIT tourist - kosher hotels & restaurants Or book your hotel in this area of Casablanca and enjoy the views directly from your balcony. Rather, recharge cards can be bought in corner stores that contain a number to call. Morocco is known around the world for its bustling markets. 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. Marrakech Medina, Palaces & Tombs This is true for Casablanca! Apparently, during Ramadan, it really does get so crowded here. And in more touristy places you will meet English-speaking locals. Fez Guided Tour with lunch from Casablanca. Rabat is 1 hour by car and Marrakech, Fez and Tangiers are all about 3 hours away by car. If you plan to use public transport in Casablanca, make sure you book your hotel near the tram lane. What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca - Journal of Nomads While this post wont cover what to wear when visiting Casablanca, I did write a whole post on what to wear in Morocco that I recommend reading before your trip. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Mohammad V Square Hassan II Mosque Notre Dame De Lourdes Church Central Market Old Medina Go Shopping at the Mall of Morocco Fun and Unique Tours in Casablanca Pin Me! Casablanca does look beautiful. 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. [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]. For shopping, you also have to take a walk in the biggest shopping center in Africa Morocco mall. 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. Complete City Break Guide, Marrakech Food Tours: Taste the Best Traditional Moroccan Food With a Local [Tour Review]. Summer can be nice on the coast, but will definitely be too warm more inland. There are so many things to do and see in Casablanca, and it should absolutely be added to any Morocco vacation itinerary! Also, lets not forget about photo spots and some of the best hidden gems in Casablanca. So many beautiful things and the towns just look adorable! The ambiance is amazing and it really feels like youre stepping back in time to the 1940s. Meanwhile the Vichy French Army makes a show . Another authentic experience in Casablanca is visiting Old Medina. First of all, Casablanca host one of the most beautiful places in Morocco Hassan II Mosque. By the time we reached the church, we were getting a bit peckish again, so we headed out to find a caf that Nick saw recommended online. Often travellers skip it, but its actually a pretty good starting point for most trips, as the airport serves many different airlines and its easy for most people to fly into. This is largely due to associations with stories like Marrakesh Express and the . A new western-style movie theater can also be found here, but the best option is to walk up and down the street, resting at one of the many ocean-view cafes. It boasts a Spa with a Moroccan hammam and a heated indoor swimming pool. La Sqala perfect end after a long walk in Medina. 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? Upon flying into Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) and taking a train to the . I believe this Casablanca travel guide will help you prepare for your trip and make your planning much easier. Casablanca, Morocco Here's everything you need to know about them, from their history to the ones that are truly worth your time: Honoring a sacred tradition and social ritual Public baths are believed to have originated during Roman times.