Casablanca City Primer
Overview
Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca, (in Arabic, الدار البيضاء, ad-dār al-bayḍāʾ”) sits on the Atlantic Ocean. Straight across the Atlantic Ocean is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city by population, with over 4.2 million inhabitants. It is the country’s economic and business capital, and primary industrial zone.
Get There
Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), is located south of Casablanca, and is reachable by train and car. This is the main port of air entry for many foreigners visiting Morocco (along with Marrakech), and is also a major connecting airport for layovers to Africa and Europe. By car, National routes A1 and A3 provide connectivity to the rest of the country. By train, Casablanca’s main station is Casa Voyaguers; however, other stations in the city include Casa Port, Casa Oasis, Ain Sebaa, Mers Sultan, Facultes, Ennasim, and Bouskoura.
Get Around
Within the metro area, a tramway with two lines provides service to the downtown area, the beach at Ain Diab, and suburbs. There are plans to add two more lines to the existing nextwork. A system of buses runs throughout the city, with many of the buses being newly replaced. Red small taxis operate in the city, and white large taxis provide access to cities in the metro area.
Get Moving
The Arab League Park is a 30-acre park located in the center of the city. Nearby are the consulates for the United States, Spain, and France, as well as the Mohammed V Square. The park is reachable by multiple tram stops.
Visit the Corniche to dip your toes in the sand, grab a meal, or relax in a cafe. On the northeast end of the Corniche is Anfa Place mall; walk southwest along the Ocean until you reach the gigantic Morocco Mall, the largest shopping mall in Africa.
Get Coffee
% Arabica - Originally started in Japan, Arabica says “Our dream is to grow % Arabica across unique lands and cultures of the world, so that we can ‘See the World Through Coffee.’” We love this mission, so check them out while you’re in Casa.
Breakfast at La Sqala - This is a rite of passage for Casablanca visitors. Carbs galore await you at La Sqala for their amazing breakfast/brunch.
Starbucks - There are several different Starbucks locations around the city, but the one on Roosevelt has been voted one of the most beautiful locations in the world for its fantastic outdoor space. If the craving for Starbucks hits, you have options.
Get Lunch
Visit the Marche Centrale (Central Market) if you are interested in fresh fried fish.And we really mean fresh! At the marketplace, you will find many restaurants, and the one we have visited is Resto-Grill Salaheddine.
Bondi Coffee Kitchen - For delicious cafe options, stop by Bondi for an excellent cup of fair trade coffee, all day breakfast, or salads and sandwiches.
Get Dinner
Eat International - Casablanca is the best city in Morocco for international cuisine, so we like to take advantage of the amazing restaurants that offer fare from around the globe. Osowa is an excellent Korean restaurant. Yo Ti Tam has great sushi and Asian fusion at a few locations. Blend Gourmet Burger is your place if you want a gourmet hamburger, arguably the best one available in the country.
Get Shopping
Habbous - This is the most traditionally Moroccan segment of the city, and is great for picking up souvenirs and artisanal products.
Le Marché Solidaire (Oasis) - This “Solidarity Market” offers “Moroccan crafts, food, clothing & cosmetics in an airy indoor market supporting local cooperatives.” Products come from all over the country to be offered in the co-op market.
Get Touristy
Most people come to Casablanca to see the Hassan II Mosque, which sits on the Atlantic Coast. Tours are available to at various times throughout the day. If you are interested in a tour, you will likely have no success booking it through the website, but will need to book on location. Other sites to see in Casablanca include the Mohammed V Square and nearby Sacred Heart Cathedral. At the Square, you enjoy the water fountain and watch people feed the pigeons.
Do Not Miss
Rick’s Cafe - For many people, Casablanca is a known word because of the 1942 feature film of the same name. The movie was filmed entirely in Hollywood, so the Rick’s Cafe that exists today was inspired by the movie. The prices are generally on the more expensive side, but we have heard that the food and atmosphere are fantastic.
Thanks to Courtney at All The Best Days for the idea of how to set up these city primers.
Are you visiting Morocco soon? Start your travels with us to learn about Moroccan culture and what you need to know to have the best trip possible.
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