Travelers to Casablanca (a.k.a. Casa) expecting romance might be a bit disappointed. Contrary to the movie, the sprawling city is less appealing than other Moroccan destinations. A small town at the turn of the 20th century, Casablanca became an economic center under French rule, when the colonial authorities built its wide boulevards and crumbling Art Deco buildings. Africa's largest port is a discordant mixture of urban high-rises and desperately poor slums. Decaying colonial facades give the impression of decline, while the daily bustle of professional men and women wearing the latest Western fashions testify to a modern dynamism. Other than the decadent club scene on Blvd. da la Corniche, which ranges from sophisticated to seedy, the city's true highlight is the Hassan II Mosque. The third largest in the world and one of the few to allow members of any faith inside, the mosque is absolutely spectacular. Stay in Casablanca just long enough to feel your jaw drop as you enter the prayer hall.
Casablanca has two main squares. The first, Place Nations Unies, is a major traffic hub 10min. south of the port and an easy walk from either Casa Port train station or the CTM bus station. (Note that ...more
Casa's glory days are sadly past, and it shows in the grayed facades and worn feel of many budget accommodations, that have seen better times. Nevertheless, there are still some gems here, especially ...more
The awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque alone makes a trip here worthwhile. After that, though, there's not too much to see in commercial Casablanca. Hassan II Mosque, Inspired by the Qur'anic verse stating ...more
Casablanca offers every type of cuisine under the sun, from McDonald's to Mexican, for those willing to look. The center is dominated by seafood places, sandwich joints, patisseries and pizzerias. A hub ...more
Casa's Western feel might leave you hoping for a club scene, and the city doesn't disappoint. The center has its share of male-dominated bars as well as the upscale night-club in the Hyatt Regency, but ...more
Some of the best shopping for Moroccan arts and crafts can be done in the Quartier Habous, a “new medina” built by the French in the 1920s. The pedestrian-friendly streets are wide, the green lawn ...more
Tourist Office:Conseil Régional du Tourisme. More tourist-friendly than the Syndicat d'Initiative. One kiosk outside Hassan II Mosque and another at Pl. Mohammed V. Look for a kiosk with a big “i” ...more
Aeroport Mohammed V. (☎ 05 22 53 91 03) There are 45min. trains from Casa Voyageurs to the airport terminal every 30min. for 42dh. Casablanca has two train stations. Casa Port is on the waterfront ...more
Avis. 19 Av. des F.A.R.☎ 05 22 31 24 24. Daily rental rates from 816dh. Drivers 25+ with 2 years on their permit. Open M-F 8am-7pm, Sa 8am-12pm and 2-7pm, Su 8am-12pm. Hertz. 25 rue de Arabi Jilali.☎ ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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