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Morocco
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Shopping in Casablanca

Travel etiquette
How to fit in

Health

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Casablanca – a brief overview
Marrakech and Fes may draw the lion’s share of tourist attention, but the coastal metropolis of Casablanca is the city with arguably the best claim to being Morocco’s beating heart. Economically and culturally it’s where the action is, and while it may have moved on a pace since the Bogart-and-Bergman era, the city also retains a few enjoyable flavours of the past, not least its charming colonial architecture.
As a port (and the largest in the Maghreb, no less), it’s always drawn heavily on overseas influences, a fact that today gives it a decidedly cosmopolitan feel and a strong arts scene.
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Top 10 sights in Casablanca

Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca
Morocco
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Opening times:
Sat-Thu tours at 0900, 1000, 1100 and 1400
Fri tours at 0900 and 1400
Boasting the tallest minaret in the world (it’s 200m high), the Hassan II Mosque has become the city’s most iconic attraction. It was opened only in 1993, but a prayer hall capacity of some 25,000 means it has a big reputation.
Old Medina
Casablanca
Morocco
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Pre-dating the French protectorate era, the city’s old medina might not offer quite the same sensory assault as you can experience in Marrakech, but it’s still an engaging place to wander.
Moroccan Jewish Museum
Oasis
Casablanca
Morroco
Tel : +212 5 22 99 49 40
Fax : + 212 5 22 99 49 41
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Opening times:
Various
A remarkable attraction, being the only Jewish museum in the Muslim world, this place occupies a handsome gardened villa and shines light on a little-known area of Moroccan culture.
Corniche
Casablanca
Morocco
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A long curve of beach clubs, hotels, restaurants and promenading locals, Casablanca’s Corniche is one of the most enjoyable places to see the city letting its hair down.
Cathédrale du Sacré-Coeur
Casablanca
Morocco
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You can only admire this striking white edifice from the outside (although it hosts occasional events), but its clean 1930s architecture means it still stands as a remarkable sight.
Villa des Arts
Casablanca
Morocco
Tel: +212 522 295 087
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Opening times:
Daily 0930-1900
Part of the Morocco-wide ONA Foundation, the Villa des Arts focuses on promoting contemporary arts and provides a stage for a number of interesting cultural events during the year.
Place Mohammed V
Casablanca
Morocco
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This is the city’s main plaza, surrounded by some of Casablanca’s best colonial architecture and dotted with palm trees. It’s an enjoyable place to people-watch, particularly in the evenings.
Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum
20070 Casablanca
Morocco
Tel: +212 522 206 217
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Opening times:
Tue-Sat 1000-1800
Open only since 2012, this museum is set in an old art deco building and focuses on Moroccan decorative arts. You can find everything from jewellery and embroidered clothing to vintage posters and 19th-century trinkets.
Parc de la Ligue Arabe
Casablanca
Morocco
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The largest green space in the city, the Arab League Park is a popular spot for walks and other leisure activities, with cafés and a small amusement park helping bolster its appeal.
Art deco architecture
Casablanca
Morocco
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In parts of the city, the architecture is a pleasing blend of French and Moorish influences, drawing on the art deco style that was prevalent in the 1930s. Many of the buildings have been well preserved.
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Country information
Country overview
The Kingdom of Morocco is located in the northern part of Africa, between the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Sahara. The cities of Tangier and Casablanca are located in the densely populated coastal region, as is the country’s capital city, Rabat. Fes, Meknes and Marrakech are situated further inland. Desert or mountain landscapes account for large areas of the country. Most of Morocco’s population are Muslim Arabs but the country is also home to the Berbers and to Christian and Jewish minorities.
Morocco has kept its traditions alive and tourists particularly enjoy the flair of the souks (markets) and medinas – such as the Medina quarter in Marrakech. Visitors also enjoy the unique atmosphere of the kasbahs in the Draa Valley. They can go hiking in the Atlas Mountains, and if they are really brave, they can ride a camel in the Sahara.
Geography
Morocco is located on the westernmost tip of north Africa, bordering Algeria to the east, Mauritania and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the southwest and southeast, the Atlantic ocean to the west and the Mediterranean to the north.
Running through the middle of the country is the Atlas mountain range. The Middle Atlas range sweeps up from the south, rising to over 3,000m (9,850ft), covered with woodlands of pine, oak and cedar, open pastureland and small lakes. The Rif Mountains run along the north coast. Often snow-covered in winter, Morocco’s mountains are home to the country’s significant indigenous Berber population.
The long stretch of Atlantic coast down Morocco’s western side features cool breezes and long sandy beaches.
It is separated from the mountainous region by wide swathes of fertile plains. To the north, is the Mediterranean coast, just a stone’s throw from the European continent – Gibraltar is an hour’s ferry ride away.
In the south of the country, the Sahara is the largest desert in the world. Far from being featureless, it is dotted with fascinating traditional villages and cool oases.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 35,7 millions (estimate 2017)
Capital: Rabat.
Language
The official language is Arabic. Berber languages are not officially recognised even though it is the language of the country’s first inhabitants, who form a majority. French is widely spoken throughout the country, except in the northern regions where Spanish is more predominant. English is also understood, particularly in the north and major tourist destinations like Marrakech.
Currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD; symbol Dh) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Dh200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Dh10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.
Electricity
127/220 volts AC, 50Hz, depending on age and location of building. Plugs usually have two round pins.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2018 – December 2019 period.
Note:
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) may last up to several days, depending on the region.
2018
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2018
Independence Manifesto Day: 11 January 2018
Labour Day: 1 May 2018
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): 15 and 16 June 2018
Throne Day: 30 July 2018
Oued Ed-Dahab Day: 14 August 2018
Revolution Day: 20 August 2018
King Mohammed IV’s Birthday: 21 August 2018
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 22 to 25 August 2018
Fatih Muharram (Islamic New Year): 11 September 2018
Anniversaire de la Marche Verte (Green March Day): 6 November 2018
Independence Day: 18 November 2018
Aid al Mawlid (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 21 November 2018
2019
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019
Independence Manifesto Day: 11 January 2019
Labour Day: 1 May 2019
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): 5 and 6 June 2019
Throne Day: 30 July 2019
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 12 August 2019
Oued Ed-Dahab Day: 14 August 2019
Revolution Day: 20 August 2019
King Mohammed IV’s Birthday: 21 August 2019
Fatih Muharram (Islamic New Year): 1 September 2019
Anniversaire de la Marche Verte (Green March Day): 6 November 2019
Aid al Mawlid (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 10 November 2019
Independence Day: 18 November 2019
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Casablanca
There’s a strong artistic pulse in the city, which translates into a number of interesting places to while away the evening.
In the top international hotels, meanwhile, there are further options available.
Black House Discotheque
Casablanca
Morocco
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Part of the Hyatt Regency hotel, this black-and-red draped nightclub is at its busiest between midnight and 3am.
Le Chester’s
Maarif
Morocco
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A laid-back Western-style bar with an emphasis on good music and good food.
La Bodéga
20000 Casablanca
Morocco
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You can find live music of various hues here, from reggae to rock and flamenco to samba.
Rick’s Cafe
Casablanca
Morocco
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An enjoyable spot based on the café in Casablanca’s namesake film.
Le Casart Bar
20000 Casablanca
Morocco
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The sleek bar at the Sofitel Hotel offers a good range of champagne, wine and cocktails.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Casablanca
Moroccan cuisine is rightly renowned, and Casablanca gives ample opportunity to sample the full range of the country’s spice-tinged specialties.
You can also find a good number of excellent international options.
Le Basmane
20000 Casablanca
Morocco
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Price: Expensive
High-quality Moroccan food in sumptuous surrounds.
Iloli
20000 Casablanca
Morocco
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Price: Expensive
Bringing Japanese gastronomy to Morocco, Iloli has developed a weighty reputation.
La Bavaroise
20000 Casablanca
Morocco
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Price: Expensive
Set in an old German beer house, La Bavaroise serves up excellent European dishes.
Restaurant du Port de Pêche
Morocco
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Price: Moderate
A popular seafood restaurant at the port, regularly filled with hungry locals.
Pâtisserie Bennis Habous
Quartier Habous
Casablanca
Morocco
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Price: Cheap
A gem of a traditional patisserie – its pastries are ideal for a quick snack.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Jazzablanca Festival
14 – 22 April 2018
Website
Venue: Kinokomplex Megarama
A programme starring world jazz musicians.
Feast of the Throne
30 July 2018
Venue: Throughout Morocco
One of the most celebrated days of the year marking the 1999 accession to the Moroccan throne of Mohammed VI.
L'Boulevard
September 2018
Website
Venue: Technopark
An urban music festival celebrating global beats.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Casablanca
As the biggest city in the country and a business and cultural hub of some repute, Casablanca has a strong range of different accommodation options, including a number of quality high-end properties.
Hotel & Spa Le Doge
20070 Casablanca
Morocco
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Category: Expensive
A Relais & Châteaux property in an old art deco residence.
Hotel Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche
20000 Casablanca
Morocco
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Category: Expensive
A very comfortable 141-room, 24-floor property close to the Hassan II Mosque.
Val d’Anfa
Ain Diab
20180 Casablanca
Morocco
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Category: Moderate
A smart beachfront hotel with over 130 rooms, a lovely outdoor pool and its own hammam.
Relax Airport Hotel
Nouaceur
Morocco
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Category: Moderate
An obvious bet for those on a flying visit, with a pool and the usual airport hotel amenities.
ibis Casablanca City Center
20190 Casablanca
Morocco
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Category: Cheap
Modern, compact rooms in a central location near the port and railway station.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Saturday, 21.04.2018 13:00 UTC

light rain showers
temperature
18°C
wind direction
northwind speed
6.875 mphhumidity
72%7 days forecast
Sunday
22.04.2018
21°C / 13°C
Monday
23.04.2018
20°C / 13°C
Tuesday
24.04.2018
19°C / 15°C
Wednesday
25.04.2018
20°C / 12°C
Thursday
26.04.2018
20°C / 16°C
Friday
27.04.2018
20°C / 16°C
Saturday
28.04.2018
24°C / 17°C
Climate & best time to visit Morocco
Morocco’s climate is very diverse, varying with the season and region. In general the country has a tropical climate, with temperatures reaching as high as 35°C (95°F) and as low as 5°C (41°F) in the Sahara. The coast has a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered on the eastern coast by southwest trade winds whilst inland areas have a hotter, drier, continental climate. In the south of the country, the weather is very hot and dry throughout most of the year, though temperatures can drop dramatically at night, especially in the months of December and January.
Rain falls from November to March in coastal areas, and the country is mostly dry with high temperatures in summer and a cooler climate in the mountains. Marrakech and Agadir enjoy an average temperature of 21°C (70ºF) during the winter.
Owing to the relatively high winter temperatures, and summers that are dry rather than unbearably humid, Morocco is an all-year round destination. If you really want to avoid the heat, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of April to May, and September to November.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute min | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | 31 °C | -2 °C | 17 °C | 8 °C | 83 % | 62 mm | 8 | 6.1 h |
Feb | 35 °C | 0 °C | 17 °C | 9 °C | 81 % | 59 mm | 6 | 6.7 h |
Mar | 36 °C | 1 °C | 18 °C | 9 °C | 79 % | 51 mm | 7 | 7.8 h |
Apr | 37 °C | 3 °C | 19 °C | 11 °C | 79 % | 40 mm | 5 | 8.7 h |
May | 38 °C | 5 °C | 21 °C | 14 °C | 79 % | 19 mm | 4 | 9.5 h |
Jun | 38 °C | 7 °C | 23 °C | 17 °C | 80 % | 6 mm | 1 | 9.5 h |
Jul | 42 °C | 12 °C | 25 °C | 19 °C | 82 % | 1 mm | < 1 | 9.8 h |
Aug | 43 °C | 10 °C | 25 °C | 19 °C | 82 % | <1 mm | < 1 | 9.5 h |
Sep | 43 °C | 9 °C | 25 °C | 18 °C | 81 % | 5 mm | 1 | 8.6 h |
Oct | 41 °C | 7 °C | 23 °C | 15 °C | 81 % | 31 mm | 5 | 7.6 h |
Nov | 34 °C | 4 °C | 20 °C | 11 °C | 82 % | 74 mm | 7 | 6.4 h |
Dec | 29 °C | 0 °C | 17 °C | 9 °C | 83 % | 78 mm | 9 | 5.9 h |
year | 43 °C | -2 °C | 21 °C | 13 °C | 81 % | 426 mm | 53 | 8.0 h |
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone
Dialing code: +212
Telephone
In Morocco, phone calls are made in “Téléboutiques” (private telephone offices). To make a call, you can purchase a pre-paid card. This is a much more convenient option than coin-operated telephones, which do not give change and will not usually return dirham coins once they have been inserted.
Mobile Telephone
Mobile phones & Internet access in built-up areas at least, Morocco has comprehensive mobile network coverage. When travelling outside of large settlements – for example when in the mountain regions, in Tafilalt or on the desert dunes – travelers should expect patchy coverage. Phone calls using foreign SIM cards are expensive because roaming charges apply. It is cheaper to buy a SIM card from a Moroccan network provider. Network service providers for mobile phones and mobile internet include Maroc Télécom (Carte Jawal; iam.ma) and Orange (orange.ma). These SIM cards can also be purchased from news kiosks and cell phone shops at the airport.
Internet Access
There are a great many Internet cafes in Marrakech. It is worth noting, however, that the computers there have French/Arabic keyboards, which takes some getting used to. If you carry your own mobile device, you can access the Internet using the free Wi-Fi available in most tourist hotspots and in most hotels and restaurants. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking credentials entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Casablanca
Key Areas
Various parts of the city give the opportunity to browse internationally branded stores. These include the upmarket Gauthier and Maârif neighbourhoods, as well as boulevard d’Anfa. For more traditional items, try the colourful outlets and craft shops in the Habous district.
Markets
Typical Moroccan souvenirs include tagine dishes, slippers, leather clothing, spices and handmade jewellery, all of which you can find in the various souks and bazaars around the city. If you’re keen to buy a pricey item such as a carpet, try to ensure that you know exactly what you’re buying.
Shopping Centres
Morocco Mall (corner of boulevard de la Corniche and boulevard de l’Océan Ain Diab) is a large-scale shopping centre, with luxury names such as Prada and Gucci joined by leisure attractions including an aquarium and an IMAX cinema. There’s also a musical fountain and a good range of restaurants.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Morocco’s population and culture is a blend of religious and cultural traditions, encompassing Berber, Arab, African, Mediterranean and Jewish influences. Greetings involve a handshake and friendly inquiries after health, happiness and family, and no business is discussed until after these pleasantries. Friends may tack on a cheek air-kiss or two. Moroccan chattiness makes everyday interactions more pleasant, if longer; patience and extroversion are assets. In the souks, vendors to call out to customers, joking and striking up conversations before bargaining begins. When offered tea, it’s polite to at least take a sip.
Although casual gear is widely acceptable, wearing any clothing that reveals arms or legs is disrespectful.
Swimsuits, shorts, sleeveless tops and clingy clothing should be confined to the beach or poolside for both men and women. Women travelling alone can expect help and friendship, but will avoid undue attention if they cover up, ideally in local garb.
Smoking is widespread, though sometimes limited to smoking sections in restaurants. Drinking alcohol in view of a mosque is highly disrespectful and alcohol licences are expensive.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Food & Drink
Water sources outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Bottled water is the best bet and is available everywhere. Milk is unpasteurised, so boil before drinking. Meat and fish should be freshly cooked and served hot. Vegetables are typically served cooked. If eating fruit, try to stick to fruit that can be peeled before eating. Most produce is grown organically, without chemical pesticides or fertilisers but it’s highly likely to have been washed in unsterilized water, so it’s important to
Other Risks
Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Malaria is not present in Morocco but travellers may want to take some form of mosquito repellent to avoid bites, especially if sleeping outside. If venturing into higher altitude areas such as the mountains, take care to acclimatise first, as altitude sickness can bring on nausea and dizziness. Visitors should wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water to avoid heatstroke and sunburn.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Guidon, Alain6 Rue Mohamed Ben Ali (ex Rue Jean Jaurès)
Casablanca
Morocco
Tel. +212-05-22-26-71-53
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.