Casablanca travel guide
Where to drink in CasablancaWhere to shop in CasablancaHotels in CasablancaTourist infoCurrency in CasablancaCasablanca populationEmergency numbersKnow before you goTelephoneDid you know? Page 1: Introduction to Casablanca
Where to drink in Casablanca
As a predominately Muslim country drinking is not as socially acceptable in Morocco as in many western/European countries. One of the few places which has a western type feel to it is the Aïn Diab seafront area, a place with a fairly relaxed atmosphere and no overt split between the sexes. The region is known as something of a party district and hang-out for the wealthier members of Casablanca’s society. While the atmosphere is fun, the bars here don’t do cheap so if you’re on a tight budget keep an eye on the prices. Some of the places worth a look at in the area include: Black House, Balcon 33 and Candy Bar.
Be aware of the social etiquette and the fact that women in particular may not always be treated as they would in say New York or London. Men should also be conscious of the fact that prostitution is prevalent in the Aïn Diab area, even inside the night clubs.
Where to shop in Casablanca
Shopping in Casablanca is an experience and enterprising shoppers can find, and haggle for, bargains on everything from hand-woven rugs to exquisite pottery and beautifully crafted crockery. Take the time to explore the markets in Marrakech or Fez and remember that many of the zigzagging alleyways have shops selling a variety of art and crafts products.
Keep an eye out for items such as babouches (traditional slippers), djellabas (robes) and rugs as well as the diverse range of unique spices and condiments on sale. Take a trip to Rabat in the north to experience the rug auctions held on Mondays and Thursdays and investigate the Rue des Consuls and surrounding area, a place famous for its creative jewellery. Be sure to check out Mohammed V Avenue for a more contemporary shopping experience as well as dipping into the large shopping centre in town.
Hotels in Casablanca
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Ramada les Almohades Casablanca (4 Stars) 212-22-220505
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Hôtel Transatlantique (4 Stars) 212-22-294551
Tourist info
United Kingdom passport holders do not require a visa to enter Morocco and are able to stay for up to 3 months in the country from the date of entry. An extension after this three month period can be obtained by visiting a police station. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry.
Nationals from the following countries do not require a visa to enter either, these include: the United States and Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, Romani and Qatar. For a full list of countries visit the Moroccan Consulate or Embassy in your home country.
Currency
The currency used in Morocco is the Dirham symbolised as Dh. One Dh is divided into 100 centimes (coins). For the latest info on your rates, please use the Pampo exchange rates calculator.
Casablanca population
City population = 3.311 millions
Metropolitan area population = 3.743 million
Emergency numbers
Police = 19
Fire and Ambulance = 15
Know before you go
- Electricity voltage is 22V at 50HZ (some 127V outlets still in use)
Telephone
Morocco = +212
Casablanca = 2
Did you know?
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Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and is also one of the largest artificial ports in the world
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Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman helped the city gain international acclaim with their 1942 Hollywood blockbuster Casablanca
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The Hassan II Mosque is the third largest mosque in the world and also claims the record for tallest minaret
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The Hassan II Mosque can hold as many as 25,000 visitors as well as catering for a further 80,000 worshipers in its nearby grounds
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Casablanca is a mixture of the Spanish words casa meaning “house” and blanca meaning “white”
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Casablanca played an important role during the Second World War not only as a vital Allied Port, but as the venue for a meeting between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill during which they discussed war strategies for the European theatre. Their meeting is commonly known as the Casablanca Conference