Casablanca travel guide
Meet CasablancaCasablanca weather reportGetting into CasablancaTop attractions in CasablancaGetting around Casablanca Where to eat in Casablanca Page 2: More information on Casablanca
Meet Casablanca
Casablanca is a city with a great deal to offer the traveller. It is both a refuge from the monotony of everyday life as well as a shimmering beacon on the periphery of the vast Sahara desert, holding out the promise of starry African nights complemented by European hospitality.
The city is at once cosmopolitan, mellow and voguish, juggling its complicated history with a newer desire to break free of some of the constraints of religion and custom. Casa, as it is affectionately known, merges African traditions with eastern beliefs and western customs. The result of this mishmash is a city with a distinctive identity: elusive, transitory and sophisticated yet authentic and contended.
The French colonial architecture and eastern style mosques are a feast for the eyes and the people of Casablanca are fascinating for their view on the world. The variety of languages and dialects spoken is intriguing with Arabic, Berber, French, English and Spanish all mingling in different parts of the city.
Casablanca weather report
Casablanca occupies an interesting geological position which accounts for its stable climate. With the yawning expanse of the Sahara spreading away endlessly to the east and south, the Mediterranean style coastline to the north and the Rif mountain range on its eastern side, the city is affected by a combination of powerful regulating factors.
As a rule the city is hot, dry and dusty and remains warm throughout the year; it benefits from the influence of the cooler Atlantic Ocean which somewhat moderates its temperatures. Average daily highs in summer, which stretches from March/April to September, are comfortably in the mid to high 20s. The winter is incredibly mild with daytime temperatures rarely dipping below 17˚C. Rain is infrequent but occurs principally in spring and late autumn.
geographical position.
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Casablanca
Mohamed V International Airport is situated approximately 30km south of the city centre. A train service runs between the airport and the central rail station Casablanca Voyageurs every hour, and the journey takes just over half an hour. Be aware that the train is divided into first and second class carriages and make sure that you are seated in the correct compartment.
The CTM intercity bus service runs from the airport to most of the major cities in Morocco, visit the service desk in the arrivals halls for more information.
Top attractions in Casablanca
Casablanca isn’t a city renowned for an extensive list of big sights, its charm lies more in its natural surroundings and the leisurely pursuits that travellers can lose themselves in. One exception is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world which is beautifully designed and a truly inspiring sight. Almost uniquely for a mosque of this size, the Hassan II Mosque allows non-Muslim visitors to explore the building and its striking interior on guided tours which are given in English. The mosque is a remarkable building with partial glass flooring and laser beams which light up the night sky, pointing the faithful towards Mecca.
Getting around Casablanca
Public transport in Casablanca, as in much of the rest of Africa, is vastly different to what travellers from Europe and North America will have experienced elsewhere. Public transport services are limited mainly to buses but these are not always reliable and can be teeming with passengers. The two train stations at Casablanca Voyageurs and Casablanca Port, are mainly for longer distance travelling rather than immediate transportation around the city. Perhaps the best bet for travellers then is to hire a taxi of which there are many; the taxis being very cheap, reliable and generally comfortable.
Where to eat in Casablanca
La Fibule occupies a stunning location on the Boulevard de la Corniche in the Phare El-Hank district which overlooks the ocean offering gorgeous views and exquisite décor. The restaurant serves a delicious array of authentic Moroccan dishes including Moroccan soup with lemon and sweet chebakia as well as favourites such as Moroccan style roast lamb and couscous with spicy beef and vegetables. Possibly the best eat out destination in the city.
If it is seafood you’re after try the Ostréa restaurant near Le Port de Pêche which serves a mouth watering selection of fresh fish and is particularly well known for its oysters.