Casablanca

From Halal Explorer

Casablanca

Casablanca (Arabic: الدار البيضاء, Dar al-Bayda) is the cosmopolitan, industrial and economic heart of Morocco, and its largest city.

Casablanca Halal Travel Guide

The modern city of Casablanca was founded by Berber fishermen in the 10th century BCE, and was used by the Phoenicians, Romans, and the Merenids as a strategic port called Anfa. The Portuguese destroyed it and rebuilt it under the name Casa Branca, only to abandon it after an earthquake in 1755. The Moroccan sultan rebuilt the city as Daru l-Badya and it was given the name Casablanca by Spanish traders who established trading bases there. The French occupied the city in 1907, establishing it as a protectorate in 1912 and starting construction of the ville nouvelle, however it gained independence with the rest of the nation in 1956.

Casablanca is now Morocco's largest city with a population of almost 4 million. It has the world's largest artificial port.

CasablancaOldMedinaNight - Casablanca Old Medina at night

How to travel to Casablanca

Fly to Casablanca

File:Morocco 001 - Royal Air Maroc

Mohammed V Int'l Airport GPS: 33.367222,-7.589722 (IATA Flight Code: CMN) is the busiest gateway to the nation and is well-connected to Europe. Royal Air Maroc flies to New York JFK, Canada, many city's in Europe, and has connecting Flights to African countries such as Nigeria, Central African Republic, Senegal, and others.

To get from the airport into Casablanca or vice versa and the most efficient way is to take the ONCF train and the airport train station name is Aeroport Med V, which is at the airport basement level. The trains depart hourly to the city starting from 04:00 to 23:45 of the day (if going from city to airport, it's from 03:00 to 22:00). The train schedule is available at the ONCF website in French. A single 2nd class ticket is 43 dirham as of January 2017. There are 5 stations at this airport train line: Aeroport Med V, L'Oasis, Mers Sultan, Casa Voyageurs and Casa Port, It is roughly 40 kilometers away and the full journey takes 45 min. Casa Port station is more closed to the center, Casa Voyageurs station is on the outskirts of the city central and then a fairly long walk or petit taxi (~15 dirham) into the centre. Maps are available at the Train Chief's office. ONCF trains including airport line often delay, so better to plan your departure time at least 2½-3 hours before the flight taking off, and also, confirm with the station staff for the incoming train destination to avoid taking wrong direction. For information about getting from this station to the centre, please read the "by train" section.

Buses to the center leave regularly (~4 dirham).

Travel by train to Casablanca

The most convenient way to reach major Moroccan city's is by train. Trains are divided into first and second-class compartments; the first-class ones generally cost an extra 50%, but have more room and guarantee a seat. Boarding second-class compartments during peak hours may mean that you have to stand until a seat opens up.

The downtown station Casa Port only has a couple of trains, while all others pass through Casa Voyageurs station GPS: 33.5898,-7.5913, which serves trains to Meknes/Fes/Oujda, Marrakech or Tangier with stops in between. The trains are comfortable and the stations easy to navigate, and boards display the time of departure/arrival. Be sure to check the schedule for express trains; for instance and the train that leaves Casablanca at 07:05 daily takes 3 hours to reach Fes, as opposed to the normal 5-hour journey. Trains for Rabat leave half-hourly.

To get from Casa Voyageurs to the downtown and the easiest way is to take the tram. You can either buy a ticket at one of the vending machines (which mostly only accept coins, partly also some bank cards of unknown sort). Some shops also sell tickets (for example, you may find one little shop in the building just behind the tram station about 30 m further.

When you exit the Casa Voyageurs station main building and the tram stop is straigt ahead (not more than 100 m away). You need to take line 1 in the direction at the right hand side, which heads to "aïn diab plage terminus"/"facultés terminus" (the train splits at some point after the downtown) and the stations "Marché Central", "Place Nations Unies" and "Place Mohammed V" (in the order you will reach them) serve the downtown.

Travel on a Bus in Casablanca

CTM coaches (intercity buses) and various private lines run services to most notable Moroccan towns as well as a number of European city's. These run from the Gare Routière on Rue Léon l'Africain in downtown Casablanca.

The main Gare Routière (Ouled Ziane) is in the outskirts of the city and serves the same (and more) destinations as CTM. The fares are slightly cheaper and buses tend to leave more frequently, however their quality might be lower and some do take longer for the trip (always ask if they take the highway (autoroute) if available on your route).

A taxi from downtown (or Casa Voyageurs) should cost you no more than 12 ( dirham, although you may have a hard time getting this fare (especially from downtown). Bus number ten used to go there, but seems to leave from another place now, as a tramway is under construction.

There is a grand taxi rank about 200 m south of Place des Nations Unies running there for 6 dirham per person.

How to travel to Casablanca by car

There is a well maintained toll that runs from Tangier to El Jadida, passing through Casablanca and Rabat.

The minimum driving age in Casablanca is 21. Always carry your driver's license and passport while driving. Avoid driving if feasible—car rental prices are high as is the accident rate. If you are leaving Casablanca by car, make sure to fill up in the city. Gas/petrol stations becomes scarce outside Casablanca.

How to get around in Casablanca

A government department puts out an exhaustive map of Casablanca in book form called Carte Guide de Casablanca that you can find in bookstores or online; in all likelihood, though, it isn't necessary.

Other than that, Casablanca is like any other European city: the streets (mostly) have signs, and passersby are extremely helpful in French or Arabic and, more rarely, Spanish or English. The Medina can be hard to navigate, but it's so small that no matter how blindly you wander into it, you're never more than ten minutes from an exit.

By tram

Casablanca is one of the two Moroccan city's with a tram. The first line opened in late 2012. Service runs from 05:30 through 22:30 with frequent trains (during the day and the interval seems to be shorter than 10 minutes).

Most vending machines only take coins. One journey is 6 dirham with a rechargeable card, 7 dirham otherwise. A fee of 1 dirham will be added for the card when you buy a ticket.

Tram stops are announced in Arabic and French.

Further information including the network ("réseau") and schedule ("horaires") is available in French and Arabic on the Casa Tramway website.

CasablancaTramMohammadV - Casablanca tram at Place Mohammad V

Travel on a Bus in Casablanca

Many bus companies run through the city and the bus routes are the same for a given number, although the route remains completely unclear (Google maps has some bus stops for Casa though).

Going by bus is the cheapest way to get around (5 dirham) but some companies such as Hana Bus have vehicles in a disastrous state. It could be worth taking the chance given the cost-saving and experience of what many local residents experience, but watch out for pickpockets.

Best way to travel in Casablanca by a Taxi

All taxis red in color, drivers know how to get to every single place in every single guide book, even if you tell them just "the restaurant on Blvd. Hassan II." Be sure to check the meter is running to avoid being overcharged at the end of the trip. Don't be surprised if the taxi stops to pick someone else up. The minimum fare is 7 dirham. White "grand taxis" are another local alternative. They have a defined itinerary so you should kin which station you should take it depending on your destination (ask local residents and they will inform you easily). They only leaves when they are full, which means two people on the passenger seat and four people in the back, so expect to be packed likes sardines. However, it is cheaper than the red taxi, especially for longer distances.

What to see in Casablanca

  • King Hassan II Mosque Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah 33.6084, -7.63277 120 dirham The largest mosque in Morocco and the seventh largest in the world, with the tallest minaret in the world. It opened in 1993, after 7 years construction. It is one of the two main masjids in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Beautiful interior complete with water features, a roof that opens to the sky, a huge hammam in the basement (not in use), and beautiful tile work. Tours in winter Saturday - Thursday 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 14:00, in summer 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 16:00, Friday less times.
  • Old Medina 33.60031, -7.61953 north of the Place des Nations Unies. There is a small traditional walled town in the north of Casablanca - If you are in town it's worth a visit, but it is nothing compared to the glories of Fes or Marrakesh.
  • The Corniche 33.59472, -7.67668 A neighborhood on the ocean, west of the Hassan II Mosque. Decades ago it was a thriving resort area - hotels line the ocean side of the Boulevard de la Corniche, and late night restaurants line the other side. Most look like they've seen better days. Along the Boulevard de l'Ocean Atlantique are many newer, fancier hotels. The Corniche is also home to many western fast food chains. A new Middle Eastern style movie theater can also be found here, but the best option is to walk up and down the street, resting at one of the many ocean-view cafes.
  • Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman 33.58242, -7.70442 - Built on a rock off shore, well past The Corniche, and only accessible at low tide. The shrine itself is off-limits to non-Muslims, but visitors are permitted to explore the tiny, medina-like neighborhood that has sprung up around it. A better option is to walk to it along the beach and catch a view of the beautiful white walls before taking a cab to less remote areas.
  • Mahkama du Pacha - Opening from Monday to Saturday 08:00-12:00 & 14:00-18:00 Thit is a Hispanic-Moorish building comprised of more than 60 ornate rooms with delicately carved wooden ceilings. There are many stuccoes and intricate wrought-iron railings as well as beautifully tiled floors. While entrance may be free it is not easy to get in. You need to find a guide to accompany you. Ask around - especially if you speak some French - it is worth it. To get there take bus 81 on Boulevard de Paris.
  • Central Post Office - Come here to send your postcards in style! Built in 1918 and the façade is composed of both round and rectangular shapes. Once you approach you will get a good view of the excellent mosaics.
  • Rêve de mon œil | This art gallery exhibits a bizarre collection of modern welded sculptures by artists from all over Morocco.
  • Octagon Plaza | Thit is one of the best places to see modern Morocco. Businessmen come out in droves at lunchtime to have their Vegetarian food in the sunshine on this modern city square. Great chances to take beautiful scenery shots too.
  • Villa des Arts | 30, Boulevard Brahim Roudani, Casablanca 33.5862, -7.6293 located slightly southwest of Parc de la Ligue Arabe on Bvd Brahim Roudani ☎ +212 522 29 50 87 +212 522 27 86 07 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 09:30-19:00 (except public holidays) free of charge Run by the charity ONA, it is a place for the Moroccan art scene.

Art galleries (commercial - they live of earnings they make by selling art, you can enter for free):

  • Galérie d'art l'Atelier 21 latelier21@ 21, Rue Abou Mahassine Arrouyani (ex Rue Boissy-d'anglas), Casablanca 20100 Maroc 33.58607, -7.64313 ☎ +212 522 98 17 85 +212 522 98 17 86
  • galerie shart | @shart.ma 12, Rue El Jihani, Casablanca 33.58710, -7.63676 ☎ +212 5 22 39 49 80
  • Loft Art Gallery | 13, Rue El Kaïssi, Casablanca 33.59236, -7.64390 ☎ +212 5 22 94 47 65 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:30-12:30 and 14:30-19:30; Saturday 09:30-12:30
  • Galérie Nadar | Web: age_info 5, Rue Al Manaziz,, Casablanca 33.58611, -7.63306 ☎ +212 5 22 23 69 00 Opening Hours:

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Casablanca

Hammam (Turkish) baths)

  • Solidarité Féminine Association's Hammam | 4, Rue Ahmed Chaouki, Palmier Red taxi or Tramway station Wafasalaf ☎ +212 5 22 99 23 94 Opening Hours: Daily 08:00-21:00 (M to 18:00) Entrance 40 dirham The Association "Solidarité Féminine" has implemented an applied training program to encourage the socio-economic integration of women in single mother situations edifying employment. Therefore, making them co-founders of worthy life-plans for both themselves and their children.

Shopping in Casablanca

  • Casablanca is one of the least interesting places to shop in all of Morocco. Around the old Medina it's easy to find places selling traditional Moroccan goods, such as tagines, pottery, leather goods, hookahs, and a whole spectrum of geegaws, but it's all for the tourists. Much better to wait until you're in Fes and can bargain with someone who sells things to Moroccans and tourists alike.
  • The Maarif neighborhood (near the twin center, around Boulevard al Massira al Khadra) has many name-brand European and American fashion chains, such as Zara. Designer glasses, leather shoes, and "genuine" belts, bags, and shirts can be had at bargain prices.
  • The Derb Ghalef neighborhood has a huge souq that is not for the faint of heart. A cluster of small shanties, each one is loaded with "genuine" mobile phones, "genuine" watches, and "genuine" "brand name" clothing. The shops are separated by alleys no more than three feet wide, some of which double as drainage ditches. There are numerous fruit smoothie stands in the center, which make a good spot for regrouping and planning your excursion. The stall owners are, of course, kings of negotiating, and without a good handle on Arabic and a strong backbone, you're likely to pay well over the going rate for anything.
  • People interested in art find a nice amount of art galleries (the famous galleries can be found in the "See" section).

Halal Restaurants & Food in Casablanca

Restaurants in Morocco are like restaurants in Spain - they don't open until around 19:00 at the earliest, and most people don't eat until much later. Be sure to call first and make sure your restaurant of choice is actually open.

  • La Cigale, Blvd Brahim Roudani just south of the Rampwan de L'unite Africaine. This bar is an unassuming spot close to the Park of the Arab League, with a restaurant in front that serves only the most basic food (sausage or kefta sandwiches, salads, and the like.) The bar in the back is more crowded and has live music most nights. Fruit Juices is served with a plate of olives or popcorn, and it's one of the few Moroccan-style bars where women can drink in peace. Beverages are available, but only when eating in the restaurant. A few phrases in Arabic to Aisha and the barkeeper, will win her heart and ensure a constant supply of olives.
  • Benis Patisserie, Quartier Habous. This place is famed for having some of the best pastries in Morocco. Try one of their famous hornes des gazelles. You should also try the bastilla (one of the most luxurious and prestigious dish in the Morocco's gastronomy, and Benny's is undoubtedly the best one. Choose the pigeon or farm Chicken version. You must book it in advance (+212 5 22 30 30 25).
  • Solidarité Féminine Association's restaurant 10, Rue Bait Lahm (ex Mignard), quartier Palmier Red taxi or Tramway station Wafasalaf ☎ +212 6 19 11 11 16 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 14:30 35 dirham for the dish of the day, a salad and home made bread. Mint tea and Moroccan pastries available The Association "Solidarité Féminine" has implemented an applied training program to encourage the socio-economic integration of women in single mother situations edifying employment. Therefore, making them co-founders of worthy life-plans for both themselves and their children.
  • La Corrida 59 Rue el Araar ☎ +212 22 27 81 55 - From the outside, it's easy to miss this restaurant, but look for the little sign ringed in blinking lights. It has a nice outdoor courtyard, but the inside is the main attraction. It's decorated like with memorabilia from Spanish bull fighting tournaments and has a dark, candle-lit vibe that's perfect for dates. The sangria is tasty, as is the Tapas menu (which changes daily). Seafood is the specialty, and the steamed mussels should not be missed.
  • Taverne du Dauphin 115 Blvd Felix Houphouet ☎ +212 22 22 12 00 A little seafood place within walking distance of the old medina and the port, and the Park of the Arabic League, this place can get crowded at meal times. An excellent selection of seafood and one of the widest organic juice selections in all of Morocco (though that's only 5 or 6 different brews) makes this a very popular lunch spot. The fish is fresh from the fishermen at the port, and the shellfish (oysters, mussels and so on) are delicious. When paying, however, keep an eye on the waiters: they'll "help you count the money," which can turn into an elaborate shell game where they'll slip some of the cash into their own pocket.
  • Le Kobe D'Or 9 Rue Abou Salt El Andaloussi just off of Brahim Roudani ☎ +212 22 98 07 25 An Asian restaurant that is hard to miss, as it has an enormous red neon sign. The inside is nicely decorated in dark red, with lots of mirrors and Asian details. The food is ho-hum; the soups are great but the Chicken tends to be overcooked. Still, a nice place for a quick Snacks close to the Maarif, a good shopping area.
  • La Sqala Blvd. Des Almohades 33.6028481, -7.619212 ☎ +212 22 26 09 60 - Built in the remains of an old fortress, this place is worth as much as a cultural attraction as it is a restaurant. On the outskirts of the old medina, it has cannons, walls, defensive positions, and portcullises as well as a nice, clean eating environment. The atmosphere tends to be a little on the tourist side, but the food is a good modern look at traditional Moroccan foods. Some dishes are Vegetarian and vegan. They also have the obligatory Moroccan pastries and teas if you're just in the mood for a Snacks. Great photo opportunity.
  • Al Mounia 95 Rue Prince Moulay Abdullah ☎ +212 22 22 26 69 - This restaurant has an excellent courtyard with a hundred year-old tree. The main drawback is that since this restaurant is listed in most guidebooks, it fills up with tourists at an early hour. The cooking is mostly traditional Moroccan foods, with some of the best couscous in the nation. There is also an extensive list.
  • La Cocina 55, Rue Mustapha el Manfalouti, Gauthier, a 20m de Zerktouni ☎ +212 522 463369 - The real Spanish taste in Casablanca. Located in the center of Casablanca, this restaurant offers a variety of Spanish dishes, very good Rice and paellas dishes and a great selection of authentic Spanish tapas and local and imports soft drinks and soft-drinkss. Open from noon until midnight without interruption, its nice decor and friendly service make it a must in Casablanca.
  • Rick's Cafe 248 Rue Sour Jdid 33.604995, -7.620406 ☎ +212 22 27 42 07 dinner for 2 ~800 dirham. This restaurant claims to have recreated the eponymous cafe from the movie Casablanca. Excellent location, within a 20-minutes walk of the Hassan II Mosque and in the walls of the Old Medina bordering the ocean. The food is excellent, though expensive. Eat at one of the tables on the second floor for an excellent view of the seats below and the niveau-Moroccan decorations or eat on the ground floor to be nearer the piano player who plays, of course, "As Time Goes By" every night. Excellent selection of and drink and, for Morocco, a thorough organic juice selection (5 different brands). The waitstaff, in tuxedos and fezes, are superb. Dress code. Do not show up in shorts!
  • YoSushi 12 Rue Mohammed Abdou ☎ +212 22 98 11 90 - Sushi is catching on in a big way in Morocco. This little place, on a side street near the prefectural police headquarters, is one of the best. New, clean, and trendy, you're unlikely to find anyone in it before 22:00. They serve all the sushi classics- Nigiri, Sashimi, Hosomaki, Maki, Futomakis, and assorted other fish items. Though tasty, it can get expensive if your aim is to fill yourself up. Not very many options for vegan diners.
  • La Table du Rétro 22 Rue Abou Al Mahassine Arrayani 33.5861392, -7.6432689 ☎ +212 05 22 94 05 55 - 350 dirham menu French cuisine

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Casablanca

Casablanca - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Casablanca, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Casablanca. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Casablanca and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Casablanca. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Casablanca. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Casablanca: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Casablanca.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Casablanca: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Casablanca, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Casablanca.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Casablanca, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Casablanca, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Casablanca and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Casablanca, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Casablanca, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Casablanca without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Casablanca is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Casablanca.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Casablanca is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Casablanca, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Casablanca Media: info@ehalal.io

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Ramadan 2024 Celebration in Casablanca

Ramadan 2025 in Casablanca

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels/Resorts

  • Atlas Airport Hotel Close to the airport There is normally a bus waiting outside the airport building ☎ +212 522536200 - A modern hotel very close to the airport. Thit is the default lodging for passengers with missed connections, so the price will most likely be covered by the airline. Food is basic but adequate. Wireless internet is available in a few places in the building, but you have to search for the signal - try the ground floor near the gift shop.
  • Hotel Terminus | Ave Bahmad, Place de la Gare, Casa-Voyageurs 150 meters to West from the train station ~18 dirham Located directly across from the Casa Voyageurs train station, this hostel is not a affordable option for travelers watching their cash. The price is very high for what it is. 250 dirham for a 2-bed room with a sink. There are communal toilets on each floor and a shower behind the reception desk. Stay here only if you don't have another choice because all things in the hotel are very old and very dirty I could not sleep at all.
  • Hotel Central | 20 Place Ahmad el Bidaoui Located in the Medina 150-350 dirham Located in the Old Medina, this simple hotel is a good budget option. The owners are friendly and have been known to give complimentary cups of mint tea to weary travelers. Keep your wits about you as the Medina isn't the safest area at night.
  • Ajiad Casablanca | Angle Rue Kamal Mohamed et Rue Fakir Med - 415 dirham This central hotel has 24-hour reception, free parking and air-conditioned rooms.
  • Hotel Guynemer | 2, Rue Beloul Mohamed (ex. Pegoud), 20 000 Casablanca 33.5928, -7.6155 ☎ +212 522-27-57-64 +212 522-47-39-99 starting at 380 dirham for a single room, breakfast included In a time-honored building, most rooms classical style, but some rooms have been refurbished to modern style; WiFi in all rooms.
  • Ibis moussafir Casablanca - Avenue Bahmad, Place de la Gare, Casa-Voyageurs Next to Casa-Voyageurs train station. ☎ +212 22 40 19 84 Check-in: noon / Check-out: 11:00 Excellent location right next to Casa Voyageurs train station. Excellent garden in the back, perfect for playing with kids.
  • Hyatt Regency Casablanca | Place des Nations Unies In the commercial neighborhood. ☎ +212 22 43 1234 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 15:00 You can choose rooms with views of Hassan II Mosque. Has a swimming swimmingpool and several good restaurants. Live entertainment in the evenings.
  • Novotel Casablanca Downtown | H6572@ Angle Zaid Ouhmad, Rue Sidi Belyout ☎ +212 522466500 950 dirham A four-star hotel with over 200 rooms, thit is a great spot for conferences and people looking for a bit of luxury. Expansive buffet breakfast, although a touch pricey. Located near the Old Medina and Hussan II Mosque and across the street from Gare Port.
  • Sheraton Casablanca Hotel & Towers | 100 Avenue Des Friday A R ☎ +212 522 43 9494 1,800 dirham This modern hotel houses 6 restaurants and the popular nightclub, Caesar's. There's also an outdoor swimmingpool and a fitness center.

Telecommunications in Casablanca

Casablanca is served by all of the mobile companies that can be found elsewhere in Morocco. Inwi, Orange, and Maroc Telecom are the most common. Mobile phones can be purchased in any of these store's stands, and most do not run on calling plans. Rather, recharge cards can be purchased in corner stores that contain a number to call. When that number is called and the company adds the price of the card to your account's balance. Alternatively, more than one SIM card can be purchased and changed in and out of the phone, if users need more than one phone number.

Internet

  • Internet cafes : Internet access is available in cyber cafes around the town. Service is around €1 per hour.
  • Wifi: You'll find wifi access in many hotels and in some places such as America Café or La Brioche Dorée, those labelled a bit "trendy"
  • Mobile Internet: ☎ companies offer mobile internet services that plug into the USB port of your computer (there are no Mac-compatible devices.) These services can be had without signing a contract, and are recharged in the same manner as a telephone.

Stay Safe

Almost all of the things to see in Casablanca are in the north of the city; very few maps even show the southern end of this sprawling metropolis. Common sense will alleviate 99% of problems; try to look as little like a tourist as feasible, do not flash large quantities of cash, and so on. Faux guides are much less of a problem here than in the rest of Morocco and are limited mainly to the area around the Old Medina. It is inadvisable to walk alone in Casablanca at night. Women, as in all Moroccan city's, should dress modestly to avoid harassment (which almost always consists of lewd comments, but nothing physical.)

Cope in Casablanca

Casablanca is unlikely to provide North American or Muslim travellers with any headaches. Despite being a major population center and seat of commerce and the majority of the town is less than 50 years old and could easily be mistaken for Los Angeles or Madrid. Food is as European as it gets in Morocco, with Pizzas and hamburgers as frequent as tajines and couscous. In some areas, such as the Maarif and Gironde neighborhoods, seeing a man in a djellaba or a donkey pulling a cart of vegetables are rarities. If even the trappings of Moroccan culture such as these are too much for you, any hotel bar or restaurant is going to be just like home for a few hours.

News & References Casablanca


More Muslim friendly Destinations from Casablanca

The majority of travellers leaving Morocco from Casablanca will leave from the Mohammed V airport (accessible by train.) Leaving Casablanca for other Moroccan city's is likely to be by rail: the main train station is Casa Voyageur (as opposed to Casa Port, which is a special side stop not served by many trains.) Grand taxis are the best way to exit the city for smaller outlying villages. There are no boat or ferry services available in Casablanca.

Marrakech - 3 hours away by train which leave regularly (about 90 dirham)

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