Casablanca
Casablanca (Arabic: ‫)ال ب ي ضاء ال دار‬, almost universally referred to as 'Casa', may be the
cosmopolitan, industrial and economic heart of Morocco (and its largest city), but it is
one of the less endearing in the country. With a small, unassuming medina and a trafficcongested ville nouvelle, travellers arriving via Casablanca may be tempted to find the
first train out to nearby Rabat. The awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque and happening
nightlife, however, are worth at least a day of your Moroccan itinerary.
Understand
The modern city of Casablanca was founded by Berber fishermen in the 10th Century
BC and was subsequently 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 its current name of 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 country in 1956.
Casablanca is now Morocco's largest city with a population of almost 4 million and also
boasts the world's largest artificial port but no ferry service of any kind . Casablanca
is also the most liberal and progressive of Morocco's cities. Young men flirt brazenly
with scantily-clad women, designer labels are the norm in the chic, beachfront
neighbourhood of 'Ain Diab and many young Moroccans speak to each other exclusively
in French.
But not everyone is living the Casablancan dream. Tens of thousands of rural Moroccans
who fled the drought-ravaged interior to find work in the city are struggling under high
unemployment rates and expensive housing. The poverty, prevalent in slums on the
city's outskirts, has led to high rates of crime, drug use and prostitution.
Getting there
By plane
Mohammed V International Airport (IATA: CMN) is the busiest gateway to the country
and is well-connected to Europe. Royal Air Maroc flies to New York JFK,Canada, many
cities in Europe, and has connecting flights to all northern and many other African
countries such as Nigeria, Central African Republic, Senegal.
To get from the airport into Casablanca or vice versa, take the train to/from Casa
Voyageurs station which is on the outskirts of the central city and then a fairly long
walk or petit taxi (circa 10DH) into the centre. A second class ticket from the airport
to Casa Voyages was 40 dirhams as at May 2014. Trains depart hourly and the last one
leaves the airport at 10:00pm. Maps are available at the Train Chief's office. Casa
Voyageurs is the 3rd stop from the airport.
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On arrival at Casa Voyageurs you should expect to be besieged by touts and taxi
drivers offering outrageous fares and refusing to use their meters. Even if they say
they will use the meter, they will subsequently announce a 10 dirham surcharge per
person or per bag applies. For destinations in the central city you will be lucky to get
the fare below 30 dirhams - two to three times its likely true value.
If your luggage is not heavy, simply ignore them all and walk away from the station
where you are far more likely to find an honest driver who will use his meter.
Alternatively, if you know the tram runs close to your accommodation, it is only 7
dirham to buy a rechargeable ticket at the stop immediately in front of the station.
Buses to the center leave regularly (~4 Dh).
There is also Casablanca Airport Car Service +(212) 676-768-189.
Or Taxi7on7 [2] +212 661 941 111 (whatsapp/viber/Line).
By train
The most convenient way to reach major Moroccan cities is by train. The downtown
station Casa Port only has a couple of trains, while all others pass through Casa
Voyageurs station, which serves trains to Meknes/Fes/Oujda, Marrakech or Tangier
with stops in between. The trains are comfortable, the stations easy to navigate, and
boards display the time of departure/arrival. Be sure to check the schedule [3] for
express trains; for instance, the train that leaves Casablanca at 7:05AM daily takes 3
hours to reach Fes, as opposed to the normal 5 hour journey. Trains for Rabat leave
half-hourly.
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 is free.
For all booking needs of travel STA travel offer Flights, Hotels, Tours and Visas.
By bus
CTM coaches (intercity buses) and various private lines run services to most notable
Moroccan towns as well as a number of European cities. 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. This is definitely not the best place to be around
at night (as most train/bus stations in the world), but noone will try to bother you once
you get inside the station. The fares are slightly cheaper and busses 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). Most
busses don't leave acording to a fixed schedule, but when all the places in the bus are
sold out. If buying a ticket there, make sure you don't pay anyone untill you see the bus
and you are sure there is a place for you to sit on.
A taxi from downtown/Casa Voyageurs should cost you no more than (12 Dh/8 Dh) or 25
Dh with a taxi meter (as of August 2013), 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 200m south of Place des Nations Unies running there for 6 Dh per person.
Gare Routière is so far the only place in Casablanca where you can have your luggage
stored for a small fee (as of August 2013).
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 18. Always carry your driver's license and
passport while driving. Avoid driving if possible-- 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.
Get around
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.
(Always remember to get travel insurance. There are plenty of travel insurance
companies to choose from. The best of the bunch is World Nomads., you can get
insured no matter where you are, even on the road. So if you are travelling for more
than a year, use the World Nomads.)
By tram
The tram opened in December 2012. The tram works from 6 AM to 22:30 PM during
the week. End-to-end journey times are put at 60/70 minutes. The 31-kilometre line
links some of main neighbourhoods of the city, and includes 48 stop stations.
Two of the stations, Gare de Casa-Voyageurs, and Gare de l'Oasis are located in front
of train stations.
Here is a map url="http://www.casatramway.ma/sites/default/files/pieces/plan-casatram-agence.png"
A rechargeable (ten times) ticket costs 1 Dh, and a one-way trip costs 6Dh, regardless
of distance. Trams run frequently, with at least one train every ten minutes during
daylight and early evening hours.
By bus
Many bus companies run through the city, 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 (4 Dh) 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 locals experience,
but watch out for pickpockets.
By 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." Don't be surprised
if the taxi stops to pick someone else up. The minimum fare is 7.5 Dh. The white taxis
act much like buses, squeezing up to 6 passengers inside. They are a set route and a set
price, of 4 or 5 Dh. if you are waiting for a taxi feel free to pull one over and tell him
where you're going, and he'll take you if he happens to be heading that way. Always pay
your 5Dh at the start of the trip!
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See
The King Hassan II Mosque, Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Tours Sa-Th 9AM,
10AM, 11AM and 2PM (120 MAD per person or 60 MAD for students with ISIC). A
relatively recent mosque. It's the largest in Morocco and the third largest in the world,
with the tallest minaret in the world. It is one of the two main mosques 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. Worth
a trip to the city.
Old Medina, North of 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 be worth a visit, but it's nothing
compared to the glories of Fes or Marrakesh.
The Corniche, is 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 nightclubs line the other side. Most look like they've seen better days,
but it's almost disorienting in how much it resembles the New Jersey Shore. 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 western-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.
The Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman is built on a rock off shore, well past The Corniche,
and is 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 bet is to walk to it along the beach and catch a view of the
beautiful white walls before catching a cab to less remote areas.
Mahkama du Pacha This 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. (Open: Mon-Sat 8:00-12:00 &
14:00-18:00) To get there take bus 81 on Boulevard de Paris.
Central Post Office Come here to send your postcards in style! Built in 1918 the facade
of this building is composed both of round and rectangular shapes. Once you approach
you will get a good view of the excellent mosaics.
Beach
Aïn Diab Plage, Casa Tramway terminus. Free to enter. Go for great people-watching,
join a pick-up soccer game, buy a paddleball set from a mobile vendor, or hire a horse or
camel ride. Bring your own picnic or try the sandwiches, ice cream (2 Dh), friend
pastries (5-10 Dh), popcorn (1 Dh), fresh orange juice, french fries, coffee, and tea
sold at stands or by passing vendors. Umbrella and two chairs, 30 Dh, negotiable (tables
available, too).
Swimming in Ain Diab or anywhere on Moroccan Atlantic Coast can be hazardous
because of rip currents. Water is usually cold even in the summer months, but there
are exceptional days when the water is warm and free of rip of currents.
Buy
Next to the beach in the Ain Diab area, there you have the Morocco Mall, which is the
second largest shopping mall of Africa. All major chains, stores and (exclusive) brands
are represented in the mall, as well as an IMAX theatre and many more different
activities besides shopping.
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. In Fes or
Marrakesh the selection and competition are much greater, and you can probably
bargain for a lower price.
The Maarif neighborhood (near the twin center) 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.
Eat
Restaurants in Morocco don't open until around 7pm 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.
Budget
Cafes, Many cafes have breakfast specials where you can get a hot beverage, juice, plus
pastry, toast, omelette, or egg and meat tagine for 12-20 Dh.
Street food, Stroll through the medina and the streets just outside the walls for
stands selling fried eggplant, fish, or meat sandwiches (8-10 Dh); freshly squeezed
fruit juices (8-15 Dh); freshly grilled sweet or savory breads; muffin cakes (1 Dh each)
and drinkable yogurt (5 Dh per half liter); grilled corn; soupe Morrocaine (3-5 Dh) and
more. Outside of the mealtime rush, there are plenty of small shops all around town
selling rotisserie chicken, grilled meats, or grilled sausages (all with fries) for under 30
Dh a plate.
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. Beer 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. Wine and liquor are available, but only when eating in
the restaurant. A few phrases in Arabic to Aisha, 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 Moroco's gastronomy,
and Benny's is undoubtedly the best one. Choose the pigeon or farm chicken version.
You must book it in advance (05 22 30 30 25).
Mid-range
La Corrida, 59 Rue el Araar, ☎ +212 (0) 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. This
restaurant was boarded up and no longer appears to be open as of May 2014.
Taverne du Dauphin, 115 Blvd Felix Houphouet, ☎ +212 (0) 22 22 12 00. A little seafood
place within walking distance of the old medina, 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 beer 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 (0)
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 snack close to the Maarif, a good shopping area.
La Sqala, Blvd. Des Almohades, ☎ +212 (0) 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 touristy 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 snack. Great photo opportunity.
Al Mounia, 95 Rue Prince Moulay Abdullah, ☎ +212 (0) 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 country. There is also an extensive wine list.
La Cocina; 55, Rue Mustapha el Manfalouti, Gauthier, a 20m de Zerktouni, ☎ +212 (0)
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 wines and beers. Open from noon until midnight without interruption,
its nice decor and friendly service make it a must in Casablanca.
Splurge
Rick's Cafe, 248 Rue Sour Jdid, ☎ +212 (0) 22 27 42 07. This restaurant claims to
have recreated the eponymous cafe from the movie Casablanca. Excellent location,
within a 20 minute 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 wine and liquor and, for
Morocco, a thorough beer selection (5 different brands). The waitstaff, in tuxedos and
Fezes, are superb. The only drawback to this place is the cost with dinner for 2 costing
up to 800 DH.
YoSushi, 12 Rue Mohammed Abdou, ☎ +212 (0) 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 10pm. 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.
Drink
Nightlife in Casablanca has mixed reviews. Women might feel a bit uncomfortable with
the mostly male crowds in many bars and nightclubs. But if you dig a bit, you'll find
some excellent spots to drink, dance and people watch. Certain clubs are flooded with
prostitutes at night. It is not advised to bring a girl back to a hotel.
If you want a drink in your hotel room, supermarkets like Acima and Marjane carry a
wide variety of liquor and wine, though the beer selection is fairly stunted. The best
places to drink are either European-style restaurants, which usually have a decent
selection, or hotel bars, which are inevitably safer and more relaxed. Many westernstyle nightclubs exist in the Maarif and Gironde neighborhoods. Pubs will cost around
100 dirhams per head, it will be half if visited in the happy hours from 7PMto 11PM.
Pubs to visit Tiger House, La Notte.
Kasbar, 7 Rue Najib Mahfoud, Gauthier (On a street between Blvd Anfa and Blvd
Souktani.), ☎ +212 022 20 47 47. A dark and atmospheric place to grab a drink or
dinner. Any kind of attire will fly, but if you want to dress up, a night at Kasbar is your
chance.
La Bodega, Rue Mohammed 5 (Near the old downtown and Medina). A Spanish tapas bar,
quite original. There can be a wait to get into the basement bar; but once you get
inside, you're rewarded with bartenders who eat fire. It's pretty expensive, though,
and only frequented by tourists.
Sleep
Atlas Airport Hotel, Close to the airport (There is normally a bus waiting outside the
airport building), ☎ +212522536200. A modern hotel very close to the airport. This is
the default accommodation for passengers with missed connections etc, 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.
Budget
Hotel Terminus, Ave Bahmad, Place de la Gare, Casa-Voyageurs (150 meters to West
from the train station). Located directly across from the Casa Voyageurs train station,
this hostel is not a cheap option for travelers watching their cash. The price is very
high for what it is. 250 DH 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. ~180 Dh.
Hotel Central, 20 Place Ahmad el Bidaoui (on the port side of the Medina. Ask your taxi
driver for the Auberge de Jeunesse which is on the same square). 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. Breakfast of
tea/coffee, a boiled egg, olives, fresh bread from the medina, jam and yoghurt is one
of the best offered by a budget hotel in Morocco. Good restaurants adjacent to the
hotel. Keep your wits about you at night as the Medina isn't the safest area. 150-350
MAD.
Ajiad Casablanca, Angle Rue Kamal Mohamed et Rue Fakir Med. This central hotel has
24 hour reception, free parking and air-conditioned rooms. 415 MAD.
Hotel Astrid, 12, rue du 6 novembre (Casa tramway to Nations Unies station, then walk
5-10 minutes). This hotel has clean, reasonably spacious rooms with private bathrooms,
a nice lobby, and attentive desk staff. Some rooms have balconies. Internet access in
the lobby. Breakfast available. Easy walking distance to medina and tramway, with good
nightime street life (no fancy bars, no excessive noise, but lively, with cheap places to
eat), and seemingly safe (well-lit, many couples, and frequent solo women). 285 MAD.
Mid-range
Ibis moussafir Casablanca, Avenue Bahmad, Place de la Gare, Casa-Voyageurs (Next to
Casa-Voyageurs train station.), ☎ + 212 22 40 19 84. checkin: 12:00pm; checkout:
11:00am. Right next to Casa-Voyageurs train station. Excellent garden in the back,
perfect for playing with kids.
Splurge
Hyatt Regency Casablanca, Place des Nations Unies (In the commercial district.), ☎ +
212 22 43 1234 (sales.casablanca@hyattintl.com). checkin: 12:00pm; checkout: 15:00pm.
You can choose rooms with views of Hassan II Mosque. Has a pool and several good
restaurants. Live entertainment in the evenings.
(Need a Hostel/Hotel?)
Novotel Casablanca City Center, Angle Zaid Ouhmad, Rue Sidi Belyout, ☎ +212
522466500. A four star hotel with over 200 rooms, this 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 Hassan II Mosque and across
the street from Gare Port. 950 MAD.
Sheraton Casablanca Hotel & Towers, 100 Avenue Des F A R, ☎ 212 522 43 9494. This
modern hotel houses 6 bars and restaurants and the popular nightclub, Caesar's.
There's also an outdoor pool and a fitness center. 1,800 MAD.
Hôtel les Saisons, 19, rue El Oraïbi Jilali (ex. rue de foucauld), ☎ 212 022 48 18 98 022 49 09 01/27/28/29. Luggage service, Concierge, Telephone, Internet, Fitness,
Lounge bar, Cities Reestaurant Individual safe box, Mini bar, Room service, Laundry,
Hair Dryer, Cable TV, Air conditioning € 65.
Le Royal Mansour Meridien, Avenue de l'Armée Royale, Casablanca 21000, Morocco, ☎
020 7644 1755. Live in luxury with in-room movies and a 24 hour butler service ,relax
at the spa with hammam and sauna, and immerse yourself in Moroccan culture at La
Douira or the delightful conservatory of Le Jardin d'Hiver £629.
Contact
Casablanca is served by all of the mobile companies that can be found elsewhere in
Morocco. Wana, Meditel, and Maroc Telecom are the most common. Mobile phones can
be bought in any of these store's stands, and most do not run on calling plans. Rather,
recharge cards can be bought in corner stores that contain a number to call. When that
number is called, the company adds the price of the card to your account's balance.
Alternatively, more than one SIM card can be bought 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 city. Service is
usually 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, usually those labelled a bit "trendy"
Mobile Internet : Phone companies offer mobile internet services that plug into the
USB port of your computer (currently, 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 possible, 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 cities, should
dress modestly to avoid harassment (which almost always consists of lewd comments,
but nothing physical.)
Cope
Casablanca is unlikely to provide North American or European travellers with any
headaches. Despite being a major population center and seat of commerce, 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.
Consulates
Greece, 48 Blvd Rachidi, ☎ +212 522 277-142 (grcon.cas@mfa.gr, fax: +212 522 272412).
United States of America, 8 Blvd Moulay Youssef, ☎ +212 22 26 71 51 (After hours
emergencies +212 (661) 17 23 67, acscasablanca@state.gov). M-Th 8:30AM-9:30AM
and 1:30PM-3PM.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Villa Les Sallurges 36 rue de la
Loire – Polo, (british.consulate2@menara.ma),
France, 1, rue du Prince Moulay Abdallah,
Get out
The majority of travellers leaving Morocco from Casablanca will leave from the
Mohammed V airport (accessible by train. Leaving Casablanca for other Moroccan cities
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. You may take Supratours or CTM coaches that travels through out
Morocco.
Source
http://www.borntraveller.co.uk