Casablanca (Arabic: الدار البيضاء), almost universally referred to as 'Casa', may be the cosmopolitan, industrial and economic heart of [wiki=4d4a1722d8e85909a576da2c42878ff0]Morocco[/wiki] (and its largest city), but it is one of the less endearing in the country. With a small, unassuming medina and a traffic-congested ville nouvelle, travellers arriving via Casablanca may be tempted to find the first train out to nearby [wiki=fbed5c7b6db0d0d1328875d041a152cd]Rabat[/wiki]. The awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque and happening nightlife, however, are worth at least a day of your Moroccan itinerary.
Mohammed V International Airport is the busiest gateway to the country and is well-connected to [wiki=912d59cdf1d3f551fae21f6f0062258f]Europe[/wiki]. 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 Voyageurs was 40 dirhams as of August 2015. 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.
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 [url=http://www.aeroporttransport.com]]+(212) 676-768-189.
Or Taxi7on7 [http://taxi7on7.com/?lang=en[/url] +212 661 941 111 - +212 627 24 18 18 (whatsapp/viber/Line).
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 [wiki=a5290cc8f75aef5a1e60f30d37baae70]Meknes[/wiki]/[wiki=bc53e4e373bb062c20530e3db0c562dc]Fes[/wiki]/[wiki=65e77b4e72000e0035e80310d913afea]Oujda[/wiki], [wiki=47f555c26175453cb83e448f25cec713]Marrakech[/wiki] or [wiki=3d5a7deaa9855d6ed198e99341eda49f]Tangier[/wiki] 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 [url=http://www.oncf.ma]]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[/url]] 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.
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).
There is a well maintained toll that runs from [wiki=3d5a7deaa9855d6ed198e99341eda49f]Tangier[/wiki] to [wiki=4eaff72238dbb793a0600627e8f1e707]El Jadida[/wiki], passing through Casablanca and [wiki=fbed5c7b6db0d0d1328875d041a152cd]Rabat[/wiki].
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.
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-casa-tram-agence.png"
A rechargeable ticket costs 7 Dh for the first time (like 1 DH more to get the Tram-card), 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.
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.
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!
Hammam for women only
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.
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).
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.
Rick's Cafe, 248 Rue Sour Jdid, ☎ +212 (0) 22 27 42 07. This restaurant has recreated the eponymous cafe from the movie Casablanca, and has done so without being cheesy. 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. 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 among other classics. Excellent selection of wine and liquor and, for Morocco, beer (5 different brands). The waitstaff, in tuxedos and Fezes, are superb. Cost of dinner for 2 up to 800 DH. Alternatively, eat elsewhere and come here for drinks at the ever-so-classy bar, and soak up the 1940's Casablanca atmosphere. Dress code enforced [wiki=5c2d50dfcd805da1539181348186b0bf]http://www.rickscafe.ma/dresscode.htm[/wiki].
* Ô Sushi, 27 Lotissement Assalama Sidi Maarouf, ☎ +212 (0) 52 27 87 904. 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.
There are some Budget options (150-300 Dirham for a double room) near the Tram Station "Station marché Central". You may take a Taxi from Casa Voyageur directly to this station for about 10 dirham metered fare.
* By far the cheapest options, with his 80 dirhams per dormitory. It's a YHI hostel it means it's cheap and not fancy but who cares. There is a gigantic common space. Around many cafes and restaurants.
* 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.
*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.
*This central hotel has 24 hour reception, free parking and air-conditioned rooms.
*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).
Right next to Casa-Voyageurs train station. Excellent garden in the back, perfect for playing with kids.
You can choose rooms with views of Hassan II Mosque. Has a pool and several good restaurants. Live entertainment in the evenings.
*Considered a the best Luxury five star hotel in the Capital with over 141 rooms and 30 suites, with butler service and breathtaking views of the city and ocean, were designed by Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet. This is ideal for business trips or exploring the city. Located near the Old Medina and Hassan II Mosque and across the street from new stylish & brand new Gare Casa Port.
*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.
*This modern hotel houses 6 bars and restaurants and the popular nightclub, Caesar's. There's also an outdoor pool and a fitness center.
*Luggage service, Concierge, Telephone, Internet, Fitness, Lounge bar, Cities Reestaurant Individual safe box, Mini bar, Room service, Laundry, Hair Dryer, Cable TV, Air conditioning
*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
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