Casablanca
Casablanca, secret and stunning
The sun sets over Casablanca. On one side, the Atlantic lulls walkers to the gentle rhythm of the waves, while the horizon turns orange against a backdrop of turquoise blue. On the other, the lights of ‘The White House’ begin to illuminate the city's majestic monuments.
What you need to know about Casablanca
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Dialing code+212
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Spoken LanguageArabic
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CurrencyMorrocan dirham
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Time difference-1h
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Travel FormalitiesPassport
Destination Casablanca
Legend has it that around the 18th century the Spanish name "Casa Blanca" began to be used to refer to this port city. What is certain is that since its origins as the small port of Anfa, Casablanca has grown considerably. Its urban organisation - which blends traditional, modern and even innovative architecture - serves as a model for many European metropolises. Its network of wide avenues is in itself a must-see when visiting Casablanca. Like a veritable open-air museum, they reveal the immense wealth of architecture dating from the Protectorate, such as the Art-Deco buildings (1920s) and the Neo-Moorish style of the Excelsior hotel.
Unmissable
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Mohammed V Square
The city's iconic square, lined with palm trees, is made up of buildings with Hispanic-Muslim architecture and Art Deco typical of the 1920s.
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Hassan II Mosque
This is the largest mosque in Morocco. Its minaret is 210 meters high. It was inaugurated in 1993.
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Arab League Park
This green space, located in downtown Casablanca, covers no less than 30 hectares.
Discover Casablanca
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Explore Casablanca
Casablanca is also a mythical city. To the north, its ‘old’ Medina, characterised by narrow streets, stalls and, above all, its lively atmosphere, takes you to the historic heart of the city. From here, you can see the emblematic Hassan II Mosque, imposing, incredible and magical. To the south, the ‘New’ Medina in the Habbous district is home to the famous Bennis cake shop. Casablanca is also, and perhaps above all, about delicious Oriental cuisine! While all the characteristics of traditional medinas can be found here, don't forget to look up for a moment and admire the astonishing architecture that makes Casablanca such a city of contrasts.
You can also take advantage of your trip to venture out onto the Corniche for a walk along the water's edge, go for a swim or even stay in one of the many nearby hotels.
Finally, the immediate hinterland offers a wealth of possibilities: just a few hours away, there are a thousand treasures to discover, from the snows of the Atlas mountains to the deserts of the Great South, from the deserted beaches of the Atlantic to the architectural wonders of imperial cities such as Rabat and Fez, and even the colourful souks of Marrakech... The possibilities are endless!
Good to know: these destinations are also available from Montpellier!
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Best places to visit in Casablanca
SITES ET MONUMENTS
- The Villa des Arts Museum.
- Mohammed V Square.
- Twin Center with its two 180 metre-high, 33-storey towers.
- Sindibad children’s amusement park on the outskirts of the city, next to the beach.
- Mohammed V Avenue, Boulevard 11 Janvier.
- The central market.
- The coast road and its beaches (Aïn Diab).
- The Marabout de Sidi Abderrahman.
- The Derb Ghallef (large, open-air flea market).
PARKS
- Arab League Park and Yasmina Park.
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Gastronomie à Casablanca
Les entrées
- Salade Mechouia : salade à base de tomates, poivrons cuits, ail, d'huile d'olive et jus de citron.
- Salades d'olives (meslalla), de fenouil, de feggous (petits concombres longs et fins), de carottes râpées parfois parfumées au jus d'orange.
Les soupes du Maroc
- Bissara : soupe de fève.
- Harira : soupe à base de tomates, farine, lentilles ou pois, agrémentée de quelques morceaux de viande.
Les plats de Casablanca
- Couscous aux légumes, poulet, agneau ou bœuf.
- Pastilla : feuilleté à base d’émincés de pigeon ou de poulet, persil, œuf dur, amandes, et miel, saupoudré de cannelle et de sucre.
- Briouat : beignet à base de pâte feuilletée, farci de viande hachée, de poulet, de saucisses, de poisson ou d’amandes.
- Tajine : ragoût de viande, de volaille ou de poisson, accompagné de légumes et de fruits.
- Brochettes et keftas (boulettes de viande hachée épicée) grillées, qui se dégustent avec les célèbres pains marocains de forme ronde, assez plats, natures ou parfumés aux graines de fenouil ou de carvi.
- Méchoui.
Les desserts marocains
- Kaab el ghzal ou cornes de gazelle.
- Briouat au miel et aux amandes.
- Ghoriba aux amandes ou aux graines de sésame.
- Bechkito : petits-beurre croustillants.
- Mhanncha : sorte de serpents lovés et recouverts de cannelle en poudre.
- Shebbakia : rubans de pâte frits avec du miel chaud et des graines de sésame grillées.
- Ktéfa : pastilla au lait, à base de feuilles de ouarka (pâte à base de farine et d'eau) parfumées à la fleur d'oranger et d’amandes pilées, sur lesquelles on verse un peu de lait refroidi.
- Salades d’oranges parfumées à l’eau de fleurs d’orangers et à la cannelle.
- Crêpes au miel et grains de sésame.
Les boissons
- Thé à la menthe.
- Jus de fruits frais : orange, banane, avocat, lait d'amande…
- Bières locales* : Flag Special, Casablanca, Stork, Heineken.
- Mahia* : alcool de figues.
*l'abus d'alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération
Unmissable events in Casablanca
- JanuaryJanuary 11: Anniversary of Independence.
- JulyFestival of Casablanca.
- AugustAugust 20: Anniversary of the Revolution of the King and People.
- OctoberLate October: Date harvest festival.
- NovemberNovember 6: Anniversary of the Green March
Unique experience in Casablanca
The Rialto Cinema: Discover this mythical art deco cinema, part of the 1930s Casablanca cultural scene.
Useful links for your trip to Casablanca
To go further
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Travel formalities and documents
Everything you need to know and do before taking your flight.
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Travel assistance
All the information you need to travel: rights, advice, information on underage travellers and pet travel
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Luggage
Preparing your hand luggage or hold luggage in important step before your trip. That's why it's essential to know how to prepare your luggage properly.