Casablanca

Casablanca may be Morocco’s cultural, industrial, and economic core, as well as its biggest city, but it is one of the country’s least charming sights. With a modest, inconspicuous medina and a busy ville nouvelle, visitors coming via Casablanca may be tempted to take the first train out to adjacent Rabat. The awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque, as well as the buzzing nightlife and architecture (mainly colonial-era structures), are worth at least a day of your Moroccan trip.

The contemporary city of Casablanca was created by Berber fisherman in the 10th century BC and was later exploited as a strategic harbor named Anfa by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Merenids. It was demolished by the Portuguese and rebuilt under the name Casa Branca, only to be abandoned following an earthquake in 1755. The Moroccan ruler rebuilt the city as Daru l-Badya, and Spanish businessmen who established commercial stations there gave it its modern name of Casablanca. The French invaded the city in 1907, established it as a protectorate in 1912, and beginning building on the ville nouvelle, although it won independence from the rest of the nation in 1956.

Casablanca is presently Morocco’s biggest city, with a population of about 4 million people, and it also has the world’s largest artificial harbor, but no ferry service. Casablanca is also Morocco’s most liberal and progressive city. Young males openly flirt with scantily dressed women, designer brands are the standard in the fashionable, coastal neighborhood of ‘Ain Diab, and many young Moroccans communicate completely in French.

However, not everyone is living the Casablanca fantasy. Tens of thousands of rural Moroccans who left the drought-ravaged interior to pursue work in the metropolis are dealing with high unemployment and high housing prices. Poverty, particularly in slums on the outskirts of the city, has resulted in high rates of crime, drug addiction, prostitution, and the spread of Islamism.

Casablanca is a veritable melting pot of Moroccan extremes.

Casablanca has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate and, by a narrow margin, escapes the mild semi-arid climate of Bsh (annual precipitation: 412mm and precipitation threshold: 375). The cold Canary Current off the Atlantic coast moderates temperature variance, resulting in a climate that is very similar to coastal Los Angeles, with comparable temperature variations. The city receives considerable precipitation on 72 out of every 365 days, for a total of 412 mm (16.2 in) every year. The city’s greatest and lowest recorded temperatures are 40.5 °C (104.9 °F) and 2.7 °C (27.1 °F), respectively.

Casablanca sits on the Chawiya Plain, which has long been known as Morocco’s breadbasket. The Bouskoura forest is the sole natural attraction in the city, apart from the Atlantic shore. The eucalyptus, palm, and pine trees dominate the forest, which was established in the twentieth century. It’s half-way between the city’s international airport and the center of town.

Casablanca’s lone body of water is oued Bouskoura, a tiny seasonal stream that flowed into the Atlantic Ocean near the harbor until 1912. Urbanization has covered much of oued Bouskoura’s bed, leaving just the section south of El Jadida road visible. Oum Rabia, 70 kilometers (43.50 miles) south of Casablanca, is the nearest permanent river.

Casablanca is serviced by all of Morocco’s mobile phone operators. The most frequent are Wana, Meditel, and Maroc Telecom. Mobile phones may be purchased at any of these stores’ counters, and the majority of them do not need calling plans. Instead, recharge cards with a phone number may be purchased at corner shops. When you contact that number, the corporation deducts the cost of the card from your account balance. If customers need more than one phone number, they may purchase several SIM cards and swap them in and out of the phone.

Cyber cafes are located across the city and provide Internet connection. The hourly rate is normally approximately €1.

Phone providers provide mobile internet services that connect to your computer’s USB connection (currently, there are no mac-compatible devices.) These services are available without a contract and are recharged in the same way that a phone is.

Mohammed V International Airport is the country’s busiest gateway and is well-connected to Europe. Royal Air Maroc operates flights to New York JFK, Canada, and several locations around Europe, as well as connecting flights to African nations such as Nigeria, the Central African Republic, and Senegal.

To go from the airport to Casablanca or vice versa, take the train to/from the Casa Voyageurs station on the outskirts of town and then walk or take a petit taxi (about 10DH) into the city center. A single ticket from Mohamed V Airport (through the ONCF’s website: AEROPORT Med V) to Casa Voyageurs will cost 40 dirhams. At the Train Chief’s office, maps are provided. It is around 40 kilometers distant and trains depart hourly; the journey takes little more than half an hour. Casa Voyageurs is the airport’s third stop. Please refer to the “by rail” section for information on how to travel from this station to the center.

Buses to the center depart on a frequent basis (4 Dh).

Additionally, Casablanca Airport Car Service may be reached at +(212) 676-768-189.

The railway is the most convenient mode of transport between major Moroccan cities. Trains are separated into first- and second-class compartments; first-class compartments typically cost 50% more, but provide greater space and a guaranteed seat. When boarding second-class compartments during busy hours, you may be required to stand until a seat becomes available.

Casa Port has just a few trains, while the majority travel via Casa Voyageurs, which provides trains to Meknes/Fes/Oujda, Marrakech, or Tangier with stops in between. The trains are pleasant, the stations are simple to traverse, and departure/arrival times are shown on boards. Always check the timetable for fast trains; for example, the train from Casablanca to Fes departs at 7:05 a.m. everyday and takes 3 hours, as opposed to the standard 5 hours. Trains to Rabat depart every half-hour.

The simplest method to go from Casa Voyageurs to the city center is to ride the tram. You may either purchase a ticket from a vending machine (which mostly only accept coins, partly also some bank cards of unknown sort). Several stores also sell tickets (for example, one little shop is located in the building just opposite the tram stop (continue about 30 meters).

When you depart the main building of the Casa Voyageurs station, the tram stop is just ahead (not more than 100 m away). You must take line 1 in the direction indicated on the right, which will take you to “an diab plage terminus”/”facultés terminus” (the train splits shortly after the city center); the city center is served by the stations “Marché Central”, “Place Nations Unies”, and “Place Mohammed V” (in the order indicated on the map).

CTM coaches (intercity buses) and a handful of private lines provide service to the majority of Morocco’s major cities as well as a number of European cities. These services operate from the Gare Routière on Rue Léon l’Africain in the heart of Casablanca.

The city’s principal Gare Routière (Ouled Ziane) serves the same (and more) destinations as CTM. While the prices are somewhat less expensive and buses depart more often, their quality may be worse and some may take longer to reach their destination (always inquire whether they use the highway (autoroute) if it is available on your route). Taxis from downtown/Casa Voyageurs should cost no more than (12 Dh/8 Dh), however this tariff may be difficult to get (especially from downtown). The bus number ten used to run there, but it seems to be departing from a different location now that a tramway is under construction. There is a big taxi station located around 200m south of Place des Nations Unies that charges 6 Dh per passenger.

Tangier to El Jadida is connected via a well-maintained toll road that passes through Casablanca and Rabat.

Casablanca’s minimum driving age is 21. Always drive with your driver’s license and passport in hand. If possible, avoid driving—car rental fees are high, as is the accident rate. If you’re driving out of Casablanca, be sure to fill up in the city. Outside of Casablanca, gas/petrol stations become sparse.

A government agency publishes a detailed map of Casablanca in the form of a book called Carte Guide de Casablanca, which may be found in bookshops or online; nevertheless, it is unlikely to be essential. Apart from that, Casablanca is similar to any other European city: streets are usually signposted, and bystanders are very helpful in French or Arabic, and less often in Spanish or English. Although the Medina may be difficult to traverse, it is so tiny that even if you walk in aimlessly, you will never be more than 10 minutes from an exit.

Casablanca is one of just two Moroccan cities that have tram service. In late 2012, the first line was launched. From 5:30 a.m. until 22:30 a.m., trains operate frequently (during the day, the interval seems to be shorter than 10 minutes). Keep in mind that the majority of vending machines only accept pennies. A single travel costs MAD 6 with a rechargeable card and MAD 7 without. Please note that when purchasing a ticket, a charge of MAD 1 will be applied for the card. In Arabic and French, tram stops are announced. The Casa Tramway website has further information in French and Arabic, including the network (“réseau”) and timetable (“horaires”).

Many bus companies operate in the city, and the bus routes for a certain number are the same, despite the fact that the route is entirely unknown (Google maps has some bus stops for Casa though). Traveling by bus is the cheapest option (4 Dh), however certain firms, such as Hana Bus, have cars in poor condition. Given the cost savings and experience of what many locals have, it could be worth taking a risk, but beware of pickpockets.

Even if you merely tell them “the restaurant on Blvd. Hassan II,” all cabs are red and the drivers know how to go to every single spot in every single reference book. When moving about, avoid the white Mercedes Grand Taxis; they are far more costly and less safe. To prevent getting overcharged at the conclusion of the journey, make sure the meter is running. Don’t be startled if the cab pulls over to pick up another passenger. The cheapest ticket is 7 MAD.

Casablanca is a commune in the Casablanca-Settat region of Morocco. The commune is split into eight prefectures, which are subdivided into 16 subdivisions or arrondissements, and one municipality. The following are the districts and their subdivisions:

• Aïn Chock (عين الشق) – Aïn Chock (عين الشق)
• Aïn Sebaâ – Hay Mohammadi (عين السبع الحي المحمدي) – Aïn Sebaâ (عين السبع), Hay Mohammadi (الحي المحمدي), Roches Noires (روش نوار).
• Anfa (أنفا) – Anfa (أنفا), Maârif (المعاريف), Sidi Belyout (سيدي بليوط).
• Ben M’Sick (بن مسيك) – Ben M’Sick (بن مسيك), Sbata (سباته).
• Sidi Bernoussi (سيدي برنوصي) – Sidi Bernoussi (سيدي برنوصي), Sidi Moumen (سيدي مومن).
• Al Fida – Mers Sultan (الفداء – مرس السلطان) – Al Fida (الفداء); Mechouar (المشور) (municipality), Mers Sultan (مرس السلطان).
• Hay Hassani (الحي الحسني) – Hay Hassani (الحي الحسني).
• Moulay Rachid (مولاي رشيد) – Moulay Rachid (مولاي رشيد), Sidi Othmane (سيدي عثمان).

The following is a list of neighborhoods that is not exhaustive:

• 2 Mars
• Ain Chock
• Ain Diab
• Ain Sebaa
• Belvédère
• Beausejour
• Bouchentouf
• Bourgogne
• Californie
• Centre Ville(downtown)
• C.I.L.
• Derb Ghalaf
• Derb Sultan Al Fida
• Derb TaZI
• Al Hank
• Hay Al Mohammadi
• Ghandi
• Gauthier
• Habous
• Hay Dakhla (“Derb Lihoudi”)
• Hay Farah
• Hay El Hana
• Hay Moulay Rachid
• La Colline
• Bouskoura
• Laimoun (Hay Hassani)
• Lissasfa
• Maârif
• Palmiers
• Old Madina (Mdina Qdima)
• Mers Sultan
• Nassim
• Oasis
• Walfa
• Polo
• Racine
• Riviera
• Roches Noires
• Salmia II
• Sbata
• Sidi Bernoussi
• Sidi Maarouf
• Sidi Moumen
• Sidi Othman

Tourist (Backpacker) – 50 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:meals in cheap restaurant, public transport, cheap hotel.

Tourist (regular) – 111 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:mid-range meals and drinks,transportation, hotel.

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Ain Diab Beach

Morocco’s capital, Casablanca, is often regarded as the country’s most important city. The city is situated on the Atlantic Ocean’s Atlantic coast. Casablanca’s major beach is known as Ain Diab. It features several beach clubs along the front and is within a short distance from the city center. Ain Diab is a vast stretch of beach that stretches for almost a mile. The sea is typically windy and rough, making it unsuitable for swimming. When it comes to swimming, pools near the beachfront may be a better alternative. Day memberships are available at the beach clubs along the coastline, and some hotels will allow non-residents in for a modest price.

Bouznika Beach

Aside from Ain Diab, Casablanca is close to a few additional beaches, including Bouznika, which is situated between Casablanca and Rabat, another neighboring city. This beach, unlike Ain Diab, has part of its Moroccan beauty and draws both residents and visitors. Bouznika Beach is ideal for surfing, swimming, long walks on a beautiful sandy beach, or just sunbathing and taking in the scenery.

Agadir Beach

Agadir, southwest of Casablanca, has another beach in the vicinity. Agadir Beach is a famous tourist destination because it is set in a crescent-shaped harbor that is shielded by neighboring hills and receives over 300 days of sunshine each year. It’s even nice in the cold. It may be fun to spend your days here practicing a variety of water activities such as water skiing, swimming, surfing, and windsurfing. In a roped-off section of the beach, there is also plenty of space for just lounging. Agadir has become the most popular seaside resort in Morocco. Casablanca is an outstanding seaside holiday resort in Morocco.

King Hassan II Mosque

Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah. 

The biggest mosque in Morocco and the world’s sixth largest mosque, with the world’s highest minaret. After a seven-year building period, it opened in 1993. It is one of Morocco’s two major mosques that is accessible to non-Muslims. Beautiful interior with water elements, a sky-lit ceiling, a massive hammam in the basement (not in use), and exquisite tile work. Tours are held at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Thursdays

Old Medina

(north of the Place des Nations Unies. There is a small traditional walled town in the north of Casablanca). 

It’s worth a visit if you’re in town, but it pales in comparison to the splendors of Fes or Marrakesh.

The Corniche

A seaside neighborhood west of the Hassan II Mosque. It used to be a bustling resort district, with hotels on one side of the Boulevard de la Corniche and nightclubs on the other. The majority seem to have seen better days. Many newer, finer hotels along the Boulevard de l’Ocean Atlantique. Many western fast food chains may be found along the Corniche. There is also a new western-style movie theater here, but the best alternative is to stroll up and down the Boulevard, stopping at one of the numerous ocean-view cafés along the way.

Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman

Built on a rocky outcropping off the coast, well beyond The Corniche and only accessible at low tide. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the shrine, but they are welcome to tour the small, medina-like community that has grown up around it. It’s best to stroll down the shore and see the stunning white walls before catching a taxi to less secluded regions.

Mahkama du Pacha

M-Sa 8:00-12:00 & 14:00-18:00. 

More than 60 beautiful chambers with exquisitely carved oak ceilings make up this Hispanic-Moorish structure. Many stuccoes and elaborate wrought-iron fences, as well as elegantly tiled flooring, adorn the walls. While admission is free, getting in is difficult. You’ll need to hire a guide to go with you. It’s worth asking around, particularly if you know French. Take the Boulevard de Paris bus 81 to get there.

Central Post Office

Send your postcards in style by coming here! The façade, which was built in 1918, is made up of both round and rectangular elements. As you approach, you’ll be able to see the beautiful mosaics up close.

Rêve de mon œil

This art gallery features an odd assortment of contemporary welded sculptures by Moroccan artists.

Octagon Square

One of the greatest spots to view contemporary Morocco is here. At midday, businessmen flock to this sophisticated city plaza to have their meal in the sunlight. There are also many opportunities to photograph gorgeous landscapes.

Villa des Arts

30, Boulevard Brahim Roudani, Casablanca (located slightly southwest of Parc de la Ligue Arabe on Bvd Brahim Roudani),  +212-(0)522 29 50 87, fax: +212-(0)522 27 86 07. Tue-Sun 9:30-19:00 (except public holidays). 

It is a space for the Moroccan art scene, run by the organization ONA. Currently, it is available for free.

Commercial art galleries (where they live by the proceeds from the sale of art, and where you may normally visit for free):

• Galérie d’art l’Atelier 21, 21, rue Abou Mahassine Arrouyani (ex rue Boissy-d’anglas), Casablanca 20100 Maroc, +212-(0)522.98.17.85, fax:+212-(0)522.98.17.86, e-mail: [email protected].
• galerie shart, 12, rue El Jihani, Casablanca,  +212 (0)5 22 39 49 80, e-mail: [email protected].
• Loft Art Gallery, 13, rue El Kaïssi, Casablanca, +212 (0)5 22 94 47 65. Mon-Fri 9:30-12:30, 14:30-19:30, Sat 09:30-12:30.
• Galérie Nadar, 5, Rue Al Manaziz,, Casablanca,  +212 (0)5 22 23 69 00, e-mail: [email protected].

Moroccan restaurants are similar to those in Spain in that they don’t open until after 7 p.m. at the earliest, and most people don’t dine until much later. Make sure to contact ahead to confirm that the restaurant of your choosing is open.

La Cigale

Blvd Brahim Roudani just south of the Rampwan de L’unite Africaine.

This tavern is tucked away near the Arab League Park, with a restaurant in front that offers only the most basic fare (sausage or kefta sandwiches, salads, and the like.) The rear bar is busier and has live music on most evenings. It’s one of the few Moroccan-style pubs where ladies may drink in peace, and beer is served with a dish of olives or popcorn. Only while dining in the restaurant is wine and liquor accessible. A few Arabic sentences to the bartender, Aisha, will win her heart and assure a steady supply of olives.

Benis Patisserie

Quartier Habous

This location is known for having some of Morocco’s greatest pastries. Try one of their legendary gazelle horns. You should also taste the bastilla (one of Morocco’s most opulent and distinguished dishes, and Benny’s is unquestionably the greatest). Choose between pigeon and farm chicken. It must be reserved ahead of time (+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. Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 14:30. 

The “Solidarité Féminine” Association has established an applied training program to assist the socio-economic integration of single mothers via enlightening work. As a result, they become co-founders of worthwhile life goals for themselves and their children. 35 DH for the day’s special, a salad, and freshly baked bread. Moroccan pastries and mint tea are provided.

La Corrida

59 Rue el Araar,  +212 22 27 81 55. 

It’s easy to overlook this eatery from the outside, but search for the little sign surrounded by flickering lights. It boasts a lovely outside courtyard, but the primary draw is on the interior. It’s filled with mementos from Spanish bullfighting competitions and provides a dark, candle-lit atmosphere that’s ideal for dating. The sangria is delicious, and the Tapas menu great as well (which changes daily). The restaurant specializes on seafood, and the steamed mussels are a must-try.

Taverne du Dauphin

115 Blvd Felix Houphouet, +212 22 22 12 00. 

This little seafood restaurant, which is within walking distance of the ancient medina, the harbor, and the Park of the Arab League, may become rather packed around mealtimes. This popular lunch place has an outstanding seafood variety and one of the largest beer options in Morocco (albeit just 5 or 6 different beers). The fish is fresh from the port fisherman, and the shellfish (oysters, mussels, and other seafood) are delectable. Keep a watch on the waiters while paying: they’ll “help you count the money,” which may evolve into an intricate shell game in which they smuggle part 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 with a large red neon sign that is difficult to overlook. The inside is tastefully furnished in dark burgundy, with a plethora of mirrors and Asian accents. The meal is OK; the soups are delicious, but the chicken is often overdone. Still, it’s an excellent spot for a quick bite to eat near the Maarif, which is a decent retail district.

La Sqala

Blvd. Des Almohades,  +212 22 26 09 60. 

This restaurant, built on the ruins of a historic castle, is as much of a cultural attraction as it is a meal. It contains cannons, walls, defensive positions, and portcullises on the borders of the historic medina, as well as a lovely, clean dining setting. Although the ambience is a tad touristic, the cuisine is a nice contemporary take on classic Moroccan dishes. Some of the meals are vegan and vegetarian. If you’re only looking for a snack, they also carry the necessary Moroccan pastries and drinks. This is a fantastic picture opportunity.

Al Mounia

95 Rue Prince Moulay Abdullah,  +212 22 22 26 69. 

The patio of this restaurant is beautiful, with a hundred-year-old tree. The primary disadvantage is that, since this restaurant is included in most guidebooks, it becomes crowded early in the morning. Traditional Moroccan cuisine is served, including some of the greatest couscous in the nation. A large wine selection is also available.

La Cocina

55, Rue Mustapha el Manfalouti, Gauthier, a 20m de Zerktouni, +212 522 463369. 

In Casablanca, you may get a true experience of Spain. This restaurant, located in the heart of Casablanca, serves a wide range of Spanish meals, including excellent rice and paella dishes, as well as a large selection of genuine Spanish tapas, as well as local and imported wines and beers. It is a must-see in Casablanca since it is open nonstop from midday to midnight and has a lovely décor and excellent service.

Rick’s Cafe

248 Rue Sour Jdid,  +212 22 27 42 07, e-mail:[email protected].

This eatery claims to be a replica of the titular café from the film Casablanca. Excellent position, only a 20-minute walk from the Hassan II Mosque and inside the Old Medina’s ocean-front walls. The meal is good, but it is pricey. Eat on the second floor for a great view of the seats below and the level-Moroccan décor, or on the ground floor to be closer to the piano player who, of course, performs As Time Goes By every night. Excellent wine and liquor collection, as well as a comprehensive beer variety for Morocco (5 different brands). The waitstaff, dressed in tuxedos and Fezes, is outstanding. Dinner for two costs about 800 DH.

YoSushi

12 Rue Mohammed Abdou,  +212 22 98 11 90.

Sushi is becoming more popular in Morocco. One of the best is this small establishment on a side street near the prefectural police headquarters. It’s brand new, clean, and stylish, so you’ll be hard pressed to find anybody there before 10 p.m. Nigiri, Sashimi, Hosomaki, Maki, Futomakis, and a variety of other fish products are also available. Although delicious, it can be costly if your goal is to fill yourself up. There aren’t many vegan dining alternatives.

La Table du Rétro

22 Rue Abou Al Mahassine Arrayani,  +212 05 22 94 05 55, e-mail: [email protected].

MAD 350 is a meal of French cuisine.

Casablanca is one of Morocco’s least intriguing shopping destinations. It’s easy to locate shops offering traditional Moroccan things like tagines, ceramics, leather goods, hookahs, and a wide range of other trinkets in the ancient Medina, but they’re all geared toward visitors. Wait till you’re in Fes and have the opportunity to haggle with someone who sells to Moroccans and tourists equally.

However, several name-brand European and American retail stores, such as Zara, are located in the Maarif area (near the twin center, at Boulevard al Massira al Khadra). Designer spectacles, leather shoes, and “genuine” belts, purses, and shirts are all available at a discount.

Morocco Mall is a big retail mall with a theater and a variety of stores (it is said to be North Africa’s second largest shopping mall). It is situated in the city’s far southwest (further down from Ain Diab/Anfa).

A massive souq in the Derb Ghalef area is not for the feint of heart. Each of the little shanties is brimming with “genuine” cellphones, “genuine” watches, and “genuine” “brand name” apparel. The businesses are divided by three-foot-wide lanes, some of which also serve as drainage ditches. In the center, there are a number of fruit smoothie stalls that are a nice place to recuperate and plan your trip. The booth owners, of course, are kings of haggling, and unless you have a strong backbone and a decent command of Arabic, you’re sure to overpay for everything.

Casablanca’s nightlife has received mixed reviews. The mostly male clientele at many pubs and nightclubs may make women feel uneasy. However, if you delve a little further, you’ll discover some great places to drink, dance, and people watch. At night, several clubs are overrun by prostitutes. Bringing a female back to a hotel is not a good idea.

If you wish to have a drink in your hotel room, stores such as Acima and Marjane provide a large range of liquor and wine, while the beer selection is limited. European-style restaurants, which generally offer a good variety, or hotel bars, which are often safer and more relaxed, are the ideal locations to drink. In the Maarif and Gironde areas, there are several western-style nightclubs. Pubs will set you back roughly 100 dirhams per person, but if you go between 7 and 11 p.m., the price will be half that. Tiger House and La Notte are two pubs worth seeing.

Kasbar

7 Rue Najib Mahfoud, Gauthier (On a street between Blvd Anfa and Blvd Souktani.),  +212 22 20 47 47. 

A dark and eerie setting for a drink or meal. Any outfit will do, but if you want to go all out, a night at Kasbar is the place to be.

La Bodega

Rue Mohammed 5 (Near the old downtown and Medina). 

A really unique Spanish tapas bar. There may be a line to get into the basement pub, but once inside, you’ll be greeted by fire-eating bartenders. However, it is rather pricey, and it is only visited by tourists.

Religion, culture, and traditions, as well as music, language, and dance, are honored during Casablanca festivals. Some of the most well-known festivals are listed here.

International Festival of Video Arts (March)

This festival, which is co-hosted by the Ben M’sik Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Hassan II University, is a week-long display of video arts in which artists from all over the globe share their perspectives on a certain issue. Spain, France, Italy, Lebanon, Egypt, Japan, Canada, and the United States are just a few of the nations that take part in the event each year.

Urban Culture on Stage (March)

This is a celebration of hip hop, fusion, and rap music and dance. The two-day event is held in the Zafzaf Cultural Center and, although it is mostly attended by young people, it is gradually gaining traction among people of all ages.

Jazzblanca Festival (March)

In April, this jazz fusion event draws jazz performers and jazz fans from all over the globe to Casablanca. The event will take place in the Megarama Casablanca Cinema on the Corniche.

Amazigh Theater Festival

The Amazigh Theater Festival, which takes place in May, is a celebration of theater arts, puppetry, miming, speech, music, and dance. The event, which is performed in Berber, an old North African language that is an integral component of Moroccan culture and history, provides an informative look into Berber traditions.

L’Zac L’Boulevard

Each year in May, L’Zac L’Boulevard, a three-day music event, envelops the city in the sounds of hip hop, metal, electro, fusion, and rock. Fans from all around the globe gather to celebrate and sing their songs.

Safi in the Heart of Casablanca (May and June)

The Safi Festival, also known as the Ceramics Festival, takes place in May and June, and features Safi ceramic displays.

Boulevard of Young Musicians (June)

This four-day contemporary Arabic music festival, held in June, featuring young funk, hip hop, and rock musicians. Although the majority of the players are young, the competitive character of the different groups appeals to the viewers.

Rawafid Festival (July)

The Rawafid Festival, which takes place in July, highlights Moroccan diaspora artists.

Casablanca Festival

Casablanca Festival is a festival of urban art and music. The event lasts several days and takes place at different theaters, parks, clubs, and beaches, generally in July. This is a chance for artists, musicians, and art and music aficionados to gather in Casablanca.

Feast of the Throne (July 30)

This event commemorates King Mohammed VI’s ascension to the Moroccan throne in 1999. Every year on July 30, the King addresses the people, and banquets and festivities are held all around Morocco.

Almost all of the sights to visit in Casablanca are in the city’s north; very few maps even depict the city’s expansive southern end. Using common sense to avoid seeming like a tourist, not flashing enormous amounts of cash, and so on will solve 99 percent of difficulties. Faux guides are far less of an issue here than they are everywhere in Morocco, and they are mostly restricted to the Old Medina region. It is not advised to stroll alone at night in Casablanca. To prevent harassment, women should dress modestly in all Moroccan towns (which almost always consists of lewd comments, but nothing physical.)