Casablanca, or Dar el-Beïda in Arabic, is often described as modern Morocco’s beating heart. It is a city on the Atlantic coast that mingles modern dynamism and historic roots, where business towers overlook colonial architecture, traditional pushcart markets rub shoulders with chic coffee shops. Although it may not have the exotic romance of Marrakesh or Fez, Casablanca is still the nation’s undeniable industrial engine and cultural capital — a city that doesn’t simply embrace the future but charges toward it.
A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME: THE HISTORY OF CASABLANCA
History Casablanca’s history is nearly identical to Algiers, founded in antiquity. Its first human occupation dates back to the Paleolithic era, with further settlement established by Basque and Arab tribes at high altitude of over twenty-seven hundred meters during ancient antiquity which was then followed by Phoenician or early Roman rule. Anfa was known as Anfus in the 8th century and remained a prosperous town with connections to the rest of North Africa, Berkane and Tetouan. But it was destroyed by the Portuguese in the 15th century as they used Lagos as an harbour base.
Eventually, they rebuilt it in the 16th century, and called it Casa Branca (“White House”). With the Spanish, and then the French, influence on the area, the name developed into Casablanca. It was an unimportant little town on the coast for centuries. It paid a minor role in opening up the western Sudan before its capture by the French.
Morocco was a French protectorate and its largest city is Casablanca. Its port became one of the largest in Africa, and its cityscape linked art deco buildings along broad boulevards with European-style cafes. Morocco gained independence in 1956, yet Casablanca remains the economic capital of the country. Today, the city is one of colonial reminisces and modern lessons.
A VIBRANT POPULATION
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco with a population of more than 3.7 million in the urban area. It is a genuine melting pot; people come from all over the country to find jobs and an education and opportunities. The place is feral with youth and ambition; you can feel it in the quick rhythms of life here, the thrashy city streets, the 24/7 landscape.
It is a diversity that gives Casablanca an incredible asset. It is cosmopolitan and urban in a way other Moroccan cities are not — but has its own deep cultural and religious roots. Casablanca is home to a motley crew — from old school craftsmen and startup dreamers, to college students and lifelong vendors.
LANGUAGE AND DAILY COMMUNICATION
Casablanca’s main languages are French and Moroccan Arabic. Darija, as this variety of Moroccan Arabic is referred to in Morocco, is the most spoken language that appears in daily life though Modern Standard Arabic and French are also used. English is gaining ground, especially among the young, but it hasn’t yet taken root on the street of this city beyond the entertainment and higher education sectors.
On the streets, people speak a range of languages: Arabic and French but also snippets from Spanish and English. This linguistic dexterity is one of the city’s charms, and it reflects its own complicated identity.
CURRENCY AND ELECTRICAL STANDARDS
As elsewhere in Morocco, the currency used in Casablanca is known as Moroccan dirham (MAD). Cash rules in many places, especially smaller shops and markets, but hotels, restaurants and larger stores take credit cards. Money exchange service is also widely available and there are a lot of ATMs.
Electricity: Morocco has 220 volts AC, 50Hz and ac XXX) type C and E plugs. For some gadgets — especially high-powered ones like hair dryers — travelers from countries such as the United States or Canada will not only need a plug adapter, but also a voltage converter.
CASABLANCA’S CLIMATE
Climate Casablanca has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csa) with influences from the ocean, mild wet winters and hot dry summers. The ocean itself, meanwhile, moderates its temperature extremes: It never gets muggy-hot or crisp-cold. Summer temperatures vary from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) while the winter is typically between 8°C and 18°C (46°F and 64°F).
Most of the rain falls between November and March, but during rainy season, even then, the sun usually puts in an appearance. The climate of Casablanca is very mild and can be visited throughout the year.
A TASTE OF CASABLANCA: LOCAL CUISINE
Like the soundtrack of “Casablanca,” some staple offerings never go out of style in this Moroccan city on the rise. Eating in Casablanca has a unique allure, one that successfully combines tastes and flavors of Morocco. While many international cuisines cater to the city’s locals, Moroccan dishes predominate in everyday life.
Tagine (stew) A slow-simmered stew of meat, vegetables and spices; named for the clay pot in which it is cooked; can include lamb with prunes, chicken with preserved lemons and olives or vegetarian versions.
Couscous: Steamed semolina grain, with meat (and some veggies), and scented by broth not sauce; the dish is a staple food in Morocco often served after Friday prayers in Moroccan houses.
Harira: A tomato based soup composed of lentils, chickpeas and tiny bits of meat. It’s especially popular during Ramadan.
Pastilla: A sweet-and-savoury pie of thin pastry leaves filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, cinnamon and icing sugar.
Casablanca also is home to a large number of coffee shops. Street vendors sell mint tea, fresh-squeezed OJ and Moroccan pastries. In any case, in those more upscale areas like Ain Diab or Gauthier, look for stylish eateries that are reinventing Moroccan dishes in newfangled ways.
NAVIGATING THE CITY: TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY
Transport Inside Casablanca The transport system of Casablanca is the most developed in all of Morocco. The Casablanca Tramway is a tram system in the Moroccan city of Casablanca and opened to the public on 12 December 2012. It’s inexpensive, it’s clean and efficient, and it provides a great view of the city.
Taxis are plentiful, with both petit taxis (small red cars that circulate around town) and grand taxis (larger white vehicles that carry one further distances or for which customers share the ride, as in a cab). Fares are generally reasonable, but you should agree on a fare or insist that the meter be turned on before setting out.
There are public buses, but those can be crowded and overwhelming for newcomers. Most locals prefer the comfort of getting around via ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber (though that may vary).
Casablanca is enormous – so you can only walk if you are going around a generous part of one of the neighbourhoods. But promenades like the Corniche do provide beautiful strolling along the coast, especially at sunsets.
STAYING SAFE IN THE CITY
Casablanca remains relatively safe for tourists, far more so than many large cities in many parts of the world. Although violent crime is rare, pickpocketing or fraud among tourists may occur in crowded places. Tourists should stay alert to valuables, avoid unlit areas after dark and stick to well-lit streets where there are people.
As in any big city, this is a snap to work out with some common sense. Women travelers may be subject to some unwelcome attention, but for the most part it’s only talk and can generally be minimized by dressing modestly and walking with confidence.
It is heavily policed, and security has heightened significantly in recent years. Casablanca is also politically stable and relatively low-stress for foreigners.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Alright so there aren’t any ancient medinas like Fez or desert romance like Merzouga but Casablanca does have its fair share of experiences that you would not want to miss out on, it’s a mix of historical significance and modern aspirations.
Mosquée Hassan II: The most renowned landmark in Casablanca, the mosque is among the biggest mosques in the world and has an impressive minaret which comes to a height of 210 meters. Half leaning above the Atlantic Ocean, it is a glorious structure and one of only a handful in Morocco that allows guided tours by non-Muslims.
The Corniche: A wonderful seafront promenade with seaside restaurants, cafes and beaches. (4) IT’S SCENIC It’s a well-loved spot for evening strolls, with the Atlantic crashing against the rocks offering its own kind of picturesque view.
Old Medina: Less of a thing than in other Moroccan cities, but Casablanca has its few blocks’ worth of winding streets and local markets where people still live and work, certainly filled with more traditional sounds if not sights.
Habous: Built during the French protectorate, this quarter is a city designed and created by Moroccan and French. It is known for its small artist shops, book stalls and bakeries.
Square Pl Mohammed V: Lined with handsome colonial administration buildings, this square is occasionally the site of public meetings and festivities.
Morocco Mall – One of Africa’s largest shopping malls with tons of luxury brands, a movie theatre, an aquarium and number of restaurants.
Villa des Arts: Cultural centre with temporary exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan art in a beautifully restored art deco building.
BEYOND THE POSTCARD
Casablanca really doesn’t look at all like the Morocco you’d picture in a travel brochure. It’s busy-footed, it’s footloose; it moves fast. But it’s that whirlwind, that mix of cultures and architecture and lifestyles, that makes it so captivating. A city of dreams for so many Moroccans; a center of opportunity and innovation; and, increasingly, a place that is making itself felt on the global map.
Whether you are in town as a stopover on the way to or from the desert, or whether your Moroccan aspirations bring you to this city of 4 million packed with gray and beige high-rises, Casablanca has its delights, if you roll up your sleeves and get dirty.
