Casablanca, or Dar el-Beïda as it’s called in Arabic, is often described as the beating heart of modern Morocco. Located along the Atlantic coast, it’s a city where contemporary energy merges with deep historical roots, where business towers rise near colonial architecture, and where traditional markets thrive alongside chic cafés. While it might not carry the same romantic mystique as Marrakesh or Fez, Casablanca is undeniably the economic and cultural powerhouse of Morocco—a city that doesn’t just look toward the future but races into it.
A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME: THE HISTORY OF CASABLANCA
Casablanca’s history dates back to ancient times. The area was originally settled by Berber tribes and later became a strategic port under Phoenician and Roman influence. In the 8th century, the city was known as Anfa, a prosperous Berber town with strong trade connections. However, it was destroyed in the 15th century by Portuguese forces due to its use as a pirate haven.
The Portuguese eventually rebuilt it in the 16th century and called it Casa Branca (meaning “White House”). Over time, as the Spanish and later the French came to influence the region, the name evolved into Casablanca. It remained a relatively small coastal town until the early 20th century, when French colonial rule transformed it into a modern city.
Under the French protectorate, Casablanca was rapidly developed. Its port became one of the largest in Africa, and its cityscape filled with art deco buildings, wide boulevards, and European-style cafés. After Morocco gained independence in 1956, Casablanca retained its position as the country’s economic capital. Today, it is a city that reflects both colonial heritage and contemporary growth.
A VIBRANT POPULATION
Casablanca is the most populous city in Morocco, with over 3.7 million residents in the metropolitan area. It’s a true melting pot, attracting people from all corners of the country who come in search of jobs, education, and opportunity. The city pulses with youth and ambition, and you can feel that energy in the fast-paced lifestyle, buzzing streets, and 24-hour activity.
This diversity gives Casablanca a unique edge. It’s more cosmopolitan and urban than other Moroccan cities, and yet it retains deep cultural and religious traditions. From traditional artisans to startup founders, from university students to lifelong traders, Casablanca is home to a fascinating mix of characters.
LANGUAGE AND DAILY COMMUNICATION
The most widely spoken languages in Casablanca are Arabic and French. Moroccan Arabic, or Darija, is the most common in everyday life, while French is heavily used in business, education, and government affairs. English is gaining popularity, especially among younger generations, but it’s still not widely spoken outside of the hospitality industry or higher education.
Visitors will notice a unique blend of linguistic expressions—conversations often shift between Arabic, French, and even a few words of Spanish or English. This multilingualism is one of the city’s charms, and it reflects the rich layers of its identity.
CURRENCY AND ELECTRICAL STANDARDS
The currency used in Casablanca, as in all of Morocco, is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Cash is still king in many places, especially small shops and markets, though credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. Currency exchange is easy to find throughout the city, and ATMs are widely available.
As for electricity, Morocco uses 220 volts and 50 Hz, with type C and E plug types. Travelers from countries like the United States or Canada will need both plug adapters and voltage converters for certain devices, especially high-powered ones like hair dryers.
CASABLANCA’S CLIMATE
Casablanca enjoys a Mediterranean climate with Atlantic influences, giving it mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The proximity to the ocean moderates extreme temperatures, so it never gets unbearably hot or cold. In summer, temperatures typically range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), while winter temperatures hover between 8°C and 18°C (46°F to 64°F).
Rainfall is mostly concentrated between November and March, but even during the rainy season, the sun often breaks through. The pleasant climate makes Casablanca a comfortable year-round destination.
A TASTE OF CASABLANCA: LOCAL CUISINE
Food in Casablanca is a flavorful expression of Morocco’s rich culinary traditions. While the city offers a wide variety of international cuisine, traditional Moroccan dishes are at the heart of daily life.
- Tagine: A slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices, named after the clay pot it’s cooked in. Variations include lamb with prunes, chicken with preserved lemons and olives, or vegetarian versions.
- Couscous: Typically served on Fridays after prayers, this dish consists of steamed semolina grains topped with meat and vegetables, often infused with a saffron-based broth.
- Harira: A tomato-based soup with lentils, chickpeas, and small cuts of meat. It’s especially popular during Ramadan.
- Pastilla: A savory-sweet pie made with thin pastry layers, pigeon or chicken, almonds, cinnamon, and powdered sugar.
Casablanca also offers a strong café culture. Street vendors sell mint tea, fresh orange juice, and Moroccan pastries. In more upscale neighborhoods like Ain Diab or Gauthier, you’ll find trendy restaurants serving modern takes on Moroccan dishes.
NAVIGATING THE CITY: TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY
Casablanca’s transportation system is one of the most advanced in Morocco. The city is home to the Casablanca Tramway, a modern light rail network that connects key neighborhoods and helps reduce traffic congestion. It’s affordable, clean, and an excellent way to get around the city.
Taxis are widely available, including petit taxis (small red cars for local travel) and grand taxis (larger white cars for longer distances or shared rides). Prices are reasonable, but it’s best to agree on a fare or insist on using the meter before starting your journey.
Public buses are also available, though they can be crowded and challenging for newcomers. For greater comfort, many locals use ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber (though availability may vary).
Casablanca is a sprawling city, so walking is practical only within neighborhoods. However, promenades like the Corniche offer beautiful coastal strolls, especially at sunset.
STAYING SAFE IN THE CITY
Casablanca is generally safe for travelers, especially compared to other major cities worldwide. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft, such as pickpocketing or scams targeting tourists, can happen in crowded areas. Visitors should be cautious with valuables, avoid isolated areas at night, and stick to well-lit, populated streets.
As in any large city, common sense goes a long way. Women travelers may encounter unwanted attention, but it’s typically limited to comments and can be avoided by dressing modestly and walking confidently.
Police presence is noticeable in tourist zones, and security has improved significantly in recent years. Casablanca is also politically stable, which makes it a relatively stress-free destination for international visitors.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS AND HIGHLIGHTS
While Casablanca might not have the ancient medinas of Fez or the desert romance of Merzouga, it has its own set of impressive attractions that reflect both its historical significance and modern personality.
- Hassan II Mosque: The most iconic landmark in Casablanca, this mosque is one of the largest in the world and features a towering minaret that rises 210 meters high. Sitting partly over the Atlantic Ocean, it offers stunning architecture and is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims for guided tours.
- The Corniche: A scenic oceanfront promenade lined with restaurants, cafés, and beaches. It’s popular for evening walks and offers views of the Atlantic crashing against the rocks.
- Old Medina: While smaller than those in other Moroccan cities, Casablanca’s old medina offers winding alleys, local markets, and a more traditional atmosphere.
- Habous Quarter: Built during the French colonial period, this area blends Moroccan and French architecture. It’s known for artisan shops, bookstalls, and bakeries.
- Place Mohammed V: This square is surrounded by elegant administrative buildings from the colonial era and is often the site of public gatherings and celebrations.
- Morocco Mall: One of the largest shopping malls in Africa, featuring luxury boutiques, a cinema, an aquarium, and a wide selection of restaurants.
- Villa des Arts: A cultural space hosting exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan art, located in a beautifully preserved art deco building.
BEYOND THE POSTCARD
Casablanca may not fit the traditional image of Morocco often seen in travel brochures. It’s busy, modern, and constantly in motion. But it’s precisely this fast-paced energy, this blend of cultures, architecture, and lifestyles, that makes it so intriguing. It’s a city of dreams for many Moroccans, a city of opportunity and innovation, and increasingly, a city that’s finding its place on the global map.
Whether you’re passing through on your way to the desert or choosing to dive deep into urban Moroccan life, Casablanca has something to offer—if you’re willing to look beyond the surface and into the soul of the city.
