Casablanca

Casablanca: Paris of Africa

Casablanca is more than Morocco’s largest city. It’s a state of mind. Here, sunset over the Atlantic meets the call to prayer from the Hassan II Mosque. French Art Deco cafés sit next to traditional medinas. Romance, rhythm, and refinement fill the warm evening air. Here are some highlights:

City Atmosphere: Casablanca blends modernity and tradition. You’ll find bustling boulevards alongside quiet old lanes.

The Hassan II Mosque: This stunning mosque features a towering minaret that shapes the skyline. It’s one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, welcoming many worshippers. Its beauty lies in intricate carvings and stained glass windows. It’s an iconic city landmark.

Evenings: The Corniche, Casablanca’s oceanfront promenade, buzzes at sunset. Locals enjoy the sea breeze, sip mint tea, and lounge on the beach. The vibrant social scene thrives around cafés like Le Cabestan.

Architectural Style: Casablanca showcases a mix of Moroccan traditions and French colonial style. Look for Art Deco buildings from the 1930s alongside the traditional Old Medina.

Cultural Activities: You can see Casablanca’s dual identity in its bookshops. They display Arabic literature and French novels side by side.

Café Culture: Cafés play a big role in daily life. They offer a relaxed space for socializing and enjoying traditional drinks like mint tea and nous-nous.

Place Mohammed V: Sipping coffee on Place Mohammed V is great for people-watching. The illuminated Mahkama du Pacha and Palais de Justice create a lovely backdrop.

The Golden Age of Hollywood: Rick’s Café brings back memories of the 1942 film “Casablanca.” Its colonial décor and film vibes are charming. Enjoy live piano music, especially on Sundays with jazz. The menu features Continental cuisine, including Champagne Oysters, Seafood Linguini, and Rib-Eye Steak.

Nightlife: Casablanca’s nightlife is vibrant. Chic lounges, clubs, and trendy restaurants line the coast. The city’s cosmopolitan nature shines through in its mix of languages.

Traditional Music: Gnawa music connects to Morocco’s African roots with its hypnotic rhythms and spiritual themes.

Evening Activities: Enjoy pastries at a pâtisserie or stroll along the waterfront to end the evening.

Food: Casablanca offers a rich culinary experience. Try dishes like kebabs, sellou, flatbreads, coffee, tea, and ma’akouda.

Tajine: Traditional tajines are full of bold flavors. You’ll find ginger, turmeric, saffron, preserved lemon, olives, and caramelized onions.

Street Food Delights: Savor local dishes like bissara (fava bean soup) and fresh juices like jus d’orange (orange juice) and jus de canne (sugar cane juice).

Seafood: Enjoy fresh seafood such as fried calamari and grilled fish, accented with local doqq lemons.