Casablanca - MoroccoCarsmoroccocars.net/PDF/casablanca.pdf · film of the same name, Casablanca is the capital of Morocco in all but name. Rabat has the honour but Casablanca is widely
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Population:App. 3.8 million (city), 6.9 million(region)
Currency:Dirham (dh or MAD) = 100centimes. The importing ofDirhams is not allowed and moneymust be changed once in Morocco.
Opening hours:Shops in Casablanca are generallyopen from 8:30 a.m. – 12 noonand in the afternoons from 3pm –6pm in the evening from Mondayto Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. –12 noon on Saturdays. They areclosed on Sundays. The centralmarket (Marche Central) in RueChaouia is open daily 6 a.m. – 2p.m. Banks keep similar hours.The main branches are open from8:30 a.m. – 12 noon. Some openin the afternoons.
CASABLANCAPUBLISHING DATE: 2011-03-23 | COUNTRY CODE: MAContents: The City, Do & See, Eating, Cafés, Bars & Nightlife, Shopping,Sleeping, Essential Information, Maps
CASABLANCAA heady mix of architecture treasures such as the greatHassan II Mosque that glistens with gold in the sunshine tothe dusty Old Town, the Ancienne Medina, just a ten minuteor so walk away and to contemporary structures like its twinbusiness centre towers Casablanca is a large, sprawling cityfull to the brim with people. Sitting on the Atlantic coast ofMorocco it’s the country’s largest city and Morocco’s – aswell as North Africa’s – chief port. Cruise ships arrive daily toexperience its frenetic lifestyle, its stylish restaurants,shopping, its fine food and its often overpoweringatmosphere.
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THE CITY #THECITY#
Forever famous thanks to HumphreyBogart and Ingrid Bergman, in the 1942film of the same name, Casablanca is thecapital of Morocco in all but name. Rabathas the honour but Casablanca is widelyregarded as the most important city due toits key economic, commercial, industrialand shipping activities. Such activities havegiven parts of the city a cutting-edge 21stcentury feel especially around theBoulevard Brahim Roudaini where modernnew business centres have helped tocreate areas of fine dining restaurants andcultural venues. These are in stark contrastto the tiny streets of the Old Town’smedina and the bustling souks where dustytraditional and colonial style buildings canbe seen.
Also known as Casa (informal) and Dar elBaida (Arabic), Casablanca (in english thistranslates to ‘white house’) has a livelyhistory. This was most notable during thePortuguese occupation in the 15th centurythanks to the country’s desire to stoppirates using the port to launch attacks onits fleets. The city was virtually destroyedby an earthquake in 1755 at which timethe Portuguese lost interest and the citywas reborn under the Moroccan leader SidiMohammed III’s extensive renovationplans. It still bears some of his landmarkbuildings today.
The Casablanca of today is a wonderfulplace to visit and one of the best ways to
get the full impact of the city is to fly infrom one of numerous Europeandestinations and see the city from the airor to arrive by cruise ship. The cityskyscape stretches to the horizon in alldirections – from an aircraft window orfrom the deck of a ship and is one of thosememories that will remain forever.Venturing out on foot or by vehicle themust-sees include the massive Hassan IIMosque with its glass floor, the Old Medina(Ancienne Medina) and the Art Deco newtown (Ville Nouvelle).
DO & SEE #DOANDSEE#
Hassan Ii MosqueThis outstanding mosque stands on apromontory looking toward the Atlantic. Itcan accommodate over 100,000
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worshippers inside and on its courtyard. Itsminaret is 210 metres tall making it thetallest in the world and it has an amazingglass floor.
Address: Foire de Casablanca, Aïn DiabUnderground: To Foire de CasablancaPhone: +212 (0)52 220 6266 /65 (Tourist Office)
The Old Medina Or Old Town (ancienneMedina)A labyrinth of tiny streets with tall, dustybuildings where bustling local life can beseen and a few curiosities purchased.
Address: Ancienne MedinaUnderground: To the Ancienne Medina off the Gare du PortPhone: +212 (0)52 220 6266 /65 (Tourist Office)
Rialto CinemaOne of the most enchanting cinemas inwhich to see a film the Railto Cinema datesfrom the 1930s is Art Deco in style andstraight out of the film Casablanca.
Address: Boulevard Brahim RoudainiUnderground: To Boulevard Brahim Roudaini or PlaceMohammedPhone: +212 (0)52 220 6266 /65 (Tourist Office)
Cathedral Of Sacre CoeurFeaturing elaborate Moroccan architecturalstyles this large church is one of thelandmark buildings of the city.
Address: Boulevard Brahim RoudainiUnderground: To Boulevard Brahim Roudaini or PlaceMohammedPhone: +212 (0)52 220 6266 /65 (Tourist Office)
Villa Des ArtsA sprawling exhibition centre that displaysboth contemporary pieces of art as well astraditional Moroccan artefacts.
Address: Boulevard Brahim RoudainiUnderground: To Boulevard Brahim Roudaini or PlaceMohammedPhone: +212 (0)52 229 5087
Place Mohammed VA large sprawling square where everydaylife can be seen from one of the outdoorcafés.
Address: Place Mohammed VUnderground: To Place Mohammed VPhone: +212 (0)52 220 6266 /65 (Tourist Office)
Central MarketA bustling market that is an experienceeven if purchases from the vast selectionof fruit and vegetables are not made.
Address: Rue ChaouiaUnderground: To Rue ChaouiaOpening hours: 6am to 2pm.Phone: +212 (0)52 222 1524
EATING #EATING#
Casablanca is a multi-cultural city andwhile many of the restaurants serve amenu of only Moroccan or Frenchdelicacies there are Oriental, Mexican,Italian, Indian and American style eateriesto be found. It is also known for its icecream parlours and patisseries. Look outfor Mechoui – a roasted lamb dishseasoned with paprika and cumin andBisteeya, a savoury pastry that containschicken and eggs in a lemony-onion sauceand topped with crushed almonds andcinnamon and sugar. Do remember theremay restriction to menus and openinghours during Ramadan.
La MerA nautical-themed restaurant thatspecialises in local fish and seafood dishes.
Address: Blvd de la Corniche Phare El HankUnderground: To Gare du PortPhone: +212 (0)52 236 3315
A Ma BretagneFamous for its excellent à la carte menu
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refreshing respite from the hot summersun with around 30 different flavours tochoose from at any one time.
Address: Boulevard de la CornicheUnderground: To the Boulevard de la CornichePhone: +212 (0)2 222 1524
BARS & NIGHTLIFE #BARSANDNIGHTLIFE#
For drinks and a night out there are somegood options but many will not allowwomen to enter unaccompanied. That said,there are a few bars that welcomeholidaying couples and hotel bars aregenerally good venues for eveningrelaxation.
Orient ExpressHoused in a coach from the Orient Express,this fun bar serves a wide range of winesand spirits along with light meals.
Address: 41 Boulevard de la CornicheUnderground: To Boulevard de la CornichePhone: +212 (0)2 236 7073
Rick´s CaféWant to feel like you are in the movie"Casablanca"? Come to Rick´s Café wherethe bar from the 1942 film has come tolife. With an international menuspecializing in Casablanca’s fresh fish,vegetables and fruit you can enjoy goodfood while listening to soft pianomusic.
Address: 248, Bd Sour Jdid. Place du jardin publicPhone: +212 522 27 42 07Internet: www.rickscafe.ma
MetropolisAn atmospheric evening drinking house
inside the Hotel Suisse, which isfrequented by hotel guests and visitors.
Address: Hôtel Suisse, Boulevard de la CornicheUnderground: To the Boulevard de la CornichePhone: +212 (0)2 239 6061Internet: www.hotelsuisse-casablanca.com
Palm Beach ClubA lively pub close to the coast with bellydancers – for adults only.
Le TubeA popular disco that is a haunt of theyoung and trendy of Casablanca andvisiting holidaymakers.
Address: Boulevard de la CornicheUnderground: Boulevard de la CornichePhone: +212 (0)2 222 1524
SHOPPING #SHOPPING#
Morocco is a paradise for anyone whoadores traditional handmade crafts for thehome or as souvenirs. Top choice is usuallycolourful geometric patterned carpetscalled kilims or shoedwi carpets that arepredominately black and white. They aremade by hand and sold in little shops thatline alleyways around the city especially inthe area around Boulevard Felix HouphouetBoigny or in the medinas. For goodselections of traditional carpets head forthe Ancienne Medina near the port andquayside or the Nouvelle Medina which is alittle inland near the Mahakma du Pachaand the Palais du Rdi. Ceramics and
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pottery, such as tagines, along with woventextiles are popular purchases, too. For thefreshest fruit and vegetables head for theCentral Market (Marche Central) in the RueChaouia which is open everyday from 6amthrough to 2pm. Centre 2000 or Alpha 55in the Avenue de Mers Sultan are goodshopping centres for fashions andhousehold items.
When shopping haggling is part of thetradition. It’s a subtle exercise and fun tolearn to master. A golden rule: take yourtime!
SLEEPING #SLEEPING#
EXCLUSIVELe Royal Meridien MansourConsidered the finest hotel in Casablanca,the Le Royal Meridien has luxuriousamenities that include a spa, fine diningrestaurants and sports facilities.
Address: 27 Avenue Del Armee RoyalePhone: +212 (0)2 231 3011Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com
Hyatt Regency CasablancaOne of the finest and most luxurious hotelsin the city.
Address: Place Mohamed VPhone: +212 (0)2 243 1234Internet: www.hyatt.com
GOOD VALUERamada Almohades CasablancaThis 138-room city centre hotel offersmany amenities such as a bar andrestaurant, good guest rooms and internet
Best Western Hotel ToubkalLocated in the heart of Casablanca andclose to the main tourist sights, this hotelhas lots of amenities including sportsfacilities and restaurants.
Address: 9 Rue Sidi BelyoutPhone: +212 (0)2 231 1414Internet: www.bestwestern.com
BASICRiad Dar ItritA cosy, riad guest house of a hotel thatoozes charm with a traditional Moroccandécor. It has a good restaurant and is closeto the Old Medina.
Address: 9, Rue de RestingaPhone: +212 52 236 0258Internet: www.daritrit.ma
Riad Jnane SherazadeA well presented villa complex that iswithin walking distance of the Catedral duSacre Coeur and has facilities that includea hammam.
Address: 8, Rue Belgrade, Mers SultanPhone: +212 52 282 1765Internet: www.jnanesherazade.com
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
AirportsCasablanca’s Mohammed V Internationalairport (tel: +212 (0)2 253 9140) isaround 30km from the city centre andserved by taxis stationed outside, buses
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and car hire companies.
Internet: www.onda.ma
Public transportThe best way to get around Casablanca iseither on foot, by bus (which are generallyquite efficient) or by Petit Taxis that canfound almost everywhere in the city.Shared taxis can be a good idea for longerdistances. If driving the speed limit intowns is 50 km/hour but Casablanca oftengets gridlocked. Driving can be anightmare in the city and petrol prices arehigh. For journeys between cities the bestway to travel is by train: head for the Garedu Port. Trains services are generallyreliable, comfortable and inexpensive.
TaxiShared and Petit taxis are availablethroughout the city at various spotsespecially around the main squares andthe Gare du Port. They are generallyinexpensive and often quicker than buses.
Phone: +212 (0)2 222 1524
PharmacyPharmacies are generally open 8:30 a.m. –12 noon and in the afternoons from 3 p.m.– 6 p.m. in the evening from Monday toFriday and from 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon onSaturdays. They are closed on Sundays.Out of hours is on a rota basis displayed atthe premises. Telephone 15 (local number)or SOS Medecins for emergencyassistance.
Phone: +212 (0)2 220 2020
DentistDentists are generally open 8:30 a.m. – 12noon and in the afternoons from 3 p.m. –6 p.m. in the evening from Monday toFriday and 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon onSaturdays, except Sunday. Out of hours ison a rota basis displayed at the premises.Telephone 15 local number) in the event of
an emergency.
Post OfficeThe main post office is in Place MohammedV and is open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m.– 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12noon.
TelephoneThe country code for Morocco is 212followed by (0)2 for Casablanca and thenthe local number.
Electricity220 volts; generally two-hole sockets.Adapters required
Dress CodeAlthough Morcco is quickly advancingthings are still very traditional. As a touristit is good to pay attention to your owndress – as what you wear might offendlocals or cause harassment. Legs andshoulders are to be covered as these areconsidered to be ‘private body parts’ andboth men and women should keep theseareas covered. Both sexes should stayaway from sleeveless T-shirts, ordinaryT-shirts (worn as underwear in Morocco)and shorts. Also try to avoid tight clothing.Men should avoid walking without a shirton, this is considered poor taste andoffensive.
As for women dress codes are stricter. Youmay see Moroccan women wearingWestern-style clothes but be prepared thatyou may attract unwanted attention.
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|Avenue de Mers Sul. C4Avenue des FAR D3Avenue des Forces . B3 C3Avenue des Forces . C3Avenue Hassan II B4 C3Avenue Hassan Souk. A4 B3Avenue Hoummane El. C3Avenue Moulay Hass. B3Avenue Moussa Ben . A4 B3Avenue Pasteur D3Avenue Zaid Ou Hma. C2 C3Boulevard Abdellah. D3Boulevard Al Yassi. D3Boulevard bin el O. B2Boulevard Brahim R. A4 B4Boulevard d’Alsace C4 D4Boulevard d’Anfa A3 A4Boulevard d’El Han. A2Boulevard de Borde. A2 B3Boulevard de Khour. D4Boulevard de la Gi. D4Boulevard de la Li. C4Boulevard de la . C4 D3 D4Boulevard de Paris B3 C3Boulevard de Str. C3 C4 D4Boulevard de Tizni. A2Boulevard des Almo. B2 C2Boulevard du 11 Ja. C3 C4Boulevard du Forbi. D2 D3Boulevard du Maréc. B2 B3Boulevard El Massi. A4Boulevard Emile Zo. D3Boulevard Hassan S. C3 C4Boulevard Houphouë. C2 C3Boulevard Ibn Tach. D4Boulevard Lahcen O. C4 D4Boulevard Mohammed. B4Boulevard Mohammed.C3 D3Boulevard Mohammed. D4Boulevard Mo. A2 A3 A4 B4Boulevard Moulay A. C2 D3Boulevard Moulay. A2 B3 B4Boulevard Rachidi B3Boulevard Rahal el. C4Boulevard Sidi M. A1 A2 B1Boulevard Sour Jdi. B1Boulevard Tahar el. B2Boulevard Ziraoui A3 B2Gare Maritime C1 C2Jetée des Phosphat. D1 D2Jetée Moulay Youss. C1Môle Intermediare D1 D2Môle Tarik C2Place de Dakar D3Place de la Frater. B3Place de la Victoi. C4 D4Place des Nations . C3Place Lemaigre Dub. C4Place Mohammed V B3 C3Place Oued el Makh. B3Place Zellaga C3 D3
Rond-Point d’Europ. C4Rond-Point de l´Un. B4Rond-Point Général. D3Rond-Point Mers Su. C4Rond-Point Racine A3Route des Oulad Zi. D4Rue Abderrahhman S. B3 C3Rue Ahmed Faris D3Rue Ait Ourir A2 A3Rue Aknoul A3Rue Al Hilal Ahmar C2Rue Ali Bnou Abi T. B4Rue Aspirant Lafue. B4Rue Avesnes D3Rue Barathon D4Rue Bascunano D3 D4Rue Bergasse du . B1 B2 C1Rue Centrale C2Rue Chaouia C3Rue Chiadma B1Rue Clavenot C3 C4Rue Cujas C3Rue Curie B3 B4Rue d Agadir B4Rue d Alger B3Rue d’Audange D4Rue d’Auvergne A4Rue d’Azilal D3Rue d’Ifni D4Rue d’Indochine A3Rue de Boukraa A2 B2Rue de Domme A4Rue de Goulmima A2 B2Rue de Grenade B2Rue de l’Alma A2Rue de la Concorde B2 B3Rue de la Paix A4Rue de la Réunion A3Rue de Libourne D4Rue de Lille D3Rue de Normandie A4Rue de Provins D3Rue de Reims C4Rue de Sidi Belyou. C2 C3Rue de Tanger B2 C2Rue de Toulon D3Rue de Tours C3 D3Rue de Zurich A4Rue des Ait Ishaq A3Rue des Oulad Zian. C3 D3Rue des Quinconces D4Rue Diderot A2Rue du Camp Turpin A2 A3Rue du Général Gir. D3Rue du Marais B2Rue du Mont Cenis A4Rue du Mont Pelvou. A4Rue du Prince Moul. C3 C4Rue du Verdon D4Rue El Afia B2Rue Farhat Hachad C3 C4
Rue Félix et Max G. B3Rue Flaubert B1 B2Rue Galilée A3 B4Rue Hadj Amar Riff. C4 D4Rue Ibn Batouta C3Rue Ibn Yahia el I. A4Rue Ibnou Nafiss A4Rue Idriss Lahrizi C3Rue Jallil Dine Es. A4Rue Jean Jaurés A3 B3 B4Rue Jean Pierre Fa. A3Rue Karatchi D3Rue Lafayette D3Rue M med Diouri D3Rue Moha Ou Said B3Rue Mohammed Smiha D3Rue Molle C3Rue Mostafa El M. B4 C3 C4Rue Ollier A3Rue Pierre Parent D3Rue St-Emilion D4Rue Talma C3Rue Tata C3Rue Verlet Hanus B3Rue Zaine A2