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Guide to Casablanca, Morocco
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CasablancaCasablanca
Casablanca, Morocco, is a city like many other from a distance, but when taken in up close and personal, its easy to get caught up in the splendors of the city. Pedestrians always scatter the streets and walkways, and the commercial centers can be quite noisy with merchants trying to get every last penny out of passing tourists. But the architecture-not only of the revered landmarks of the city, but of the entire city in general- gives you the sense that youre walking through history, which, in a sense you are. Its exciting, and not hectic and crowded that youre looking for respite after a few hours from arrival. The people are lovely too, and modernism has not left this city behind. You will find yourself well accommodated with the essentials to a pleasant stay.
When to go:
Weather in Casablanca is consistently pleasant year-round. Though it can get chilly during the winter months (nothing you need a winter coat for), youll be happy with the warm air and gentle breezes coming off from the waterfront. Spring and autumn are when most visitors travel to Casablanca, though its not an overly crowded city when they do come. This makes it an ideal city to visit, and to experience at your own pace.
Getting there and around:
Casablancas airportthe Mohammed V Airportis quite a ways from the city unfortunately (about 30km). Dont be discouraged though, finding a taxi is easy, and youll get into the city in about half-an-hour.
There are not many options to getting around the city. We say, either walk, or take a taxi. Nearly everyone takes taxis to get around the city, since it is not exactly an epicenter for commerce with no need for a modern metro system or anything of that sort. Taxis will suit you well enough, and get you to where you need to go fast. If you choose to walk, more power to you. Casablanca is best experienced at a slow pace.
Attractions:
Most people, when visiting Casablanca, are immediately drawn to the Mosque of Hassan II. It was built not long ago (1993), yet is said to be the largest mosque in Africa, and one of few in the world that allow non-Muslims to walk through, even tour. Its quite a large structure, with magnificent architecture. We highly recommend a visit, and many will be pleased to know that tours of the Mosque are available (for a fee) in English, French, German, and Spanish.
Casablanca has two Medinas (new and old). The New (La Nouvelle Medina/Habbous District (Quartier des Habous)) is where many Moroccans and tourists go to shop. Its a great place, with streets of shops lined right alongside each other, with great classic architecture to boot, so youll feel like youre walking through a historic mall (with the exception that most merchandise is for the modern shopper). Old Medina on the other hand, is even more fascinating. Even though we dont recommend shopping here (you can, though) for the simple reason that if the merchants get a hold of you, youll be hard pressed to walk on without unloading a bit (or a lot) of cash first. But we dont feel that Old Medina is the place for that. It is a place to experience the history of Morocco, in particular Casablanca. There is some fine architecture preserved quite well here, and we feel youll be quite pleased with the experience.
While on the topic of architectural importance, we feel the need to mention the Church Notre Dame to you. Its not a haven for travelers or tourists, but when you visit, youll immediately see why we recommend it. The mosaics are spectacular here (most say they are done Picasso-style), and dont be surprised if you find yourself staying longer than you expected to. The church is really are something of a marvel.
Another site to visit is the Palais Royal. The king of Morocco does have a palace in every major city (an ego thing?), and the king does not deemphasize architecture for his places of residence. The exterior is grand, but thats basically all youll be seeing, because the palace is not open to the public.
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