Casablanca

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Eco-friendly travel guide to Casablanca advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Casablanca, Morocco.

City view of Casablanca


  • Air quality: 2 / 5
  • Exploring by foot: 3.5 / 5
  • Exploring by bicycle: 3 / 5
  • Public transportation: 4 / 5
  • Parks: 3.5 / 5
  • Outdoor activities: 4 / 5
  • Locals' English level: 1 / 5
  • Safety: 3.5/ 5
  • Accommodation: US10 - $500
  • Budget per day: US$40 - $800

Responsible Travel

Casablanca is a port city and commercial hub in western Morocco, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The city is Morocco's chief port and one of the largest financial centers in Africa. The city has a French colonial legacy seen in its downtown Mauresque architecture, a blend of Moorish style and European art deco. There are numerous sites to see and many rich cultures to experience in Casablanca, making it a must-visit. There are several ways to ensure responsible travel in Casablanca, with some being:

  • Support local businesses
  • Use public transport
  • Volunteer
  • Stay in an eco-friendly hotel
  • Buy local
  • Avoid unnecessary packaging, especially plastic


Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality in Casablanca is quite low as there is relatively high air pollution in the city. Most of the air pollution is caused by various industries, vehicles, and some day to day activities. Some studies have been carried out, which concluded that at least one person in every household is suffering from pollution-related diseases caused by the inhalation of atmosphere pollution and chemical emissions.

There are several factories and industries in the city, and these are responsible for most of the pollution, mostly water. There is an absence of strict laws and inspection committees that can limit pollution in the city. With no strict monitoring or consequences, most of the major waste from industries that ends up being deposited in water sources leading to water pollution. Also, Casablanca has a massive landfill that has led to the pollution of groundwater.


Respect the Culture

Casablanca is home to very welcoming and tolerant people towards different cultures, ideas, and ways of life. They also have strong beliefs and cultural norms that tourists must respect to avoid offending the locals. Moroccans are conservative, so public displays of affection should also be kept to a minimum. Hand holding between members of the same sex is considered platonic; however, homosexuality is strictly illegal. Also, if you are not a Muslim, you will not be allowed to enter the Mosques. Lastly, if you are invited to someone's house, you should remove your shoes and leave them by the door. There are many other cultural expectations that you could research before visiting the city.


Top 10 Places to Visit

Casablanca is usually overlooked by tourists as they do not know much about it and thus think it is not worth visiting. This is not an accurate assessment as, contrary to popular belief, the city could be considered a hidden gem as there is a lot to see and do while you are there. Below is a list of the top ten places to visit:

  • The Hassan II Mosque is the largest functioning mosque in Africa and is the 7th largest globally, with the world's second tallest minaret at 210 meters. The Mosque looks stands above the Atlantic Ocean, and worshippers can pray over the sea, although there is no glass floor looking into the sea. The Mosque is enormous and has enough room for 105,000 worshippers to gather together for prayer. This Mosque on the water in Casablanca was one of the most beautiful and different religious places I have ever had the chance to visit. The Mosque offers guided tours for non-Muslims, and you need to follow the rules, such as covering both your shoulders and knees to enter the Mosque. There are separate areas for men and women during services, but you can explore all of the parts once you take your shoes off if there is no worship. You can go downstairs to see the Turkish style baths where worshipers clean themselves before prayer.
  • Rick's Café Casablanca is a restaurant, bar, and café designed to recreate the bar made famous by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the movie classic Casablanca. It is located in an old courtyard-style mansion built against the walls of the Old Medina. The general design of the restaurant is reminiscent of architectural and decorative details reminiscent of the film. The air is both nostalgic and beautiful, making it a great place to eat and drink while in Casablanca. This exceptional restaurant and bar is a short distance from Casa Port train station, but it is advisable to take a taxi rather than walk. The food and dessert are mouth-watering. It is also a great place to take photos.
  • Cathédrale Sacré Coeur or Church of the Sacred Heart is a former Roman Catholic church. The Cathedral has been closed to the public since 2019, but the incredible architecture is worth visiting as it is still one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city.
  • Arab League Park is an urban park and one of Casablanca's significant parks in the city center. The park is extensive and covers 30 acres. The area is stunning and safe. It is an excellent place for those who want to relax even with family. There are also several tools for those who want to work out.
  • The Central Market is a marketplace with historical and cultural significance. It is located among the colonial architecture of the 20th century, facing the Central Market Tramway Station. There are several goods up for grabs at reasonable prices, but the most common item is fresh seafood. The vendors are friendly, and often you have staff from the restaurants at the market, asking if you want them to cook the fresh fish and served to you as a full meal at an affordable price.
  • Mohammed V Square is a French Colonial–style plaza. The place is very peaceful and is home to many pigeons you can play with and take pics with. It is a great place to visit as it even has some historical value. The square is beautifully maintained, and there are so many people just enjoying the scene, giving it a friendly feeling.
  • The Museum of Moroccan Judaism is the only museum devoted to Judaism in the Arab world. The museum was originally a Jewish orphanage that housed up to 160 Jewish youth. In 2013 it was renovated into a museum where visitors can find artifacts of Moroccan Jewish culture and history, which show just how long and rich the history of Jews in Morocco is. The museum also houses a rather large collection of Berber history, including costumes, jewelry, and Fatima pendants. There is also a reconstructed jewelry-making shop where you can see how the jewelry is made.
  • Parc Sindibad is an excellent place for children to spend their weekends as there is a wide range of activities and outdoor games to do inside the park. There are many rides, lots of green space, a zoo and a lake, making it a great place to spend the day as a family. There is a restaurant serving delicious food just next to the park, although it is rather expensive. The best time to visit the park is in the afternoon. The staff is amiable, the park was clean and quiet, and the entrance fee is ridiculously low. The animals are well taken care of, and every animal has a big cage and seems in shape and well treated.
  • The Port of Casablanca refers to the collective facilities and terminals behind maritime trade handling functions in Casablanca's harbors. The Port of Casablanca is one of the largest artificial ports in Morocco and the world, with a capacity of more than 21,3 million tons of traffic annually. The vast port can accommodate and treat more than 35 ships at a time. The port is big and busy and is a wonder to watch as the processes happen. Most of the city's major tourist attractions are a short distance away, so that you can include it in your itinerary. You can buy various fish from here, but you should pay attention to the price as they tend to overcharge foreigners.
  • The Abderrahman Slaoui Museum is a museum named after Abderrahman Slaoui, a Moroccan businessman and art collector who died in 2001. The museum displays the collection of its namesake: old posters, Moroccan jewelry, figurative paintings by Muhammad Ben Ali Rabati, landscape paintings by Jacques Majorelle, crystal objects, etc. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary Moroccan artists four times a year quarterly and offers art workshops for visitors who want to learn the crafts. The museum is a must-see museum as you get to enjoy the exquisite and original collection. The museum building is small and located off the main street, so it could be hard to find. There is a tea room on the second floor, where patrons can relax while enjoying delicious Moroccan tea and coffee with home-made sweets.


Explore

Casablanca is probably one of the most famous cities globally because of the movie named after it, even though it was not filmed in the city itself. Therefore, it is a city that many people want to visit to experience what they saw on the TV. There are numerous sites worth visiting, such as the Hassan Mosque and Rick's café, a replica of the Café in the movie Casablanca. There are also countless other things to do in the city, which add to its allure. World-class restaurants and shopping malls are part of the city and can make your stay even more enjoyable. The city also has a rich culture as well as exceptional Moroccan cuisine that you ought to try. If you do choose to visit Casablanca, it would be worth your time and every cent spent. Keep reading to find out more about the fantastic but mostly ignored tourist destination that is Casablanca.


City Parks

  • Parc Murdoch beautiful park with lots of greenery and plenty of space for many sports. The park is well-maintained and clean and is an excellent place to stop and relax or go for a romantic walk, especially at sunset. The park has beautiful views; a free outdoor gym as well as a kid's plays area. There are lovely cafes nearby where you can buy food or coffee and take them to the park. The downside is that there is no bathroom or water to drink in the park.
  • Horticulture Garden is a low-key green space with cactus gardens, lawns, and a pond. The area is beautiful and has a fantastic view and is also a very safe park so your children can play freely. The park also has mature palms and a wide walkway. The environment is also calm and relaxing as it is mostly a quiet place. Most people go there for exercise and yoga relaxation. The downside is that the park is a bit small, so there is limited space for picnics. Also, there are no toilets.
  • Arab League Park is an urban park and one of Casablanca's significant parks in the city center. The park is extensive and covers 30 acres. The area is gorgeous and safe. It is an excellent place for those who want to relax even with family. There are also several tools for those who want to work out.
Parc Murdoch


National Parks

There are no national parks inside the city, but there is a zoo in Parc Sindibad, an excellent place for children to spend their weekends as there is a wide range of activities and outdoor games to do inside the park. There are many rides, lots of green space, a zoo and a lake, making it a great place to spend the day as a family. There is a restaurant serving delicious food just next to the park, although it is rather expensive. The best time to visit the park is in the afternoon. The staff is amiable, the park was clean and quiet, and the entrance fee is ridiculously low. The animals are well taken care of, and every animal has a big cage and seems in shape and well treated.


Beaches

  • Plage Aïn Diab is a beautiful and trendy beach with many significant swimming pools, surf schools, cafés, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, and other holiday attractions. It is known as the 'fun mile' and is a favorite with youngsters and celebrities. The beach is the most famous in the city and can get a bit crowded during the summer, as both locals and tourists want to relax. There is a breathtakingly beautiful causeway above the beach where people can take relaxing strolls. The beach has several small umbrellas with tables and chairs to relax in and have a bite. Prices in this area are higher than elsewhere. The one downside of the beach is that there is a lot of litter, which takes away from the beauty.
  • Corniche Beach is another famous beachfront district of Casablanca with main attractions that include several hotels and restaurants that offer excellent quality food and living places for those who come to visit this beach-side town. There are beach clubs near the coastline, and these are most preferred by people who love the sun and are interested in sunbathing. These beach clubs are full of tourists during the spring and summer seasons. Swimming in this beach is rather dangerous as there are strong waves, so swimming in the large saltwater pools that border it is recommended. The beach is an ideal place for surfers and is usually crowded.
  • Plage Madame Choual is a large public beach for sports and swimming. The beach is rather popular and can get quite crowded, especially in the summer. It is considered to be the cleanest beach in the city. The beach is dangerous for swimming, but various activities can be enjoyed on the beach, such as volleyball and football. There is also a small coffee shop that serves patrons until late at night.
Plage Aïn Diab


Landmarks

  • Notre-Dame de Lourdes Church is a modernist Catholic church known for its exquisite design, including its elongated concrete entrance and its stunning stained-glass windows designed by noted a French artist. The concrete door is also worth seeing as it is well designed. The church building is quite old but is still functional. It is one of the most prestigious cathedrals in the city. There are no restrictions on visiting as Non-Christians can also visit, although they can visit outside of praying hours.
  • El Hank Lighthouse It looks helpful for boats porting. The rocks below are treacherous. Although I haven't been at sea looking at it, it is probably a welcome sight to many sea goers. The view is excellent, and you get to see both the very poor and very rich part of the city.
  • Clock Tower is a lovely old clock tower on one of the entrance gates to the old town. The tower imitates the shape of the minaret, and like most Moroccan minarets, it is square. The building is characterized by four circular mechanical clocks, one on each front of the tower, and these hours are written on it Roman numerals. Thanks to its 20m high, this tower shows the time to all passersby.
El Hank Lighthouse


Museums

  • The Abderrahman Slaoui Museum is a museum named after Abderrahman Slaoui, a Moroccan businessman and art collector who died in 2001. The museum displays the collection of its namesake: old posters, Moroccan jewelry, figurative paintings by Muhammad Ben Ali Rabati, landscape paintings by Jacques Majorelle, crystal objects, etc. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary Moroccan artists four times a year and offers art workshops for visitors who want to learn the crafts. The museum is a must-see museum as you get to enjoy the exquisite and original collection. The museum building is small and located off the main street, so it could be hard to find. There is a tea room on the second floor, where patrons can relax while enjoying delicious Moroccan tea and coffee with home-made sweets.
  • The Museum of Moroccan Judaism is the only museum devoted to Judaism in the Arab world. The museum was originally a Jewish orphanage that housed up to 160 Jewish youth. In 2013 it was renovated into a museum where visitors can find artifacts of Moroccan Jewish culture and history, which show just how long and rich the history of Jews in Morocco is. The museum also houses a rather large collection of Berber history, including costumes, jewelry, and Fatima pendants. There is also a reconstructed jewelry-making shop where you can see how the jewelry is made.


Eat

There are several traditional Moroccan foods found in Casablanca. Moroccan food has begun to gain popularity across the world for its rich flavor slowly. Trying Moroccan food while in a country in Morocco is a good and exciting idea as you get to compare if the original tastes and looks the same as what you might have come across elsewhere. Trying various local dishes is one of the best things about being a tourist as you get to experience multiple dishes that you probably could never come across anywhere else. Several restaurants and street vendors sell different dishes that you could try, whether it is out of curiosity or so that you can have a story to tell later.


Traditional Local Restaurants

One of the best things about traveling worldwide is trying the various local cuisines available in that area. In most cases, traditional restaurants are the best place to experience local foods' taste, and maybe even a bit of the culture behind said dishes. There are many Moroccan restaurants in Casablanca that you should try. Below is a list of the most famous traditional local restaurants in the city.

  • La Sqala is a simple restaurant that is in a quiet building, offering a delightful and charming environment, which helps to escape from the bustling city. The restaurant has country-like c interior décor and a stunning garden full of beautiful flowers. The menu comprises typical Moroccan specialties, from tajines to couscous, and some authentic Moroccan tea. The place is calm, making it a great place to eat. The garden is used for live entertainment, which livens the atmosphere and can be enjoyed by guests. The restaurant is close to the train station, so transport is not an issue. It is frequented by both locals and foreigners. Also, it is important to note that prices are a bit high.
  • Al Mounia is another popular restaurant that is known for serving excellent Moroccan food in the city. It has a traditional and authentic Moroccan salon, complete with beautiful tiles and magnificent sculpted wood, enhancing the traditional Moroccan feeling. The menu includes many classic favorites. The food is delicious, well prepared, and quite affordable. The members of staff are well dressed, adding to the level of class of the restaurant. The restaurant is popular with ex-pats and ample space to come to eat in large groups or yourself.
  • Le Riad is a traditional Moroccan restaurant that is much less touristy than the rest and offers a friendly dining experience with delicious food. The restaurant is in a relaxing environment and has a simple yet pleasing menu at affordable prices. The restaurant has a homely experience as it feels like being in a Moroccan home, making it a perfect place to go with both family and friends. The menu is in French, but the staff is amiable and have a good command of the English language, and will explain the menu to you. The food is well displayed and fragrant at a reasonable price.


Vegetarian and Vegan

  • Hanna and Jenna Maroc is a simple restaurant with various dishes made from many vegetarian-based ingredients. They are well known for serving build-your-own poke and wok bowls that can be made using tofu and vegetables. They are open Monday to Sunday from 11 am to 1 am. The food is tasty and quite affordable.
  • The veggie is a high-class Western-style vegan restaurant with a mainly French theme. They offer fast food, salads, varied starters, fresh juices, burgers, quiche, cakes, and sweets. They also have take-out and delivery options for those who don't want to dine in. The prices are a bit high. The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 9 pm.
  • Chen is an Asian restaurant with vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. They have a fantastic salad bar that is a must-try. Their service is mainly family-style, so the restaurant has a homely feeling.


Street Food

Street food is quite popular in Casablanca as it is found almost everywhere. Vendors sell most of the street food in the city, and in most cases, they sell food that is popular in the city at a slightly lower price than restaurants. There are also some restaurants whose menu is made up solely of street food options. Some examples of the many street food dishes include:

  • Crusty bread (khobz) baked in communal wood-fired ovens.
  • Crumbed liver
  • Steamed Sheep head
  • Snail Soup
  • Stuffed camel spleen, which is stuffed with ground beef, lamb or camel meat, olives, spices, and a little bit of hump fat, baked in a communal bread oven.


Drink

Casablanca is quite basically located in a desert region; therefore, the weather is exceptionally high at most times. The high temperatures will have a certain amount of influence on the type of beverage that an individual might choose on a specific day. There is an endless variety of non-alcoholic drinks, excluding water, to choose from in Casablanca. In its various types and flavors, tea is loved by most people, and in most cases, they drink it even on a hot day. Other choice beverages include soft drinks, lemonade, milkshake, vegan shakes, and even iced tea or coffee. On the colder days, especially during winter, the beverages of choice are usually hot, with things like tea, coffee, and warm milk being the most sought after drinks.

Alcohol consumption is relatively high in Casablanca as alcohol is a source of entertainment or a way of cooling down after a long and hard day at work. There are several bars and pubs where people can go for a relaxing drink and hang out with friends, while some people prefer to drink in the comfort of their own home. The local brew of alcohol comprises three brands: Spéciale Flag (pilsner), Stork (light lager), and the Casablanca premium brand, which is the most sought after alcoholic beverage in the city. Several other alcoholic drinks are enjoyed by people depending on their taste in alcohol. These include wine, gin, vodka, and cocktails, to name a few.


Tap-water

The tap water in Casablanca is chlorinated, meaning it has been treated to remove toxins and is, therefore, safe to drink. The water is generally harmless for locals who are used to the quality as well as the taste. However, they recommend drinking bottled water for tourists if they will only stay for a short period. You can use tap water in brushing your teeth and cooking, and you are staying in a hotel, they use filtered water for better taste. Bottled water is another safe and common water option, and it is relatively cheap in supermarkets and goes for $0.59 for a 1.5-liter container.


Organic Cafés

Organic foods are foods that are grown without artificial nutrients, pesticides, or other chemicals. Eating organic has become a widespread trend where people are very selective about what they put in their bodies. Several organic cafes attract patrons of all ages who are careful about nutrition. There are many cafes in the city that cater specifically to this group of people. Below is a list of some of the organic cafes that one could try in the city:

  • Bondi
  • Amorino - Morocco Mall
  • Organic Kitchen


Breweries

The brewing industry in Casablanca is quite active as the locals prefer to drink local beer above imported brews. There are numerous breweries that are responsible for making different types of local liquor. These breweries are responsible for supplying a majority of the bars and pubs in the city, and therefore, have large amounts of orders to deliver. The most popular breweries in the city include:

  • Brasserie Nicole
  • La Brasserie du Boulevard


Activities

There are numerous activities that can be done as you explore Casablanca. The city is one of the most visited in Morocco by both local and international tourists alike, and as such, numerous activities ensure that tourists are entertained. The activities are designed to ensure that no one is left out, and people of different interests can still enjoy and have a great time. Some of the most popular activities include museum tours, hikes, bike riding, game drives, visits to the many religious sites, and beautiful gardens, to name a few. Some of the activities are in the city center while others are just on the outskirts. It is essential to carefully plan your itinerary to ensure that you get the best out of what the city has to offer.


Yoga and Retreats

Yoga is traditionally a Hindu discipline that focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines. It has become quite popular globally, and there are yoga studios in almost every country in the world. There are several yoga studios in Casablanca, although there are some which are preferred, including:

  • Yogablanca
  • Om Yoga
  • Ananda Yoga Class


Accommodation

One of the most important things to consider as you plan any journey is where you will stay for the entire duration of the trip. The type of accommodation that you select is based on several factors, with budget, taste, and sense of adventure is at the top of the list. There are many different accommodation options in Casablanca which are tailored to meet the diverse needs of people. This section will look into some of the accommodation options that are available for tourists to select from.


Green Hotels

There are several eco-friendly hotels in the city. They have the same aim of sustainability of the environment. These hotels tend to offer safe, non-toxic, and energy-efficient accommodation. Other characteristics include using renewable energy, organic soaps, energy-efficient light fixtures, and recycling programs. A few of the most popular ones are:

  • Novotel Casablanca City Center Hotel
  • Movenpick Hotel Casablanca
  • Kenzi Tower Hotel


Hostels and Guest Houses

  • L Hostel, a Casablanca, is very well located in a beautiful and peaceful area designed to make patrons feel at home. The general environment of the hostel is clean and friendly and is the ideal place for a traveler. The guest house has many beautiful and comfortable rooms with comfortable beds, towels, linens, daily cleaning service, Wi-Fi, etc. The hostel's location makes it easy to explore the city and enjoy a large number of attractions, as most exciting places can be reached within 15-20 minutes either by taxi or by tramway.
  • Carre Francais de Casablanca is a luxurious guest house located near the town center, where travelers can feel at home while experiencing high-quality service. The guest house is relatively small and has four double bedrooms with a bathroom and one suite with a salon, 2 Standard Double Bedrooms, a Standard single private bedroom, and a shared room, which accommodates eight people at a time. Some of the house's extra amenities include free Wi-Fi, billiard, piano, board games, patio, and outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
  • Medina Hostel in Casablanca a rustic and straightforward hostel that is located in the heart of the old city or old Medina. The location is quite convenient as it is near all the places you need to visit to see the 'real Morocco’ without using a taxi or cab. The hostel is friendly and accommodating, and you won't even feel like a foreigner during your stay there. The hostel is both child and pet friendly, and smoking is not allowed. There is free Wi-Fi.


Apartments

For those who intend to stay in Casablanca for a long time and those traveling in groups, staying in hotels might prove to be a bit too expensive. There are several apartments that are hired out for a minimum of one month, and these are more budget-friendly as they reduce costs on several levels. For one, apartments allow for self-catering, which means that you get to save instead of having to buy all meals at hotels. If you stay as a group of friends or family, you can share the cost, unlike hotels that charge per head. The rent charges vary from the type of apartment you prefer, with a one-bedroom apartment going for USD 460, while a three-bedroom apartment goes for USD 880.


Couchsurfing

Couch surfing refers to staying with a host family that rents out a part of their house to tourists. This is a trend that is gaining popularity in Casablanca. There are several websites where people who are willing can put their homes on offer, and tourists can book the most interesting or convenient one. One such website is simply called couch surfing.


Camping

There are numerous campsites across Casablanca for those tourists who want to rough it by living outside during their vacation. Camping offers a sense of adventure as it allows people to get the full outdoor experience and can be quite affordable. Camping provides a great experience, including the fresh night air as well as the magnificent night skies. Below are some of the more popular campsites in Casablanca:

  • Camping Mimosa
  • Natural English Camp NEC


How to Get There

Several modes of transport can be used to travel to Casablanca, with the most convenient for you being dictated by where you are coming from, be it a local or international area. People from surrounding cities usually travel to the city by bus or train. While those coming from further away commonly use aeroplanes.


Air

Casablanca is home to Morocco's busiest international airport, Mohammed V International Airport, with many planes coming in from Europe and connecting flights to all northern and many other African countries. The most efficient way to get from the airport into Casablanca or vice versa is to take the ONCF train. Other options include a taxi with a flat rate, public buses, or the Casablanca Airport Car Service. Casablanca is home to Morocco's busiest international airport, Mohammed V International Airport, with many planes coming in from Europe and connecting flights to all northern and many other African countries. The most efficient way to get from the airport into Casablanca or vice versa is to take the ONCF train. Other options include a taxi with a flat rate, public buses, or the Casablanca Airport Car Service.

Entrance of Mohamed V international Airport in Casablanca, Morocco


Bus

There are intercity buses known as CTM coaches who offer an affordable option of traveling to and from Casablanca. Buses are also slightly more convenient as they tend to leave more frequently. However, their quality might be lower, and some do take longer for the trip. There is also the issue of some of them not always leaving according to a fixed schedule.


Train

Morocco is blessed with an affordable, reliable, and safe railway system run by national operator ONCF. As such, one of the easiest ways to get to Casablanca is by train. The trains are very comfortable and are divided into compartments, with both first and second class. Tickets can be purchased online from the ONCF website, available in French, English, and Arabic.


Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is quite a popular way of finding transport in Morocco and is considered the key to budget travel. It is easier to hitchhike on expressways than anywhere else; it is also important to note that it is illegal to hitchhike near road crossings or bus stops.


Others

Taxis and hired cars are another standard mode of transport to Casablanca. They are comfortable and convenient as they do not work according to any time tables. They are, however, relatively expensive.


Moving Around

Casablanca is a rather large city with many things to do and places to explore. Moving around the city is relatively easy regardless of the mode of transport that you use. You just need to select the way of traveling that you are most comfortable with, and you will be fine. There are several ways to move around within the city, as will be shown below.


Walk

Casablanca is a big city, and there is no way that you could walk around the entire city in a day. However, some of the main tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other and restaurants, so it is possible to walk between them.


Bicycle

Bicycles are not a common mode of transport in Casablanca, but a few places where those who prefer to travel or go site-seeing using a bike can hire one.


Electronic Vehicles

There are currently no electronic vehicles in Casablanca.


Public Bus

Buses are the cheapest way to get around the city, and they are relatively quick, especially if your journey is longer than a few km. Getting on a bus that is already en route might be challenging; however, if you begin your journey where the bus starts its route, you are guaranteed a seat. There is also an app on the Google Store that lists bus routes and downloadable Google Maps that can help you get around.


Tram, Train and Subway

Trams are a convenient mode of transport within the city, and they work from 6 am to 10:30 pm during the week, with journeys across the city estimated to take about 60-70 minutes. The tram line links some of the main neighborhoods of the city and includes 48 stop stations. They are affordable and highly reliable as there is at least one train every ten minutes during daylight and early evening hours.


Sustainable Shopping

There are many shopping centers in the city whereby tourists and locals alike can go shopping. It is more sustainable to shop in local shops and ensure that you do not only stick to one shop but try to spread the wealth by visiting different shops.


Food Markets

There are several markets across Casablanca that are dedicated to selling fresh food. They sell both local and international food, processed or unprocessed. Some of these markets include:

  • Derb Ghallef Casablanca
  • The Great Habous Olive Market
  • Carrefour Market Bourgogne


Flea Markets

There are several flea markets across Casablanca with both an exciting shopping experience and a chance to mingle with the locals. Most of them sell various things at reasonable prices, some of which are found in local shops. However, they tend to double the price when selling to tourists. Some of these flea markets are:

  • Marché bab al Marrakech
  • Marche 9ri3a
  • Korea market


Second Hand Stores

The trend of second-hand stores has caught the world by storm; numerous stores have opened where people can buy things they wouldn't usually afford for less than half the price. The most common ones in Casablanca are:

  • Achmall
  • Pijatex
  • Luxury Depot Casa


Eco-Fashion

People have become more cautious about how their actions and choices affect the environment and have started doing things to reduce their carbon footprint. There are two leading eco-fashion houses in Casablanca, namely Mushmina and Cuimer.


Recycling

The recycling industry of Casablanca is not taken seriously, and there are very few people who practice recycling. The municipality is still working on getting the locals to work with them to ensure that recyclable waste is recycled.


Waste

Casablanca is one of the most polluted cities globally, which speaks volumes about its wase management systems. The municipality has introduced several rubbish collection trucks that move around once a week to minimize landfills and pollution.


Work and Study Abroad

The employment sector of Casablanca is experiencing a period of growth and development, so there is work available for expatriates moving to Casablanca in large corporations, industry, education, IT, customer service, and private tutoring and nannying. There are eight higher learning institutions in the city, with applications open to international students, so those who want to study in Casablanca are welcome to apply. The primary language of instruction is French.


Exchange Student

There are several programs for exchange students in Casablanca, although most long-term ones are available for post-graduates. These programs accept students from institutions with a university-level exchange agreement for at least six months. Students can apply from partner institutions.


Au Pair

An au pair is a young foreign person who helps with housework or childcare in exchange for food, a room, and pocket money. The concept of Au pairs is relatively popular in Casablanca and is a great way to get a job for those intending to move to the city. Several agencies and websites connect potential Au pairs with families that need them. One of these websites is "great au pair."


Volunteering

There are several voluntary organizations across Casablanca that are always looking for volunteers. You can volunteer to work with animals, children, and older people, among other things. Voluntary programs tend to run for anything between one week going up. Also, if you are interested in volunteering while you visit the city, there are several places that are open to the idea.


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