Movie quotes and old-school romance hang in the air in Morocco’s largest city, but following in the footsteps of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman is just one of many things to do in Casablanca. Fans should start their tour at the replica Rick’s Café (spoiler alert: the classic film was shot entirely in Hollywood) before strolling the French colonial Habous quarter, the 18th-century Old Medina de Casablanca (Ancienne Medina), and the art deco center. More top tourist attractions include the scenic La Corniche with its magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco; United Nations Square (Place des Nations Unies), which bridges the old and new parts of the city; the state-of-the-art Morocco Mall; and the striking Clock Tower.
The best time to visit Casablanca to avoid the extremes of summer and winter are in spring and fall. March–May and September–November is when the weather is mild and perfect for walking. However, as the city is situated on the Atlantic coast, it sees a less brutal summer than the rest of the country. Temperatures generally only reach a high of 80°F (27°C) in summer. While winters are also mild, with temperatures dropping to around 50°F (10°C) overnight.
Casablanca can be a big city to navigate, but there are ample transportation options. One of the most efficient ways of getting around is to use the Casablanca Tramway. There are two lines available with frequent trams running consistently across the city for a relatively affordable ticket price. Taxis are ideal for getting somewhere specific within the city, although fares are much higher than the tram and increase significantly after sunset.
Casablanca blends interesting flavors from French, Moroccan, and Spanish cuisine to create unique menu options across restaurants in the city. While the famous traditional tagine can be found at many places, don’t forget to try pastilla, a savory pastry parcel stuffed with chicken or fish and heavily influenced by Spanish flavors. You’ll also find plenty of seafood, including fish chermoula, a dish prepared with a traditional Moroccan marinade of herbs and spices called chermoula.
