Vacation Packages to Casablanca

General Information About Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco with the country's main port. This city is the most populated in the nation and is located on the Atlantic Ocean coast, 80 km south of Rabat, the country's administrative capital.

Casablanca is considered the Moroccan economic and commercial capital, since it is home to the main Moroccan industries and international companies.

Also, this metropolis is known for the interesting places it houses, which are often exotic to many foreigners, such as the old Medina, the Great Mosque of Hassan II, open to foreigners, or its typical souks full of colors, aromas, music and flavors so different from other cultures.

In fact, the famous movie Casablanca immortalized this beautiful city as a landmark where foreign and colonial traditions come together.

The Busy History of Casablanca

This metropolis owes its origins to the Berber fishermen, who founded it in the 20th century. However, its history is marked by resounding changes typical of the conflicts that arose, over time, its strategic location.

After its foundation, it was successively used as a strategic port by the Phoenicians, Romans and the Merinids, until the Portuguese destroyed it, rebuilt it and used it as their own.

In 1755 an earthquake occurred and the Portuguese left. It was there that the Sultan of Morocco rebuilt it once more and gave it its present name, in honor of the Spanish merchants who had their shops there.

Later it belonged to the French, during the colonial years, until the year of Moroccan independence in 1956.

Moroccan Culture in Casablanca

Eating in Casablanca

Eating in Casablanca is a great experience, as you will find a wide gastronomic offer with the best Moroccan dishes to enjoy. Likewise, many restaurants offer travelers live shows, so that your sensory experience is even more complete.

Some dishes that we recommend you try are: Pastilla, a type of slow-cooked round cake, filled with seafood or chicken, which is a gala dish that is usually served on special occasions to honor guests; and Couscous, a dish made from semolina, zucchini, carrot, pumpkin, aubergine, sweet potato, turnip, tomato and a sauce with chickpeas.

As for drinks, inside some restaurants women can drink alcohol, but only inside the premises. And if you want to try something typical, accompany your meals with a typical Moroccan tea.

As for the typical Moroccan pastry, you will find in Casablanca the characteristic gazelle horns, be sure to try them.

Casablanca and Its Colonial Heritage

Casablanca was occupied by the French in 1907, who officially established their protectorate in 1912, the year they began construction on the ville nouvelle. And while the city gained its independence, along with the entire country, in 1956, its colonial status has left visible traces.

The city's French colonial heritage can be seen in its Mauresque architecture, which is a mix of European Art Deco and Moorish style, resulting in some very peculiar pieces of architecture that will surely steal your attention during your trip to Casablanca.

Top 5 Amazing Places in Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco thanks to its port, a key point of its economic growth that has attracted a large migratory flow within the country over time. In turn, this imposing city presents many places of interest that attract thousands of tourists. Here we name a few:

1. The Habbous neighborhood: a great place to go shopping in the souk.
2. Hassan II Great Mosque, which, unlike the rest of Morocco, where access to mosques by non-Muslims is not allowed, does allow foreigners to visit.
3. Mahkama du Pacha: a Spanish-Arabic building with more than 60 rooms adorned with wooden ceilings, tiles, and stucco.
4. The Jewish Museum of Casablanca: the only Jewish museum in the entire Muslim territory.
5. Rêve de Mon oeil: an art gallery showcasing modern sculptures by artists from Casablanca and all over Morocco.

Go Shopping in Casablanca

If you are planning a trip to Casablanca, one of the most entertaining activities you can do there is to go shopping in the souk. Around the old medina you will find markets and stalls selling typical Moroccan products.

Some of the things that you will find there are: ceramic products such as tajines, leather things, hookahs, spices, rugs and tunics. If you see something you like, don't forget to haggle the price, not only to get a discount but also because I respect the sellers, as the haggling culture is widely installed throughout Morocco.

In case you are looking for international brands, you will also find them in the Maarif neighborhood.

Casablanca: The Black Sheep of Morocco

Although in Morocco, most of the homes are crossed by the rules that govern Islam, since this is the official religion of the country and it is found in the Constitution, Casablanca presents some differences with respect to its neighboring cities in terms of traditions.

This important city is, in fact, one of the most progressive and liberal in Morocco, this is so due to its cosmopolitan character, which brings with it the plurality of customs.

It is for this reason that you will find that in Casablanca many rules are more flexible; however we do not recommend challenging them if you want to avoid conflicts. Take into account issues such as clothing, since modesty is recommended if you do not want to attract too much attention, or alcohol consumption, which is only allowed in certain places.

Likewise, if you witness someone's prayer time, try not to interrupt and if you travel to Casablanca during Ramadan, the traditional fasting season, try not to eat or drink in public in the most religious sectors.

Finally, during your visit to Casablanca remember that the possession of any type of drug and prostitution are penalized.

What to See and Do in Casablanca

Casablanca is one of the most interesting destinations in Morocco for its great cultural heritage.

In turn, due to its proximity to Marrakech and Fez, many travelers combine their trip to Casablanca with these sites.

Looking to marvel at some incredible Mauresque architecture? Do you want to know the Souk and enjoy shopping? Would you like to taste exquisite cuisine?

If your answer is "yes", in Greca we have several proposals for tourist packages to Casablanca, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.

There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!