Travel Guide Casablanca

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Regina Kennedy
5 years ago
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Travel Guide 02 02 04 04 Quick view Travel etiquette Health 05 05 07 08 Phone calls & Internet Top 10

1 Travel Guide Quick view Travel etiquette Health Phone calls & Internet Top 10 sights Shopping in Restaurants Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels istock LH.com/travelguide 01/11

2 02 Quick view a brief overview Marrakech and Fes may draw the lion s share of tourist attention, but the coastal metropolis of is the city with arguably the best claim to being s beating heart. Economically and culturally it s where the action is, and while it may have moved on a pace since the Bogart-and-Bergman era, the city also retains a few enjoyable flavours of the past, not least its charming colonial architecture. As a port (and the largest in the Maghreb, no less), it s always drawn heavily on overseas influences, a fact that today gives it a decidedly cosmopolitan feel and a strong arts scene. General Information Country overview The Kingdom of is located in the northern part of Africa, between the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Sahara. The cities of Tangier and are located in the densely populated coastal region, as is the country s capital city, Rabat. Fes, Meknes and Marrakech are situated further inland. Desert or mountain landscapes account for large areas of the country. Most of s population are Muslim Arabs but the country is also home to the Berbers and to Christian and Jewish minorities. has kept its traditions alive and tourists particularly enjoy the flair of the souks (markets) and medinas such as the Medina quarter in Marrakech. Visitors also enjoy the unique atmosphere of the kasbahs in the Draa Valley. They can go hiking in the Atlas Mountains, and if they are really brave, they can ride a camel in the Sahara. Geography is located on the westernmost tip of north Africa, bordering Algeria to the east, Mauritania and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the southwest and southeast, the Atlantic ocean to the west and the Mediterranean to the north. Running through the middle of the country is the Atlas mountain range. The Middle Atlas range sweeps up from the south, rising to over 3,000m (9,850ft), covered with woodlands of pine, oak and cedar, open pastureland and small lakes. The Rif Mountains run along the north coast. Often snow-covered in winter, 's mountains are home to the country's significant indigenous Berber population. The long stretch of Atlantic coast down 's western side features cool breezes and long sandy beaches. It is separated from the mountainous region by wide swathes of fertile plains. To the north, is the Mediterranean coast, just a stone's throw from the European continent Gibraltar is an hour s ferry ride away. In the south of the country, the Sahara is the largest desert in the world. Far from being featureless, it is dotted with fascinating traditional villages and cool oases. General knowledge LH.com/travelguide 02/11

3 03 Key facts Population: 35,7 millions (estimate 2017) Capital: Rabat. Language The official language is Arabic. Berber languages are not officially recognised even though it is the language of the country s first inhabitants, who form a majority. French is widely spoken throughout the country, except in the northern regions where Spanish is more predominant. English is also understood, particularly in the north and major tourist destinations like Marrakech. Currency Moroccan Dirham (MAD; symbol Dh) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Dh200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Dh10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes. Electricity 127/220 volts AC, 50Hz, depending on age and location of building. Plugs usually have two round pins. Public holidays Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2018 December 2019 period. Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-fitr (End of Ramadan), Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-fitr itself. Eid al-fitr and Eid al-adha (Feast of Sacrifice) may last up to several days, depending on the region New Year s Day: 1 January 2018 Independence Manifesto Day: 11 January 2018 Labour Day: 1 May 2018 Eid al-fitr (End of Ramadan): 15 and 16 June 2018 Throne Day: 30 July 2018 Oued Ed-Dahab Day: 14 August 2018 Revolution Day: 20 August 2018 King Mohammed IV s Birthday: 21 August 2018 Eid al-adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 22 to 25 August 2018 Fatih Muharram (Islamic New Year): 11 September 2018 Anniversaire de la Marche Verte (Green March Day): 6 November 2018 Independence Day: 18 November 2018 Aid al Mawlid (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 21 November New Year s Day: 1 January 2019 Independence Manifesto Day: 11 January 2019 Labour Day: 1 May 2019 Eid al-fitr (End of Ramadan): 5 and 6 June 2019 Throne Day: 30 July 2019 Eid al-adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 12 August 2019 Oued Ed-Dahab Day: 14 August 2019 Revolution Day: 20 August 2019 King Mohammed IV s Birthday: 21 August 2019 LH.com/travelguide 03/11

4 04 Fatih Muharram (Islamic New Year): 1 September 2019 Anniversaire de la Marche Verte (Green March Day): 6 November 2019 Aid al Mawlid (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 10 November 2019 Independence Day: 18 November 2019 All information subject to change. Travel etiquette How to fit in Social Conventions s population and culture is a blend of religious and cultural traditions, encompassing Berber, Arab, African, Mediterranean and Jewish influences. Greetings involve a handshake and friendly inquiries after health, happiness and family, and no business is discussed until after these pleasantries. Friends may tack on a cheek air-kiss or two. Moroccan chattiness makes everyday interactions more pleasant, if longer; patience and extroversion are assets. In the souks, vendors to call out to customers, joking and striking up conversations before bargaining begins. When offered tea, it s polite to at least take a sip. Although casual gear is widely acceptable, wearing any clothing that reveals arms or legs is disrespectful. Swimsuits, shorts, sleeveless tops and clingy clothing should be confined to the beach or poolside for both men and women. Women travelling alone can expect help and friendship, but will avoid undue attention if they cover up, ideally in local garb. Smoking is widespread, though sometimes limited to smoking sections in restaurants. Drinking alcohol in view of a mosque is highly disrespectful and alcohol licences are expensive. Health Health Food & Drink Water sources outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Bottled water is the best bet and is available everywhere. Milk is unpasteurised, so boil before drinking. Meat and fish should be freshly cooked and served hot. Vegetables are typically served cooked. If eating fruit, try to stick to fruit that can be peeled before eating. Most produce is grown organically, without chemical pesticides or fertilisers but it's highly likely to have been washed in unsterilized water, so it's important to Other Risks Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Malaria is not present in but travellers may want to take some form of mosquito repellent to avoid bites, especially if sleeping outside. If venturing into higher altitude areas such as the mountains, take care to acclimatise first, as altitude sickness can bring on nausea and dizziness. Visitors should wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water to avoid heatstroke and sunburn. Contractual physician of Lufthansa Dr. Guidon, Alain 6 Rue Mohamed Ben Ali (ex Rue Jean Jaurès) LH.com/travelguide 04/11

5 05 Tel Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment. Phone calls & Internet Phone calls & Internet Telephone Dialing code: +212 Telephone In, phone calls are made in Téléboutiques (private telephone offices). To make a call, you can purchase a pre-paid card. This is a much more convenient option than coin-operated telephones, which do not give change and will not usually return dirham coins once they have been inserted. Mobile Telephone Mobile phones & Internet access in built-up areas at least, has comprehensive mobile network coverage. When travelling outside of large settlements for example when in the mountain regions, in Tafilalt or on the desert dunes travelers should expect patchy coverage. Phone calls using foreign SIM cards are expensive because roaming charges apply. It is cheaper to buy a SIM card from a Moroccan network provider. Network service providers for mobile phones and mobile internet include Maroc Télécom (Carte Jawal; iam.ma) and Orange (orange.ma). These SIM cards can also be purchased from news kiosks and cell phone shops at the airport. Internet Access There are a great many Internet cafes in Marrakech. It is worth noting, however, that the computers there have French/Arabic keyboards, which takes some getting used to. If you carry your own mobile device, you can access the Internet using the free Wi-Fi available in most tourist hotspots and in most hotels and restaurants. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking credentials entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended. Top 10 sights Top 10 sights in Hassan II Mosque Boasting the tallest minaret in the world (it s 200m high), the Hassan II Mosque has become the city s most iconic attraction. It was opened only in 1993, but a prayer hall capacity of some 25,000 means it has a big reputation. Boulevard Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah Opening times: Sat-Thu tours at 0900, 1000, 1100 and 1400 Fri tours at 0900 and LH.com/travelguide 05/11

6 06 Old Medina Pre-dating the French protectorate era, the city s old medina might not offer quite the same sensory assault as you can experience in Marrakech, but it s still an engaging place to wander. Northwest corner of Places des Nations Unies Moroccan Jewish Museum A remarkable attraction, being the only Jewish museum in the Muslim world, this place occupies a handsome gardened villa and shines light on a little-known area of Moroccan culture. 81, Rue Chasseur Jules Gros Oasis Morroco Tel : Fax : Opening times: Various Corniche A long curve of beach clubs, hotels, restaurants and promenading locals, s Corniche is one of the most enjoyable places to see the city letting its hair down. Boulevard de la Corniche Cathédrale du Sacré-Coeur You can only admire this striking white edifice from the outside (although it hosts occasional events), but its clean 1930s architecture means it still stands as a remarkable sight. Northwest corner of Parc de la Ligue Arabe Villa des Arts Part of the -wide ONA Foundation, the Villa des Arts focuses on promoting contemporary arts and provides a stage for a number of interesting cultural events during the year. 30 boulevard Brahim Roudani Tel: Opening times: Daily LH.com/travelguide 06/11

7 07 Place Mohammed V This is the city s main plaza, surrounded by some of s best colonial architecture and dotted with palm trees. It s an enjoyable place to people-watch, particularly in the evenings. Place Mohammed V Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum Open only since 2012, this museum is set in an old art deco building and focuses on Moroccan decorative arts. You can find everything from jewellery and embroidered clothing to vintage posters and 19th-century trinkets. 12 rue du Parc Tel: Opening times: Tue-Sat Parc de la Ligue Arabe The largest green space in the city, the Arab League Park is a popular spot for walks and other leisure activities, with cafés and a small amusement park helping bolster its appeal. Boulevard Moulay Youssef Art deco architecture In parts of the city, the architecture is a pleasing blend of French and Moorish influences, drawing on the art deco style that was prevalent in the 1930s. Many of the buildings have been well preserved. Northwest corner of Places des Nations Unies Shopping in Shopping in Key Areas Various parts of the city give the opportunity to browse internationally branded stores. These include the upmarket Gauthier and Maârif neighbourhoods, as well as boulevard d Anfa. For more traditional items, try the colourful outlets and craft shops in the Habous district. Markets Typical Moroccan souvenirs include tagine dishes, slippers, leather clothing, spices and handmade jewellery, all of which you can find in the various souks and LH.com/travelguide 07/11

8 08 bazaars around the city. If you re keen to buy a pricey item such as a carpet, try to ensure that you know exactly what you re buying. Shopping Centres Mall (corner of boulevard de la Corniche and boulevard de l'océan Ain Diab) is a large-scale shopping centre, with luxury names such as Prada and Gucci joined by leisure attractions including an aquarium and an IMAX cinema. There s also a musical fountain and a good range of restaurants. Restaurants Restaurants in Moroccan cuisine is rightly renowned, and gives ample opportunity to sample the full range of the country s spice-tinged specialties.you can also find a good number of excellent international options. Le Basmane High-quality Moroccan food in sumptuous surrounds. Val d Anfa, Boulevard de la Corniche Price: Expensive Iloli Bringing Japanese gastronomy to, Iloli has developed a weighty reputation. 33 rue Najib Mahfoud Price: Expensive La Bavaroise Set in an old German beer house, La Bavaroise serves up excellent European dishes. 135 rue Allal Ben Abdellah Price: Expensive Restaurant du Port de Pêche A popular seafood restaurant at the port, regularly filled with hungry locals Price: Moderate Pâtisserie Bennis Habous A gem of a traditional patisserie its pastries are ideal for a quick snack. 2 Rue Fkih El Gabbas Quartier Habous Price: Cheap LH.com/travelguide 08/11

9 09 Nightlife Nightlife in There s a strong artistic pulse in the city, which translates into a number of interesting places to while away the evening.in the top international hotels, meanwhile, there are further options available. Black House Discotheque Part of the Hyatt Regency hotel, this black-and-red draped nightclub is at its busiest between midnight and 3am. Place des Nations Unies Le Chester s A laid-back Western-style bar with an emphasis on good music and good food. Rue El Isbahani Maarif La Bodéga You can find live music of various hues here, from reggae to rock and flamenco to samba. 135 rue Allal Ben Abdellah Rick s Cafe An enjoyable spot based on the café in s namesake film. 248 Boulevard Sour Jdid Le Casart Bar The sleek bar at the Sofitel Hotel offers a good range of champagne, wine and cocktails. Rue Sidi Belyout (at the Sofitel ) LH.com/travelguide 09/11

10 10 Calendar of events Calendar of events Jazzablanca Festival A programme starring world jazz musicians April Venue: Kinokomplex Megarama Feast of the Throne One of the most celebrated days of the year marking the 1999 accession to the Moroccan throne of Mohammed VI. 30 July 2018 Venue: Throughout L'Boulevard An urban music festival celebrating global beats. September Venue: Technopark Hotels Hotels in As the biggest city in the country and a business and cultural hub of some repute, has a strong range of different accommodation options, including a number of quality high-end properties. Hotel & Spa Le Doge A Relais & Châteaux property in an old art deco residence. Boulevard Hassan I Category: Expensive Hotel Sofitel Tour Blanche A very comfortable 141-room, 24-floor property close to the Hassan II Mosque. Rue Sidi Belyout Category: Expensive Val d Anfa A smart beachfront hotel with over 130 rooms, a lovely outdoor pool and its own LH.com/travelguide 10/11

11 11 hammam. Corner Boulevard De L'océan Atlantique und Boulevard De La Corniche Ain Diab Category: Moderate Relax Airport Hotel An obvious bet for those on a flying visit, with a pool and the usual airport hotel amenities. Airport Mohamed V Nouasser Nouaceur Category: Moderate ibis City Center Modern, compact rooms in a central location near the port and railway station. Corner of Boulevard Zaid Ou Hmad and Bue Sidi Belyout Category: Cheap LH.com/travelguide 11/11

Travel Guide Casablanca

Travel Guide Casablanca Travel Guide 02 02 04 04 Quick view Travel etiquette Health 05 05 07 07 Phone calls & Internet Top 10 sights Shopping in Restaurants 08 09 10 Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels istock LH.com/travelguide