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The city itself is considered central to the economic and industrial health of Morocco. It is also seen as being the most cosmopolitan and progressive city in Morocco, which often leads to a unique mixture of traditional ideals and modern ideals. Most holiday travellers do not think of Casablanca as a particularly beautiful city, but the heart of the city is much, much more than just its architecture and buildings. To get a real sense of Casablanca and appreciate its full splendour you need to delve a little deeper and experience the city up close.
One of the best known sights in Casablanca is the King Hassan II Mosque. It is a relatively new mosque in comparison to others in the city, but its size and intricate details have quickly made it a leading destination for visitors to the city. It is the largest mosque in Morocco and its minaret is the tallest one in the world. Most mosques are quite limited in allowing non-Muslims to enter, but the King Hassan II Mosque is one of only two in the entire country that welcomes non-Muslim visitors. It is a truly beautiful structure that must be seen to be fully appreciated.
Another site that is sacred to Muslims is the Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman located on a large rock located just offshore from Casablanca. While non-Muslims are not allowed inside the shrine proper, there is an interesting small neighbourhood that has grown up just outside the shrine and is open to all visitors. Getting to the shrine can be challenging, as it is only fully accessible during low tide, so many visitors opt instead to approach it from the beach and simply view it from a short distance away.
For a taste of a traditional Moroccan walled city, plan a visit to Old Medina in the northern part of the city. While it is not as glamorous or vibrant as other Moroccan cities such as Marrakesh, it has a charm and ambiance all its own. It is not nearly as commercialised as some other similar walled towns, so it is an excellent choice for more authentic experience.
Unfortunately, poverty is still a tremendous problem in Casablanca, which will be readily apparent to holiday travellers. The outskirts of the city are home to many of these poverty-stricken residents and tend to be places where crime and drugs are quite common. Most experts suggest it is best for foreigners to avoid these areas.
In the central part of Casablanca, however, you will find a vibrant and active nightlife. There are plenty of hip and trendy clubs, cafes, and restaurants where you can find a wonderful assortment of food, drink, and entertainment. Despite Morocco being a Muslim country, you will find some quite liberal attitudes and behaviours in the more modern parts of Casablanca. If you plan to visit other parts of Morocco during your holiday, it is a good idea to keep in mind that those other places are likely to be much more conservative and traditional than what you experience in Casablanca.
Casablanca serves as a gateway of sorts for the rest of Morocco, as demonstrated by the very busy Mohammed V International Airport. There are many, many direct flights connecting Casablanca with other major cities throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. The largest air carrier offering such direct flights is Royal Air Maroc. From the airport, you can get into the city via taxi but check with your hotel in advance because many of them offer complimentary shuttle service for their guests.
Wiki:- Casablanca
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