Casablanca Hotels

One minute you can be at the Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman to learn from the locals, the next you’ll be sending postcards at the Central Post Office with its simply stunning city views. And then the next you can be letting off steam at Yasmina Amusement Park or visiting the largest beach club in Aïn Diab, called the very un-African/Middle Eastern Miami Plage, with its basketball courts, beach umbrellas, swimming pool, restaurant and bar.

But although this incongruity makes it a different city to the one Bogie and Bergman sold you on in the movie, Casablanca is still a sight to behold.

CASABLANCA’S TOP 10

CASABLANCA EVENTS

Casablanca kicks off the year with the Independence Celebration in January, followed by the Tafraoute Festival in February to bring an end to the winter rains.

The Islamic New Year (Fatih Mouharam) arrives around the middle of March, although due to the Islamic calendar, the date changes each year.

May brings the Mousseum of Sidi Mohammed Ma al-Ainin,where tribes of nomads who wander the Sahara come together to sell traditional clothing. Fascinating.

The Festival of Fantasia gallops into September, with the country’s leading horsemen showing off their phenomenal skills.

WHEN TO GO

• Summer is hot. Really hot. From July to September, temperatures routinely top 40°C (104°F). Being on the edge of a desert means it is a dry heat, and the nights are quite comfortable and cool.

• The coolest and wettest months are December, January and February. However, even during this time, it will only rain once or twice in a week.

• The driest months are June, July and August. This is also the peak tourist season.

GETTING AROUND

• Taxis in are great value. The minimum fare is US$0.80, but you’ll probably pay around US$1.20 once you’re in the city centre.

• The buses seem to come and go at random. Likewise, the routes are a little unclear. And by a little, we mean they possibly don’t exist! Walking is a great option if you have the time and inclination.

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