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Casablanca is the cultural and economic hub of Morocco. It's the modern and industrial counterpart to the country's other major cities and boasts a landscape filled with contrasts. Here, you'll find plenty of art galleries dolled up with the latest work from international talent, designer shops, and restaurants that have jumped on the city's gravy train. Casablanca is the city of glitzy lights and hope, with a heavy Western tilt. Life goes on around the bars, beaches, and trendy clubs, but there is also a heavy dose of traditional Moroccan culture. Alongside all the contemporary façades and futuristic homages, there are a collection of Hispano-Moorish architectural wonders throughout the city, as well as art-deco masterpieces and incredibly ornate mosques. Browse through our Casablanca apartments to find the perfect place to stay whilst you explore this city and its many sides.
Our apartments in Casablanca are peppered around the city and rub shoulders with both the futuristic landscape of the city and its traditional counterpart.
Casablanca hosts an eclectic mix of culture and business, so much so that it's difficult to even know where or how to start exploring. If you're looking to enjoy a traditional day in the city, then this makes a good base itinerary.
Start by heading to the Central Market, which sits right in the middle of the city. Here, you'll find a maze of stalls piled high with local goods. Moroccan hawkers sell their wares amongst the bustling atmosphere, from fresh, seasonal vegetables and spices to handmade clothes and shiny curiosities. If you're a keen photographer, it's perfect for capturing the sounds, smells, and sights of Morocco in one lively hub. There are plenty of tea vendors and street food stalls dotted around the area, too, so you can pick up a delicious lunch to keep you going.
After all the excitement of bartering and buying at the market, it's time to visit a traditional Hammam to relax and unwind. Head to the Hammam Ziani, one of the oldest and most popular bathhouses in the city. Inside, you'll be treated to invigorating massages, and the traditional washing rituals carried out by locals.
As evening begins, Casablanca comes to life in a flurry of lights, bars, and crowds. It's the perfect time to head out and experience the youthful atmosphere of the city, and join the locals for a drink and a bite to eat. For a unique time, grab a table at Rick's Café, which styles itself on the piano bar featured in the hit movie, Casablanca. Every Sunday there's a piano night followed by jazz performances, which you can enjoy with dinner or with a cocktail at the bar.
Getting under the skin of Casablanca and exploring it like a local is easy. Remember to book one of our Casablanca apartments for the ultimate local experience.
Casablanca now sits on the site of the medieval town, Anfa, which now forms one of the city's bustling suburbs. During the 7^th^ and 8^th^ Centuries, the town grew as a Berber principality. Islam was embraced, but new rules and regulations were made to fit the needs and wants of the local people.
Later, in the 13^th^ Century, the town was reigned by the Merinids after an Arab rebellion and a holy war, but soon after it became independent thanks to the weakened dynasty. In the 15^th^ Century, shortly after the town became famed for its pirate antics, the Portuguese sent in 10,000 soldiers to occupy the town. This wasn't enough to stop the piracy, and it later picked up again before the Portuguese came back to destroy it entirely.
In the 16^th^ Century, the town was rebuilt from the ground up and renamed Casa Branca by the Portuguese, but this didn't last long. The Muslim tribes that surrounded the area were quick to attack the new Portuguese rule, and the occupiers eventually left the town in the late 18^th^ Century after an earthquake racked it to its core. The town was rebuilt again, with a central mosque, a hammam, and a new fort. The name Casablanca came from the Spanish, who translated its age-old name from the 16^th^ Century.
Casablanca is filled with cultural flair and a lively atmosphere that can only be found in this part of the world. Casablanca accommodation is party to this incredible vibe, featuring an eclectic mix of high-end and traditional hotels that curl around picturesque courtyards and look out over the spectacular scenery. In addition, there are plenty of hostels that give easy access to the city's nightlife, as well as cheap apartments that offer an insight into local living. Whichever type of accommodation you choose, you'll discover the secrets of Casablanca in no time at all.
Casablanca is served by the Mohammed V International Airport, which is situated about 25km from the city centre. There are a number of ways you can get into town from the terminals. There's a bus service which travels from outside the airport, right into the centre of town with a number of stops along the way. Alternatively, you can hop on the train, which is quicker if you're travelling during rush hour. Lastly, you can grab a taxi from the ranks outside the terminals, but be sure to agree on a price before the journey starts.
