Tourist guide: what to do and see in Casablanca

This part of Casablanca, also called the Habous neighbourhood, is an open-air museum where you can enjoy the traditional Maghribian art at its peak. The construction began in 1923, when the French colonial authorities tried to put an end to the chaotic suburbs on the outskirts of what were then the city limits. The fact that they opted for a traditional architectural style responded to the idea of giving the neighbourhood the normal environment of any urban nucleus at that time. That is why the streets are full of souks, artisan workshops and shops selling souvenirs, among other odd establishments. One of the main points of interest is the Mahakma du Pacha (Mahakma law courts), the former official residence of the Casablanca law courts, later converted into the Islamic court of justice. It is worth strolling around its courtyards, decorated in a typically Maghribian stucco style.

This aquarium, with over a million litres of water, is located in the Morocco Mall, where it is the main non-commercial attraction in this huge leisure complex. During the tour, you can see over 3,500 coral reefs and around 3,000 species of salt water fish from all over the world, as well as reptiles and sea mammals. The sharks and ray fish tend to be the main attraction, although there is also space for less aggressive species, like turtles. This is the first conical shaped aquarium in the world, which means that the tour is always circular. It includes a large glass lift to take you diving into the depths of the aquarium, although there is also the possibility of doing that in a diving session. The main aim of Aquadream is pedagogical, about the need to preserve marine life.

This building is named after a well-known businessman in Morocco that had one of the best collections from all over the country, from an artistic and ethnographic point of view. The museum, located in the central Rue du Parc, has some interesting exhibitions of jewellery and costume jewellery, posters and billboards and even pieces of Bohemian glass from the XiX century. There is also space for work by Mohamed Ben Ali R'Bati, one of the greatest exponents of Moroccan figurative painting. Throughout his life, Abderrahman Slaoui had organised itinerant exhibitions where he showed others what he had collected while travelling the length and breadth of Morocco. That was how the idea to erect this museum came about, which was inaugurated in 2001, shortly before his death. You can get more information on www.musee-ace.ma.

The Villa des Arts is in the Boulevard Brahim Roudani (www.fondationona.ma/vdacasa.htm), the only Moroccan contemporary art museum in Casablanca. It is also one of the best places on the whole of the African continent for enjoying modern art in general, as it holds both Moroccan and international exhibitions. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 11:00 to 20:00 hours, the Villa des Arts is situated in a beautiful Art Deco building, which construction dates from 1934. The main objective of the museum is to help the discovery and promotion of new artists in the country, as well as trying to preserve the Moroccan cultural heritage. The museum is also part of the ONA Foundation (www.fondationona.ma), a non-profit association created in 1988. This institution, which is dedicated to the administration of social and cultural projects, also manages the Villa des Arts in Rabat.

Very close to the old Portuguese Medina of El Jadida there is an interesting building which is also of Portuguese origin. It is a cistern that, apparently, was part of an old castle built in 1514. It is also said that this building was used by the Portuguese to store arms, before converting it into an enormous water tank. Inside you will find an extensive complex of columns and arches, where the light enters through a circular opening made in the vault. The effect of the suns rays on the water is really spectacular, worth taking a good photo. It is also worth going down to the underground room to see the enormous groined arches resting on a total of 25 columns. The building was abandoned after the expulsion of the Portuguese from El Jadida, until a trader discovered it in 1916, when he was about to carry out work in his business.

One of the most recommendable excursions to the south of Casablanca is one that goes towards El Jadida, a small citadel that was under the protectorate of Portugal for almost 300 years (between 1486 and 1769). There is a real open-air museum, crowned by what has survived of the great defence wall built in 1514. Reinforced by five bastions (four of which remain), inside you can see the narrow winding streets of the old Medina, which lead to several very beautiful squares. Another outstanding point is the moat, to isolate the city from invaders, as well as the sober Chapel of the Inquisition. During the siege of 1769, which brought the Portuguese protectorate down, the Arab troops, led by Sidi Muhammad ben Abdellah, destroyed the wall. However, it was totally reconstructed decades later, in 1815, and was renamed The New El Jadida.

This former military bastion, right by on the sea edge, is one of the few buildings that has remained unchanged over the centuries in the Old Medina of Casablanca. Built in 1769, you can enjoy spectacular views of the fishing port and leisure boats, from the fort. To get there you have to go through the new gate, also known as Bab Jédid or Bab Marrakech, which leads to the Boulevard Tahar el-Alaui. This is an interesting area where you can wander along the narrow streets in the Old Medina, full of houses built during the French protectorate. Part of the old XVIII century wall, which can be accessed via a small square has also survived. There are also several tombs in the shade of a fig tree, as well as the Shrine of Sidi el-Kairuani, a Saint originally from Kairouan and the city's first patron saint.

Located at the junction of Rue Jules Gros and Rue Abu Dhabi, this museum goes over the history of the presence of the Jews on Moroccan soil. Among other things, the aim is to show the peaceful coexistence during several centuries of the Hebrew, Arabic and Berber communities, as well as giving information about main symbols of the Israeli people. That is why the building houses a large number of liturgical objects, as well as clothes, photographs of synagogues throughout the country or books written in Arabic, using the Hebrew alphabet. There is also room for an interesting reproduction of an antique gold and silver workshop (historical occupation of a lot of Jews) and, among other things, it explains that the Star of David was the symbol of the Moroccan state until 1912, when it became the exclusive symbol of the Jewish people. More information on the web www.casajewishmuseum.com.

There are guided tours around this impressive mosque. Inside of the temple you can see the wood and aluminium roofs, the Murano glass chandeliers that allow the light to enter, the carved plaster walls, the granite columns, marble capitals or the granite, onyx, marble and travertine floors. We should not miss any details of the refined tiles, carefully decorated with various colours, arabesque motifs, half moons and broken lines. Another of the most interesting areas of this huge complex is located behind the mihrab, where the luxurious royal apartments are hidden, with the Turkish baths (a huge thermal pool) and the hammam. There is also room for a giant prayer room, with a 20,000 square metre surface area, as well as a huge library and several conference rooms. Finally, a large underground gallery houses the ablution rooms and the garage.

One of the reasons, if not the main one, why Casablanca enjoys a certain international fame is because of the film, which bears its name and was filmed by Michael Curtiz in 1942 and starred Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Apart from phrases, as famous as "Play It Again Sam", "We'll always have Paris" or "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship", the award winning film (shot entirely in the Hollywood studios) resulted in the whole world knowing about the poor area in the centre of Casablanca, recreated to the smallest detail. Those who visit the Moroccan city today, to explore those streets, ought to visit the colonial city, which was built between 1912 and 1930. In this area some of the typical buildings can still be seen from that era, as well as the continuous hustle and bustle of people who are going to and fro to do their daily shopping or chat to their friends and relatives.

Before deciding to go horse riding along the Moroccan coast you might prefer to acquire a basic understanding of horse riding. At least, something as fundamental as learning the difference between trotting and galloping, and knowing what to do to ensure that the animal goes at one speed or the other. All of these skills (as well as others, much more advanced) are available in the city of Dar Bouazza, at a well-known club, about 40 kilometres south of Casablanca. We are talking about Le Barry, six kilometres from the centre of the city (it is very easy to get there, as there are a lot of signs). Horse riders at this club introduce pedestrians to the sport of horse riding in an area of over one and a half hectares. Once you're familiar with a horse you can show off your knowledge on the beach, as they also organise some interesting routes.

In most Arab countries in the north of Africa there is nothing more typical for a tourist to do than to ride around the hot desert on a camel or a dromedary. This is not the case in Morocco, or rather, in this southern part of Morocco. In Casablanca, the most unforgettable experience that you can have with animals is one that will take you along the coast mounted on a horse. One of the options that is closest to the city, and the most recommendable too, is found in the neighbouring town of Ain Diab. The famous equestrian farm Anfa has been there for several decades, and is known by the majority of tourists who visit it because the owners are so very kind and helpful. Daily excursions are organised to Aïn Diab beach, after pre-selecting horses according to how much each visitor knows about horse riding.

The 16th November is one of Morocco's national festivities. This day commemorates the return to his country, of the then Alawi Sultan, Mohammed V, in 1955 after two years of forced exile. After his return, the sultan accelerated the Moroccan independence process, which the French would eventually accept the following year. The process was completed in 1957, when Mohammed V was crowned as the definite King of Morocco. At present, this central square, at the end of the of Hoummane el-Fetouaki Avenue and Rue Aristide Briand junction, is one of the busiest areas of the city. Quite a few Art Deco style buildings, from the first half of the twentieth century adorn the square. The pedestrian Rue Prince Moulay Abdellah, which has façades full of ornate doorways and other interesting wrought iron elements starts from the square.

Inaugurated in 1918, this is an enormous open space, that is the real lung of Casablanca. One of its main attractions is the avenue with palm trees which crosses this area from one end to the other, as well as a beautiful pond, where, at certain times of the year, you can see some beautiful pink water lilies. There is also an abundance of other plants that are not well known in Europe. Some of the most beautiful are the date palm trees, although there is also space for flowerbeds, arcades or gazebos. This is, without a doubt, the most quiet peaceful part of Casablanca, an ideal place to go for a stroll and enjoy a well deserved rest. It is also an idea place to meditate, as many faithful Muslims do, who go there from a nearby mosque.

This town, located a little less than 30 kilometres to the north of Casablanca, gives a good example of the cult dedicated to the existing Alawi Monarchy in Morocco. For centuries, the city was known as Fedala and in 1960 it was renamed Mohammedia, in honour of King Mohammed V. It currently has a population of over 100,000 inhabitants, the majority of who depend in the oil refinery for a living. This refinery is the third largest in the country and is located near the harbour. Among the city's essential visiting points, the most outstanding are some leisure areas, like the hippodrome or the golf course, which are both located in an area full of hotel complexes. Something that is also highly recommended is to take a walk along the three kilometre long beach, which is protected by a large dam, where the local inhabitants often sit to chat and sunbathe. Something very different is going for a swim, as the waters are dangerously close to the oil terminals.

This arty neighbourhood takes its name from the hotel d'Anfa, an emblematic place where there was a meeting in January 1943, which changed the course of WW2 and went down in history as 'The Casablanca conference'. In that meeting, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President of the USA reached an agreement with Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of the UK, about the details of the American troops disembarking in Normandy, which happened in June 1944. The French Generals Charles de Gaulle and Herni Giraud also attended that meeting, as representatives of the Free French Forces Even today, it is still possible to remember those times by strolling along the broad avenues in this neighbourhood, surrounded by landscaped villas with an abundance of Art Deco architectural constructions, and other styles that were typical during the 1930s.

It is protected from the waves by a large three kilometre dam and a breakwater that is slightly longer than one km. The port of Casablanca was built at the beginning of the XX century on a small old mooring located in this same area. The total surface area is over 180 hectares, with a multitude of docks and landfill, which creates two large inner harbours (one for Trade and the other for Tourism) and an external port. Just at the entrance to the area you can catch a train from the always busy Casa-Port railway station. Once inside the port, there are fishing activities going on, mainly on the dock that separates the above mentioned inner harbours and, which is usually full of tradesmen. It is also in this part of the port where you will find the docks and the passenger boarding area. The shipyards and the small tourist harbour are located in another part of the facilities, near the Old Medina.

This small town, one of the most beautiful in the south of Casablanca, is known for the white colour of all the buildings. Its inhabitants live mainly from the production of tomatoes, most of which end up on sale in European supermarkets. Azemmur is built on a cliff located on the slope of the Um-er-Rbia estuary, where there is an abundance of olives, pomegranates and privet. It is an ideal place to contemplate the characteristic features of traditional North African settlements, with long rows of small houses located behind the ochre coloured defence bastions, surrounding the Medina. These fortifications are reminiscent of the Portuguese presence in this area, back in the XV and XVI centuries, when they installed a commercial representation to buy cereals, horses and manufactured products. - Another construction with European traits is the Gunpowder House, dominated by a large Gothic style window.

This small town is 15 kilometres from Casablanca, so it is very easy to get there by car or by bus. On the way you will cross the La Corniche Boulevard, passing in front of the Hank lighthouse, where some of the city's most expensive top restaurants are located. One of the great attractions of Aïn Diab is Le Lido Thalassotherapy Institute where marine elements like mud or algae are used as therapeutic remedies. It is a municipality which, over the past few years has experienced an important growth in tourism and hotels, which is why it is usually full of people from Casablanca at weekends. Among its main attractions is a spa and some fresh and salt water swimming pools built in the rocks on the coast. There are also a lot of sports and leisure facilities, with games areas, bars and discos.

Making leather products is one of the most traditional activities in the Moroccan economy. Still today, the majority of leather craftsmen do their work by hand, producing handbags or luggage, as well as the famous 'puff' or even saddles for horse riding (centuries ago they made them for camels). On the streets of Casablanca there are a lot of establishments selling freshly tanned leather, at quite reasonable prices. There are also much more exclusive firms, like Luxe Line (www.linealuxe.ma). Hay Moulay Rachid is situated in the industrial area, their design handbags and wallets are at the top of this luxurious establishment's catalogue of exclusive leather products. And if you want to go home with a nice gift, don't miss the elegant jewellery, watch and board game boxes.

The most modern and minimalist fashion jewellery in Morocco are typical on the south Atlantic coast, especially in cities like Tiznit. In Casablanca there are also a quite a few retail stores that sell the traditional Moroccan craftsman products, characterized by the simplicity of their design. There is also authentic luxury jewellery. One of the most exclusive shops is Diamour (www.diamour.net), which is on the Zerktouni Boulevard, in front of the Twin Towers in the Twin Centre. Inside there is room for discrete jewellery designed for daily use, as well as real luxury rings, bracelets and pendants. The wide range includes pieces made in platinum and yellow or white gold. With 30 years of experience behind them, this establishment has its own jewellery workshop, where traditional techniques are combined with the latest technological advances.

The urban development process that the city of Casablanca is undergoing has given rise to the construction, in recent years, of several leisure and tourism complexes in the purest Western style. One of the best known is the Anfaplace Living Resort, located on Boulevard de La Corniche. This modern vacation city houses a large 36,000-square-meter shopping center called Anfaplace (www.anfashopping.com). Built by the architecture firm Foster & Partners, inside there is space for a multitude of shops with gardens, as well as entertainment and restaurants, and even a huge car park with capacity for 1,200 vehicles. Its numerous stores house important multinational fashion, accessories, decoration and food companies. The offer is completed with bank branches and some travel agencies.

One of the most difficult things for anyone visiting Morocco is to resist buying a rug, and go home without one under their arm. They can be found in almost all the shops in the country and are of excellent quality, the majority are made by hand. Casablanca is not a city with a great rug making tradition, but it is easy to find them there, especially in the New Medina. A lot of small posts full of rugs can be seen on the streets, most of them are brought from cities in the north of the country, like Rabat or Fez. Rugs with Berber letters and symbols tend to attract most tourists. If you bump into a friendly vendor, it is quite possible that they will explain the meaning of these inscriptions while trying to convince you that you are about to make a the great purchase. Because you can bet your life, you'll probably end up buying it.

In Casablanca there are a lot of places where a wide variety of traditional Moroccan crafts can be found. The majority are small shops scattered around all the city's nooks and crannies. But there is also a huge shopping centre for artisan products, the Exposition Nationale d'Artisanat (The National Artisan Exhibition), located in the central Hassan II Avenue. On the three floors of this huge complex, there is a varied collection of high quality products, ranging from small souvenirs to sophisticated cutlery, as well as leather, rugs or costume jewellery and more expensive jewellery. A lot of tourists come here to do their shopping because, unlike what happens in the majority of small handicraft shops, the price here is set so you don't have to do this exhausting haggling, so typical in Moroccan commercial life. Opening hours are from 8:30 to 12:30 and 14:30 to 20:00 hr.

This gigantic shopping centre, located next to the Casablanca promenade, opened its doors a couple of years ago to make the city look more modern. Started by several promoter groups, the project was financed by an over €200 million investment and has a surface area of 10 hectares. Considered the largest commercial area on the African continent, it was designed to receive 14 million visitors a year and give work to over 5,000 Moroccans. Up to 600 brands can be found in its 350 stores.. There is also space for a 3D cinema, a leisure park, fifty bars and restaurants and even Aquadream, which is a modern aquarium. More information on www.moroccomall.net

The streets with arches tell the visitor that they are entering the most commercial part of the New Medina in Casablanca, where the stalls are perfectly organised, offering the consumer a good selection of craft items and books, as well as coffees and food products. It has the advantage of not being as full of tourists as the old Medina, so you can do your shopping much more calmly, while having a lively chat with the vendors, many of whom speak foreign languages. It is worth going to the camel meat shops, a real delicacy that the shopkeepers are trying hard to attract people to. That is why it is normal to see the heads of these desert animals hanging from the most visible points of the establishment, so that they do not go unnoticed by potential customers.

In recent years, this neighbourhood has become the chic area of the city, where all the large stores want to be and, because of this, it is one of the most expensive parts of Casablanca. The situation was quite different at the beginning of the last century, when it was nothing more than a poor neighbourhood, where Italian and Spanish immigrants lived, quite a distance from the centre. Now, due to the construction of the Twin Towers, it has become the city's business centre and its streets are filled with luxury goods and trendy shops. In addition to the international franchises, a lot of which are Spanish, you will find a large number of Moroccan haute couture shops in this area, like MB Creation (in the Al Massira Khadra Boulevard), run by a young local designer.

More than a market this is a huge informal flea market, with some stalls with roofs and others in the open air, you can find everything there. It is located in the neighbourhood of the same name, which is a quite poor, popular area where used clothes, forged well known brands as well as a multitude of second-hand objects are sold, some of which have probably been stolen. But, above all, this flea market is very well known for its range of computing devices. It is not difficult to buy some of the video games and Smart phones that have recently been put on sale in Europe and the US, for a few Dirhams, a lot of them are from Japan and China. There are also dozens of stalls with pirated DVD films for sale. While walking around the stalls, it is important that you keep an eye on your belongings and it is highly recommendable that you do not wear very ostentatious clothing or accessories (jewellery, mobile…). Nor should you walk around the neighbourhood when it is starting to get dark, because it is not very safe.

You can find it on the Mohammed V Boulevard, this big market opens every day in the morning and is the perfect place to go for a walk, get away from cars and take a look at the typically Moroccan stands. You can find a little bit of everything from flowers to meat, fruit or spices, walking around the seafood (don't miss the typical exquisite oysters in this part of the country). It was created during the French colonial period to meet the demands of the most elite Europeans who lived in Morocco. Today it is still the most important market in the city, which is noticed not only in the prices, but also in the good merchandise available and the meticulous presentation of the products. A lot of restaurants have emerged in the area, and in most of them, you can take the meat or fish that you have just bought and ask them to prepare it, only paying for the drinks and the cover charge.

Some of the main attractions at the Tahiti Beach Club http://www.tahitibeach.ma (located in the Boulevard de la Corniche) are dozens of hammocks, peace and quiet, a private beach, various swimming pools, a fitness club and a spectacular terrace. It's a perfect place for adults to relax and children to enjoy themselves.. Because the club has several children's areas and a swimming school, as well as a modern aqua gym, and a room where relaxing massages and beauty treatments are given. All of this in a refined luxurious environment. You can spend a day at the Club from 9€ but you have to pay separately for each service used. You can also enjoy a long holiday, as it has comfortable bungalows and restaurants that are specialised in various culinary traditions (such as the Italian style Terrace, or the French Chez Joe).

In Casablanca, the same as in Spain, the new cinemas are found in big modern shopping centres, or are in multi cinema complexes. That is the case of Megarama, the most luxurious cinema in the city, with four comfortable auditoriums; or the Lynx Cinema (Mers Sultan Avenue). In the city's historical centre, near the Old Medina, you can also enjoy one of the country's most reputable cinemas. That is the Rialto Cinema, with a rather Art Deco style, built during the 1920s. It has an impressive dome, which still reserves a space today to show the poster with the films that can be seen. There is only one auditorium, with more than 1,000 seats, and a stage where a large number of plays are put on. Seeing a film costs about 5€, and upstairs there is a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy splendid views. When asking about the latest releases, bear in mind that many of the films will be dubbed in Arabic (others will be in French).

Recitals and music concerts, dance performances and theatre (usually, in Arabic) gather in this cultural centre in Rue de Leon L'Africain. Inside, you will find the Bouchaib Bidaoui, which is a small theatre, with the capacity for 265 people, as well as a dance rehearsal hall, a library and a video library too. It also houses the music conservatory, as well as a small gallery where painting exhibitions are normally held. Every July over the past six summers, the Festival of Casablanca, one of the most important cultural events in Morocco, is held in the Complexe Culturel de Sidi Belyout Constructed in the late 80s, the building had to be completely restored in 2007, due to its hazardous state. The result of this work is its current good health, which has helped consolidate its position as the authentic cultural reference point in the city.

If you are travelling with kids or want to spend a really refreshing day in Casablanca, the Tamaris Aquaparc (www.tamaris-aquaparc.com) is the place to go. Situated in a large 7.5 hectare wooded area, the largest water park in Morocco, has absolutely everything. It has a wave making pool, an immense slow river and a multitude of slides on three levels. For less than 16€, for those over the age of 12 (the price goes down with the age of the children) you can have a wonderful time. This is a highly recommendable option if you are travelling to Casablanca during Ramadan, as you will find most places are closed during the day in the city. In contrast, this park is open every day from 9th May to 8th September. In the Arab League Park there is also another modest entertainment complex, the Yasmina Amusement Park, a small area which recreates the typical atmosphere of village fairs.

Between the months of March and April, the Jazzablanca Festival has been held, for eight years. It is a meeting point for jazz lovers, where acclaimed groups from all over the world get together, and new talents also start out on the road playing this kind of music, which originated in the suburbs in the USA. It is, in short, a very appropriate gathering for those who love jazz and, good music in general. The best thing is that the gigs are scattered all over the city to reach the largest number of people. Although those who are top of the bill hold their concerts in the Cas-Anfa Hippodrome; every year, the organization produces an additional programme that converts a select group of bars and hotel into improvised jazz lounges. In addition, in depth pedagogical work, oriented towards the younger generations, during the Festival, accompanies the music programme to initiate them in a style of music that has a very close connection with the African continent.

The "running" fashion has also reached Morocco, which has entered the international circuit of popular races that attract runners from all over the world via Casablanca. If you like running, keep the last week in October free. The first marathon was in 2008 and the next will be held on 27th October 2013, an event that 3,000 participants are looking forward to. The race goes through the city's main streets and is outstanding for the great support given by the city's inhabitants, with up to 50,000 people standing on the pavements watching and giving the runners support as they go running by.

It is not the Rick's Café from the movie 'Casablanca', because it never existed on the streets of the city – the film was shot entirely in Hollywood studios – but, in 2004, an American had the brilliant idea of setting up this piano bar in the image and likeness of the one that became world famous in that 40's movie. Built in an old colonial house that had to be completely renovated, everything in Rick's Café (www.rickscafe.ma) imitates the one in the movie, from the lamps to the arches, passing through the furniture. Everything except the piano, which, yes, is an original piece, a Playel from the 30s. Located at number 48 Boulevard Sour Jdid, the restaurant offers good traditional Moroccan food, but also dishes in the purest American style. From Thursday to Sunday, a pianist plays live classics from the 40s and 50s and... guess what song is most in demand by customers.

In Casablanca there are several Discotheques, usually open until 3:00 in the morning, where the elite Moroccan youth, diplomats and tourists from western countries get together. A good option is Villa Fandango (rue de la Mer Egee), which is decorated like a small Latin American village. This is a very lively disco, where you can enjoy the music played by the disc-jockey working that night. You must be well dressed to be allowed to enter. Inside, you will notice the Latin atmosphere both in the decoration and in the music, as well as the kind of drinks, which are mainly Mexican beer and tequila. The Armstrong Jazz-Bar (in the rue de la Mer Noire), also on the Corniche, has two atmospheres: the discotheque in itself and a small lounge with a piano bar, where you can enjoy excellent live music.

Alcohol is not very well considered in Morocco - first if all, Muslims can't drink alcohol - so it is not easy to find it in all bars and restaurants. In fact, the majority don't even drink beer or wine during a meal, but that does not mean that alcohol is banned in the country. To have a drink late at night you can go to the bar in any international hotel, like the Hyatt Regency (located in Mohammed V Square), where the bar is decorated with photos from the film 'Casablanca.' You can also go to The Corniche, on the coast, where you will find a lot of trendy bars with a great atmosphere that also sell alcohol. For example, the American Bar (at Nº 142 on the Boulevard Houphouet Boigny), where, you can enjoy an oriental dance show while having a drink.

Hammams are typical in Arab countries and, of course, in Casablanca. They are places where people go to relax and tone up their bodies and where there are all kinds of massages. You will find a wide variety, with very different prices: from those that are used by people who live in the city , to others, which are more elegant, located in hotels or spa centres. As the airport in Casablanca is a great central airport for travelling to other countries in Africa, a lot of travellers take advantage of the long hours of stop over to go to one of these baths. You can try the Hammam Istemboul (Rue Zaki Eddine Taoussi), where traditional baths -steam room followed by a cold water bath - as well as a massage, where it can be relaxing or a body-scrub (they will thoroughly rub your whole body with an ex foliating/loofah glove). Another option is the Sultan Hammam (number 15 in Rue Attarmidi) where, in addition to the ritual of the Arab bath, you will find a large swimming pool.

Ramadan is celebrated in the ninth month of each year according to the Islamic calendar, but as this is different from the west, the exact date varies each year. During this time, Muslims celebrate their month of fasting and only eat after sunset and up until before dawn, so a lot of bars remain closed during the entire day. However, meals are still available in large international hotels as usual and, if you don't want to go to one of these restaurants, you can buy something in the shops, that open at sunset. If you're lucky enough to be invited by a Moroccan to the 'iftour,' which is the breaking of the fast at sunset, you will enjoy a spectacular banquet. There will be no lack of "harira" (soup made with tomato, onion and saffron, and that usually has chick peas or lentils too), dates, eggs and traditional Moroccan cakes or pastries are for dessert. In short, the 'iftour' is an unforgettable celebration that you shouldn't miss.

In the Habous district, also known as the New Medina, the Marché des Olives has made a slot for themselves among the traditional gastronomical establishments in the city. Consisting of 10 or 12 stands, the presentation is so attractive and the olives sold are so good, that even the shopkeepers and restaurant owners usually go there to pick up a good supply of olives for the week. Black, Green, hot or spicy, the all have incredible prices in Spain, they have become an attraction for tourists strolling around Casablanca. So much so, that the vendors already offer a vacuum packing service so that they can be transported by plane and reach home in a perfect condition. Finding this place is not difficult, but if you prefer not to walk around in circles, asked in French for the Marche des Olives, or in Arabic for the 'souq Zitoun', everyone will know how to help you find it.

Sometimes, the never ending hustle and bustle in Casablanca can make you feel exhausted. To relax and get right away from the hustle and bustle, you can go to the Coffee Maure-La Sqala (www.restopro.ma/lasqala), a café-restaurant on the Boulevard des Almohades, just behind the Sqala. Inside, it is decorated in a rustic fashion, with a lot of attention given to the smallest details. It also has a beautiful garden surrounded by flowers with a fountain in the centre. They serve all kinds of food, but their speciality is seafood and salads. Another option is their exotic fruit juices which, are sure to surprise you. Also, if you're lucky, you can enjoy one of the cultural events that are regularly held on the premises, ranging from photographic exhibitions, to fashion shows, and musical evenings or gastronomical events, where traditional food from different regions of the country is served.

You can't leave Casablanca without trying mint tea, the traditional drink that you can find anywhere you go and at any time of day. But believe it or not, very hot tea is a good way to combat the heat, and a perfect excuse to sit on a terrace for a few hours. Any time is a good time to sip a cup of tea, and you must also take into account, that if they invite you to tea, it is considered bad manners to gulp it down and leave quickly. Having a cup of tea with someone is a symbol of brotherhood, and that is why it represents a real ritual. The first cup is always returned to the teapot, so that it cools a little and the sugar dissolves. Then, to make sure it has reached perfection, you must pour the tea into the cup holding the teapot as far above the cup as possible, but without splashing the other tea drinking companions. The Boulangerie de la Paix (Boulevard Lalla-Yacout ) has a nice tea room where you can drink tea with a variety of cakes and pastries.

Couscous has become one of the most recognisable Moroccan dishes, it is a fine grain pasta that can already be found on any supermarket shelves around the world. But don't be fooled, what we see here has nothing to do with the real Moroccan couscous, which is steamed with aromatic broth and served with vegetables, meat (or fish) and exquisite spices. It so happens that the speciality of Casablanca is precisely "seksu baydawi," a couscous which includes seven vegetables (carrots, turnips, tomatoes, courgette, pumpkin, cabbage and onion). It is a real pleasure for the senses, because, besides the exquisite taste, you can usually enjoy an elaborate presentation, with the vegetables forming a kind of tower on the couscous. A very good place to eat it is Al-Mounia (Rue Prince Moulay-Abdallah ), a typically Moroccan establishment with a very pleasant atmosphere.

It is quite usual to find small stands or kiosks where you can have something to eat during mid-morning or mid-afternoon. For example brochettes (a kind of kebab with a spicy sauce if you wish), or "shwarma," which is a meat that is served in a similar way to a Spanish "pincho moruno" (kebab), seasoned with sesame sauce or yoghurt. You can always find a vendor on the streets too, hauling a cart, ready to offer you toasted maize, sweet or salty almonds and toasted chickpeas, as well as freshly squeezed orange juice, for less than 1€ (10 dirhams). And if you dare to try really new flavours, you can try "escargot" (snail) broth, which is served hot in a small bowl or cup. In these cases it is better to ask for a plastic cup to take away, because the bowls are reused by various customers and sometimes the shopkeeper does not have sufficient means to wash them thoroughly.

The "Diffa" is not a normal dinner, but a real feast, in the full meaning of the word A time when the food and the show join hands, so that the guest can enjoy the world famous belly dance and the welcoming traditional Moroccan music. Sometimes, establishments of this type, designed for tourists, pay more attention to the decoration than to the food, which varies greatly, depending on the restaurant. In any case, a genuine 'Diffa' ought to include the following dishes: small varied salads ('mezze'); snacks with a triangular shape filled with herbs, cheese and meat ( 'Briouat' ); the typical 'Pastela' , which is a pastry filled with meat, onion, and almonds that is served in the form of a round bun, with a slight cinnamon flavour, couscous; a tajine of meat and vegetables; and a variety of desserts. It is a menu you can slowly savour, eating a little bit of everything and enjoying the rhythm of the music.

Moroccan confectionery stands out for the mixing of sweet and savoury flavours and for the massive use of honey and almonds, something that stimulates the senses that you will find at any time in almost all establishments. But if you want to get to know the most famous bakery in all of Casablanca, go to the Patisserie Bennis (Rue Fkih-Gabbas), where they have excellent cakes with honey, as well as a variety of specialities from all over the country. To enjoy a nice ice cream, something that is sure to be a pleasure at any time of the year, a good option is Oliveri (Avenue Hassan II, 132). It is open until after midnight and is the most famous ice cream parlour in the city and part of Morocco, as it also has a branch in Marrakesh. Their ice creams are entirely traditional and, even though they do not have a wide variety, during their 50 years of existence, there has never been a time when there has not been a long queue in front of the counter.

You can go to the Imil - Chil restaurant, in Rue Vizir-Tazi to enjoy top quality Moroccan cuisine. The establishment, which takes its name from a small inland city located in the Atlas mountains, is decorated in a traditional way, with colourful tiles, carpets and cushions inside. Also the tableware, from the plates to the teapots are typically Moroccan, and among its specialities, the most outstanding is the Bastilla (also known as Pastela). Another good option is the Riyadh Zitoun, (Boulevard Rachidi), where they are specialists in Pigeon Couscous, and there is a pleasant terrace outside, where you need to book in advance. To visit the most select restaurant in the city, go to the A Ma Bretagne restaurant, which is typically French, as the name indicates. It is on the outskirts town, near the sea, and has a magnificent terrace with a garden and spectacular views of the Atlantic. There is good food and wine, but the menu is nor cheap. ***

In a coastal town like Casablanca there can be no lack of fresh fish, even in the cheapest restaurants, where you can eat cheaply. One of them is the Snack Amine, which has several establishments in the city (the most central is in the Rue Chaouia, near the hotel Colbert). This place is well known for its large trays of fried food at excellent prices, and for the efficient waiters. Another, slightly more expensive option, is to go to the Port de Pêche, which has fish in puff pastry, au gratin or in Tajin and where you can see the fish before they cook it. At Nº 86 on Mohammed V Boulevard you can find a stylish restaurant, which opened in 1920, and still retains a large part of its ancient splendour. It is Le Petit Poucet, a place visited by the writer Saint-Exupery, some of whose letters you can find in frames on the walls.

Today, in front of the central market place, we can still see the ruins of what, in its day, was one of the great symbols of the Colonial Era in Casablanca. It is an Art Deco building built in 1917, which occupied a surface area of more than 3,000 square metres. Designed by French architect Hubert Bride, the former Lincoln Hotel occupied the western part, under the original name of the Grand Hôtel Moderne. During its early years, this luxurious accommodation was crowned by a spectacular canopy adorned with green tiles. It gradually fell into disuse until one of the floors collapsed because of its precarious state, in 1989. It became even more complicated 20 years later, when another part of the structure collapsed as a result of a heavy rainstorm. That is why, all that currently remains is part of the façade.

Situated next to the United Nations Square, it is one of the most emblematic buildings in Casablanca. It was built in 1911, by order of the French Captain Dessigny, . It was initially situated next to the old city wall, which was a little later destroyed to give more access to the port, so the tower stood alone in the middle of the square. It was a symbol of the French colonial power for several decades and Dessigny's aim was to convince the inhabitants of Casablanca of the need to get used to the pace of life in an industrial society. In 1948, they began to demolished it, because of its precarious state. 45 years later, in 1993, it was reconstructed by the Moroccan municipal authorities, who decided to reproduce the original design. It is 20 metres tall and has a clock on each side.

On his 60th birthday, King Hassan II decided to give a monument worthy of the largest city in Morocco. The result was this huge Mosque, the second largest in the world after Mecca, which was built in the record time of eight years, between 1985 and 1993, from the designs by the French Michel Pinseau. Located next to the sea, a large 800 metre dam had to be erected for it to be constructed. After the work was finished the dam was demolished. The temple occupies a surface area of 20,000 square metres, with the capacity for 25,000 people and is located on an 80,000 square meter esplanade (where 150,000 more people can congregate). Hassan II also wanted the minaret of the Mosque to be the highest in Islam and achieved it with a height of 200 metres. You can go up it in a lift and it has two laser beams with a scope of 40 km, pointing toward Mecca.

This huge building, built in 1925 in Hassan II Avenue, very close to the Mohammed V Square, is inspired by the Persian 'Iwans.' It is an enclosed area, with a dome, which is open on one side, and has a large landscaped courtyard. One of the reasons for this type of design, which originated in the I century, is to have a large shaded area during the summertime. The Palace of Justice in Casablanca also has an enormous main door and is a clear example of modernist architecture that mixes Arab and French style characteristics. Presided by huge palm trees, the precinct's exterior, usually looks much neater than other parts of the city, something which is normal where there are government buildings.

Like a lot of other cities around the world, the Casablanca skyline also has two 28 floor and 115 meter tall spectacular skyscraper, Twin Towers, in the city centre, in the area called Twin Centre. Inaugurated in 1998, they were designed by Ricardo Bofill Levi, a renowned Spanish architect and were a landmark on national and international levels, when they became the tallest buildings in all of North Africa. A large central square with several landscaped areas separates both buildings. Together they occupy a combined area of 93,000 square meters, where there is space for one of the largest shopping centres in Africa, which is five storeys high, and where there are a lot of shops and offices. The Kenzi Tower Hotel, a five-star luxury hotel, (www.kenzi-hotels.com/kenzitower), is in one of the towers, with 210 rooms, 27 suites, spas, bars and restaurants.

Located on the central Rue d'Alger, it is the oldest of the two remaining Christian churches in the city (the other is the church of Notre-dame de Lourdes). Designed by French architect Paul Tournon, it dates from 1930, when it was erected to serve as a place of worship for about 40,000 Catholics who lived, at that time, in Casablanca. It has a peculiar style, which combines the Gothic style of some of the great European cathedrals with Art Deco. Its Art Nouveau stained glass windows, with red and blue colours, allow much light into the building. The concrete façade incorporates many decorative elements and the boundaries are marked by two huge towers. This church has not been used for a long time as a place of worship, although exhibitions and other cultural events are held here from time to time.

This huge square is the dividing point between the Old Medina in Casablanca and the modern districts, and it was also the meeting point of the main city thoroughfares: Mohammed V, Hassan II, F. A. R., Houphouët-Boigny and Moulay-Hassan I. May be quickly crossed by an underground passage that runs from one end to the other and that is indicated by a peculiar dome. However, it is much more interesting to stroll around above ground, where you will see quite a few large white buildings, the Hyatt Regency Hotel probably being the most outstanding of them all. One end starts at the Boulevard Mohammed V, which consists of a lot of buildings from the 30s, including several hotel establishments, as well as shops and some of the city's most elegant cafés and restaurants.

This gigantic concrete mass is in the central Mohammed Zerktuni Boulevard, and was built between 1953 and 1956. It is one of the only two Catholic Churches that are in Casablanca (the other one is the Sacred Heart Church). The architect Achille Dangleterre, was responsible for the original projects design, and he also had help for it from the engineer Paul Zimmer. One of the main attractions are the spectacular stain glass windows, work of Gabriel Loire, a famous French artist. They are cut on a red and blue coloured background, reminiscent of the typical Moroccan carpets, and represent different images of the Virgin Mary. The church can be visited from 8.30 in the morning until 12.00 and from 15.00 until 19.00 in the evening every day.

This historic Mosque, located at one end of the Old Medina of Casablanca, was built between 1757 and 1970 by the Moroccan Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah. In fact, it is one of the few buildings from that era that have survived until today. It has a floor plan that is 40 metres long and 28 metres wide, and an impressive minaret that was installed in the building years after the Sultan's death. Following the usual layout of other well known Moroccan Minarets, this Mosque is made up of a large square tower, above which there is a narrower tower, crowned with a dome. Its long staircase and the portico entrance are also worth highlighting. They are in a corner of a small public square. The portico has the typical, Arabian style, horseshoe shape and is decorated with a lot of sculptured figures. Then there is a huge wooden gate, which has also been carefully carved.

This square, now the municipal administrative centre, consists of many buildings from the 20s, most of them with Hispanic-Muslim architecture and Art Deco influences. You should look carefully at its elegant arcades and white façades, adorned with gold coloured stone. One of its most striking buildings is the Prefecture (Wilaya), inaugurated in 1930 by Mohammed V who was then the Sultan. It houses a beautiful tropical garden, as well as paintings by Louis Majorelle, the French decorator. In 1976 he added a fountain that, from time to time, delights visitors with spectacular shows of music and water. You can see a spectacular view of Casablanca from a 50 meter high tower that stands just beside the Prefecture. Completing the area is the French Consulate, where we can see the equestrian statue of the French General Hubert Lyautey inside, and which was located in the centre of the square years ago.