Casablanca City Guide - overview

Just looking at the city, there's no guessing where the port of Casablanca, meaning white housein Spanish, got its name. Made famous by the classic 1942 movie 'Casablanca', this cosmopolitan, white-walled city is Morocco's largest and least endearing, although under the hustle and bustle and slight seediness, lies a unique and charismatic history waiting to be discovered. Founded by Berber fisherman in the 10th century BC, Casablanca was used by the Phoenicians, Romans and Merenids as a port. The Portuguese then took over but after destroying the city and rebuilding it, they abandoned it in 1755 after an earthquake. The city went on to be rebuilt as Daru l-Badya(the Arabic name) by a Moroccan sultan and given the name Casablanca by the Spanish traders who used the port. Casablanca is unlike any other Moroccan city. Women ditch the conservative clothing and dress themselves in the latest designer gear while men flirt shamelessly with them. But these trendoids of the upper crust do not represent Casablanca accurately - poverty has led to crime, drugs and prostitution and evidence of this can be seen in the slums on the outskirts of the city. A trip to Casablanca is a must for anyone wanting to experience another side of Morocco and, untraditional and plain as this city may be, it is not to be missed.

Getting around: There is a reliable bus route that runs daily throughout the city as well as various private lines which run from Gare Routière on Rue Léon l'Africain in downtown Casablanca. Fiat Uno taxis provide metered services in the central metropolitan areas. Registered taxis can be easily hailed from just about anywhere in the city and are easily identified by their blue colour. These are known as petite taxis (small taxis) while the white variety are known as grands taxis (big taxis). Grand taxis can also be hired by the hour or day and many travellers may choose to do this. Rental car agencies can be found throughout the city, but they are expensive and those opting to drive themselves should be cautious of chaotic driving and high accident rates. Walking around the city is safe enough but petty thieves, such as pick-pockets taker advantage of unsuspecting tourists.