John, Thank you, John! Casa-Oasis Route de Nouasseur Morocco. Expats living in Casablanca may like to indulge in some retail therapy at the largest shopping mall in Africa. In Essaouira - as a European who is not married to a Moroccan citizen - you currently need EUR 10,000 fixed in a Moroccan account for a carte sejour, EUR 1,000 incoming in a Moroccan account every month in addition to proven home ownership in Essaouira, unencumbered by mortgages. The tramway is over 30 km long and has 49 stops so far, with more planned in the future. The windiest month is May, followed by July and June. The small hard boiled eggs are considered a delicacy because of their much more flavorful yolk. bellyflop2. Morocco - Traveler view | Travelers' Health | CDC (glad you havent had your purse stollen), Haha, thanks, Sue! The way we experience weather isnt all about temperature. Thankyou so much for the details! Casablancas medina differs from the fabulous yet somewhat touristy medieval souks of Marrakesh and Fez, in that it is largely residential and the shops that do exist harbor bakers and butchers, metalworkers, and carpenters rather than souvenir sellers. If dry weather is what youre after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Casablanca are August, July, and then June. Note that we define significant precipitation as .1 inches or more in this section. After you have had your fill of the market, I would head home, because it is likely time to head on out to the airport or the train station. Get the very best of Wanderlustby signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers. Many people do not realize that the movie was shot entirely in Los Angeles, California none of the scenes were shot in Morocco or Casablanca. How long in Casablanca - Casablanca Forum - Tripadvisor Come for Champagne cocktails and to listen to live jazz; then stay for sophisticated European and Moroccan cuisine. One prerequisite for making the best Marrakech itinerary you can is staying in a riad, which is a residence thats been converted into lodging. Built in 1919, it stands at 161ft (49m) with a light that can be seen 30 nautical miles (56km) away. The magnificent medina of the city was created in the 15th century. Web Visit website. Outside the medina, Jacques Majorelles botanical garden and residence provide a tranquil refuge. Spend two days exploring the Sahara Desert, beginning with a hike across the Middle Atlas Mountains. Dont miss the sea urchin vendor who will crack open fresh ones for you to eat right out of the shell, priced five for about one US dollar. Theres also a Moroccan restaurant, rooftop Spanish restaurant and a small spa. Morocco is a dynamic and diversified nation with its busy souks, magnificent snow-capped mountains, and enormous Sahara. Re: How much time to spend in Casablanca& Marrakech 7 years ago Save Although I love Casablanca, I wouldn't advise the casual visitor to spend more than 2 nights there. With your documents ready, visit a local bank branch or apply for an account online. Many people love it, so I will let you decide for yourself. Contemporary art spaces celebrate young, local talent. In summer, the vibe here is particularly festive, with foreigners and locals alike gathering to picnic and paddle at the beaches, to admire the sea view, or simply to people-watch. Neoclassical edifices rubbing shoulders with ornate Neo-Moorish facades, symmetrical Art Deco structures and sleek Modernist towers, all blindingly white against the cobalt-blue sky. When it comes to the optimal length of time to spend in Morocco, 10 days may just be the sweet option. This guide is so well-done I want to pay you for it lol! To get to Rue Anglais, wander through the narrow streets of the old medina. One of the main ways of moving around Casablanca is by tram. From the square, wander a few blocks west to Sacr-Coeur Cathedral, a former Roman Catholic church and exhibition space that epitomizes Art Deco style with its clean, white lines and romantic stained-glass windows. Take part in various desert activities such as dancing in Khamleya, sandboarding down the dunes, or just relaxing by the pool. This is at no extra cost to you! Registration is free. Only about 10 to 30 minutes of daily direct sunlight exposure is needed to ensure vitamin production, Ren said. See average monthly temperatures below. You essentially can bounce from one vendor to another, trying anything you lay your eyes on most breads or pastries will cost 1 dirham, (10 cents). Located a 15-minute walk from the hotel, NKOA borrows influences from all over the world and blends them to create totally unique fusion cuisine, decor, and music. You can purchase 8 ounces of amlou for 40 dirham, or $4. Youve potentially just landed from an international flight, so I would get settled in to your place before heading out for a little pampering. Berber markets are the main tourist attractions in Fez and Marrakesh, where visitors can load up on rugs, silks, spices, argan oil, and leather goods. One of the main ways of moving around Casablanca is by tram. Nestled against the walls of the Old Medina, its a painstaking recreation of the gin joint from the movie. What was achieved here couldnt have happened anywhere else, explained Rachid Andaloussi, co-founder of non-profit Casamemoire. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Weather is somewhat cool this time of year in Casablanca to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person. How many days do you need to see Morocco? - Touring In Morocco From there, follow the instructions to provide your personal information, proof of address, and any other documentation needed. Archived post. Many a 3 days in Marrakech itinerary will mention the citys famous gardens in passing, or suggest that you visit either of them (but not both!) As Morocco's main international gateway, Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca is the busiest airport in the country and the fourth busiest in Africa. On day two, visit one of the gardens just outside the city, such as the fabulous Majorelle Garden. Royal Air Maroc offers affordable direct. If you are planning to travel to another city in Morocco via train, you will need to head to Casa Voyageurs. Hassan II Mosque's intricate gates, Casablanca (Shutterstock). You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Here, in the nations largest city, the current and next generations of Moroccans can have career paths outside of the service industry and lives that do not revolve around serving wealthy visitors. You'll find here all the information you need to get started. La programmation arrive trs bientt #Jazzablanca, A post shared by Jazzablanca (@jazzablanca_fest) on Mar 3, 2020 at 9:02am PST. Heres how we recommend spending 48 hours in the White City, with Relais& Chteaux's Htel Le Doge as your base. Head to Racine Nails for your manicure they do a very professional job and have a wide selection of higher-end nail polish colors. Take your time to dress, before making your way upstairs to the rooftop restaurant. The ratings and pricing are correct, and the goods were in stock at the time of publishing. Thanks for doing this blog. Your email address will not be published. Morocco is a welcoming destination however there are a few things that must be done in preparing for your trip. Although you may miss out on a few wonderful places, seven-day Morocco itineraries enable you to explore most of the countrys notable landmarks. Inherited IRAs Just Got New Rules. What You Need to Know. At a leisurely pace, a week in Moroccos desert and imperial cities is enough time to see the countrys highlights. To make a reservation call: +212 5222 09652. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. On your trip from Casablanca to Fes, stop at Rabat to explore the Roman and Islamic remains, including Hassan Tower and the Andalusian Gardens. What Are the Passport Requirements for Traveling to Morocco? Overview Africa & Middle East Morocco 48 Hours in Casablanca: The Ultimate Itinerary By Jessica Macdonald Published on 10/20/20 Grant Faint/Getty Images For many visitors, Casablanca is simply the international gateway into Morocco. Average temperatures in Casablanca vary somewhat. If you choose to go to Habous, I recommend taking a petit taxi. They lasted about six days (she told me it would last two weeks). If you use this itinerary on your trip to Casablanca, please let me know! Start your day with a traditional Moroccan breakfast try eggs with khlii (dried meat) in the garden restaurant of La Sqala, set in an 18th-century bastion in the medinas whitewashed ramparts. It is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, remembering to haggle for the best price whenever you find something you like. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Many people ask the question; How many days do you need to see Morocco? Royal Air Maroc offers affordable direct flights between the two cities. Tourists are unlikely to visit Casablanca in September. At sunset, you may make your way up to the abandoned Spanish Mosque for some breathtaking city and mountain views. Privacy Policy. On this website you can find information about U.S. immigrant and nonimmigrant visas and the requirements to apply for each. But Casablancas refusal to cater to Western tourists' tastes is exactly what makes it interesting. Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. Another 20-minute taxi ride away is the only museum in the Muslim world devoted to Judaism. Casablanca certainly isn't a Hollywood movie clich. It is worth that if only for the sights that are there and as a gentle introduction to Morocco as it is virtually hassle-free. This 1930s property represents the very best of the Art Deco architecture that Casablanca is famous for, with a pristine white faade and interiors defined by plenty of red velvet and gilded accents. Nice job! Alternatively, remain in Fes and do day trips. Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. When to go: Mild year-round, the best times to visit are spring and autumn. At the time of writing, a CTM bus ticket from Essaouira to Casablanca is 152MAD. How much time to spend in Casablanca& Marrakech Reddit, Inc. 2023. Considering humidity, temperatures feel very enjoyable all year with a low chance of precipitation most of the year. Check the CTM website for up-to-date bus times and pricing. The roads can be quite congested, but there are various ways of getting around by car. 1) Walk to La Corniche, if you didnt do that the day before. This post is amazing! Loved at the pictures. Visitors have plenty of time to see breathtakingly beautiful places such as Chefchaouen, Moroccos famed Blue City. This itinerary includes stops in Fes, Tangier, and Casablanca, but it might be reduced or changed depending on how many days you haveand where your planes arrive and leave from. Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport Guide - TripSavvy Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca (Shutterstock). Combine four days in the Sahara with a day or two in Marrakech at the beginning and conclusion of your trip. The taxi driver SHOULD START A METER for you, and each passenger should have their own meter running. 9 a.m.: On your first morning in Casablanca, wake up in a grand suite with a four-poster bed, beautiful molded ceilings and Art Deco drawings on the walls. This area of Casablanca is filled with architectural landmarks, and your first stop should be nearby Mohammed V Square. There is a lot on the itinerary for the next day, so calling it a night is also a reasonable thing to do. The restaurant closes at 1 a.m., so if you want to, you can stay late to watch "Casablanca" being screened on repeat in a cozy side lounge. That said, if you are female and are interested in temporary lashes (like one week), there is a group of sub-Saharan African women who gather right inside of the clock tower to do braids, nails, eyelashes. The officers are pretty slow regardless. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are intercity coaches, also, which transfer passengers from Casablanca to other Moroccan cities, as well as some European destinations. The taxis here essentially function like Uber Pool which means even if someone is already in the taxi, the driver will still pick up more people until his car has three people. Layover In Casablanca: The Ultimate Guide 2023 - Bounce Before you hit the souks, stop for a treat at the legendary, family-owned Ptisserie Bennis perhaps cornes de gazelle, crescent-shaped pastries filled with almond paste that you can enjoy for the cost of a coffee at the old-school Caf Imperial. Many of the buildings, including the courthouse, the police headquarters, and the post office, are fine examples of the Mauresque style, which marries traditional Moorish influences with hallmarks of Parisian Art Deco. 1. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. On day three, you could take a day trip to somewhere outside the cityriding the train to Casablanca is the most doable, although you could go to Essaouira and back in a day if you're really committed to the diea. Dinner, drinks, and music: Le Cabestan is the citys most notable nightclub and fine dining establishment. 12:30 p.m.: Having filled up on pastries, its time for some exercise. Fes. After the tour, be sure to stay and watch the sun sink into the sea. Need Vitamin D, But Need to Watch the Sun? Here's How You Do It Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. The least humid month is May (66.9% relative humidity), and the most humid month is January (76.8%). After a filling breakfast at your hotel or in one of the many bakeries, start your day at Place Mohammed V, the main square in Casablanca. Or that you may spend more time at a particularly intriguing site, such as Fes, which quickly becomes a favorite of many visitors. The hair dressers are all Lebanese men but a woman will do your shampoo and wash. Just say you want a brushing and they will get you set up right away. You may also take a day trip from Marrakech to the nearby Agafay Desert. However, is it essential that all travellers arrive with a passport that is valid for at least six months from the time you enter Morocco. Take a taxi to the Quartier Habous, the picturesque new medina, built by the French in the 1930s. All rights reserved. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early to mid May. Its like a deluxe version of a Rick Steves two day visit but with better pictures! The Atlantic Ocean gleams blue beyond. A manicure will cost 50-80 dirham ($5-$8) and a blow-out or brushing as they call it, costs 50 dirham ($5). The small but perfectly formed Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museumhas a unique private collection of Moroccan decorative arts, from vintage travel posters to elaborate Berber jewellery and furniture. Read below for more weather and travel details. Im here right now and I admittedly did not plan this portion of my trip out very well. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. Stop in at Patisserie Bennis, a family-owned institution that dates back to 1930, for hand-crafted Moroccan pastries. Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD), currently approximately Dh12 to the UK. Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderate. 4 p.m.: By 4 p.m. you should have arrived at Hassan II Mosque. Rain is rare with 2 to 4 days of significant precipitation per month. You may spend some more time in the desert, admiring windswept sandy landscapes on your journey to Marrakech, or you can add on some trekking in the High Atlas mountains foothills. Most private schools in Casablanca are international schools, although some others are affiliated with specific religions. One overlooked aspect of Casablanca is that it is an urban city with urban city amenities at affordable prices! Fes el-old Balis walled city is a labyrinth of about 9,000 tunnels. Although Africa might seem far away, a direct flight from New York to Casablanca is only 6 hours and 45 minutes about the same as flying to London. After the mosque, its time for some refreshments. If he doesnt start a meter (this may happen), he may try to charge you more when you get out this is annoying but happens,;I would pay around 20 dirham and he will likely be content. Rock climbing enthusiasts will enjoy the gorge even more than the average visitor. 9 p.m.: By the time you finish eating, the night is still young. European-style sidewalk cafes and French-inspired bakeries sit in the shadow of half-built high-rises, with packs of feral street cats lounging nearby. Your email address will not be published. May 17, 2022 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment. Spend more time in the desert with this plan, as you explore the bustling market town of Erfoud on your route to your first overnight in Merzouga, and learn more about the local culture. For more information, please see our Le QuatorZe is located in a small two-story villa, all of the dinnerware is antique china, and the menu is full of decadent dishes like burrata, foie gras, and filet mignon overall, a wonderful experience. How long a dishwasher lasts is affected by factors such as the dishwasher quality, frequency of use, and home water quality. There are also international schools offering education taught in French, Japanese and German. Although it cant offer the atmosphere and medieval history of more famous tourist destinations like Marrakesh and Fez, the countrys largest city is nevertheless worthy of more than a layover. The Mohammed V International Airport is Moroccos busiest and serves other Moroccan destinations, as well as some European and American cities. Windsurf at Essaouira, sandboard and camel trekkingin Erg Chebbi, or explore Marrakechs souk. On day three, you could take a day trip to somewhere outside the cityriding the train to Casablanca is the most doable, although you could go to Essaouira and back in a day if youre really committed to the diea. The airport is located about 30 kilometers from downtown, and will take you 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic. Alternatively, base yourself in Marrakech and go on a desert adventure trip. All of that said, the construction and recreation of the bar is fantastic! In the case of Jardin Majorelle, you not only get to enjoy two-and-a-half lush acres of landscaping, but to step inside the vision of artist Jacques Majorelle, complete with surreal Cobalt buildings, dramatic fountains and even a museum to honor the culture of Moroccos native Berber people. Step 4: Start the Application Process. Her writing has been published in. Moroccan Residence Permit. Looking out over the urban sprawl, one could easily mistake it for Los Angeles. Mays average wind speed of around 5.5 knots (6.3 MPH or 10.2 KPH) is considered a light breeze. Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in mid May where average top sustained speeds reach 11.2 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze. Please let me know which things you did and how they were!! Now, I dont know you, but if you are like me, you probably can still find room in your stomach for more snacks. Now it's time to start opening your bank account. Great pictures. From here you can get a taxi or walk back to Quartier Habous. This is the best of Casablanca so you may not want to spend more than a few days because the city and country do have some issues which Ill address in future posts. Citizens holding passports of the following countries do not need a Visa to enter Morocco, but if you stay longer than 90 days, you will need a residency permit (ask at the local Police Station where . Airport Transit at Mohamed V airport in Casablanca Tucked into the walls of the old fortress is a restaurant, also called La Sqala, where you can stop for lunch. Here, haggling with shopkeepers over the price of babouches is a friendlier, lower-pressure experience than in other cities where vendors live and die by tourist dollars. From 1912 to 1956, Morocco was under French rule and Casablanca was chosen as the base for the protectorates strategic port. I personally love Marrakech riads such asRiad Konouz,Riad Villa el ArsaandRiad Matham, but when it comes to accommodation for 3 days in Marrakech, you almost cant go wrong. To be sure, while both of the activities Ive just mentioned are central to enjoying Marrakech, theyre best seen at night. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. if you have time. 1 p.m.: When you leave the museum, strike out in the direction of Hassan II Mosque on foot, choosing the route that takes you through the fortified Bab Marrakech gate and into the winding streets of the Old Medina. You can absolutely see Marrakech in two days, if that's all you have. Later, feast on gourmet Moroccan fare at Htel Le Doges Le Jasmine, with its stained-glass ceiling and chandeliers, J-100 Le temps passe une vitesse folle, Jazzablanca arrive dans 100 jours ! Boasting one of the worlds most fabulous public squares, to gardens so beautiful youll have to see them to believe them, Marrakech is a city in which you could spend a lifetime, but still not see everything. Note the website only takes Moroccan credit cards so buy tickets at the station; a single costs from Dh99 (7.85). Save. Morocco is known for its crafts, and this stunning mosque is a display of that craftsmanship at its finest on a staggering scale. Head to the Quartier Gauthier in the Ville Nouvelle for lunch at NKOA, where global inspiration meets Moroccan produce. Around the civic hub of Mohammed V Square, Marius Boyer Wilaya has been joined bythe ultra-modern Grand Theatre of Casablanca, designed by a Pritzker-prize-winning architect, Christian de Portzamparc, in collaboration with Andaloussi. Transit type. Winter can be cool and rainy, and summer (particularly August) means school holidays and Moroccans escaping to the coast. But lets not get ahead of ourselves: Ill be speaking more about the Marrakech vs. Casablanca debate in just a few paragraphs. It is always preferable to have more time. - Dinner between 7pm and 10pm. How Many Days Should I Spend in Marrakech? - Leave Your Daily Hell Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Best Things To Do in Rabat Morocco Morocco Travel Guide None of the main commercial parts of town are particularly pretty or nice but this area is close to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc. Lunch: The best lunch in Casablanca is not found in a restaurant, but rather among the fresh seafood stalls in the citys Central Marketplace. There are MANY fish and seafood vendors here, you can purchase a whole fish for about 100 dirham ($10)/kilo. Somehow I am just seeing your comment. Around the civic hub of Mohammed V Square, Marius Boyer Wilaya has been joined by. how many days needed in casa? - Casablanca Forum - Tripadvisor Sign up for our newsletter today 5 mins This Australian-owned initiative is a 15-minute walk away and exudes contemporary chic, with trendy menu items that range from ricotta hotcakes and chia pudding to smashed avocado on toast. Address. The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Casablanca. Iced fruit juices restore your energy before you continue on your journey towards the mosque. 3 days in Marrakech is a great amount of time to spend in the city, whether as part of a longer trip in Morocco, or a standalone weekend trip from Europe. While Casablanca is only 1h flight away from Madrid, 3h from Milan or Paris, and 3h20 from London, Marrakech is 2h away from Madrid, 3h from Paris, and 4h45 . a group of local architects with a mission to safeguard the citys 20th-century architecture, and get Casablanca UNESCO-listed. The warmest time of year is generally early to mid August where highs are regularly around 82.2F (27.9C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 70.4F (21.3C) at night. In this article, we will discuss ideas about itineraries and methods for vacations ranging from three days to two weeks. Its so colorful there. The picturesque blue city of Chefchaouen, situated in the Rif Mountains, is your next destination. It will be around a 1 hour walk through some of the more beautiful neighborhoods of Casablanca. I love it! Commissioned in the late 1100s, the tower was supposed to be the tallest in the world, and the mosque the largest in the world. Their complete Moroccan breakfast consists of eggs, sweet pastries, dates, and bread with ricotta, olives, and jammy condiments. Petit taxis are small red cars that are hired privately, whereas grand taxis . On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 4 to 7 times per month. Are You Eligible? The main attraction is the surrounding architecture. Whether you are travelling by air or by ferry, get top tips to make your journey easier and enjoyable. You'll want to walk about 15 minutes to either 1) Rick's Cafe or 2) La Sqala. The tramway is over 30 km long and has 49 stops so far, with more planned in the future. Dont have too much to eat, however, because you are about to head to one of my favorite places in Casablanca, Rue Anglais! A Weekend in the Sahara Desert, Part 3: The Atlas Mountains and Ait Benhaddou, A Review of La Grande Table Marocaine: The Best Restaurant in Morocco, Largest mosque in Africa, fifth largest in the world, Tallest minaret in the world, at 210 meters, Construction cost between $400-$700 million, Capacity of 105,000 25,000 indoors, another 80,000 on the grounds. Hassan Tower. To be sure, there are many a Marrakech day trip you can take, whether you backtrack to Casablanca in order to see its iconic Hassan II Mosque or head for the coast (even though places like Agadir and Essaouira are best seen in two or three days). Jessica Macdonald lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape province and has been TripSavvy's Africa Expert since 2016. Nevertheless, the rambling, whitewashed buildings date back to the 1800s and strolling amongst them is one of the best ways to get an authentic insight into the essence of Casablanca itself. Moroccos unusual cultural mixing means youll be thrilled by the countrys history and cuisine, not to mention the breathtaking and diverse landscapes. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Spread out the attractions Ive recommended above, add places like House of Photography and Bab Agnaou or even take a cooking class to experience a truly eclectic 3 days in Marrakech itinerary. Explore Erg Chebbi, the beautiful windswept sand dunes, the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, and the Todra Gorges. Three days is the ideal amount of time to see Marrakech, whether to explore the Medina and other attractions in the city center, or to visit the magnificent gardens around its periphery. ), and flag a petit taxi to head home to rest up for dinner, For dinner, you are going toLe QuatorZe, a higher-end French restaurant in the neighborhood. Take a walking tour, browse the souks, and pay a visit to the world-famous Tanneries Chouara to witness the vibrant vats of color. Dont miss a variety of welcoming online and in-person events.