🦩 Must Do In Casablanca!

Travel because life is short, and the world is huge. – Anonymous

Hello there,

Feeling that wanderlust itch and Morocco calling your name? Then buckle up, because we're diving into the vibrant heart of Casablanca!✨ This city is more than just the setting for a classic movie (although let's be honest, who doesn't dream of recreating that iconic airport scene?). From historical gems to buzzing medinas, Casablanca has something for everyone.

So, ditch the guidebooks and grab your virtual fez – we're spilling the beans on the can't-miss experiences that will turn your trip into an unforgettable Moroccan adventure. From haggling for treasures in the souks to getting lost in the labyrinthine lanes, we'll unveil the hidden gems and must-see sights that'll make you fall in love with Casablanca. So, grab your virtual mint tea and get comfy, because it's time to explore! ☕

Because this newsletter wouldn’t be complete without its story of the day, today’s one is about an hotel, a very special hotel, an all-in-one-nightmares hotel.

CASABLANCA: UNVEILING A CITY FULL OF SURPRISES

Forget everything you think you know about Casablanca being just a movie setting. This vibrant city is bursting with cultural gems, architectural wonders, and a unique charm that will leave you wanting more. ✨

From art deco neighborhoods to bustling medinas, each district offers a different flavor of Casa. So, ditch the guidebooks and grab your virtual fez – we're diving into the must-see experiences that'll transform your trip into an unforgettable Moroccan adventure!

A Walk Through Time

Start your journey in the historic city center, a living museum showcasing 20th-century architectural styles. Marvel at the neo-Moroccan grandeur of Place Mohammed V, then turn futuristic with the theater designed by Christian de Portzamparc and Rachid Andaloussi.

Stroll down Boulevard Mohammed V, a parade of architectural gems. Admire the Art Nouveau Martinet building, the Art Deco El Glaoui building, or the ocean liner-inspired "Villas Paquet."

Step Back in Time in the Medinas

Experience the vibrant melting pot of the 18th-century medina. Explore traditional houses, neo-classical buildings, and even Art Deco gems hidden amongst the bustling souks.

Discover hidden treasures like the Heritage Interpretation Center, showcasing Casablanca's urban history, or Al Makane, a beautiful riad transformed into a café and artisan bazaar.

Don't miss the Sqala ramparts, built in the 18th century, offering a glimpse into Morocco's Vauban architecture.

Explore the Latest Town’s Charm

Immerse yourself in the Habous Medina, a 20th-century new town built following traditional medina principles. Wander through arcaded streets, foundouks (caravanserais), and traditional souks, savoring the sights and smells.

Be sure to visit the Mahkama du Pacha, a courthouse and reception venue with breathtaking decoration, featuring a fragrant garden and golden stone buildings reminiscent of medieval cloisters.

Delve Deeper with Casamémoire

Join a fascinating guided tour with Casamémoire, an association dedicated to preserving Casablanca's architectural heritage. Explore the old medina, the Art Deco town, the Habous medina, or the Hay Mohammadi experimental district, gaining insights you won't find in any guidebook. 

Museums & More

Immerse yourself in the world of Abderrahmane Slaoui, an aesthete and humanist, at the Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum. Explore orientalist posters, gold jewelry, and Bohemian crystal chests amidst beautiful temporary exhibitions.

Discover contemporary art at the Villa des Arts, a magnificent 1930s residence transformed into a vibrant space for performing arts, cinema, literature, and visual arts. 

Awe-Inspiring Hassan II Mosque

Witness the iconic landmark of Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque, standing tall on the Corniche. Take a guided tour and marvel at its grandeur, from the prayer room's breathtaking ceilings and domes to the sophisticated retractable roof. 

Street Art Explosion

Let your eyes feast on the vibrant street art scene that's transforming Casablanca's walls. Join a walking tour with Alouane Bladi, a local association actively promoting street art and engaging young artists. 

Foodie Delights

Treat yourself to a seafood feast at the Central Market. Purchase your fresh catch and have it cooked to perfection in nearby restaurants. Enjoy a delicious, affordable meal with stunning ocean views.

Relax and unwind at the Corniche, Casablanca's seaside haven. Soak up the sun at Tahiti Beach Club, explore the diverse culinary scene at Corniche by Palmeraie, or indulge in high-end seafood at Cabestan Ocean View.

This is just a taste of what Casablanca has to offer. So, ditch the stereotypes and open your mind to a city that will surprise and delight you at every turn.

Ready to book your adventure? Let me know in the comments what excites you most about exploring Casablanca!

TRAVEL DIARIES

There are the bad hotels, and then there are the horrible ones.

“Guest house hotel in Oxford, booked online, well rated, lots of ratings, nice photos. Result: horror.

Already the reception, just the door was scary, patched up, at least 4 bells, words stuck on it. Inside it was a kitchen in an indescribable mess, there were newspapers/magazines everywhere, full of dust, plates not cleared, it was the breakfast room... Our room and the house, filthy on the point that I "slept" fully dressed and in a k-way so as not to touch the sheets. Shelves that were falling apart, a TV and a tape recorder from the 70's, the carpet on the floor must also be from the 70's and had probably never been washed. Really disgusting toilets on the landing, no one was even going to pee. And the lock to our room was something tampered with a little plastic fork. There you go. We stayed because we had arrived late and were exhausted and had no other alternative at that time.

Today we laugh about it, and we laughed about it that same evening too, what a night! We all had undead faces the next day, in addition to not being washed.

A few years later when I went to look up the name of the hotel out of curiosity, to see the reviews, it had been temporarily closed for a case of sex trafficking.

A bad experience at the time, but a funny memory to tell a few months later!”

MINGO-MEMES

VASCO-SNAP OF THE DAY

Kyoto, Japan