You must remember this. It took more than 50 years for a real Rick's Café to open in Casablanca, Morocco's bustling port city.

Casablanca the Movie

The best known lines from any movies ever, come from the World War 2 classic, Casablanca that starred Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. By now we all know that the entire 1942 film was shot in Florida USA, but Casablanca, Morocco became a romantic destination in the hearts and minds of millions.

Casablanca doesn’t look at all like the movie. But don’t be surprised to find a bustling, modern port city on arrival in Casablanca the economic capital of Morocco, home to about 5 million people.

Casablanca, Morocco is a Modern, Port City

In the heart of the city is the Place Mohammed V, a square flanked by wide boulevards and buildings you just itch to photograph.

The Art Deco architecture of Casablanca is plentiful and impressive. Look out for the Neo-Mauresque style, created in the 20’s and 30’s blending the Moorish and Art Deco influences.

The Marche Central is the town market which you find down Boulevard Mohammed 5 – fresh veggies, seafood, meat, crafts. To the north lies the ancient quarter, a maze of narrow streets and alleys, whitewashed houses and tiny shops and markets, partly enclosed by a 16th-century wall - a bit like the movie, Casablanca. The Jewish Quarter in the Lusitania district houses almost 60 percent of morocco’s Jews, There are plenty of sights to see here, including the city's principal synagogue, Benarroch.

Hassan ll Mosque, a Landmark in Casablanca, Morocco

Many people stop in Casa just to see the impressive new Hassan II Mosque, perched on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic.The 210-meter minaret is the tallest in the world and is visible day and night for miles around. There are guided tours for non-Muslims at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM and 2 PM (2:30 PM in summer).

Beautiful Beaches in Casablanca - Ain Diab, Miami Plage and more

Visitors also come to Casablanca (white house in Portuguese) for its beautiful beaches stretching north to Mohammedia and south to El Jadida. A cluster of tony 'beach clubs' are located in the suburb of Aïn Diab. You better have a gold card if you want to visit a hot spot like Miami Plage, which comes with swimming pool and fitness facilities.

Casablanca's Hot Nightlife on Boulevard de la Corniche

No other city in Morocco equals Casablanca when it comes to nightlife. The Boulevard de la Corniche, along the Atlantic Ocean, is home to several upmarket exclusive clubs. And of course , there's Ricks Cafe, where every American vistor listens to a tune on the piano and has a drink, or two.

The Atlantic-Mediterranean coastline’s weather is best from June to September. Mostly rain-free days and humid and warm conditions - high 20°Cs (low 80°Fs) daytime.

Casablanca is more expensive than the rest of Morocco for hotels, restaurants, nightlife, but vistors won’t be disappointed. There is plenty of good accommodation vavailable in Casablanca - hotels and Riads, from luxury to budget, so the vistor can shop around.

Get in the mood before you go with Radio Casablanca –Morocco.

The movie Casablanca is timeless, and the city, well there is certainly something magical about Casa, although other Moroccan cities have better attractions and markets, most people kick of their Morocco trips in Casablanca.

Some photographs by Milamber at flickr.com

Related African travel sites to visit:

Marrakesh - Morocco's pink city

Hammams in Morocco

African beach holiday destinations

Morocco Family Holidays

Morocco: Sahara Package Tours