Immortalised in the 1942 film, Casablanca is Morocco's biggest city and port, and a romantic destination for cruise ships. Contrasting ultra-modern developments with its attractive art deco centre and historic Moorish buildings, the city retains a cosmopolitan feel evoking its former colonial days.

It is also famous for its nightlife. Broad tree-lined avenues complement the contrasting architecture, making the city a pleasant stop on the cruise itinerary, and there is much of interest to occupy the cruise passenger during a day visit. And for those wishing just to relax, the beach suburb of Aïn Diab is a short distance from the city centre.

Casablanca is a great city to explore on foot, the wide main boulevards contrasting with maze-like backstreets, and great squares like the Place Mohammed V, surrounded by glorious early 20th-century public buildings.

For a reviving experience, head for one of the city's hammams, similar to Turkish baths.

Highlights
• Hassan II Mosque
• The Jewish Museum
• Old Medina
• Sacred Heart Cathedral
• Park of the Arab League

Syndicat d'Initiative
98 Boulevard Mohammed V, Casablanca, Morocco.
Tel: +212 2222 1524.
Website: www.visitcasablanca.ma

A highlight is a visit to one of numerous local souks, where cruise ship passengers can haggle for local goods, including leather, brassware, copperware, silver, silk or cotton garments, wool rugs, carpets and blankets. Bargaining is essential, and good buys generally work out at around a third of the asking price. But beware of cheap imitations from the Far East.

Casablanca offers a good range of European/international food, but it's worth trying local specialities like harira (a rich soup) couscous, tajine (stew) and djaja mahamara, chicken stuffed with almonds, semolina and raisins.

Casablanca has a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered on by trade winds. The weather is hot and dry throughout most of the year, though temperatures can drop dramatically at night, especially in winter. Rain falls from November to March. 

Morocco

GMT.

Moroccan Dirham (Dh) = 100 centimes.

Arabic.

Morocco, northwest Africa.

3,100,000.

Constitutional monarchy.

Predominantly Muslim with Jewish, Christian and Hindu minorities.

Casual wear is fine, although swimwear and revealing clothing should be confined to the beach or poolside for both men and women. Sexual relations outside marriage (including homosexual conduct) are theoretically punishable by law, but this is rarely enforced. Smoking is widespread, though sometimes limited to smoking sections in restaurants.

Tipping: Tips range from a few Dirhams for cleaning service to 5-10% of total meal cost.