Casablanca

Combining French-Moroccan service with the blend of cultures coming through the port, Casablanca offers some of the best accommodation in Morocco. The Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche is a perfect choice for those looking to unwind after a day in the Moroccan sunshine, with several indulgent spa treatments and a range of contemporary suites. If you’re looking to really splash out and enjoy the height of luxury, the Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca offers a decedent service that’ll leave you wanting for nothing. And those on the hunt for a unique experience will fall in love with the art deco Hotel and Spa Le Doge - a window to the heyday of the nineteen-twenties, the hotel has a timeless grace that’ll make you want to party like Gatsby.

Get ready to haggle like a champion as the markets of Casablanca uphold Morocco’s tradition of bargaining. If you feel up to the challenge the Souq Habous area, where many boats come and go, plays host to a sprawling market where you can get good deals with some rapid negotiation. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you could visit the Moroccan Mall or Anfa Place in the city which both offer more traditional western shopping experiences with many big brands.

The Moroccan diet offers a rich variety of flavours that’ll be unfamiliar to many tourists from Britain. With a mouth-watering range of spices and dishes, it’s best to immerse yourself in local cuisine while resisting the temptation to visit franchises from home. Casablanca has a speciality couscous that’s well worth tasting, and meat lovers should be on the lookout for fragrant Tagine Chicken. Evening meals are eaten without cutlery in many traditional restaurants, instead using the right two fingers and thumb – making for a unique dining experience.

As crossroads between many different cultures, Casablanca offers lots of festivals that are sure to be welcome additions to any journey to the city:

Jazzablanca

Taking place in mid-April, Jazzablanca is one of the largest Jazz festivals in Africa with many notable guests visiting the city from around the world. If you have any interest in the modern Jazz scene, this soothing festival by the sea is a sure way to unwind and relax.

Feast of the Throne

Held in late July, the Feast of the Throne is a celebration of the King of Morocco. Locals take to the streets for dancing and partying late into the night. Many towns and cities have fireworks, live music and other festivities. This is a great way to meet the residents of Casablanca and learn about their traditions.

L’Boulevard

A more traditional music festival, similar to Glastonbury, L’Boulevard is an inexpensive alternative to an English festival. There’s a focus on urban music and a lot of younger talent is given the opportunity to play alongside well-established acts. If you’re visiting in early September L’Boulevard is worth your time and money.