COVID: Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Morocco
Casablanca has an approximate population of around 3,359,818 people and you can typically expect to pay around £2.94p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
Casablanca, the largest of Morocco's port cities, is a trade centre and commercial centre in western Morocco, formerly known as Al Hoceima. Its French colonial heritage can be seen in its distinctive French colonial architecture, highlighted by its famous central park, which shelters a white sand beach. Standing at the mouth of the river Meditterane, it serves as an excellent location to witness the sunset. Standing partly within the water, the massive Nasrid Hormann Mosque, built inna mid-ieving in 1993, has arium that overlooks the water. Here you can see the mosque's minarets, bell tower and dome.
Visitors will also find the town of Ouarzazate to be well worth a visit. Surrounded by lush green hills, it is the perfect place for nature lovers. There are many hiking paths and walks that start from the village square. A unique experience is to take a Jeep ride on the empty plateau to see the desert. You can also enjoy the town's night life, dotted with trendy discos and restaurants.
Casablanca's vibrant nightlife is also worth exploring. It begins shortly after sunset and continues all night long. Some of the places where people go for entertainment are Cafe Mambo and the St. Catherine's Monastery. Casablanca's international airport offers flights to various cities throughout the world. You may book a car rental in advance to make the most out of your trip. There is plenty of shopping to take into account, with everything from local crafts and handicrafts to electrical appliances.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Morocco are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
For up to date information around safety and security in Morocco read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Morocco.
The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (mid-March to May) or autumn (September to October). The weather is warm but pleasant, unlike the cold temperatures and snow of winter, or the scorching heat of summer. The coastal regions can be visited year-round.
For those who are looking to celebrate the culture and diversity of the country, festivals are a must-see. The most famous of these take place throughout the year in the various regions, and the cultural events in Morocco include the marathon des Sables, the renowned marathon that spans 250km across the Sahara desert. Each year, over 1,200 runners sign up for the event, and there is a two-year waiting list. A four-day film festival is held in the ochre city of Fez, with world-renowned films screened there.
Other festivals are centered around the arts and entertainment of Morocco. For instance, the Atlas Dance Festival, which was established in the 1960s, reflects the diversity and richness of the folk arts in the country. Over the years, it has brought together international groups from around the world to showcase the Atlas, Gnaoua and Saharan dances. This event is a must-see for any traveler who visits the Moroccan mountains.
The Almond Blossom Festival marks the time when the almond trees start to shed their leaves and begin their flowering cycle. The Rose Festival, which is one of the largest in Morocco, celebrates love and the Berber tradition. The Fes International Film Festival draws some of Hollywood's best directors, and is one of the most popular in the country. The Agaoua and Gnaoua festivals feature local talent. You can also enjoy the traditional music of the country during the Timitar festival in Agadir. The Sufi and Amazigh traditions are celebrated in these celebrations.
The most famous and colorful of these festivals takes place in Meknes. The Imilchil Marriage Festival, which honors love, is a legendary Berber event. The film festival draws many leading Hollywood filmmakers. The annual Sahara Desert race is also an important festival. The first month of the Islamic calendar is celebrated as the Islamic New Year. The olive harvest is also a popular time to celebrate, and the country puts on a spectacular show of equestrian performance.
There are many other festivals in Morocco. The Marrakech Biennale is one of the most famous. This festival showcases avant-garde contemporary art, music and literature. It is held every two years and is a highlight of the country's cultural life. The Gnaoua Festival is held in the UNESCO World Heritage site in Fes. Another important event is the Timitar Music Festival in Agadir.
The most famous festival in Morocco is the Marrakech Almond Blossom Festival. This event takes place in February, in the almond-producing capital. The Almond Blossom Festival in Tafraoute was originally just an agricultural gathering where people could sell almond products. But now, the festival has evolved into a vibrant cultural event that features traditional Berber dance and music. This is one of the highlights of the festivals in Morocco.
History buffs will find many fascinating places to visit in Morocco. Known for its Berber culture, the country borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. If you are traveling with a family, visit the city of Marrakesh, which has a medieval medina and an entertainment district in the Djemaa el-Fna square. You can also browse the colorful ceramics and jewelry shops and check out the Kasbah of the Udayas, a 12th century royal fort.
The red rock canyon of Todra is the most striking and unique place you can visit in Morocco. This 20-mile-long gorge can only be reached by boat, and is located in the Atlas Mountains. Visitors can explore its ruins by climbing old steps to reach the top. The ruins are so beautifully preserved that you may not have even imagined they were ancient. To get to the mummies, you will need to climb up the old steps inside the fortress. Once you are there, you can visit various levels to get a better feel for life in the era.
The Volubulis was the largest, most prosperous settlement in Morocco before other sites were built. The Romans built the site as an outpost in North Africa, and its rich lands allowed it to grow. The city was expanded several times and was surrounded by wealthy houses. Although it is in ruins now, it is still an amazing sight to see. In the spring and summer, it is even prettier than in the middle of the day.
British nationals don't need a visa to enter Morocco for the purpose of tourism for up to 3 months. When entering the country, make sure your passport is stamped. Some tourists have experienced difficulties leaving the country because their passport bears no entry stamp.
See which forms you may need for entry into Morocco.
The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Morocco you can grab amazing Moroccan Dirham deals via Wise.com (GBP to MAD).
Barbary Ground Squirrel. Sand Cat. Moorish Wall Gecko. Barbary Sheep. Crested Porcupine. Egyptian Mongoose. Barbary Macaque. North African Hedgehog.
Arabic food? The main Moroccan dish most people are familiar with is Couscous, the old national delicacy. Beef is the most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco, usually eaten in a tagine with a wide selection of vegetables. Chicken is also very commonly used in tagines, or roasted.
The two official languages are Modern Standard Arabic and Berber. Moroccan Arabic (known as Darija) is the spoken native vernacular. The languages of prestige in Morocco are Arabic in its Classical and Modern Standard Forms and French, the latter of which serves as a second language for many Moroccans. You can learn some basic Arabic before you travel to Morocco and really impress the locals!
The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (There is no "rule of thumb" per se regarding tipping in Morocco. Moroccans themselves might only leave a few dirhams on a 150 dirhams dinner bill. At many of the upmarket restaurants in the tourist areas they will add 10% to the bill, therefore check your bill.).
Emergency Numbers
What is the time difference?
The GMT time difference is 1 hours