If you find yourself with a layover in Casablanca, Morocco, you’re in for a treat! This vibrant city offers a mix of rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of your layover.
Quick Tips
Time Management Ensure you have enough time to explore. A layover of at least 6-8 hours is ideal.
Transportation Use taxis or ride-sharing apps to get around. The airport is about 30 to 45 minutes from the city center.
Currency The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It’s good to have some cash for small purchases.
My flight was from Nairobi Kenya, The flight stopped in N'Djamena Chad on the way to Casablanca, I tried to get off the plane at N'Djamena Chad, was not allowed.
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| N'Djamena Chad |
Arrived in Casablanca and headed straight to international connections, hoping to sleep at the airport, talked to Airlines folks, I was flying Air Morocco to New York. They Informed me since my flight was not for another 7 or so hours, I could use their transit hospitality services. So I was off to the long Visa line and after that headed to the airlines office. There I was given some kind of a voucher for a hotel and told where to catch a shuttle. Next thing I am on the shuttle and headed to a hotel. At the hotel I ate a shitty cold meal, some of it, and after the meal was given a room to nap. It was a decent room with hot shower, after a nice shower, I was not so tired anymore, went down to to the reception, handed the keys to the room. I spoke with the reception folks and asked about a cab that would take to see the city and drop me back to the airport in time for my flight. They told me that would cost 50 Euros, this was a once in a lifetime thing and I agreed.
French: I speak French, my Cab (Taxi) driver spoke Arabic and French, no English. Having been to Marrakesh, I am glad to speak it. So if you are going to be in Morocco learn some basic French, it comes handy in lot of African countries.
Airport to the Casablanca city center is a good 45 minutes. Now this was a weekend and I didn't come across much traffic while going to the city. So I got talking to the Taxi driver, he gave me a tour of the city. He asked me if this was my first time in Morocco, I said 2nd and had visited Marrakesh, he went off and on and told me Casablanca was mush better and much cheaper than Marrakesh. So anyways, I was kind of busy taking photos and just nodded to him.
We drove past the
Casablanca Cathedral, or Church of the Sacred Heart, is a Roman Catholic church.
Quartier Habous or the Habous Quarter in Casablanca is a charming and historic neighborhood known for its unique blend of Moroccan and French architectural styles.
Old Medina of Casablanca is a vibrant area steeped in history and culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s past. Unlike the modern parts of Casablanca, the Old Medina is characterized by narrow winding streets, bustling markets, and traditional Moroccan architecture.
Hassan II Mosque - One of the largest mosques in the world, this architectural marvel is a must-visit.
Its right by the ocean and the whole area is just beautiful. I walked and saw the building from outside in admiration and felt the cool ocean breeze, with the sound of the waves.
After my last stop at the Mosque, the Taxi drive offered to take me to a coffee shop, I agreed and we went to the amazing coffee shop, I had a mint tea and he had a coffee. There were men only, we sat at the outside area and I was people watching in a city which I had only seen in a movie Casablanca, 'Here's Looking At You, Kid'. That stop at the coffee shop was the best part of my layover, I like the experience of being part of the culture.
Now it was time to head back to the Airport, I was late. And we met traffic, The Cab driver didn't drive fast, he though had some skills to cut through traffic, and kept saying to me in French 'Je Roule'. And he dropped me off in time, of course I tipped him 5 extra euros.
Now at the airport there were long lines for exit customs and Immigration, and I made it to the boarding gate just in time.
Leave me some comments, questions or suggestions.
I have a love hate relationship for layovers. It's love when I can rest and have a bit of time to explore the area we're stopping in. It's hate when I'm in a layover with rules/restrictions of such area that doesn't allow people out of the airport. Anyhow, Casablanca has this dreamy kind of vibe. Do you mind asking what camera do you use for your travels?
ReplyDeleteI use different cameras for different places, since this was a stopover I used a Sony point and shoot that easily fits into my pocket.
DeleteI love how even in what appears to be a boring or frustrating experience, like a layover, that you still had the capacity to find and attempt adventure. I think that's the most important part about traveling, you can make an adventure out of everything if you simply put forth the effort.
ReplyDelete