Sunday, January 19, 2025

What should a tourist not do in Casablanca, Morocco?

 · 
Following

Casablanca is the most business-oriented city in Morocco, the most Western city in Morocco, the most liberal one and the most international one. But it is still a Moroccan city.

The rules are basically the same as for any other place in Morocco:

  • Never show disrespect for the King. Do not even crumple a banknote - it has the King’s image on it.
  • Dress properly. Men should not wear shorts and ladies should not dress too revealing.
  • Keep your valuables and belongings safe (close to the body). Do not let your wallet hang out of your hip pocket. (I see this all the time - unbelievable.)
  • Do not wander through small streets and deserted neighbourhoods after dark.
  • Be friendly but reserved when locals approach you. Do not follow them.
  • In the market, do not accept the price. Bargain.
  • Be careful to buy something. It may be fake (especially things like jewellery or silver).

BTW, I do not join Casablanca-bashing. Although my favourite Moroccan cities are Fès and Meknes, the mix of cultures in Casablanca is quite interesting. But a day (or even half a day) should be sufficient to see the most important sites of Casablanca (mainly the Hassan II mosque).

No comments: