Casablanca: North Africa

Casablanca, Morocco: A Travel & Business Guide for Visitors from Ghana

Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic capital, is a dynamic fusion of Arab, Berber, European, and African influences. Set on the Atlantic coast, it’s a bustling metropolis known for its modern infrastructure, vibrant trade, and a cultural charm that bridges the traditional and the contemporary.

Whether you're visiting from Accra for a business venture, tourism, or as a strategic gateway into North Africa, Casablanca welcomes you with a cosmopolitan energy that feels both familiar and refreshingly different.

🌍 Why Visit Casablanca from Ghana?

• Economic Gateway: Casablanca is Morocco’s financial hub, home to the Casablanca Finance City, top banks, and multinationals operating across North and West Africa.

• Strategic Location: As a logistics and trade port, it connects sub-Saharan Africa to Europe, the Middle East, and America — ideal for import-export, energy, logistics, and fintech interests.

• Cultural Blend: Casablanca is a mix of Moorish architecture, French colonial elegance, and contemporary African energy — an ideal destination for cultural and historical exploration.

✈️ Flights from Accra to Casablanca

• Direct Flights:

  • Royal Air Maroc offers nonstop flights from Kotoka International Airport (ACC) to Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca.

  • Flight time: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.

• Alternative Routes:

  • Indirect flights available via Istanbul, Doha, or Abidjan, serviced by Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, or Air Côte d’Ivoire.

🕌 What to Do in Casablanca: Top Attractions

1. Hassan II Mosque

• One of the largest mosques in the world, built partly over the sea.

• Open to non-Muslim visitors on guided tours.

• Features exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship — marble, cedarwood, mosaics, and a retractable roof.

2. The Old Medina

• A maze of narrow alleys, street markets, and traditional Moroccan life.

• Great for buying handicrafts, spices, textiles, and souvenirs.

3. La Corniche

• A scenic Atlantic Ocean promenade with cafes, beach clubs, and restaurants.

• Ideal for sunsets, seafood dining, and people-watching.

4. Casablanca Cathedral

• A striking example of neo-Gothic architecture built during the French colonial era.

• No longer in use for worship, it’s now a cultural venue and artistic landmark.

5. Habous Quarter

• A charming, French-built district with Moroccan souks, artisan shops, and bakeries.

• Great for shopping traditional goods in a more relaxed setting than the old medina.

🏨 Where to Stay in Casablanca

Luxury Hotels

• Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca – Beachfront elegance with high-end dining, spa, and views of the Atlantic.

• Hyatt Regency Casablanca – Central location with great business amenities and executive suites.

• Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche – Sophisticated and well-located, ideal for business travelers with spa and skyline views.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Kenzi Tower Hotel – Modern amenities with skyline views in the Twin Center area.

• Barceló Anfa Casablanca – Stylish interiors with great proximity to the business district.

• ONOMO Hotel Casablanca City Center – Affordable comfort and contemporary design for professionals.

Budget & Boutique Options

• Hotel Central – A cozy hotel in the Old Medina with Moroccan flair.

• Ibis Casablanca City Center – Reliable, clean, and convenient for travelers on a budget.

• Dar Diafa – A riad-style guesthouse offering traditional Moroccan hospitality.

🍽️ Dining in Casablanca: What to Eat

Traditional Moroccan Cuisine

• Tajine – A slow-cooked stew served in a clay pot; try chicken with olives and preserved lemon.

• Couscous – Often served on Fridays with vegetables and meat.

• Harira – A hearty soup, especially popular during Ramadan.

• Pastilla – A savory-sweet pastry stuffed with spiced meat and dusted with powdered sugar.

Top Restaurants

• La Sqala – Housed in a historic fortress; excellent Moroccan food with a garden setting.

• Rick’s Café – Inspired by the film Casablanca, this iconic restaurant blends film nostalgia with upscale dining.

• Le Cabestan – Elegant seafood with panoramic ocean views.

• Dar Dada – A luxurious and traditional Moroccan dining experience.

💼 Business Travel in Casablanca

Key Sectors

• Finance & Banking

• Logistics & Port Services

• Renewable Energy

• Real Estate Development

• Textiles & Manufacturing

• Startups & FinTech (Casablanca Finance City)

Business Etiquette

• French and Arabic are commonly used in business, but English is increasingly spoken.

• Appointments are typically formal and scheduled in advance.

• A handshake is standard; business cards are appreciated.

• Dress formally for meetings.

• Hospitality (tea or coffee) is often offered before business discussions begin.

Connectivity & Infrastructure

• Casablanca has reliable Wi-Fi, modern conference centers, and co-working spaces.

• SIM cards from Maroc Telecom, Inwi, or Orange are easily available.

• Uber doesn’t operate, but Careem and local taxis are widely used.

🛍️ Shopping in Casablanca

• Morocco Mall – One of Africa’s largest shopping centers, featuring international brands and luxury boutiques.

• Anfaplace Mall – Beachside shopping with restaurants and cafes.

• Habous Market – Great for leather, ceramics, tea sets, and handcrafted gifts.

• Old Medina – Traditional Moroccan shopping experience in a lively, chaotic atmosphere.

📅 When to Visit & Local Events

• Best Time: March to June (spring) and September to November (autumn) — pleasant and mild.

• Ramadan: A sacred month that may affect restaurant and business hours.

• Cultural Events:

  • Casablanca International Video Art Festival

  • Jazzablanca Festival

  • Book and Publishing Fair

✅ Conclusion: Casablanca — Africa’s Northern Business Bridge

Casablanca is more than just Morocco’s business center — it’s a vibrant, multicultural city that offers a blend of modern progress and timeless tradition. For travelers from Ghana, it serves as a natural stepping stone into North Africa, Europe, and beyond.

Whether you're closing business deals in Casablanca Finance City, exploring Islamic architecture, or dining by the Atlantic coast, the city rewards every kind of visitor.