Pros and Cons of Living in Casablanca: An Unbiased Guide

okay, so like, i just got back from casablanca and my brain is still processing. forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is the real deal. here’s the dirt, straight from someone who actually spent a few weeks wandering around, not just scrolling.



first off, the weather. it's that weird, hazy heat - like someone spilled a whole jar of honey onto the city. seriously, it’s not oppressive, but it’s definitely there. kinda like that feeling when you’re deep in a really intense book. perfect for lounging in riads, tbh. you can find some decent deals on flights to Morocco from Paris or even Madrid - think Skyscanner (https://www.skyscanner.com/) is your friend.



*Data Dive: The Cost of Living. Okay, real talk. it's cheaper than you think, but you gotta be smart. I did some digging and here’s a rough breakdown (prices are estimates and fluctuate, obviously):

Casablanca: a few things you should know…


The Medina Whisper: Everyone says the Medina is a maze, and it is. But it's also where the soul of the city lives. I spent hours just getting lost, watching the artisans work. One local warned me about petty scams - always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Someone said, “Be polite, but firm. Don’t be afraid to walk away.” He also mentioned that certain areas are better for tourists than others.

I ended up in a little cafe tucked away down a side street and overheard a couple of locals discussing the upcoming festival. They were talking about the renewed interest in traditional music - apparently, it’s a huge deal.


The Corniche Chronicles: The Corniche - that’s the boulevard along the Atlantic - is your escape. It’s gorgeous, especially at sunset. Walk it, have a coffee, people-watch. Seriously, the sunsets are epic. You'll find street performers here, musicians, and just people chilling.

I saw an artist creating intricate mosaics on the sidewalks, and someone mentioned they’re really trying to revitalize the public spaces. It makes you think, right?


What to Expect (and Avoid)

Okay, so safety is a thing. It’s not a completely problem-free city by any means. Like, don't flash expensive jewelry. Avoid walking alone at night in less well-lit areas. Honestly, most areas are fine if you stick to the main roads and are aware of your surroundings. A local I met at a cafe said to steer clear of certain neighborhoods late at night, even if it seems inviting.

And the taxis… negotiate the price before you get in. It’s a must. I learned this the hard way.



Finding Your Vibe: Casablanca has a few distinct pockets. The Ville Nouvelle (new city) is more modern, with lots of shops and restaurants. The Medina is old-school, chaotic, and full of charm (and potential pickpockets). The beaches are…well, they’re part of the city fabric. You can take a short trip to Taghazout (about a 2-hour drive) for surfing - total vibe. Also, there's a surprisingly good vegan scene popping up! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g131706-Casablanca-Morocco.html is a decent place to start looking for eats.

My take: Casablanca isn't a fairytale destination. It's gritty, it's complicated, and it's definitely not for everyone. But it’s also utterly captivating. It's a city of contrasts - old and new, chaos and calm, tradition and modernity. And that’s what makes it so…interesting. Don't expect perfect - expect real.



Final tip (from a local who's seen it all):* Learn a few basic Arabic phrases. It goes a long way. Even a simple ‘shukran’ (thank you) is appreciated. Oh, and don't be afraid to get lost. That’s where the magic happens.



Visit Morocco is a good resource for planning your trip. And check out this local community on Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/morocco/) for more insights.

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