Due to its mild Mediterranean climate and intricate architecture, Casablanca is considered one of the most desirable destinations in the world. As you explore this Moroccan city, you will find that it as surprising as it is beautiful.  Despite its portrayal in Hollywood, Casablanca has its own unique style and treasures which are waiting to be discovered by the willing traveler. One thing is for sure, Casablanca offers much more than you would expect.

The film, Casablanca was made in 1942 and had a very big impact on how the city is viewed. There are still reminiscences of this image in Old Medina. Old Medina, or the Old City, was built in 1770 and is jam packed with shops, stores and tiny squares. Although it is small and cramped, Old Medina is a great place to take in the culture of Casablanca. You will find ancient charm mixed with modern Arab-Islamic and Western architecture. No trip to Casablanca is complete without spending some time exploring Old Medina.

While it is possible to see touches of the past, Casablanca is a very prevalent vibrant and modern feel.  An example of this modernity can be seen in the Hassan II Mosque. Built in 1980, this huge building is many times bigger than the Notre Dame Cathedral and can accommodate over 25,000 people. A unique feature of this mosque is the set of laser lights that point the way to Mecca. The Hassan II Mosque is as beautiful inside as it is outsides. The interior of this building consists of marble floors, fine moldings and intricately painted ceilings.

These are only two examples of how Casablanca is a city of wonderful contrasts: ancient and modern. If you consider yourself a seasoned traveler, you absolutely must put Casablanca on your list of places to visit. It is sure to surpass all of your expectations

Morocco is sometimes called, “the culinary star of North Africa”. This country truly lives up to its name because of the intense spices and flavors using in the native cuisine. If you are a foodie, you will definitely want to pay a visit to Morocco.

Morocco has its own unique culinary style which developed over many years of trade. Many different tastes and techniques have been mixed together to create a melting post of unforgettable food. Moroccan cuisine is all about bold flavors and zingy spices. Expect to taste cumin, coriander, paprika, dried ginger, cinnamon and chilies.

When dining in Morocco, it is very likely that you will come across harissa. This traditional paste of olive oil, salt and chilies is the perfect way to spice up any dish. The flavors of the dishes in Morocco will vary from vendor to vendor. It’s possible to have a recipe include a spice mixture of anywhere from 10 to 100 spices!

One dish in particular that you will definitely want try when visiting Morocco is lamb. If you are ever in front of a vendor and they have freshly cooked lamb available, do yourself a favor and try it. Lamb is a main meat here and when prepared it is cooked until the meat falls off the bone. You can usually find it topped with raisins, apricot puree or other mildly sweet sauces.

After sampling all of the delicious Moroccan cuisine, be sure to finish off your feast with one of their rich desserts. From nuts to cinnamon, fruits and mouth-watering filo dough dripping with honey, they are nothing like you have ever tasted before.