Things to do in Casablanca
Drink in the art at Villa Des Artes
This 1934 Art Deco building is one of Casablanca's most distinctive structures, and home to the country's most forward thinking art gallery. Part of the Saatchi group, the Villa Des Artes (tel: +212 522 295 094; www.fondationona.ma) aims to promote contemporary art, whilst keeping alive Moroccan culture and heritage.
Ride out into the desert
If you're more of a desert hound than city slicker, there's a wealth of tours that will take you deep into the sand into the Atlas Mountains. Morocco Tours (tel: +212 666 163 537; http://morocco-tours-from-casablanca.com) have a number available, including an epic eight day tour that will guide you to Marrakech via Fez and the land in between.
Scrub up in a Moroccan hammam
Pampering is a practically a national pastime in Morocco, so schedule in a visit to a public hammam (public bath). One of the most authentic is Hammam Ziani (tel: +212 522 319 695; www.hammamziani.ma). In a piping hot steam room, expect to be soaped up and scrubbed down before a full-body nap-inducing massage.
Shake your hips in a Chaabi dance class
There aren't many places to learn the classic Moroccan Chaabi dance, but Choreart (tel: +212 522 298 628) offers lessons. The dance studio was set up in 1997 and has classes taught by ex-professionals. If you want something a little more modern, you can take a hip-hop lesson.
Spend an afternoon in Rick’s Café
Casablanca is of course famous for the film of the same name, and in 2012 American Kathy Kriger created a bar that's a replica of the infamous Rick's Cafe (tel: +212 0522 27 42 07; www.rickscafe.ma) where Bogart, Bacall and pianist Sam had their most revered moments.
