Fuel your day with a msemen pancake with la vache qui rit (creamy cheese), which goes perfectly with mint tea. Msemen is a hefty, layered square perfect for breakfast; eat two and be stuffed until lunch. You can find them in most bakeries and they cost about $2. If you'refeeling adventurous grab a sweet meat pasty called a bastilla.
Don't miss the souks (markets) in the medina historic neighbourhood. Walk off your pancake or meat treat by taking in the kaleidoscope of sights and smells of a bustling market. Browse spices, examine leather goods and invest in some argan oil for your hair, skin or cooking. At the ports, go past the flash restaurants and follow your nose to the seafood stalls, a smelly, fishy foodie haven. The only option is whatever the fishermen catch fresh. It's usually a plate of fried fish and eggs with shrimps, Moroccan mint tea, bread and harissa sauce. Insane value at $10.
A seafood vendor's stall at the Central Market, in Casablanca. Photo / Getty Images
Musee Abderrahman Slaoui is just a five-minute stroll from popular attraction Sacre-Coeur Cathedral, hidden in a small street off Boulevard Rachidi. One of Casablanca's key alternative attractions, it's a top spot for lovers of art, with an excellent collection of Moroccan arts, craftsmanship, exquisite glass art and an extensive collection of art nouveau posters. Don't forget to visit the Living Room on the third floor for some mint tea. A wonderful place to spend your time but there is an entrance fee, budget $20.
Nearby you can dine on traditional Moroccan food at the elegant Le Cuisto Traditionnel, which is widely regarded as outstanding. Make reservations and feast on incredibly tasty couscous, fish tagine, and lamb... Their chicken pastilla entree ($30) is unmissable. Budget $180 so you can try as much as possible.
Moroccans love to party. You will find luxurious lounges and sprawling nightclubs as well as smaller bars for those who prefer a beer and some live music. Trocadero Playa is a popular and beautiful seaside lounge in Casablanca. If you blow your measly $8 budget having a great night here, don't blame me, just enjoy.
