Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rabat has two bus stations: the main
gare routière
( 0537 795816)
and the less-chaotic
CTM station
( 0537 281488)
, both on the outskirts of the city. CTM has daily services to
Casablanca (Dh35, 1½ hours), as well as Essaouira (Dh120, three hours), Fez (Dh70, 3½
hours), Marrakesh (Dh130, five hours) and T angier (Dh100, 4½ hours).
Grands taxi
s leave for Casablanca (Dh35) from just outside the intercity bus station.
Other
grands taxis
leave for Fez (Dh65), Meknès (Dh50) and Salé (Dh4) from a lot off
Ave Hassan II behind the Hôtel Bouregreg.
Getting Around
Rabat's blue
petits taxis
are plentiful, cheap and quick. Short rides will cost about Dh10.
are sold at kiosks.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Casablanca
POP 4 MILLION
Many travellers stay in 'Casa' just long enough to change planes or catch a train, but Mo-
rocco's economic heart offers a unique insight into the country. This sprawling, European-
style city is home to racing traffic, simmering social problems, wide boulevards and parks.
The facades of imposing Hispano-Moorish and art deco buildings stand in sharp contrast
to Casablanca's modernist landmark: the enormous, incredibly ornate Hassan II mosque.
Sights
Central Casablanca is full of great
art deco
and
Hispano-Moorish buildings
. Get the best taste by
strolling the area around the Marché Central and Place Mohammed V. This grand square
includes the law courts, the splendid Wilaya, the Bank al-Maghrib and the main post of-
fice. After that, explore the slightly dilapidated 19th-century medina near the port.
