Casablanca - an overview - Part 9

Shopping in Casablanca

Morocco is a paradise for anyone who likes traditional handmade crafts for the home or souvenirs. The top choice is usually colourful geometric patterned carpets called kilims or shoedwi carpets that are mostly black and white. They are made by hand and sold in little shops that line alleyways around the city especially in the area around Boulevard Felix Houphouet Boigny or in the medinas.

If you want a good selection of traditional carpets then head for the Ancienne Medina near the port and quayside or the Nouvelle Medina which is a little inland near the Mahakma du Pacha and the Palais du Rdi. Ceramics and pottery, such as tagines, along with woven textiles are also popular purchases. If you need to buy the freshest fruit and vegetables then head for the Central Market. It is known locally as the Marche Central and is in the Rue Coahuila, it is open every day from 6am-2pm. You can also try Centre 2000 or Alpha 55 in the Avenue de Mers Sultan which are good shopping centres for fashion and household items. When shopping, haggling is part of the tradition. It is a subtle exercise and fun to learn to master. Just remember the golden rule here is to take your time.

Alpha 55

Alpha 55 is one of the biggest shopping malls in Casablanca. Here you can find numerous shops that sell just about everything from jewellery and home decoration to clothes and toys.

Central Market

The bustling Central Market in Casablanca is full of fresh produce, flowers and groceries. The market is open every day from morning until evening and well worth a visit even if you do not feel like bargaining.

Morocco Mall

Morocco Mall is not only the biggest mall in Casablanca; it is also the biggest one in Africa. The mall opened in 2011 and has lots of shops, an IMAX cinema and a large food court.

Rio Center

Rio Mall Centre is located in the western part of Casablanca. In this shopping complex, there are numerous shops as well as entertainment and restaurants.

Acima Supermarket

In the Gandhi Mall, you can find Acima Supermarket. This is a good place to go if you want to buy food and fresh produce.

Gandi Mall

Gandhi Mall is ideally located on Boulevard Gandhi in the centre of the city. Inside there are numerous shops and cafés.

Quartier Habous

In Quartier Habous you can find the New Medina and traditional markets. If you like innovation and traditional architecture you will feel right at home here.

Continued in part 10