Casablanca city guide: Where to stay, eat, drink and shop in Morocco’s screen-star city

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Frequently written off as a business hub or merely a gateway to the rest of the country, Casablanca feels like Morocco’s forgotten tourist city. open image in gallery On the fringes of the old Medina lies this restaurant in the courtyard of a converted riad We’ll always have Rick’s Cafe If you love the film, there’s no better experience in Casablanca than drinking a gin cocktail at Rick’s Cafe, the bar inspired by the movie. open image in gallery This hotel and spa boasts 25 unique rooms and a pool and hammam in the basement Where to stay Location is everything for the Hotel Casablanca le Lido – it’s in the heart of the Corniche, with views of the Atlantic, and a short walk from numerous high-end restaurants and bars. open image in gallery Casablanca’s Grand Theatre Architectural highlight On the western flank of Mohammed V Square – looking like a giant, futuristic white set of Bluetooth speakers – is the Grand Theatre of Casablanca.