Rock the Casa
4 hot spots to get the party started in Morocco’s largest city
MOROCCO, a majorityMuslim nation, isn’t usually associated with nightlife and partying. Because many Muslims do not consume alcohol, it can be difficult to find nonhotel bars even in its major cities. But head to Casablanca, and your assumptions will be smashed.
Here, it’s not unusual to see women in headscarves sitting in bars with bare-headed friends — the latter swig cold bottles of beer. The city also hosts wild nightclub parties, where throngs of youth flock to popular weekend spots to dance the night away to blasting music.
Start the evening at Sky Bar, a see-andbe-seen outdoor boîte that faces the Atlantic Ocean ( VillaBlanca.ma). Located at the trendy Villa Blanca hotel, French-speaking locals gather here to sip French wines and mixed drinks on cushy lounge seats.
For those looking to rage, head downstairs to the V Club, where the party runs late. Shake to the beat of pounding house music in a large space lined with banquettes where female go-go dancers are lit by spotlights.
Nearby, Cabestan Ocean View stands on a rocky perch above the Atlantic ( LeCabestan.com). It hosts two new dance parties, featuring musical sets from African, European and American DJs. “This is the Way We Dance” is held twice a month on Thursdays, bringing in Black Coffee, Culoe De Song and Lady Bee to the turntable; and “Entourage,” held every Saturday, features Ten Walls, YokoO and Chaim.
Are you a film buff who wants to ring in this year’s 75th anniversary of “Casablanca”? Head to a quiet dinner at Rick’s Cafe ( RicksCafe.ma). Former US diplomat Kathy Kriger opened this space in 2004 in homage to the fictional site. Sunday nights the cafe has live jazz, and Tuesdays through Saturdays you can grab a seat near the piano to hear entertainer Issam Chabaa, whose set list includes “As Time Goes By.” GETTING THERE: Royal Air Maroc flies nonstop to Casablanca from JFK (from $850; RoyalAirMaroc.com).