Private Market Tour & Cooking Class in Casablanca with Transfers

Casablanca , Morocco

Private Market Tour & Cooking Class in Casablanca with Transfers

Active

(21 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a private and authentic market tour and cooking class in a local Casablanca home with your host Maria. This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. You will be picked up from your Casablanca hotel and driven to the local market where you will discover regional Moroccan produce and spices. After your market tour, Maria will drive you to her luxurious home for your cooking class in her kitchen. Here, you will learn to cook 2-3 traditional Moroccan dishes from Maria's family recipes. After cooking, you will enjoy your meal together. Growing up in a large Moroccan family required you to help around in the kitchen, and that is how Maria learned to cook. She fondly remembers her grandmother teaching her family recipes and classics like lamb tagine with cardoon during Maria's school vacation. Maria recently retired and uses her time to pursue her passion for cooking and sharing her culture and cuisine with guests from all over the world.

Available options

Market + cooking + dinn + RTT

Market + cooking + dinner + RTT + alcohol with Maria<br/>Pickup included

Market + cook + lunch + RTT

Market + cooking + lunch + alcohol + RTT with Maria<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Home-cooked meal

Non-alcoholic beverages

Local alcohol (1-2 glasses)

Private market tour and cooking class with your host Maria

Gratuities

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

What you'll see

Growing up in a large Moroccan family requires you to help in the kitchen and that is how Maria learned to cook. She fondly remembers her grandmother teaching her family recipes and classics like lamb tagine with cardoons during summer vacation. Maria recently retired and now has more time to pursue her passion for cooking and meeting people from all over the world. She lives with her 9 year old son, his nanny and her sister. Maria has traveled a lot, experiencing different cuisines and cultures, which has made her more appreciative of her own heritage. She now wishes to share her culture and cuisine with travelers visiting her city!

After you are picked-up, Maria will help you navigate the market which can be overwhelming to explore on your own. Maria can also help you do a bit of shopping if you’re searching for a certain ingredient before driving you home. Maria lives in a modern, luxurious villa in a gated community in a suburb of Casablanca. She will welcome you with some Moroccan tea and, while you sip on your welcome drink, share more about life in Morocco, its history, culture and cuisine. Next join Maria in her kitchen to prepare her favorite family recipes in a hands-on cooking class. You’ll cook together for about an hour, and will learn to make two authentic Moroccan dishes such as chicken tagine and a chickpea and couscous salad, before enjoying the dishes you helped prepare. Your meal will also include other dishes prepared by Maria in advance such as harira (a traditional soup) and pastille (a type of Moroccan meat pie, filled with spiced meat and apricots) served with homemade bread. Your meal will conclude with a dessert such as oranges with cinnamon or cake.

What's not included

Any purchases you'd like to make at the market to take back to your home

Available languages

Guide guide

AR EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Please include your hotel name and address when making your booking

Menu may vary depending on the season

If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking

Vegetarian and vegan option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Private, personalized experience

Notes: Maria can offer vegetarian and halal meals on request.

Free cancellation up to 48 hours prior to experience

Important notes

Meeting Instructions: Meet Maria at the concierge desk of your Casablanca hotel you listed when booking this experience.

For assistance, please contact your host Maria at +212 (0) 661 065 066 or via email at marialoudiyi@yahoo.fr

Notes: If you have any specific dietary requirements and have not provided this information upon checkout, please contact and inform your Traveling Spoon host at least 48 hours in advance via their email or phone listed above in your ticket. Maria can offer vegetarian and halal meals on request.

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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.

We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!

About Casablanca

Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, is a vibrant blend of modern and traditional. Known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Hassan II Mosque, it offers a unique mix of coastal charm, cultural richness, and economic dynamism. The city's Atlantic coastline provides beautiful beaches and a lively port atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque is one of the most impressive mosques in the world and a symbol of Casablanca. It is the largest mosque in Morocco and the seventh-largest in the world. The mosque's minaret is the tallest in the world, standing at 210 meters.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours for a guided tour Free for non-Muslims to enter the mosque, but guided tours may have a fee

Casablanca Cathedral

Also known as the Church of the Sacred Heart, this Catholic church is a unique blend of Art Deco and Moroccan architectural styles. It is one of the few churches in Morocco that is still in use.

Historical/Architecture 30-45 minutes Free

Mahmoud II Square

This bustling square is the heart of Casablanca's old medina. It is surrounded by traditional markets, cafes, and historic buildings, offering a glimpse into the city's past.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore the square and markets

Casablanca Twin Center

This iconic skyscraper is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Casablanca. It consists of two identical towers and is a symbol of the city's modern architecture and economic growth.

Architecture/Cultural 30-45 minutes Free to admire from the outside, observation deck may have a fee

Corniche Aïn Diab

This vibrant seaside promenade is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, beaches, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

Beach/Entertainment 2-3 hours or more Free to explore, beach clubs and restaurants may have fees

Must-Try Local Dishes

Couscous

A traditional Moroccan dish made with steamed semolina grains, often served with vegetables, meat, and a flavorful broth.

Dinner Vegetarian options available, but often contains meat

Tagine

A slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices, named after the earthenware pot it is cooked in.

Dinner Vegetarian options available, but often contains meat

Harira

A hearty soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and sometimes meat, often served during Ramadan.

Soup Vegetarian options available, but often contains meat

Pastilla

A savory-sweet pie made with layers of phyllo dough, filled with spiced meat (usually pigeon or chicken), and topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians

Popular Activities

Surfing at Aïn Diab Beach Hiking in the nearby countryside Relaxing at a hammam or spa Strolling along the Corniche Exploring historic landmarks and museums Shopping for traditional crafts and souvenirs Swimming and sunbathing at the beach Boat tours and water sports

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. These seasons are ideal for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities.

18-24°C 64-75°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic, Berber
Widely spoken: French, Spanish, English
English: Moderately spoken, especially in tourist areas and among younger people

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Time Zone

GMT+1

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings

Casablanca is generally safe for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in isolated areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps, and agree on the fare before starting your journey
• Be cautious when approaching strangers or accepting help from locals, as scams and theft can occur

Getting there

By air

Mohammed V International Airport • 30 km from city center

By train

Casablanca Voyageurs

By bus

Casablanca Oasis, Casablanca Trafic

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system is modern, efficient, and connects key areas of the city. It's a convenient and affordable way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Careem, Heetch

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Maarif Old Medina Habous Quartier des Hôpitaux

Day trips

Rabat

90 km from Casablanca • Full day recommended

Rabat is the capital of Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and beautiful beaches. It offers a mix of modern and traditional architecture, as well as a rich history and vibrant arts scene.

Marrakech

240 km from Casablanca • Overnight recommended

Marrakech is a vibrant and colorful city known for its bustling markets, historic landmarks, and lively atmosphere. It is a popular destination for travelers seeking a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation, with a variety of activities and attractions to explore.

El Jadida

90 km from Casablanca • Half day recommended

El Jadida is a coastal city known for its historic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. It is a popular destination for travelers seeking a mix of history and relaxation, with a variety of activities and attractions to explore.

Festivals

Casablanca International Film Festival • November Casablanca International Book Fair • February

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Arabic or French to help you communicate with locals and show respect for the culture.
Dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
Be cautious when using taxis, and agree on the fare before starting your journey. Consider using licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps for a more reliable and safe experience.
Explore the city's many neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions. From the bustling markets of the Old Medina to the upscale shopping and dining of Maarif, there is something for everyone in Casablanca.
Try local street food and snacks, such as msemen (Moroccan pancakes) and harira (hearty soup). Look for vendors with high turnover and good hygiene practices to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.