Casablanca, pulsating as Morocco's commercial and industrial heartbeat, may often be overshadowed by tourist favorites like Marrakech and Fes. Yet, this city, serving as Morocco's vital epicenter and economic stronghold, never ceases to present a trove of experiences for both travelers and its residents. Wondering what Casablanca has in store for you?
Dive into our curated list of the top 5 must-see attractions and activities in Casablanca, guiding you through the city's most radiant highlights.
What Makes Casablanca Special
Being the commercial heart and economic capital of the country, Casablanca is one of the most important tourist destinations. It has much more to offer than meets the eye at first glance.
Its vastness often requires visitors to make an effort to discover its hidden details.
Casablanca's buildings recall the French colonial period; indeed, the city's architecture is somewhat unique, with buildings that mix both opulent and traditional Moroccan designs.
Casablanca is also a quintessential business city, a mandatory stop for the whole of Morocco. Thanks to its international airport serving most major cities worldwide directly, its commercial port, its many corporate headquarters, the city accounts for about 65% of the country's economic market.
This city is also a real attraction for shopping enthusiasts, from traditional Moroccan handicrafts to the most luxurious international brands.
What Are the Best Activities to Do in Casablanca?
There are indeed many reasons to stop for a few days in Morocco's largest city to relax. Here are the best activities to do in Casablanca:
Hassan II Mosque:
The Hassan II Mosque is considered one of the largest mosques in the world. It's impossible to miss this architectural wonder miles away from Casablanca's medina (old town).
It took 6 years to build this massive mosque, which stands about 689 feet tall. This iconic place welcomes all different religions from around the world, whether Muslim or not, during free guided tours organized by the mosque.
The mosque's decoration is astonishing, with turquoise marble tiles arranged in classic Islamic patterns that shine in the sun.
The Hassan II Mosque is undoubtedly one of Morocco's most panoramic places! It's definitely the first thing to do in Casablanca.
Old Medina:
Always crowded with the daily hustle and bustle of old-fashioned life, Casablanca's old medina is one of the city's historical monuments.
Exploring the old medina is a beautiful outing if you're interested in what a genuine blue Muslim city looked like in ancient times.
The alleyways of the old medina offer lovely contrasting views. However, if you've already visited the old medinas of Fes and Marrakech, Casablanca's might be a bit disappointing.
Mohammed V Square:
Mohamed V Square is the central square and one of the liveliest spots in Casablanca. It's located in the city's modern half, offering impressive attractions with many photographic spots.
The square also has a large open space with several fountains, pigeons, and palm trees amidst the city's major offices.
Surrounding this, you'll find large administrative buildings with Art Deco architectural styles and Arab-Andalusian influences, like the buildings of Marshal Lyautey, which house the French consulate, the prefecture, and the courthouse.
The Corniche:
The corniche extends from the Hassan II Mosque to the Ain Diab district. It's Casablanca's seaside district with several luxurious, exotic hotels and clubs.
The main attraction on the corniche is the panoramic walk along Casablanca's waterfront, where everyone comes at least for a stroll, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
The corniche is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful walk early in the morning or in the afternoon, letting you bask in the lovely sun with exceptional views.
Morocco Mall:
The second-largest shopping center in Africa, Morocco Mall houses over 350 stores with 600 brands spread over its three floors.
The mall has a souk specially designed for selling carpets, clothing, jewelry, and many more products.
In the center of Morocco Mall, you'll find the Aquadream aquarium, housing over 40 species of fish. There's also a cinema and much more.
Morocco Mall is about 10 kilometers from the city center. You can take the tram or a taxi to get there. The mall remains an ideal place if you want to enjoy a full day of shopping and escape the heat.
Where to Relax in Casablanca
Given that it's a bustling metropolis, the white city offers plenty to visitors. From its impressive mosques to its old medina, its beautiful restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
There's always something impressive for every visitor in this iconic North African city.
Visit the Old Medina and Its Historical Monuments:
For an immersive visit to Casablanca, the old medina is definitely a place you should visit. It will enchant you with its old neighborhoods and colorful alleyways.
Also, don't forget to visit the Habbous district, the only medina built by the French during the protectorate era. Today, this district is home to a myriad of Moroccan craft shops.
The Sacré Cœur Church is another historic monument in the city you should visit. This church was intended for the 40,000 Catholics that lived in the city during its time (between 1932 and 1959). It was a colonial effort to give the city a capital look.
If you're looking for a stunning panoramic view of the fishing port and the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, don't hesitate to visit the Sqala, a monument fully restored at the beginning of the 21st century.
Today, the Sqala has come back to life as a lovely restaurant called the Café Maure, which offers a magical ambiance.
Explore the City Center and Its Main Squares:
The Arab League Park is one of the main spots to see in Casablanca, completely renovated in 2018; this park was built during the French protectorate in 1916.
This massive 30-hectare park is located in the city center, not far from Mohamed V Square.
The park is not the only attraction in the city; there are several architectural wonders, namely the Palace of Justice, the Royal Palace, and the Wilaya, designed by Marius Boyer.
You'll also find the Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, a surprising glass monument that will give you a much more rounded idea of Casablanca's history.
If you're interested in Jewish history, don't forget to visit the Temple Beth El Synagogue, another site to explore in the city center.
Discover the History and Tradition of Casablanca:
For those who love art, Casablanca has some of the best exhibition places in the country.
First, don't miss the Royal Palace Museum of Casablanca, with its important permanent collections of works of art, especially paintings by Moroccan artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The Museum of Jewish History in Casablanca is also worth a visit. This museum retraces the history of the Jewish community in Morocco, which dates back 2000 years.
You'll find in this museum many rare and varied pieces, such as traditional clothing, embroidery, and jewelry.
You can also visit the house of Lyautey, where the first French resident of Morocco resided during his stay in the kingdom. You'll find many personal objects belonging to the marshal on display.
Enjoy a Night Out in the White City:
Casablanca has a rich nightlife with many bars and clubs that are open all night long.
Whether you want to spend a quiet evening or have fun all night, you'll find plenty of places to satisfy your desires in this iconic Moroccan city.
Take the opportunity to visit Rick's Café, the bar from the movie "Casablanca" with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.
For a more festive evening, head to Ain Diab's many beachfront clubs or visit one of the city's rooftop bars.
To taste typical Moroccan dishes, don't hesitate to visit one of Casablanca's traditional restaurants, offering delicious food and exceptional surroundings.
Conclusion
While it may not be as picturesque or timeless as Marrakech, Fes, or other Moroccan cities, Casablanca has its charm. It's a mix of old and new, East meets West, and traditional meets modern.
Whether you're there for business or pleasure, for a long stay or just passing through, Casablanca has something to offer. Just give it a chance, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
