Despite being Morocco’s largest and most modern city, Casablanca is often overlooked by visitors, who use it instead as a transit point before heading to other more popular destinations. However, Casablanca has a fun mix of old and new, giving an unusual and unique experience to anyone who stays long enough to peel back the layers… it’s worth at least a few days.
Many people have heard of Casablanca because of the famous 1942 film of the same name. While the film gives the impression that this North African city is simply quiet, romantic, and old-fashioned, it is, in fact, busy, vibrant, modern, and exciting.
Casablanca is truly a city of contrast. In less than half an hour, you can travel from the old medina with its busy souks and stalls to trendy rooftops and on to one of the largest mosques in the world. It’s an exciting mix with plenty to keep you busy.
Here are the top 12 things to do in Casablanca to make the most of your trip — you can also read our 10 places to visit in Marrakech.
1. Hassan II Mosque
The breathtaking Hassan II Mosque dominates the Casablanca skyline. It’s the largest mosque in Morocco and has the world’s 2nd-highest minaret, over 60 stories tall.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this elegant monument is that it’s built half on land and half on the Atlantic Ocean, creating a dramatic effect. I found it absolutely beautiful, and the pictures don’t do it justice.
Open to visitors, even if you are a non-Muslim, it takes a while to look around: it is vast, and every part of the mosque is finely decorated, carved, or painted in traditional Moroccan art. Color mosaic patterns on the walls and floors play tricks on your eyes, making this mosque particularly spectacular.
The Moorish influences reflected in the architecture are remarkable, and the 210-meter (689 ft) minaret, topped by a laser light, is particularly stunning at night. Entrance to the main mosque costs around $3 to help support its upkeep, and you can enjoy a free guided tour, which starts every few hours.
2. Medina Old District
The Medina district is the birthplace of Casablanca, which was once controlled by Berbers, local tribes, the Portuguese, and eventually the French. When the French developed and built up the rest of the city in European style, they left the narrow, winding streets of the Medina untouched.
Wandering through the old city, it’s possible to see how the people lived here hundreds of years ago because this place is frozen in time. With bright-colored buildings packed closely together in a traditional style and a maze of alleyways with hidden cafes, shops, and small courtyards, exploring the area is a real adventure.
You can still see remnants of the old 18th-century defensive sea wall. La Sqala, a famous restaurant, is actually inside the walls. You’ll stumble across shrines, souks, and the clock tower, a reproduction of one of the town’s oldest French buildings in the city.
3. Habous
The Habous neighborhood, not too far away, is one of the city’s most popular areas. It’s a unique modern interpretation of a medina with the usual aesthetic of Arab towns: arches, small squares, and gardens.
Built in the early 1900s, mainly to house traders and their families from other regions of Morocco, it blends the traditional medina style with modern urbanism concepts.
Today, Habous is one of Casablanca’s most picturesque neighborhoods. It is home to many historic buildings, including the Royal Palace, the Mahkama of Pacha, and the Mohammed VI and Moulay Youssef mosques, although only Muslims are allowed inside.
4. The Corniche
The Casablanca Corniche is a long seafront road that stretches for several kilometers. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a walk, ride a bike, or just grab food. As the walkway progresses, the atmosphere changes.
One section is packed with clubs and bars for a night out. Another area has parks for picnics, snack bars, and free kids’ activities. Further along, locals tan on the beach away from the city noise. As the seafront promenade continues, there are also many swimming pools and outdoor gyms.
As you wander, you can experience all the facets of Casablanca, not to mention the incredible views of the city and the ocean. At sunset, the golden light illuminates much of the strip. With palm trees waving in the breeze and the sound of the ocean against the sand, it’s the place to be!
5. Casablanca Cathedral
Built in the 1930s, the Casablanca Cathedral (Church of the Sacred Heart) is a standout building that is now used as a cultural center. Its bright white Art Deco style blends with traditional Moroccan architecture to create a unique and magnificent monument.
The cathedral is graceful and elegant. Even if you stay outside and admire it from the gardens, you’ll enjoy a peaceful experience.
The interior was abandoned for a long time but has been recently renovated. It’s a real sanctuary with huge white columns creating many open spaces. Sometimes, a light display on the floor gives it a “magic carpet” of bright colors.
If you can, visit the Church of the Sacred Heart on a sunny day or at sunset. Some incredible stained glass windows throw the most beautiful colors and patterns across the walls, making the light seem very unusual.
Another famous Catholic place of worship in Casablanca is the Church of Notre-Dame de Lourdes and its glasswork.
6. Central Market
Visit the Central Market, between Allal Ben Abdallah Street and Mohamed V Boulevard, to immerse yourself in city life. This bustling market is a one-stop shopping point and a hive of activity.
You can buy everything: rare spices, colorful carpets, hand-made fabrics, fresh seafood, souvenirs, and clothing. Many stalls are occupied by local craftsmen, fishermen, and farmers selling their goods.
You should expect to bargain and haggle, which is usually very fun!
When it all gets a bit too intense, visit one of the nearby cafes or restaurants to try local dishes. You can enjoy freshly made food, including stews, plenty of fish dishes, tagines, couscous, and other delicious street food.
7. Ain Diab Beach
The coastline surrounding Casablanca has some of the best beaches in Morocco. In particular, the Ain Diab Beach near the Corniche is worth visiting. The long stretch of warm sand is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.
There is usually a gentle sea breeze so that you won’t get too hot. There are also great waves to surf if you want to. You can take a picnic or visit one of the beachfront restaurants or beach clubs. There are quiet, family-owned cafes if you want a chill experience or a fun, upbeat private club with music playing for a more lively time.
It can get busy in summer, but because the beach is so big, you’ll always find space to lay your towel. The turquoise waters are very safe, so the beach suits everyone. The place usually stays busy until late, offering excellent views to watch the sun go down.
8. Mohammed V Square
Named after the former King of Morocco, Mohammed V Square is located at the heart of Casablanca. It was built in 1916 at the start of the French protectorate. It’s a busy gathering place full of history (and pigeons) and a great starting point to explore the city and the attractions nearby.
To immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, grab a hot drink at one of the cafés there and enjoy the mix of Moorish and Art Deco architectural styles. The 3 main buildings around the square are the Wilaya building, the Courthouse, and the main Post Office. The giant fountain in the middle adds to the square’s charm.
The Art Deco quarter, often referred to as the “New Town,” is within walking distance. The stunning architecture is worth the detour as it reflects the city’s development during the French colonial period. You can then explore both the Mohammed V Square and the Art Deco quarter together on the same visit.
9. Museum of Moroccan Judaism
Before Israel was founded, Morocco was home to the largest Jewish community in the Muslim world. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the only one of its kind in the Arab world, is dedicated to the history, experiences, and triumphs of Jews.
The displays and exhibits cover everything from traditional Jewish life and practices from ancient times, featuring religious objects and art, to contemporary Jewish life in Casablanca before they fled Morocco in the 1960s. There are old photographs, documents, and information on the lives of particular Jews who impacted the city.
The highlight is the reconstruction of a synagogue in the town of Larache. Tickets cost approximately $5, and you should allow 1 to 2 hours for a visit.
10. Azemmour
Azemmour is a small, traditional village about an hour south along the coast by car or train ($4). It rarely attracts visitors, which is why it’s so special and incredibly authentic.
Some old ramparts, dating back 2,000 years, are open to the public, allowing you to stroll on the walls which lead into a 16th-century fortress. Enjoy the beautiful contrast of the castle’s massive red-earth walls with the clean white of the houses.
Take a boat ride onto the river as the sun goes down to see the light play on the different-colored buildings. It’s the perfect place for a day trip to experience traditional life in Morocco and enjoy good food, art, historical sites, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
11. Dream Village
The Dream Village is about half an hour’s drive from downtown Casablanca. For those who enjoy theme parks, this place is exactly what its name suggests: a dream.
The Dream Village complex includes several swimming pools with slides and water parks, a few rides, large trampolines, and other games. You can spend a whole day relaxing and having fun.
Take a little break from playing to visit the zoo. It has Bengal tigers, giraffes, lions, bears, crocodiles, and more. Educational talks are sometimes organized to learn how to care for animals. There is also an equestrian center with horse and carriage rides and a sublime restaurant with a terrace overlooking the animals.
Another popular waterpark in the area is the Tamaris Aquaparc.
12. Relaxation
If you want to relax after busy days of exploring the city, you can splurge on a nice hotel for at least a part of your stay. Trivago has plenty of accommodation options in Casablanca.
But the best option is a beautiful free hotel — it’s easy to get! Take advantage of travel rewards deals like our Flytrippers readers who have earned over 3 million dollars in free travel with them (especially with this hotel deal).
The Courtyard Casablanca Downtown is a beautiful, brand-new hotel in the heart of Casablanca, close to the old city and all its attractions.
It costs 6,800 Marriott points per night (34,000 for 5 nights). That’s just 3,400 points per person per night with a companion! It’s not as cheap as Marriott hotels in Southeast Asia, of course, but that’s not bad at all for somewhere much closer.
The current welcome bonus on the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card gives you 53,000 (or 106,000 points if your companion takes advantage of it, too).
The cash price is $780 ($156/night for 5 nights), so using points can give you great value — these particular dates give you more than twice our conservative Flytrippers Valuation! You can read how Marriott Bonvoy points work if you want to know more.
The 8th-floor terrace and pool are great spots to chill if you want to spend a day at a slower pace in Casablanca.
If you prefer a fancier option, the Casablanca Marriott Hotel is a 5-star hotel that costs just a few more points.
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Summary
Casablanca is a North African city worth visiting. It is full of history and attractions, has a unique mix of cultures and architectural styles (Moroccan, Arab-Islamic, and French), and a blend of modern and traditional elements.
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Featured image: Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco (photo credit: Wikimedia)
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