What to do in Casablanca

Visit Casablanca Morocco

Casablanca, originally known as Anfa, was an ancient Berber settlement that was later used by the Phoenicians, Romans, and the Merinid dynasty as a strategic port. The Portuguese occupied the city in the 15th century, renaming it Casa Branca, but abandoned it after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

The Sultan of Morocco rebuilt the city as Daru l-Badya and was given its current name of Casablanca by the Spanish merchants who established commercial bases there. The French occupied the city in 1907 and established the protectorate in 1912, which was when the construction of the new city began. However, he gained independence and the rest of the country in 1956.

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast in the western part of the country. It is the economic and cultural center of Morocco and one of the largest cities in Africa. Casablanca has a population of over 3 million and is a major port, financial center, and industrial hub.

The city is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques and a major tourist attraction. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters. Casablanca is famous for its traditional markets, or souks, where visitors can purchase various goods, including textiles, ceramics, and spices. The city is also known for its beaches and nightlife, with many bars and nightclubs catering to locals and tourists.

Those who expect to find a taciturn Humphrey Bogart in every corner of Casablanca will be disappointed. This town can not be defined much less as quiet: it is the largest city in Morocco and its industrial center. And it is a huge and impetuous metropolis where the Moroccan djellaba (traditional garment) seems out of place before the massive presence of the elegant costumes of the West and sunglasses brand.

What is the story behind Casablanca? In the history of humanity, Casablanca has a great weight because it was held in 1943, the momentous meeting between Roosevelt and Churchill, which decided the invasion of D-Day to Europe. The secret services of Hitler were deceived and believed that this would take place in the White House in Washington and not in Casablanca, Morocco.

What is Casablanca like today?

What is Casablanca like today? Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, with a population of almost 4 million inhabitants and the largest artificial port in the world, although it has no ferry service. Casablanca is also the most liberal and progressive city in Morocco. Young people flirt without any qualms with light-skinned girls, designer brands are the norm in the city’s wealthy neighborhoods, and much of the Moroccan youth speak exclusively in French.

What to do in Casablanca

This city suffered a serious decline until the French turned Morocco into their Protectorate in 1912. They decided to restore it and built large avenues, public parks, and imposing Moorish-style civil buildings.

The medina, the old quarter of Casablanca, is worth a visit, and the Hassan II mosque is one of the largest in the world. In Mohammed V Square, you will find the most impressive examples of Moorish architecture. Casablanca shares the Mohammed V airport with Rabat, where flights are scheduled to and from Europe and the Middle East.

Casablanca is a great metropolis and can be somewhat disconcerting for the tourist. However, once located in the city’s center, it is relatively easy to navigate.

The city center is in the Mohammed V Plaza, and most restaurants, bars, and hotels are within walking distance. The old medina is a few streets to the north, while the New Medina (also called Habbous) is further south. To the west, along the Corniche, is the suburb of Ain Diab beach.

List of the best Casablanca attractions.

Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque, a remarkable exception in Morocco where non-Muslims are typically not permitted to enter mosques, welcomes visitors for an entrance fee of €10. This awe-inspiring architectural marvel is well worth the visit, as it stands as the second-largest religious edifice in the world, surpassed only by Mecca.

The Corniche

The Corniche, a picturesque promenade in Casablanca, offers a delightful experience for visitors as they stroll towards the iconic Hank Lighthouse. This lively area is home to an array of exceptional restaurants serving delectable cuisine, and at night, it transforms into a vibrant hub for those seeking a captivating atmosphere to enjoy a drink.

Habbous

The Habbous neighborhood, a prime destination for shopping, offers an enticing blend of traditional Moroccan charm and modern amenities, where visitors can explore a variety of artisanal goods and local products.

The Arab League Park, to take a break.

The old medina of Casablanca: although it has a reputation as dangerous, it is not necessary to exaggerate. A tour of the Sidi-Bou-Smara square will delight any traveler seeing the ancient Casablanca enclosed within its walls.

The Sanctuary of Sidi Abderrahman is built on a rock on the coast, well beyond La Corniche, and only accessible at low tide. Non-Muslims do not visit the temple, but visitors can explore the small medina as a neighborhood that has sprung up around it.

Mahkama du Pacha is a Hispano-Arab building with over 60 rooms decorated with wooden ceilings, stuccos, and tiles. Although entry is free, it is not easy to enter. You need to find a guide to accompany you. Ask around you, especially if you speak some French: it’s worth it. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 08: 00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00. To get there, take bus 81 on the Boulevard de Paris.

Casablanca Central Post Office: come to send your letters in a unique style place. Built-in 1918, the facade of this building consists of both round and rectangular shapes. It has some beautiful mosaics.

Rêve de Mon oeil: this art gallery exhibits a strange collection of modern sculptures by artists from Casablanca and Morocco.

The Octagonal Square is one of the best places in modern Morocco. Businessmen come at lunchtime to have lunch under the sun in the square of the modern city. A good place to take pictures.

The Jewish Museum of Casablanca is the only Jewish museum not only of Casablanca and Morocco but also of the entire Muslim world. It is an important resource demonstrating the importance of Jewish heritage throughout the country’s history.

The museum is located in a modern and bright Oasis neighborhood five kilometers south of the city. Ancient Moroccan Jewish books and scrolls, traditional costumes, and sacramental elements are displayed. In the Anti-Atlas, you will also find photographs of ancient Jewish cemeteries and synagogues, such as Ibn Dannan in Fes and in Ifrane.

The Jewish Museum of Casablanca is located on Rue Jules Chasseur Gros, 81, just outside the city. Open from Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 17:00, and admission costs 30 dh.

Transportation in Casablanca

To get around the city, you can take a petit taxi anywhere. The average trip should not cost more than 6 DH. For the neighborhood of Ain Diab, the rate is approximately 18 DH. Remember that taxi drivers charge 50% as a supplement during the night.

Casablanca transport, with casa buses, will be useful on your trip to Casablanca, but they can also be a little uncomfortable, especially at peak times. Good routes to consider are No. 15 from Place Oued el Makhazine to Hassan II Mosque and No. 9, at the same stop as Ain Diab.

In addition to all these things to visit in Casablanca, you can start your route through Morocco. We offer you numerous circuits through Morocco departing from this city, with tours that include the main cities and tourist destinations of the country, such as the imperial cities, the most beautiful cities of the Atlantic coast, charming towns, the Sahara desert, arid passages, fortifications and Berber villages, dunes and the most inhospitable lands.

Find the best day trips from Casablanca, Morocco, and book the circuit that best suits your needs. And if the circuit does not adapt to your interests or tastes, ask us for a customized trip: request information about a personalized route you will never forget.

Best bars in Casablanca

There are many Western-style nightclubs in the Maarif and Gironde neighborhoods. They cost around 100 Dirhams per head, it will be half if you visit during the happy hours, usually from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Some of the pubs to visit are Tiger House and La Notte.

Kasbar : Najib Mahfoud street, 7, Gauthier (on a street between Blvd. Mohammed V and Souktani Blvd.). ☎212 022 20 47 47. A dark place with a good atmosphere for a drink or dinner.

La Bodega: Mohammed 5 street (near the city’s center and the old medina). A Spanish tapas bar, quite original. It is quite expensive and only frequented by tourists.

Rick’s Coffee:

Rick’s Café: is a sophisticated, nostalgic restaurant and bar in Casablanca, Morocco, that was inspired by the classic 1942 film “Casablanca” starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Designed to evoke the atmosphere of the movie, the establishment is housed in a beautifully restored traditional Moroccan building, featuring an elegant interior with arched doorways, intimate lighting, and 1940s-style furnishings. Patrons can enjoy a range of international and Moroccan dishes, as well as an extensive list of cocktails and other beverages, all while being serenaded by the resident pianist playing both timeless classics and contemporary tunes. Rick’s Café offers visitors a unique, cinematic experience that transports them back in time to the romantic setting of the iconic film.

Shopping in Casablanca

Casablanca is one of the least exciting places to shop around Morocco. Around the old medina is easy to find places selling traditional Moroccan products, such as tajines, ceramics, leather goods, and water pipes (hookahs) … but it’s all for tourists. If you plan to visit other cities, it is much better to shop in Fes, where you can negotiate with someone who sells things for the same price to Moroccans and tourists.

The neighborhood of Maarif (close to the double in the center) has many well-known brands and European and American fashion chains, such as Zara. Designer glasses, leather shoes, ‘genuine’ belts, bags, and shirts can be obtained at bargain prices.

The Derb Ghalef neighborhood has a large souk, not for the faint of heart. A group of small stalls, each loaded with mobile phones, watches, branded clothes … etc. Alleys separate the stores no more than three meters wide, some of which serve as drainage channels. Many fruit juice stands make it a good place to regroup and plan the trip. The owners of the positions are, of course, the kings of bargaining, with which, without reasonable control over the Arab and negotiation, you likely pay for the object much more than it is worth.

Hammams in Casablanca

There are some options for a traditional Moroccan hammam in Casablanca.

Solidarite Feminine: Rue Ahmed Chowki, 4, Palmie. ☎022-99-23-94. If you want to try a Turkish bath, you can take advantage and approach this Hamman.

Where to eat in Casablanca

La Cigale: this bar is a modest place near the Arab League Park, with a restaurant in front that only serves fast food (sausage or kofta sandwiches, salads, and things like that.) The bar in the back is busier and has live music almost every night. The beer is served with a plate of olives or popcorn and is one of the few Moroccan-style bars where women can drink in peace. Wines and liquors are on your menu, but only when you eat at the restaurant.

Pastry shop Benis: Habous district. This place can be part of your list of what to visit in Casablanca, as this place is famous for having some of the best Moroccan cakes. Try here one of its famous Gazelles Horns. You should also try the Bastille (one of Moroccan cuisine’s most luxurious and prestigious dishes) here. You have to book in advance (05 22 30 30 25).

Au Petit Poucet: at 86 Mohammed V Boulevard, it has been a tradition in Casablanca since 1920. It offers excellent French food

El-Mounia : Moulay Abdellah street, 95. It offers refined dishes and a picturesque interior courtyard. Moderately priced.

La Corrida : Rue el Araar, 59. ☎+212 (0) 22 27 81 55. It is easy to overlook this restaurant from the outside but look for the little sign surrounded by lights. It has a nice outdoor patio, but the interior is the main attraction. It is decorated in a bullfighting style and has a part of the place illuminated by candlelight, which gives it a very intimate touch. They have a very good sangria and tapas menu (which changes daily). Seafood is their specialty, and steamed mussels should not be missed.

Le Kobe D’Or : Rue Abou The Salt Andaloussi, 9 (right next to Brahim Roudani), ☎212 (0) 22 98 07 25. An Asian restaurant that is hard to miss, as it has an enormous red neon sign. The interior is beautifully decorated in dark red, with many mirrors and Asian details. It is a good place for a quick snack near the Maarif (commercial area).

Taverne du Dauphin : Felix Houphouet district, 115. ☎+212 (0) 22 22 12 00. A place to eat seafood within walking distance of the old medina, the port, and the Arab League Park. This place is common to see crowded meals. An excellent selection of fish and seafood and one of the widest beer selections in Casablanca and Morocco (although that’s only 5 or 6 different beers). All this makes this place a very popular place for lunches. The fish and the seafood (oysters, mussels, and others) are fresh.

La Sqala :Des Almohades district, ☎+212 (0) 22 26 09 60. Built on the remains of an old fortress, it is one of the recommendations to see in Casablanca, both as a cultural visit and for lunch. It is on the outskirts of the old medina, has a nice decoration like a fortress with canyons, is clean to eat, and has a lovely atmosphere. The atmosphere is touristy. Some dishes are vegetarian and vegan.

Al Mounia : Príncipe Moulay Abdallah street, 95. ☎212 (0) 22 22 26 69. This restaurant has a wonderful patio with a centenary tree. The cuisine is mostly traditional Moroccan food, with some of the best CouscouS from Casablanca and Morocco. There is also an extensive wine list.

The Kitchen : Mustapha El Manfalouti street, 55, Gauthier, about 20 m from Zerktouni, ☎+212 (0) 522 463 369. The authentic Spanish flavor in Casablanca. Located in the center, this restaurant offers a variety of Spanish dishes, such as rice and paellas, and a large selection of authentic Spanish and local tapas, with imported wines and beers. Open from noon to midnight, without interruption. Its pleasant decoration and friendly service make your visit mandatory.

Accommodation in Casablanca

In Casablanca, there are different types of accommodation. The most attractive for its decoration is the Riads, which recall the most refined imperial period. The Riad is a house or old palace built around a garden.

Q&A – All you need to know about Casablanca