Are you planning a visit to Casablanca? That’s amazing! Casablanca is one of my favorite cities in Morocco. Casablanca is viewed by many as overwhelming, and busy. That can be true if you don’t know the secrets and the tricks of navigating its streets and corners.
As the largest city in Morocco, Casablanca is a bustling metropolis with plenty to offer visitors. From its ancient medina and impressive mosques to its beautiful beaches and buzzing nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this iconic North African city.
Here are fifteen of the best things to do and see in Casablanca on your next visit to Morocco but if you don’t have a Moroccan trip planned soon, this is how you bring Morocco home.
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Top things to do in Casablanca
Stay at a Hotel overlooking Casablanca Beach
I love the views of Casablanca beach. My advice when booking a hotel in Casablanca is to pick a one with a beachside view. There are many nice hotels overlooking the beach in Ain Diab and Tamaris areas.
Our favorite hotel in Casablanca is The Four Seasons Hotel. They have rooms with stunning views of the city and extraordinary service. The moment you step into the hotel, the staff makes you feel special and welcomed. The beds are extremely comfortable to the point of having a hard time waking up in the morning. Everything about this luxury hotel in Casablanca is amazing. I highly recommend it.
Read more: Where to Stay in Casablanca: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels
Take a Tour of Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca is home to the 7th biggest mosque in the world. The iconic structure was completed in 1993 featuring the world’s second-tallest Minaret at 210 meters (689 ft). A part of the mosque is constructed on the water of the Atlantic ocean making it one of Morocco’s postcard pictures. Tourists can take a 45-minute tour of the inside of the mosque for 120 Dhs ($12) per person.
Savor the Moroccan food at La Sqala
You can’t experience a country for real without experiencing its food, right? If there is anything that Morocco is known for best, it’s mouthwatering food. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try La Sqala, the best restaurant for traditional Moroccan food in Casablanca.
Shop until you drop in Bab Marrakech Market
Bab Marrakech in Casablanca is great for shopping- whether its shoes, bags, clothes, or Moroccan souvenirs and gifts, this place has it all. Take a few hours to get lost and do some shopping therapy. It’s good for mental health.
Eat Fish at the Casablanca Port
If you’re a fish lover, you have to try the fish in Casablanca port. Eating fresh fish here is a local experience that is still unknown to many tourists. There are many restaurants in the area offering a rich seafood menu. My favorite is Port de Peche.
Wander Through the Streets of the Old Medina
Unlike Marrakech and Fez, wandering through the narrow streets of the old Medina in Casablanca is not really a tourist experience and honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it if you are not accompanied by a local. However, if you have a chance to do it, you will discover the historical side of Casablanca. The city is not just blocks of buildings after all.
Feed the Pigeons at Place Mohammed V
Place Mohammed V or Mohammed V Square is one of Casablanca’s famous places to go. The square groups some of the iconic public buildings in the city such as the Wilaya with its clock tower that lights up at night, the court of justice with its spectacular Moorish architecture, and the Grand Théâtre of Casablanca. Plus, the exemplary fountain in the center of the square is a popular spot for Casablanca’s pigeons and locals alike.
Explore the City via the Tramway
Cheap and cheerful! Casablanca’s tramway is a great and quick way to discover the city. With 3 major lines, the Casablanca tramway connects most of the city’s important districts such as Ain Diab beach, and the city center. The fare’s price is only 7Dhs so feel free to jump off in different stations along the way.
Marvel at the Architecture of Mahkama du Pacha
Located in the Habous neighborhood of Casablanca, Mahkamat al-Pasha (the Pasha’s Courthouse) served as a courthouse and residence of the Pacha (Governor) in the 20th century. The Mahkama du Pacha building features traditional Mauro-Andalusi architecture showcased in its tilework art (Zeleej), carved cedarwood, and green-tiled roofs.
Visit Morocco Mall Aquarium
It came as a surprise to me that Morocco Mall is the largest shopping center in Africa. I visited Morocco Mall several times during our stay in Casablanca and I really enjoyed it since I love aquariums. It has an aquarium of 40 different species of fish and they even offer the possibility to take a look inside.
Visit the Church of the Sacred Heart
The Church of the Sacred Heart also called Casablanca Cathedral is one of Casablanca’s important sites. It was constructed in 1930 and operated until 1956, after the independence of Morocco. The Church is now open to the public as a cultural center where numerous art exhibitions and events are held.
Stroll the Streets of Habous
Habous is one of the older neighborhoods of Casablanca. Habous or the new Medina was developed during the French protectorate in Morocco. Located near the Royal palace, Habous is a cultural and religious center for Casablanca and for Morocco. The buildings and the structures in the neighborhood boast a unique mix of French colonial and traditional Moroccan architecture styles.
Glance at the Royal Palace in Casablanca
While you’re in Habous, go check out the royal palace there. It’s one of Morocco’s popular palaces and a famous tourist attraction in Casablanca. Unfortunately, public access to the palace is restricted and it is always guarded. The good news is that the royal palace is worth a visit for its extraordinary exterior gates and walls.
Re-experience Casablanca ‘the movie’ Movie at Rick’s Cafe
I didn’t get a chance to visit Rick’s cafe on my last trip to Casablanca but I’ve heard nothing but good things about it and it’s certainly on my bucket list for my next visit to Morocco. Housed in a 20th-century Moroccan Riad, Rick’s Cafe recreates the bar in the classic American drama film Casablanca.
Have Dinner at La Corniche
If your trip happens to be in summer, La Corniche (the coast ) in Casablanca is the place to have a romantic dinner or just a promenade. The pleasant weather, the sound of the crashing waves, and the lively nightlife are what attract tourists and locals alike to La Corniche in Casablanca. Plus, several street foods are sold in La Corniche.
Experience Casablanca Nightlife
Casablanca is also known for its vibrant nightlife scenes. Casablanca corniche comes alive after dark, offering an abundance of cool restaurants where you can dine out, some offer live music. Casablanca has some music festivals such as Jazzablanca or Tremplin L’Boulevard.
Dine-in at Rick’s Cafe
A visit to Casablanca is not complete without a stop at Rick’s Cafe. The Casablanca restaurant was inspired by the cafe in the 1942 film “Casablanca,” Offering super delicious food and relaxing Piano tunes, this luxury dining experience is a must-have when you visit Casablanca.
Casablanca Morocco Map
Best time to visit Casablanca
It’s safe to say that Casablanca is a year-round destination to visit. It’s a coastal city where the weather is considered to be normal. From June to September, the average temperature is 18C-26C and from October to May, the weather is slightly colder with temperatures ranging between 9C to 22C.
Casablanca is a high season destination in Summer, with thousands of tourists making it a stop before heading to Marrakech. if you are looking for low crowds on the Souks and a short wait line on tourist attractions consider visiting Casablanca during the low season, between November to February.
Safety in Casabalanca
Is Casablanca safe to visit? Absolutely! In fact, Casablanca is much safer than Cairo and many other famous countries in Africa.
Casablanca is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations in Morocco, with millions of travelers visiting the city annually. So, again the short answer to the question “Is it Safe to Visit Casablanca?” is a straightforward yes, as millions visit each year.
Casablanca has a bit of a reputation for bag snatching, pickpocketing, and harassment of solo female travelers. Apart from that, you don’t have to worry too much about your safety in Casablanca.
However, there are still some areas of Casablanca to be aware of at night time like the Old Medina. Like most places in the world. Head there in the daytime.
Is Casablanca in Morocco Worth Visiting
Very often Casablanca is overlooked as a travel destination even though it’s one of the most famous cities in Morocco. Instead, tourists prefer Fez and Marrakech for their trips.
Casablanca is home to Mohammed V Airport, the biggest airport in Morocco. Therefore, there is a high chance you will end up in Casablanca. So, instead of immediately hopping on a train to Marrakech, just give the city a chance by spending a day or two. After all, Casablanca is home to some of Morocco’s iconic attractions that are worth checking out.
Getting to & Around Casablanca
- Flying to Casablanca seems the easy way if you are coming from abroad. The biggest airport in Morocco, Mohammed V International Ariport (CMN) is located in Casablanca. You can find very affordable flights with Royal Air Maroc airlines or other international airlines.
- Morocco has a pretty developed railway (ONCF) that’s connecting most big cities. So, if you are anywhere in Morocco and want to get to Casablanca just look for the nearest train station.
- There are two types of Taxis in Casablanca, big white ones and small red ones. The white taxis are usually shared by 6 people and have a set itinerary. Small taxis in red are the ones to go for when getting around Casablanca.
- Uber and Careem are available in Casablanca. Just make sure to book early because it takes time to find one.
Where to Stay in Casablanca
Casablanca is the largest and busiest city in Morocco with around 20 different neighborhoods. Therefore, choosing the best place to stay when you visit Casablanca is very important.
I’m sure you don’t want to spend 2 hours on public transport to get to Hassan II mosque. Here, I’ve created a detailed guide about the best neighborhoods and hotels in Casablanca to be in when you visit. Make sure to check that out.
Conclusion
When I first visited Casablanca, many years ago, I thought that the whole city needed some serious restoration, starting with a well-deserved paint job. As I learned my way around, I began to appreciate the good and bad about Casablanca. After all, it is the soul of Morocco. It is the biggest and most important city.
While Marrakech and Fez are just for tourists mostly, Casablanca is the real Morocco. It may not be pretty but it is what it is, take it or leave it. I’ll take it with open arms.
