The Insider’s Guide to Casablanca, Morocco
The Insider’s Guide to Casablanca, Morocco
When you think of Casablanca, you might think of the 1942 classic movie (that was actually filmed on a sound stage in Hollywood). What you might not imagine is a bustling, cosmopolitan, modern city nestled on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.
Honestly, I think my city gets a bad rap. It’s constantly overlooked in many Moroccan itineraries, and people are quick to judge its busy city atmosphere as “not Moroccan enough” . While Casablanca may not have sand dunes, dusty-hued ancient cities, or mule-drawn carriages, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Casablanca has a little soft spot in my heart. I lived there between 2020 and 2021 while I was working as a travel specialist for a Moroccan travel agency. Because of the Pandemic, I wasn’t able to do much inter-city traveling throughout the country for many of the months that I was there, but this was a blessing in disguise. Because of the shutdowns, I was able to explore my new host city in ways that I hadn’t anticipated before. I got to venture to more places and really experience the best things to do and see in Casablanca, Morocco.
Whether you want to make your trip to Casablanca for a week, couple days, or even an afternoon, there are plenty of places to explore.
Why visit Casablanca?
Besides having an iconic imagery in cinema history, Casablanca is the main economic hub of Moroccan life. Its bustling, busy streets carry an undeniable energy and are incredibly cosmopolitan.
How long to Stay in Casablanca?
Casablanca is an easy add-on to a trip to nearby cities like Marrakech and Fes. As it’s home to Morocco’s biggest airport, it’s also a great place to kick off any Moroccan itinerary. While you could spend weeks in Casablanca and still have more to explore, I’d recommend 1-2 days in the bustling city.
Where to stay in Casablanca?
Casablanca has many hotels along its coast and the Corniche area, from anywhere between mid-range to luxury budgets. Casablanca’s best rated backpacker hostel L’Hostel is located close to Casa Oasis—one of Casablanca’s central train stations. For finding Airbnbs, I’d recommend the Maarif district if you want to be central in the city.
How to get around Casablanca?
In Casablanca, like most Moroccan cities, taxis are the best way to get around. Casablanca also has a commuter train line that runs through the center of the city up through Sidi Marouf. Casablanca’s taxis are on a metered fare, so make sure your driver is using one!
Best Things to Do in Casablanca
1. Visit Hassan II Mosque
Hassan II Mosque is Casablanca’s most iconic landmark, and for good reason. This 210 meter structure is the second largest functioning mosque in all of Africa, and the 7th largest in the world. Hassan II Mosque juts out over Casablanca’s Atlantic coast and boasts fantastic views of the ocean. Both the outer face and inside walls of the mosque are covered with breathtaking mosaics sculpted by the over 10,000 artisans.
How to visit Hassan II Mosque? Unlike most mosques in Morocco, non-muslim visitors are allowed inside of Hassan II mosque. You do, however, need to visit the mosque on a tour, which you can purchase at the visitor center, or organize via Trip Advisor. The mosque-run tours leave every 30 minutes and are offered in a variety of languages.
2. Arab League Park
A huge, expansive greenspace in the middle of the busy white-wallled Casablanca city center, the Arab League park is a gorgeous and peaceful oasis that should be part of your Casablanca itinerary. The Arab League park was opened right before the 2020 pandemic and boasts fountains, extensive playgrounds, soccer pitches, and open green space. It’s the perfect potential picnic place, or just a great spot for an afternoon stroll.
3. Habbous
After a year of living in Casablanca, I still adore habbous. From its green-roofed store fronts and classic white archways, Habbous is a cute and quaint historic district complete with bookshops, historic cafés, and classic Moroccan souk markets. Habbous is pretty far from the center of the city (about a 15 minute drive), so I’d recommend hailing a red taxi. Normally, the taxi will drop you off at the entrance to Habbous, near the bookshops. If you want to specify a location to the driver, you can mention Moulay Yousef Mosque-another iconic sight in Habous.
Habous’s Moroccan souks are typically much more calm and quaint than those you’d find in Fes or Marrakech. Here, you can do all of your shopping for rugs, handicrafts, lanterns, jewelry, teapots, textiles and so much more. Like most markets in Morocco, you’re welcome to bargain with shopkeepers, just be respectful!
I’d most definitely recommend at stop at the famous the La Patisserie for some amazing Moroccan tea cookies and pastries. La Patisserie is known all across Casablanca and Morocco for having the best orange blossom tea cookies. You can choose from a variety of different types of cookies and pastries, and take a variety box home!
4. La Corniche
Casablanca’s Atlantic coast on a sunny day is a sight to see. The best place to take in this impressive coastline is along the Corniche–Casablanca’s seaside district.
La Corniche has some amazing restaurants and seaside cafés overlooking the ocean, all connected with an accessible walkway. La Corniche is also home to Casablanca’s bars and nightlife (remember when that was a thing?), so if you find yourself craving a party night out, La Corniche is definitely your spot!
Looking for the best place to beachside brunch in Corniche? Check out La Ola. Their views and Moroccan brunch options are unmatched.
5. Breakfast at La Sqala
The first thing that all of my Moroccan coworkers asked me when I first started working in Casablanca was “have you been to La Sqala yet??”. After finally visiting the place myself, I now understand the hype! La Sqala is an incredibly unique restaurant serving up some of Morocco’s best classic breakfast menus. Set in an old Spanish fort, La Sqala is absolutely gorgeous and has a beautiful inside terrace and garden.
6. Old Medina
Not too far away from the famed Hassan II Mosque, the Old Medina of Casablanca is the historic market center of Casa. While most of Casablanca has a more commercial urban feel, the old Medina has that “Moroccan Souk” essence that you’re sure to find in cities like Marrakech or Fes. It’s definitely bustling and busy, but can be an excellent place to go shopping for clothing, leather items, shoes, and a ton more.
While the Habbous district is more of a tourist-oriented market, the old medina of Casablanca caters to more of a mix of tourists and locals. All along the outside of the medina are quaint food stalls where you can try Moroccan breads (khobz), Bocadillo street sandwiches, and more.
Just a heads up, the old medina can be really busy and you should keep your head about you while visiting. The last time I went, a man looked me dead in the eyes as he reached his hand in my bag to try and take my newly-purchased jacket. Thankfully he left empty-handed, but I was stunned by the audacity!
7. Visit the Art Deco Districts
You have probably noticed that the name “Casablanca” isn’t all that Moroccan sounding. Anyone who has taken elementary Spanish can tell you that “Casablanca” roughly translates to “white house”. In fact, Casablanca’s Arabic name (Dar Baitha) also translates to “white house”. So what’s the deal with white houses? Casablanca’s name derives from its iconic white Art Deco style buildings that set it apart from other cities in Morocco. These Art Deco buildings were popularized under French colonization, and many of the original structures remain throughout the city. Whether you’re an architecture geek or you just like looking at pretty buildings, Casablanca’s art deco neighborhoods have an unmissable charm that’s definitely worth a visit.
Where to see some art deco buildings? Check out the old city center of Casablanca.
8. Mohammed V Square
Mohammed V Square is an easy stop near the Arab League Park and Cathedral de Sacre Coeur. While the square isn’t all too interesting in itself, it’s a great space to spend a sunny day and take in the magnificent fountain and massive flock of pigeons.
9. Cathedral de Sacre Couer
One of the most interesting buildings in Casa, the Cathedral de Sacre Couer is a super cool looking catholic church right in the middle of the city. Built by the French, it’s an ode to Casablanca’s complicated history and multicultural atmosphere.
10. Check out the beach
Casablanca is home to some gorgeous coastline, and nestled in between some rocky coast lies some beautiful sand beaches. There are plenty of worthwhile spots to jump in, and you can choose between visiting a private or public beach.
Many of Casablanca’s private beaches are usually around 100 MAD a day (about 11 USD) and you have access to a pool, snack bar, and section of the ocean. I’d recommend a private beach if you’re looking for a little more comfort–I had no problem swimming around in a bikini whereas I wouldn’t even think of it at a public beach.
It’s the Atlantic Ocean, so in my opinion the water was freezing (what can I say? I’m a wimp!), but it was definitely calm enough to swim around in.
So there’s your ultimate insider’s guide to Casablanca Morocco!