The city of Casablanca is one of the essential places to see in Morocco. It is the economic capital of the country and the most populous city with almost 5 million inhabitants.
It is a city of contrasts, very modern, but traditional at the same time. Where poverty and wealth is present in each neighborhood.
If you have little time to visit Casablanca, you can read the post of the 10+1 essential things to see and do in Casablanca, with the route of the places that you cannot miss in 1 day.
In this post I talk about the 25 best things to see and do in Casablanca and I add some tips to save money in the city and the best areas to stay.
25 BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN CASABLANCA, MOROCCO
1. Visit the Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca is a huge city with many places to visit and the most important, without a doubt, is the Hassan II Mosque.
This mosque is the fourth largest in the world and one of the highest. The Minaret (The Tower), with its 210 meters, is the tallest building in Morocco. Outside the mosque, on each side, you can see the sources used for the ablution rite. They are very pretty and are decorated with blue mosaics. Both outside and inside it can be seen that the mosque is covered with marble and in some places it is combined with decorations in titanium, bronze, onyx and granite.
The Hassan II Mosque was inaugurated in 1993 and its exterior occupies more than 30,000 square meters, generating capacity for more than 90,000 people.
It is the only mosque in the country that can be visited, albeit on a guided basis. It is advisable to reserve it in advance as there are limited places.
2. Take a guided tour of Casablanca
The best option to learn about the history of the city and also in your language, is to hire a guided tour. In Casablanca you have the possibility to book a private guided tour:
You also have the option of booking one of the free tours available in Casablanca. Book for free from the following links and remember to tip the guide at the end of the tour, which is sure to be deserved. Free tours available in several languages:
3. Stroll along the Corniche
The Corniche is the city's waterfront. Casablanca has the advantage of having the sea and walking along the Corniche is one of the best things to do when the afternoon begins to fall. In addition, you will be able to photograph the Hassan II Mosque from it since you will have a beautiful panoramic view.
4. Lose yourself in the Medina of Casablanca
Casablanca is the most modern city in Morocco, although its charm lies in the perfect combination of modernity and antiquity. Its medina is one of the most essential places to see in Casablanca. It is quite small and you can visit it quickly. There are many shops selling handicrafts, fabrics, fresh produce, spices…
5. Visit the French center of Casablanca
France's presence in Casablanca has been long and did not end until the end of the Protectorate period, well into the 20th century. As a legacy of all that, today one of Casablanca's tourist attractions is its French center, which can practically be considered the center of the city. It is a neighborhood with a colonial appearance, especially around the Central Marché and Mohammed V Square.
6. Have a drink at Rick's Café
Something interesting and fun to see in Casablanca is the famous Rick's Café, the place that appears in the movie Casablanca, starring Humphrey Boghart. However, this cafe never existed, as the entire movie was filmed in the city of Hollywood. Since travelers arriving in Casablanca never managed to find the cafe, the city decided to build and recreate the cafe, decorating it exactly like in the movie. And although it is not the real one, it is quite popular to go for a drink.
7. The Clock Tower
The Clock Tower was built in 1911 by the French captain Dessigny with the aim of convincing the city's inhabitants of the need to get used to the pace of life set by industrial society. However, the current tower is not the original, but a replica. In 1948 it was demolished because it was in terrible condition and it was not rebuilt until 1993. So it could be said that it is a relatively new monument.
8. United Nations Square
Right next to the Clock Tower is one of the ugliest squares we've ever seen. Although it does not hurt to know it since it is one of the nerve centers of Casablanca. It is a real chaos: cut by the tram, full of people, tourists and without many attractions other than shops and restaurants. You have to be careful because it is full of pickpockets who are waiting for any carelessness to appropriate your things.
9. Do not miss the Central Market
Casablanca's local market is surrounded by buildings from the French colonial era. It was created during that time to meet the most select requests of the Europeans who lived in Casablanca. Today it is still the most important market in Casablanca. There you can find everything: from fish and meat to a wide variety of spices. Without a doubt, even if you do not plan to buy anything, visiting it is something highly recommended to do in Casablanca.
10. Visit Mohammed V Square
Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful squares in Casablanca. It is considered the heart of Casablanca and contains numerous architectural gems. Many of the buildings that surround it are in the Mudejar style (combining Moroccan and French influences). Among them are the Palace of Justice, the Consulate of France, the National Bank or the Prefecture. It is a quiet space where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful architecture.
11. Find the Sacred Heart Cathedral
Although it is not really a cathedral as such, it is named for its monumental neo-Gothic appearance. The building was built in 1953 to serve the Catholic community that resided in Casablanca, although its stage as a Catholic church lasted a few years. In 1956, with the country's political independence from France and Spain, it lost its Catholic faithful and ceased to function as such. Today it is used as a cultural center.
12. Discover the Mahkama du Pacha Palace
This is one of the best treasures in the city, although visiting it is not easy. They don't always let you in and if you're lucky, you should visit it with a guide, as it is used as a court of law. It is located next to the neighborhood market and its interiors are spectacular. Do not miss it!
13. Go shopping at the Anfaplace Shopping Center
The city of Casablanca has many shopping centers, and although it is not my favorite activity when I visit any city, if you have free time and it is very hot, it is an opportunity to walk around with air conditioning, do some shopping and eat something.
It is located on the Corniche itself, has 3 floors and more than 80 stores.
14. The Sanctuary of Sidi Abderrahman
This sanctuary hides a rather fascinating story. Sidi Abderrahman, considered a saint by some Muslims, came from Baghdad in the 19th century and settled on this islet. The marabout lived there until the end of his days and today it is a pilgrimage site.
Access to the temple where Sidi Abderrahman is buried is prohibited for non-Muslims. The rest can be visited.
15. Stroll and relax in the Arab League Park
Casablanca is quite a chaotic city with a lot of traffic and noise. Also, it's pretty hot. This park allows you to walk in the shadows of the trees, have a picnic and enjoy some quiet time.
16. The Royal Palace of Casablanca
The King of Morocco has Royal Palaces in all major Moroccan cities and Casablanca is no exception. The city's Royal Palace is located in the Quartier Habous. The entrance to the building is prohibited, as in all the Royal Palaces of the country, although it is possible to see its doors (prior permission from the guards).
17. Find the Casablanca Twin Center
Each of the Twin Centers is 118 meters tall. Thus, the tallest twin towers in Morocco. Both have 28 floors and were built in 1998. Inside there is the second largest shopping center in Africa, a supermarket and a multitude of shops. It is not that they are "pretty" buildings but something curious to see. They stand out above the city and you will see them from any viewpoint.
18. Visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism
The Museum of Moroccan Judaism is the only Jewish museum in the entire Arab world. There you will learn a little more about the history of the country and its religions. It is a quite interesting museum to visit in Casablanca and if you have time do not miss it.
19. Enjoy the Quartier Habous
The Quartier Habous is the new Medina of Casablanca. It is much calmer and more authentic than the old one, there are not many crowds and it allows you to walk calmly through it. It is a good place to buy local handicrafts, souvenirs, spices…
20. Visit the olive souk
In the Quartier Habous you can find a souk dedicated to olives. It's really curious. Do not miss it.
21. Eat and eat traditional Moroccan dishes
In Casablanca you eat great. They say that it is the best gastronomic city in the country and it is true that we enjoy each dish. Try the Tajine, the couscous, the Moroccan pastry... Discover all the traditional dishes to eat in Morocco here.
22. Take an excursion to Meknes and Volubilis
Although it is more advisable to visit Meknes and Volubilis from the city of Fez (because of the distance) if you are visiting Casablanca and you have an additional day to add a nearby place, a good option is to take an excursion to see Meknes and Volubilis.
23. Visit Marrakech from Casablanca
If you have the opportunity to visit a couple of cities (at least) on your trip to Morocco, Casablanca and Marrakech are a good combination. Both are beautiful and have many contrasts between them. Casablanca combines modernity and antiquity, but to a lesser extent, on the other hand, Marrakech is a very old city with many historical places to visit, full of palaces and corners that make you fall in love.
You can visit Marrakech on a day trip from Casablanca or you can combine it by staying there for a couple of days.
Marrakech posts that may interest you:
24. Visit Rabat from Casablanca
From Casablanca to Rabat it is only 1 hour by car. It is possible to arrive by bus for only 4 euros each way.
The city of Rabat has a special charm and despite the fact that it has many places to visit, it can be visited in one day. Do not miss the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, the Chellah Necropolis, the Hassan Tower, its beautiful medina where blue stands out, the Andalusian gardens, the Assouna Mosque and the Cathedral of San Pedro.
25. Hotels in Casablanca that you will love
Although Casablanca is not a very cheap city, you can find great hotels with great deals. You can stay in luxury hotels where they perform massages and all kinds of body treatments, great to combine your visit to the city.
Some great accommodation options in Casablanca to be pampered:
CASABLANCA POSTS THAT MAY INTEREST YOU
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I hope you enjoy your trip to Casablanca very much and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!