Most travelers who visit Casablanca do so because their route in Morocco forces them to pass through there. They only see what is necessary to occupy the time until the train, van or bus leaves to take them to their final destination. However, Casablanca has enough attractions to stay a couple of days.
The most populated city of Morocco – and of the whole Maghreb – is the real cultural, economic & industrial center of Morocco. Although Rabat is the administrative capital, Casablanca is the financial engine. In Casablanca are the largest industries in Morocco, the largest artificial port in the world and the headquarters of large international companies. This, together with its French colonial past, makes it a good city to observe the cultural mix between the western and Arab world. Discover beautiful places during Casablanca Morocco Tours.
1. Mosque of King Hassan II
Without a doubt, the most iconic symbol to see in Casablanca is the mosque of King Hassan II. Its minaret, 210 meters high, rises next to the waters of the Atlantic. In spite of its vastness, it is carved with rich details, the product of the fine work of the best Moroccan artisans of the 20th century. The mosque – considered the third largest in the world – was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of King Hassan II, who reigned in Morocco between 1961 and 1999.
Stone and wood carved by hand, marble floors, ceilings ornamented with gold plates, colorful ceramics covering the walls … This work of art has a capacity to accommodate 25,000 faithful inside and about 80,000 in the outdoor patio. In addition, part of the ground is made of glass and Muslims can pray to Allah while they contemplate the waters of the ocean.
The Mosque of Hassan II is open to people of any religion and its interior can be visited by hiring a guided tour.
2. La Corniche
And right next to the most important religious monument to visit in Morocco (the Hassan II mosque) is La Corniche.
This beach district saw better days in the past – when it was a boardwalk plagued by luxury hotels on one side, and bars and clubs on the other – but it’s still the best place to see in Casablanca if what you’re looking for is something of a beach, quiet walk or water activities. And on the beach of La Corniche surfers of all nationalities come to ride the waves of the Atlantic.
Another quieter plan is to take a bath, tan in the sun and eat or have a drink in one of the bars and restaurants in the area.
3. Morocco Mall
If shopping is one of the things you want to do in Casablanca, Morocco Mall is the best place for it.
Located right at the end of the La Corniche area (after passing the beach of Ain Diab, on Avenida Biarritz), this shopping center is one of the largest and most luxurious, not only in Morocco but throughout the world.
Designed by the magnificent Italian architect Davide Padoa, it has 250,000 square meters of constructed area and about 70,000 square meters dedicated exclusively to stores spread over 3 floors. It also has large gardens, leisure areas, cafeterias, restaurants, etc.
Among its 350 stores you can find luxury brands (Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton), along with others that put their foot in Africa for the first time (FNAC, H & M, Ralph Lauren) and the classic Spanish group Inditex (Zara, Massimo Dutti or Pull & Bear).
You will also find an area, the Souk, where you can buy typical items from the Moroccan souks, such as slippers, caftans, djellaba, spices, oils, etc.
As for family entertainment, it has an Imax cinema, a large aquarium (Aquadream) and a small amusement park (Adventure Land), in addition to the largest musical fountain in the world, which has more than a hundred colored jets that they move to the rhythm of the music.
4. The Medina
As a good Arab city, one of the most interesting places to see in Casablanca is its old medina. However, while in other Moroccan cities this old part of the city is immense and full of labyrinthine streets full of secrets, the Medina of Casablanca does not occupy a too large surface and you may even get to pass it without hardly noticing it.
Despite not having that magical aura that accompanies the medieval medinas, the network of narrow streets built in Casablanca during the 19th century is worth a visit.
In the basement of the colorful houses of the medina, between squares and a beautiful mosque, you will find shops selling trinkets, souvenirs, clothes, shoes and a good number of cafes. You will not find the treasure you were looking for as a souvenir of your trip, but you will be able to sit and observe the daily life of the local people. Something that is not only one of the best things to do in Morocco but in any trip around the world.
5. The Moroccan Jewish Museum
One of the most original museums to visit in Casablanca is the Moroccan Jewish Museum. The fact that it is the only Jewish museum in the Arab world is already something that should convince you to go through it. This could only happen in a city where the cultural mix is complete and rich. In addition, the majority of Moroccan Jews live in Casablanca. The Moroccan Jewish Museum is located in a beautiful house with a garden that served as a Jewish orphanage.
This museum covers the 2,000 years of history of Judaism in Morocco, focusing, above all, on the Jewish community of Casablanca. In it, you will find paintings, photographs, decorative elements, clothes and reproductions of the different synagogues that you can find in Morocco.
6. The Arab League Park
Considering the chaos and congestion that reigns in the city, it is normal that the Arab League Park (Parc Ligue Arabe) is one of the best places to visit in Morocco during your Casablanca Morocco Tours.
Designed in 1918, it is the authentic green lung of Casablanca. Commemorating its centenary, in 2018 the new Parque de la Liga Árabe was inaugurated after suffering a profound transformation, greatly improving its services. The 9 million euros invested have allowed us to repair the 10 original sources, include many more areas of dense vegetation, create playgrounds and sports tracks, offer young people dedicated to environmental education (gardening techniques and knowledge of the plants) and the use of new technologies to rationalize the use of natural resources.
Walk along its wide avenues in the shade of the great African palms. Have a drink in any of the small cafes or visit the curious Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located within the limits of the park and the Catholic vestige of miscegenation and the Art Deco of Casablanca.
7. Plaza de Mohammed V
One of the biggest examples to see in Casablanca of the work of the great French urban architect, Henri Prost, is the Plaza de Mohammed V.Henri Prost was commissioned to design, during the first half of the 20th century, the urban plan of cities such as Casablanca, Fez, Mekinez, Rabat or Istanbul. His personal brand took the form of large main avenues with beautiful buildings, wide squares, pedestrian zones and parks.
The Plaza de Mohammed V is the administrative center of Casablanca. It is surrounded by public buildings in a layout that would serve as an example for other Moroccan cities.
In the square you can also admire the statue of Marshal Lyautey, the first French general resident of Morocco (1912-1925).
Its other remarkable monument is a fountain of 1976 in which water and music shows take place.
8. Villa of the Arts
The Villa des Arts in Casablanca is part of the ONA Foundation , one of the most important cultural foundations in Morocco, which promotes creativity and culture throughout the country.
This museum – one of the biggest to visit in Casablanca – is located very close to the Parque de la Liga Árabe and is housed in a small palace built by a wealthy Jewish family in 1934. The palace itself is one of the jewels of Art Déco of the city.
Inside the Villa des Arts you can find more than 800 samples of contemporary art framed in a background of Moroccan culture and heritage. There are also temporary exhibitions of international contemporary artists and a good number of cultural events throughout the year.
9. The Royal Palace
Although it is true that you can not enter inside it, the Royal Palace is one of the most beautiful monuments to see in Casablanca.
It is located in the modern district of the Media Nueva and was built in the 20s of the last century as another of the residences that the king of Morocco has spread throughout the country, the main one being that of Rabat.
Yes, you can go to the esplanade in front of the palace if you are part of a guided tour . If you go alone, you can always ask for permission from the guards who are at the front door (usually let pass).
Admire its great architecture while you stroll through the new area of Casablanca.
10. The night of Casablanca
As far as nightlife is concerned, Casablanca has more features in common with the western world than with the Arab world.
There are not a few Moroccans who travel to Casablanca to enjoy a good night party. Here, the schedules are almost Spanish and you have discos where you can dance, drink something and flirt until dawn.
If you are looking for glamor, Maison B is your disco (they also have a restaurant where they serve Mediterranean and Asian food). At the Sky 28 bar, you can have the best cocktails in the city while enjoying the best panoramic views to see in Casablanca.
Come on join Casablanca Morocco Tours, there’s no excuse for living a good party is not on your list of things to do in Casablanca.
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