Visit Casablanca: What is the best thing to do and see in the most populous city in Morocco and the Maghreb?
Casablanca, where Morocco's main international airport is located, is the main gateway to the country for many tourists. As the country's industrial and economic powerhouse, it can't compete with the exotic charms of Marrakech and Fez. The architecture also has too much of a European flavor to it, giving it a modern air that is not found in other parts of the world. Still, you can find a few pearls to visit in Casablanca. The Medina district is charming, much smaller than the rest of the city, and easier to discover. And the colossal Hassan II mosque is unmissable.
To help you organize your stay, here is a list of things you must do in Casablanca!
1. The Hassan II Mosque
On the shore, just beyond the northern end of the medina (old city) of Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque towers over the entire city. Completed in 1993, it is the fourth largest mosque in the world, covering 9 hectares with the highest minaret in the world (201 m high). The prayer hall can accommodate 25,000 worshippers while the courtyard (which has a retractable roof) can hold another 80,000. Its decoration resulting from the astonishingly complex Moroccan craft industry covers every centimeter of its surface. Situated by the sea, the place is quite spectacular. Non-Muslims can visit the mosque several times a day on guided tours that begin at the western entrance of the mosque.
2. The old medina
Although the old city of Casablanca does not have as much atmosphere and exoticism as the Medina of Fez or Marrakech, this maze of alleyways still hides a lot of things to discover. Some typical merchants sell their wares. It is a dilapidated and disjointed neighborhood with an authentic residential atmosphere and an ideal place to take the pulse of life in Casablanca. There are also some interesting Koubba (sanctuaries) to see in the south of Medina. It was destroyed in the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 and rebuilt in 1770. You can admire the ramparts around the old medina.
3. Mohammed V Square
The main square of the city, Mohammed V Square has a large fountain (with colored lights at night) and is surrounded by beautiful examples of French colonial architecture. The place is not superb as such, but if you come across it, you will enjoy a moment to rest and watch the active life around you. Here you will find the main post office, the Palace of Justice, the French Consulate and several large banks.
4. The Corniche
The Corniche de Casablanca (waterfront) is an excellent place to walk along the waterfront. Much of the coastline is now home to luxury hotels and restaurants. This is where the locals go to relax and have fun. Just outside of the city center, you can swim in the beach club pools and take a sun lounger, or simply enjoy the sea breeze. In the evenings, the nightlife is lively.
5. The Church of the Sacred Heart
This elegant church was built in the 1930s and its architecture is a harmonious blend of Gothic and art déco. It has unfortunately been left without restoration in recent decades, but even in its present dilapidated state, the structure is still as beautiful as ever. Not far away, you can see the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Cathedral, built 24 years later. Don't hesitate to visit the Arab League's extensive public garden and park.
6. The art-deco buildings
At one point in history, Morocco (or almost all of it) was a French colony. Consequently, Casablanca has preserved architectural heritage from the colonial period of the 1930s. Art Deco buildings dominate the center of the city and a walk is recommended to appreciate the beauty of some of the buildings. Start at the United Nations Square and walk in the direction of Boulevard Mohammed V.
7. The Habous district (new medina)
Here is another facet of the white city to discover. It is a district built by the French between 1918 and 1955 to create a new Medina. It looks like the old traditional Moroccan cities with a few things more: bigger streets and modern facilities. Besides, it is home to various traditional markets and the Royal Palace which is worth seeing while walking around.
8. Visit a hammam
When visiting Morocco, enjoy a steam bath and a scrub in a traditional hammam, so why not in Casablanca? Try the one at Solidarité Féminine or Les Bains Ziani.
9. The Central Market
Casablanca's bustling central market is a must if you want to get into the heart of city life. Right in the city center, this is where locals come to buy and sell everything, including Moroccan slippers. It's a great opportunity for photographers and a lot of fun for everyone.
10. Away from Casa: Mohammédia
This sleepy seaside town offers some beautiful beaches and is a relaxing alternative to a stay in Casablanca. Although home to Morocco's second-largest port, Mohammédia and its tranquil charms have not been touched by industry. The small Medina is a delight to stroll around, while the New City is beautifully laid out with wide palm-lined boulevards. On the beaches, cafes and restaurants are bustling on summer weekends, when the inhabitants of Casablanca seem to come to escape to Mohammédia.
