While there is a lot to see and do in Casablanca, you can still manage to get a good feel for Morocco’s largest city on just a short visit. To help you make the most of a tight travel timeline, With its grand boulevards and famed historic Art Deco Architecture, Casablanca is a popular city with a cornucopia of things to see and do. Whether you are visiting Morocco on a private tour, an ex-pat living abroad or a local looking for discovery and adventure, Casablanca’s breath of museums, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, boutiques, pop-up shops, and art galleries guarantees fun and fulfilment for people of all ages. Casablanca is the largest sprawling city in Morocco and in Africa with a majestic palm-lined corniche and a Coastal Port that rivals others in Africa. Casablanca is also one of the most liberal and progressive cities in Morocco.
NOT TO BE MISSED OUT ON:
Old Medina:
Unlike in many Moroccan cities, the old part of town is surprisingly easy to pass by in Casablanca. There is the temptation to head straight out to the seaside to visit the Hassan II Mosque and beach area, however, discovering the charm hidden behind the old city walls is a must on any trip to a Moroccan city. With its typical labyrinth-style character, getting lost is undoubtedly easy, but with a bit of caution, this can be a hidden beauty in itself. with children running riot and stallholders bartering at breakneck speed to try and get the best price for their traditional treasures. In fact, the only sense of calm is provided by the men gently puffing on cigars in cafes and doorways. It’s a truly unique experience and one not to be missed by anyone visiting this captivating city.
Hassan II Mosque:
Completed in 1993 and located on a platform overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the iconic Hassan II Mosque is the second-largest mosque in the world, and one of few open to non-Muslims (through selected guided tour opportunities lasting around an hour each). The mosque, which can accommodate up to 25,000 worshipers, offers Muslims the chance to pray on a glass floor, giving the unique feeling of praying directly over the sea. Everyone is welcome to admire the beautiful piece of architecture at any time from the spacious courtyard, which alone can accommodate a further 80,000 people.
Sky 28:
For a sky-high view of Casablanca, take the 28-floor journey up to this exclusive bar located in the 5-star Kenzi Tower Hotel, For a taste of luxury and unique beverages, The bar offers guests the chance to sit in a tasteful atmosphere, overlooking the city, and drinking a pricey yet worthy cocktail. Best visited at night while admiring the views of the illuminated city, this is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the old medina and the traditional Moroccan life
Villa des Arts:
Housed in a stunning Art Deco building dating back to the 1930s, the Villa des Arts is perhaps Casablanca’s number one cultural institution and is held in huge esteem across the country, The Villa des Arts promotes contemporary arts in a framework of Moroccan culture and heritage and features around 800 artworks permanently, as well as temporary expositions of international and contemporary artists. It provides a different perspective on Moroccan culture, and even the building itself is a beautiful piece of Art Deco architecture daring back to 1934. Hosting numerous cultural events, the Villa des Arts attracts locals and tourists all year round.
Museum of Moroccan Judaism:
Boasting the distinction of being the only Jewish museum anywhere in the Arab-speaking world, the Museum of Moroccan Judaism is set in a picturesque garden villa that once housed a Jewish orphanage. Focusing on Casablanca’s large Jewish community, it traces the 2,000-year history of Jews in Morocco through curated collections including ornate clothing, traditional tools and photographs, it demonstrates not only the Jewish influence on Moroccan society but highlights the history of interfaith coexistence in Moroccan civilisation.
Morocco Mall:
Located at the end of La Corniche region is Morocco Mall, one of the biggest shopping centres in Africa. A modern hub, Morocco Mall offers enough to entertain anyone from families to couples, for the whole day. On top of the extensive range of shops, anything from H&M to Dior, and a vast range of food options, Morocco Mall also hosts an indoor aquarium complete with a small shark, a fountain display outside, and even indoor ice skating and an indoor fairground. There really is something for everyone. For a taste of traditional Morocco, there’s even an indoor souk (market), however traditional shopping is best left to the old medina.