What to Do in Casablanca?
Casablanca rarely tops the list of destinations for travelers coming to Maroc, but this surprising city is well worth a detour.
Casablanca rarely tops the list of destinations for travelers coming to Maroc, but this surprising city is well worth a detour. Perfect for a weekend getaway, Casablanca is a magnificent city of contrasts where Moroccan tradition and modernity coexist. Between historic medina and contemporary medina, royal palace and art deco, Casablanca boasts an architecture that alone justifies a stay in the city. Here are our ideas for places to visit in Casablanca :
Hassan II Mosque
It is the largest mosque in Africa and its 201-meter minaret breaks all records : the Hassan II Mosque is a must-see when visiting Casablanca. Besides, you can glimpse it from almost everywhere in Casablanca. Located by the sea, it is filled with splendid mosaics. Regardless of your religion, you can take advantage of daily guided tours to discover this masterpiece of religious architecture, notably its prayer hall which can accommodate 25,000 worshippers.
Take the opportunity during your visit to relax in the hammams of Hassan II Mosque : recently opened, they welcome visitors in sumptuous décor and offer a luxurious experience of Moroccan bathing.
The Corniche
The sprawling city of Casablanca is pleasant to live in and visit thanks to its position right beside the ocean. The city has excellent facilities along the waterfront, which was recently renovated. Take advantage of your stay in Maroc to listen to the waves while strolling along the Corniche. It is one of the favorite activities of locals, who go there to enjoy a meal by the sea or relax on private beaches.
Mohamed V Square
It is surely the most famous square in the city of Casablanca. Always bustling, Mohamed V Square is located in the old historic center of the city and is surrounded by buildings inherited from French colonization. Admire its grand white façades that have made the city renowned.
Continue your walk to the central market towards the art deco district. These streets are filled with modern buildings, each more surprising than the last, and are also known as an "architects' laboratory".
The Old Medina
Casablanca's old medina is less well-known than those of Marrakech or Fès, for example. But it remains a wonderful gateway to traditional Moroccan life. You can admire the buildings and visit numerous merchants and craftsmen to bring back some souvenirs from your trip to Maroc. Also admire the old city walls and Casablanca's port, located just a few hundred meters away.
The Habous
It is the most modern medina in Maroc : the Habous district, near the royal palace, was built during French colonization between 1918 and 1955. Also called the new medina, this district is a replica of traditional medinas, but with wider alleyways. The Habous houses a large marketplace where you can buy Moroccan souvenirs.
The Witches' Market
Not far from the Habous lies a market rarely visited by foreigners, yet charming and very unique. Derb Sultan souk, also called the witches' market, is a popular and medicinal market where you can buy various plants, among other things. The first stalls display delicious spices, but as you venture deeper into the market, you'll see leaves, roots, horns, stones and other objects used in ancestral medicine and witchcraft.
Frequently asked questions
A 2-day weekend is ideal for discovering the main attractions of Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque, the corniche, Mohamed V Square, the art deco district, the old medina and the Habous. To explore further, 3 days allows you to discover the city at a more leisurely pace.
Yes, Hassan II Mosque is one of the rare mosques in Maroc open to non-Muslims. Guided tours are organized daily and allow you to discover the prayer hall which can accommodate 25,000 worshippers as well as the splendid mosaics of the building.
The witches' market, or Derb Sultan souk, is a popular market located not far from the Habous district. You'll find spices, medicinal plants, roots, stones and various objects used in Moroccan ancestral medicine and witchcraft. It is a very authentic place, rarely frequented by foreign tourists.
The Habous district, also called the new medina, is a district built during French colonization between 1918 and 1955, near the royal palace. It reproduces the architecture of traditional Moroccan medinas, with wider alleyways and a large marketplace where you can browse and buy souvenirs.
Casablanca enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate year-round. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best times to visit the city, with mild temperatures and little rain. Summer can be hot, but the Atlantic Ocean breeze cools the atmosphere.
