Casablanca Travel Guide

The largest city in Morocco is Casablanca. Another name for it is Dar el Beida, which translates as White House. Its buildings' primary color is also white. During their time as a colonial power in Casablanca, the French constructed a contemporary port while introducing French romanticism and European beauty to the North African metropolis. Casablanca, with its beautiful modern art architecture, is the beating heart of Morocco, you can't travel to Morocco without visiting Casablanca. So, take this handy guide to take all the charms about Casablanca.

What to See in Casablanca?

Hassan II Mosque

There are always many attractions to see in Casablanca, and one that should not be missed is the Hassan II Coastal Mosque. It is open to all visitors, even non-Muslims, who are welcome to enter the building and admire its delicate design and decoration. Completed in 1993, this second-largest mosque with a 200-meter minaret is considered one of the best designs in the world. With a third of it built on the Atlantic Ocean, you can also hear the echo of the waves during your visit, making it one of the best places to take in both the white building and the tranquil sea with sky, sea, beach and sun.

Hassan II Mosque

Royal Palace of Casablanca

It is a modern Catholic church in white built in 1956 with a long concrete entrance. In contrast to the pure white exterior, the interior design is quite fancy with delicate stained glass from floor to ceiling. The colorful glasswork not only gives a well presentation of the Bible story but also an impressive vision of light and color, especially when the sunlight passes through the window and leaves the shadow of color on the floor, which can make you immerse yourself in the sanctity of this building.

The Square of Mohammed V

Also known as the Pigeons'; Square, a lively square home to a large number of pigeons and the grand circular pigeons' fountain with many Sephardic Muslim architectural and European Art Deco designs, where you can catch the modern as well as the ancient. The pigeons here are always the highlight, you can feed them or take a photo when they fly through the sky with the magnificent arcades.

What to Experience in Casablanca?

Explore the Old Medina of Casablanca

A stroll through the distinctive medina is a great way to experience Casablanca's authentic culture and local life. You can discover its rich history, with buildings that can date back to the early 19th century, as well as vibrant markets selling exotic goods from shoes to spices and carpets. Take home a specialty as a gift or souvenir, or simply sit in an open-air café and enjoy the lively atmosphere over afternoon tea.

Take A Walk Around The Corniche

For anyone visiting Casablanca, a walk to the eastern end of the Corniche should be on the to-do list. An ideal place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, a leisurely stroll along the Corniche could be one of the best ways to relax. Find a good spot to view the magnificent Hassan II Mosque with the sea and sky in the background, grab a cup of coffee with a little taste of the sea breeze, or join the locals for a friendly game of beach soccer.

Have a Break at Rick's Café

It is quite impressive to enjoy a cup of coffee at Rick's Caf&eacute, which you may be familiar with in Humphrey Bogart's film Casablanca. As a tribute to this movie, this café has recreated the stage where the romantic story takes place, complete with brass chandeliers, lighting, cocktails as well as the theme song with sophisticated piano accompaniment. If you visit on a Sunday, you can also enjoy an improvisation session while sipping your coffee!

Rick's Café

What is the Best Time to Visit Casablanca?

Generally speaking, June to August could be the peak season for visiting Casablanca, as there is less rain and the temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities. However, Casablanca welcomes visitors all year round with its various charms to see and do.

Temperatures are a little higher in July and August, one of the best times to enjoy sunny beaches and water activities as there is little rain or strong winds to spoil your coastal holiday.

To avoid the summer heat, choose your Casablanca sightseeing between March and May, a good time to enjoy outdoor visits such as exploring the old Medina. If your trip to Casablanca is in April, you can also join the great celebrations of the Jazz Festival to enjoy the music of jazz masters from all over the world.

Another recommended period to visit Casablanca is from September to November with the cool temperature and a bit of rainfall, making it a great time to enjoy the city sightseeing without worrying about crows and a chance to get bargain prices.

How Many Days to Spend in Casablanca?

As the largest city in Morocco, a stay of 2-3 days is usually enough to experience its charm. From visiting the Hassan II Mosque to strolling along the Corniche, enjoying the sunset while tasting local specialties, buying souvenirs in the bustling bazaars and relaxing on the pleasant beaches, it is always a good idea to take more time to catch the city's attractions.

Where to Stay When Traveling Casablanca?

If you're not sure where to stay in Casablanca, the city center can usually be your first choice. The shopping streets, malls and bazaars are relatively well equipped, and for nightlife, you can quickly find lively bars and clubs. Convenient transport links will take you to any attraction, and the choice of hotels is more flexible. Most importantly, the Old Medina is a short walk away. There are also many other attractions within walking distance nearby, such as Rick's Cafe and the Hassan II Mosque.

If you want to soak up the traditional atmosphere of local accommodation, you can find it in the Sour Jdid district, close to the old medina, where there is no shortage of branded hotels as well as characterful local apartments. Other attractions can also be reached by bus or taxi.

If saltwater and sandy beaches are your thing, stay in Ain Diab, which is close to the beach and offers a wide range of water sports as well as a great nightlife with many bars and restaurants nearby.

How to Get to Casablanca?

It is possible to enter the country through Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport and then take a train or taxi to the city center. Casablanca is well served by public transport and can be reached by train or the public bus network.

What to Eat in Casablanca?

1. Tagine

The wonderful stew of meat and vegetables known as Tagine is the national meal of Morocco. The typical version includes lamb and vegetables, but there are also variations with fish, meatballs, and chicken in olive oil. The incomparable richness and tenderness of the ingredients are maintained by Tagine's method of slow cooking over low heat, and additional seasonings like ginger, saffron, and cinnamon give the stew a distinctly unusual flavor. This meal is available at Casablanca restaurants, but it's better to avoid ordering it if you're in a rush because it takes a little longer to prepare than the other options.

2. Couscous

A common Moroccan meal called couscous is formed from semolina balls that have been crushed and boiled. Authentic Moroccan couscous with seven - veggies onions, carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, cabbage, turnips, and chickpeas is a delicious dish to share with friends and family. Lamb, beef, or chicken is frequently cooked with a variety of vegetables and served over a light, fluffy bed of couscous before being seasoned with a thick broth of ginger and pepper. Even while the couscous itself is very bland, the chef's preparation which includes the addition of spices makes every bite of couscous special.

3. Pastilla

The origins of the pastilla, a popular festive meal in traditional Moroccan cuisine, can be traced to the time of Casablanca's Spanish influence. The ingredients include chicken, eggs, dried fruit, onions and spices to create a sweet and savory mince pie. It resembles a paper-thin piece of dough that has been stuffed with meat and sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

4. Zaalouk

A Moroccan salad called zaalouk is made from spiced tomato sauce and eggplant, it is offered as a side dish. Traditionally, roasted tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, and eggplant are combined. Some chefs also add cayenne pepper and cumin to give the dish a unique smoky flavor. Additionally, msemen flatbread toppings and grilled meats and seafood go nicely with it. Any cuisine can be combined according to your personal preferences, which will add something interesting to your trip.

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As the largest city in Morocco, Casablanca stands out from other cities for its power and exquisite and elegant art buildings and scenic landscapes. You may discover the charm of this city on your own, whether it be the world-famous Hassan II Mosque, the majestic Casan Royal Palace, or the pleasant coastline. Visit the fabled city of great movies by traveling to Morocco from Casablanca. If you're planning a Morocco trip but don't know where to start, don't hesitate to contact us, just simply tell us your interests and needs, and one of our travel experts will create a tailor-made itinerary for you within 24hrs.