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Sightseeing in Casablanca

Hassan II Mosque: This stunning mosque was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of the former king of Morocco. Its imposing minaret, 210 m tall, is an impressive example of Moroccan style. The Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world.

Moroccan Jewish Museum. The only Jewish Museum in an Arab-speaking country is in Casablanca. It traces the history of Jewish culture in the region for the past 2000 years and is housed in an impressive villa with a huge garden, where a Jewish orphanage formerly stood.

Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum. The former residence of the businessman and major collector Abderrahman Slaoui today houses a splendid collection of items from the history of the decorative arts in Morocco: ceramics, furniture, jewellery, 19th-century travel posters and more.

Old Medina. The medieval remnants may be somewhat limited in Casablanca – at least in comparison with other Moroccan cities – but the old 19th-century quarter is a lovely place for a walk. You will also find smart shops, restaurants and cafes here.

Place Mohammed V. Excellently renovated, the central square of Casablanca is surrounded by buildings with a Moroccan aesthetic as well as the opera house, the impressive Grand Théâtre de Casablanca, which has been designed by the award-winning French-Moroccan architect Christian de Portzamparc.

Quartier Habous. The market in which you will get a taste of the authentic Casablanca is not especially busy (as the markets in other Arabic metropolises are), but it has surviving all-white Moroccan buildings, covered porticoes, arches and many picturesque shops selling select traditional Moroccan products. Wander through the narrow lanes and take a stop at one of the wonderful patisseries for tea and desserts.

Mahakma du Pasha (Mahakma of Pasha). Look for this wonderful luxury residence within the building complex of the Quartier Habous. It was built in 1950 but has still been able to absorb all the principles of the local architectural and decorative style, both in its 60 rooms and in the impressively adorned common areas.

Cathédrale du Sacré Coeur (Cathedral of the Sacred Heart). One wouldn’t expect to find such a Roman Catholic church in Casablanca, yet here it is. Although it is no longer used for religious purposes, it is used as a venue for cultural events and is a wonderful example of the cross-fertilisation of art deco, the neogothic style and Moorish architecture. The brilliant white cathedral was built in 1930 and was renovated 26 years later.

Excursions around Casablanca

Marrakesh. Just two hours from Casablanca, Marrakesh justifies all the expectations that one has when travelling to North Africa. Located in the south of Morocco, it is bustling with life and exotic charm: bazaars, markets, gardens, palaces, mosques, museums. You will find it tough to leave this African jewel and a daytrip from Casablanca may not be enough.

Rabat. Just as in neighbouring Casablanca, the old and the new are in a peculiar form of coexistence. In the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco you will be able to see, amongst other things, its labyrinthine alleys, a colourful preserved Casbah (old citadel) that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and atmospheric – but not noisy - markets.

Fes. They say that it’s the most atmospheric city in the world. East of Rabat, Fes imbues all the magic of imperial Morocco and is the largest urban complex in the world where cars are banned. It also has the largest Medina in the Arab world, in which you can easily get lost for hours. Founded in the 9th century, Fes became over the following centuries a crossroads of civilisations, but one that still remains stubbornly dedicated to the aromas of Africa, its bazaars, the hammams. It is worth walking as far as the mosque and Kairaouine University, as well as the royal palace. Entrance to the palace is forbidden but the buildings are stunning.

Food and Entertainment in Casablanca

Moroccan cuisine is very similar to that of the Mediterranean, meaning that it will not be difficult to adjust to the food scene of Casablanca.

Morocco has assimilated many elements from the cultures that have been present on its territory, with the result that its dishes take elements from Spanish-Mediterranean, Arabic and Jewish cuisine.

One of the most characteristic traditional dishes of Morocco is tajine (a lamb or chicken stew with plenty of spices cooked in a clay pot). Couscous (served with vegetables, meat or seafood) has become famous far beyond the borders of Morocco.

In the more coastal parts of Casablanca, fresh fish and seafood in general are becoming increasingly popular and are even being launched as local specialties.

On your strolls around the city, remember to drink a mint tea and sample some Moroccan desserts, with a nut and honey base.

The neighbourhood around Rue Chaouia is perhaps the best option if you are looking for fast food. For a drink, head towards the seafront at Ain Diab.

The cost of an evening out in Casablanca, however, can be on the pricey side (there is usually a separate fee to enter a club and an additional charge to drink alcohol). On the other hand, the bars in the city centre do not permit women to enter and so the best choice for a drink are the bars of the large hotels.

Shopping in Casablanca

Morocco is a shopping paradise for all those who want to furnish their homes as here you can find exotic decorations, ceramics and even handmade carpets.

In Casablanca specifically, the Quartier Habous market is considered ideal for an in-depth look at the local arts. In addition, at the borders of the old town and along the length of Boulevard Houphouët Boigny you will find many shops selling handicrafts and inexpensively priced (and touristic) souvenirs.

The open-air market of Darb Ghallaf will satisfy all your shopping needs, from clothes and accessories to furniture.

If you are interested in buying well-known brands then head for the Morocco Mall – the largest mall in Africa – on Angle Boulevard de la Corniche. You will find similar opportunities at the Anfaplace mall along the seafront. The shopping streets in the district of Maarif are a good option for pricey purchases, as this is where the international fashion labels are to be found.

Getting from the airport to Casablanca

Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport is located 30 km south of Casablanca. The most popular and cheapest way to get to the city is to take the airport train, which will get you to the centre in 45 minutes. There is also a bus that takes around the same town, which starts from Casablanca and takes approximately the same time, while another alternative is to take a taxi.

Cosmopolitan Casablanca is a destination that will enchant you and is at the same time the ideal base to discover the country’s tourist gems. Book your flights for Casablanca now at the Olympic Air site and land in the commercial heart of Morocco.