25 things to do in Casablanca

25 things to do in Casablanca

25 things to do in Casablanca: Casablanca is one of Morocco’s most visited places. In fact, it is the country’s economic capital and its most populous city, with almost 5 million inhabitants. It’s a modern city, even if, like the big cities of Africa, there are many contrasts between wealth and poverty. You won’t run out of things to do in Casablanca: it’s worth a visit just to see the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, although there are other attractions worth knowing about too. In this article, we tell you 25 things to do in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. What’s more, it enjoys a privileged climate that makes it ideal all year round.

To help you find your way around, we’ve prepared this map showing all the points of interest in Casablanca . We recommend that you save it by clicking on the star, so that you have it to hand when you visit the city. You can view it in the “My Places > Maps” section of the Google Maps application.

Hallucinate with the Hassan II Mosque:

25 things to do in Casablanca: A must-see in Casablanca
As well as being Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca caught our eye for this incredible mosque. It’s the second largest in the world, after Mecca, and the tallest ever built. Its minaret measures no less than 172 meters. It was inaugurated in 1993 and its exterior occupies over 30,000 square meters, generating a capacity of over 90,000 people.

As a curiosity, a laser emerges from the minaret, pointing towards Mecca and visible from several kilometers away. This is the only mosque in the country that can be visited, albeit on a guided basis. Of course, a fee of 120 dirhams per person (approx. €12) is charged. Quite a hefty price compared with most of the country’s monuments, but they must be recouping in some way the more than 500 million euros invested in its construction.

Stroll along the corniche:

Like Doha , Abu Dhabi and the major Arab cities that face the sea, Casablanca also has a corniche. It would become our promenade. Strolling along it while enjoying the sea breeze and the view of the magnificent Hassan II mosque is a highly recommended thing to do in Casablanca.

Shopping at Anfaplace:

Casablanca has more shopping centers than any other city in North Africa. Casablanca is a modern city, and if you want to shop or disconnect from so much tourism, you can do so at this mall. Located on the corniche itself, it has 3 floors and over 80 stores to keep you entertained.

Be Humphrey Boghart at Rick’s Café:

Something curious to see in Casablanca is the famous Rick’s Café, the place that appears in the film Casablanca, starring Humphrey Boghart. However, this café never existed, as the entire film was shot in Hollywood. Tourists visited Casablanca and couldn’t find a café.

Finally, after much disappointment and anticipation, the city decided to build the café, which is decorated as it appears in the film. If you’re looking for something curious to do in Casablanca, come to Rick’s Café (even if you already know it’s the fake one, or the real one, depending on how you look at it).

Discover Casablanca’s ancient Medina:

Casablanca is Morocco’s most modern city, yes, but it also retains its ancient medina, which stands in stark contrast to the city’s wide avenues. Compared to other medinas in Morocco’s tourist destinations, Casablanca’s medina is rather small and less authentic.

Don’t forget that an earthquake in 1755 almost completely destroyed it, and that over the last 100 years there have been many urban changes in the city, which have obviously greatly affected the character of this historic place. Get lost in its labyrinthine streets and never tire of haggling for something that catches your eye.

Photograph the clock tower:

It’s one of Casablanca’s landmarks. This Clock Tower was built in 1911 by French Captain Dessigny to convince the city’s inhabitants of the need to adapt to the pace of life imposed by industrial society. However, the one we see today is not the original, but a replica. It was demolished in 1948 due to its poor condition, and only rebuilt in 1993. So take a good look at it!

Get to know the Place des Nations Unies:

25 things to do in Casablanca: There is one of the most ugly squares we have ever seen right next to the clock tower. Although it doesn’t hurt to know, as it’s one of Casablanca’s nerve centers. It’s a real chaos: cut off by the tramway, crowded, full of tourists and without too many attractions other than shops and restaurants. We came across multiple alerts concerning the existence of pickpockets in the vicinity. are our impressions of security in Morocco.

Get lost in the central market:

This interesting market is surrounded by buildings from the French colonial era. It was created at that time to meet the most selective demands of the Europeans living in Casablanca. Today, it remains Casablanca’s most important market. You’ll find everything from fish and meat to a wide variety of spices. Without a doubt, even if you don’t intend to buy anything, visiting it is a highly recommended activity in Casablanca.

Visit Plaza Mohammed V, a lively thing to do in Casablanca:

Unlike the United Nations, this is one of the city’s most beautiful squares.It is regarded as Casablanca’s center and is home to numerous architectural treasures. Most of the surrounding buildings are in the Mudejar style (combining Moroccan and French influences). These include the Palais de Justice, the French Consulate, the Banque Nationale and the Préfecture. It’s a quiet space where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful architecture.

Take a stroll through the Art-Deco district and marvel at its buildings:

Just west of Plaza Mohammed V lies the so-called Art-Déco district. Along the lively Avenue Mohammed V, you can admire many of the facades of this artistic movement that transformed part of the city.

Stop off at the Sacré-Coeur cathedral:

25 things to do in Casablanca: Also known as Casablanca Cathedral, this is not really a cathedral. It owes its name to its monumental, neo-Gothic appearance. It was built in 1953 to serve the Catholic community resident in Casablanca, but its status as a church lasted only a few years. In 1956, with the country’s political independence from France and Spain, it lost its Catholic faithful and ceased to function. Today, it is used as a cultural center.

Relax in the Arab League Park:

Casablanca is a rather chaotic city, and being able to take advantage of spaces like this is appreciated. After a long day of sightseeing, there’s nothing better to do in Casablanca than take a stroll among the magnificent palm trees.

Photograph the Twin Center, Casablanca’s twin towers:

At 118 meters each, these twin towers are the tallest in Morocco. Both were constructed in 1998 and have 28 floors. Inside, you’ll find Africa’s second-largest shopping mall, a supermarket and a host of stores.

Have a drink on Sky 28, a highly recommended activity in Casablanca:

You must take in aerial views of Casablanca before departing. The best way to do this is to climb to the 28th floor of the Twin Center, where the Sky 28 restaurant is located. Although the food is well above the Casablanca average, it’s a place well worth visiting. Especially in the evening, with a cocktail in hand, music playing and Casablanca at your feet. Could there be a better plan?

Don’t miss the Habous district:

25 things to do in Casablanca: Also known as Nueva Medina. Although it’s a little far from the city center, it’s well worth the detour. It’s much quieter and more authentic than the old one, without too many people or tourists. If you want to buy local crafts, this is one of the best places to do so.

Visit the olive souk:

In the Habous district, several things caught our eye: one of them was a souk dedicated to olives. While there’s nothing exciting about it, getting up close and personal is a curious thing to do in Casablanca.

Go to the Palais Mahkama du Pacha, one of the best monuments to see in Casablanca:

This is one of the city’s best treasures, even if it’s not easy to visit. They don’t always let you in, and if you’re lucky, you should visit it with a guide, as it serves as a court of justice. It’s located next to the district market and its interiors are spectacular. Don’t miss it!

Eat a sweet at the Bennis Habous patisserie:

25 things to do in Casablanca: If none of the above attractions in the Habous district catches your eye, you can at least make the most of your visit by sampling some typical Moroccan pastries. The Bennis Habous patisserie is one of the city’s most famous, and trying some of its sweets is a recommended thing to do in Casablanca.

Shopping at Morocco Mall:

This is Africa’s largest shopping mall. It’s located on the outskirts of the city, although it’s within easy walking distance of the Hassan II mosque. It will take you around 40 minutes on foot. In the mall you’ll have an infinite number of options: numerous stores, IMAX, restaurants and even an aquarium with sharks that takes you around Dubai’s shopping malls.
In general, this is fine, but if you want to experience the essence of the country, it’s best to go shopping in the souks!

Approaching the Sidi Abderrahman shrine:

Among the most unusual things to do in Casablanca is this. The site hides a fascinating history. Some Muslims even regard Sidi Abderrahman as a saint. He arrived on this islet in the 19th century from Baghdad. The marabout lived here until the end of his days, and today it’s a place of pilgrimage.
Access to the temple where Sidi Abderrahman is buried is forbidden to non-Muslims. The rest can be visited.

Get to know the imposing Palais Royal, Casablanca:

25 things to do in Casablanca: The King of Morocco has royal palaces in every major Moroccan city, and Casablanca is no exception. The city’s Royal Palace is located in the Habous district. Entry to the building is forbidden, as in all the country’s royal palaces, although it is possible to get to know the doors (with prior authorization from the guards).

Visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism:

If you’re looking for something different to do in Casablanca and you’ve got enough time, it’s not a bad idea to visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism. It’s the only Jewish museum in the entire Arab world, which makes it all the more special. You’ll learn a little more about the history of the country and its religions. Interesting, but not essential.

Go to Derb Ghallef in search of electronics:

25 things to do in Casablanca: Although you can find anything in this souk, it’s basically attractive because there are so many electronic devices, especially cell phones. Many are fakes and others are probably stolen. You’ll also find tons of pirated movies. It’s definitely one of the most fun things to do in Casablanca.

Have a great time at Sindibad Park, Casablanca with the kids:

If you have several days in Casablanca and are traveling with children, you can visit the Sindibad playground. Although there’s nothing extraordinary about it, your children will surely appreciate you giving them some time out from the stress of the Moroccan markets. As far as admission is concerned, prices are really cheap: 75 dirhams with unlimited attractions.

Escape to Rabat:

25 things to do in Casablanca: Although Rabat generally escapes Morocco’s main tourist routes, it never hurts to get to know the country’s capital. We were pleasantly surprised. As well as breathing its institutional air, it hides many attractions such as the beautiful Kasbah des Oudayas or the Necropolis of Chellah. It’s also relatively close to Casablanca: no more than 1 hour by train.