Things to do in Casablanca

When someone says Casablanca, what is the first thing you could think of? Most Americans may think of the 1942 romantic drama film Casablanca. Still, most of you may not know that Casablanca, as the original movie, was shot in a Hollywood studio, not in actual Casablanca. It is the biggest city in the country and is considered Morocco’s economic and business hub. The city has such a charm that it treats tourists as locals, and you will feel a specific type of Belongingness to the town. In addition, it gives you a glimpse of the Modern and past cultures of locals and artisans.

On the one hand, you will find modern art buildings, and another side, you will discover old Medina corridors. Unfortunately, most tourists first land in Casablanca and then rush towards Marrakech and miss the opportunity to explore this hidden city. The best thing about Casablanca is that you can easily explore most of the town in just one to two days. If you are in Marrakech and want to go to Casablanca, you can Book our Private Marrakech to Casablanca day tour.

Casablanca is a hidden city, and most tourists do not know what to do in Casablanca. So, as a licensed  Moroccan tour operator, we feel that we should compile a list of different activities you can do in Casablanca. So, the following is the list of More than 30 Things to do and see in Casablanca.

Major tours of Morocco for clients from the Americas, Asia, and the Middle east start from Casablanca. Marrakech Desert trips have tailored a unique Morocco desert tour from Casablanca to suit your needs. It features visits to Chefchaouen, Fes, Morocco Sahara desert, and ends in Marrakech and can be customized to fit your timetable and interests.

Hassan II Mosque:

As you all know, Morocco is a Muslim-centric country, and they follow Islam. Mosques have an important place in Islam as they have to Pray five times a day at Mosques. In morocco, there are hundreds and thousands of mosques throughout the country, but in Casablanca, you will find the world’s second-largest Mosque, HASSAN II MOSQUE. It is known as the tallest Mosque globally, about 690 feet above the ground. The best thing about this Mosque is that it is open to visiting by Non-Muslims. You can go inside and experience the magnificent piece of art by yourself. The floor of the Mosque is made up of Glass and blew its sea flows. It gives a feeling of walking directly over the sea. More than 25000 people can fit in at the same time for prayer; imagine the size of the Mosque, and if we talk about the courtyard, then it can welcome more than 70000 people into it. The giant Mosque was completed in 1993, and the cost to build a Mosque on the sea at that time reached around 600 million Euros.

Corniche:

It is the beachfront district of Casablanca. Most travelers and locals come to La corniche to relax or rest on the beach. This place is filled with surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers in summer. This is the best place where you can come with family and refresh by taking a dip on the beach. There are also several hotels and clubs on the coastline where you can dine in with your family and friends.

Muhammad V Square:

Known by different names like Victory square, Administrative square, Main Square, and even known as pigeon square due to the heavy presence of pigeons in the area. However, place Muhammad V, or Muhammad V court, was most popularly known as Place Muhammad V square, built back in 1916 during French Colonialism under French Army General Louis Hubert’s supervision. To this day, you will find the statue of General Louis at the square. It is the most crucial Place in Casablanca because it is surrounded by many important buildings in Morocco, like Morocco’s post office, the Palace of Justice, the French consulate, and the bank of Morocco. That is why it is also known as the administrative hub of Casablanca.

Arab League Park:

Arab league Park lies south of Muhammad Square V. It is also known as Parc de la Ligue Arabe, and it is Casablancas’s most prominent open space, which is best for Games and long walks. In addition, there are several small cafes in the garden where you can eat and drink with your family and friends while enjoying the park’s beauty.

Cathedral du Sacre Coeur:

This Church was built back in the 1930s, and very few people know about this hidden gem. However, the structure’s condition is not so good and needs some massive uplifting, but still, if you manage to visit the place, you must go inside this Church and feel the rich history of this Cathedral firsthand. French designer Paul Tournon designed the Church. Mostly Muslim-influenced design mixed with Art Deco and Neo-gothic styles is used in the Cathedral. The operations of the Cathedral were abandoned after the independence of Morocco on 2nd March 1956. After that, it became a cultural hub and hosted numerous art exhibitions, and even in 2015, it hosted an electronic music night inside the Cathedral. Technically it should not be called Cathedral because Bishop never held a seat in that Church. The Cathedral is within walking distance from Old Medina.

Gare de Casa Port:

It is one of the main railway stations near the port of Casablanca. It is beside the old Medina and facilities many tourists who want to travel from old Medina. It is an immaculate station, and many staff members can speak English fluently. There are cafes, coffee shops, and other food outlets where you can relax before commencing. You will also find Money exchange booths, currency dealers, and clothing stores for Men, women, and children. Unfortunately, there is not much to do besides eating and Shopping, but the station’s building is stunning.

Casa Tramway:

Casablanca Tramway is the best way to see the city in one go. It is the second modern Tram system in morocco after the Rabat-Salé tramway. Till now, it covers two lines, T1 and T2. T1 covers from Sidi Moumen to Lissasfa, and T2 from Sidi Bernoussi to Ain Dia. It forms a network of 47 km and covers 71 stations. The Tram has a tinted window and is equipped with comfortable seats with air conditioning. So, sit with locals and see all the city comfortably by chatting with locals and making some new friends.

Casablanca Twin Center:

These are the two skyscrapers of more than 370 feet and have 28 floors each. It is Standing in the city’s center in the Maarif district, just on Al Massira Al Khadra Boulevard and Zerktouni Boulevard. These towers are named The west tower and The East tower; in West Tower, you will find multiple office accommodations with a shopping center, while in the East tower, you will find the famous Five-Star Kenzi Tower Hotel. It has 200 bedrooms plus 30 suites, including the ‘Casablanca Royal Suite.’

Royal Palace of Casablanca:

As the name hints, the palace of the King could not be an ordinary place. It is an architectural gem located in the new Medina, and there is a tall wall surrounding the palace. If you are lucky or have connections with the King, visit this place. However, King stays with his family only during his visit to Casablanca because King has many more palaces all around the country.

Museum of Moroccan Judaism:

Founded in 1997 and rebuilt in 2013 is the only Jewish museum devoted solely to Jewish in the Arab world. It showers light on Jewish history, culture, religion, and traditions in the civilization of morocco. There are different rooms in the museum with paintings, ornaments, and clothing that show Moroccan synagogues. There is also some beautiful Ornate tapestry hanging on the walls, which shows the influence of Jewish Culture on Moroccan society. It also shows how these two different societies have coexisted for hundreds of years.

Mohammedia:

It is the port city between Casablanca and Rabat in the region of Casablanca-Settat and has some best beaches to relax. It is the perfect alternative to Casablanca because it is just 25 km away from Casablanca and offers so much to see and do. It has Morocco’s second-largest port. Most people come there on summer weekends when there is a great bustle in Casablanca. Most tourists do not know this place. Even in season, this place is not busy with tourists.

Notre Dame de Lourdes:

It is a Modern catholic church built in the early 1950s by architect Achille and engineer Gaston Zimmer. The best thing to see in Notre Dame de Lourdes church is the interior, where you can see the world’s popular stained-glass art. The stained glass has a strong and vibrant red and blue background, and the floor of the Church is covered with top-class Moroccan carpets. There are several portraits of Virgin Merry hung in different places. It was built to serve the need of more than 15000 Catholics in Casablanca.

Medina:

You may know that Medina means the city’s old district, and the Medina of Casablanca is not as attractive and charming as Marrakech or Fes, but the narrow streets look like a maze from above and have plenty to offer. You can find dealers selling their products to shopkeepers. Most shops are retail shops where wholesalers sell their inventory through dealers. You can also find butchers selling meat, candlestick makers, pottery sellers, and many other sellers selling their stuff. You can feel the real-life of Casablanca by just spending an Hour in Medinan addition, youYou can find some shrines of Holy men in the south of Medina, which you can visit and enjoy the different cultures.

Villa des Arts:

Near Arab Park League, you will find Casablanca’s biggest Modern Art museum. It promotes Morocco’s art and culture in a contemporary art style and currently features more than 1000 pieces of art. It hosts several different cultural events and acted as a hub for local artists to this very date. Many art lovers and tourists come to this place for the art exhibition. The ONA Cultural Foundation manages the museum. The white cubical building is a stunning piece of art and worth visiting as it is a 1934 Art Deco villa and depicts its classiness from every angle. Although it is the most significant Museum of Casablanca, it is not so big, but the best thing about Villa des Arts is that the entrance to this Villa is free.

Mahkamat al-Pasha:

Also known as Makhama du Pacha, it is an administrative building just like Muhammad V square. The distance from Muhammad V square to Makhama al-Pasha is only 2 km. French Artist Auguste Cadet conceived the idea of building a court of Justice in 1925. This place is the home of Pasha (The Governor), who also acted as a courthouse, hosted special state reception, and as Jail. The building is worth seeing because it was designed by the French Arab style element called Mauresque with a tough of vital Moorish Elements. The principal gateway of the building resembles a Persian Iwan.

Morocco Mall:

If you come to Morocco, do not forget to visit the Biggest Shopping Mall in Africa. Morocco Mall is a shopping Hub and a treat for all shopping Lovers. You can find anything here from Local pottery to high-end brands like Gucci and Armani. It is enough to entertain you and your friend and family. Apart from expensive clothing brands, they also offer many foods to enjoy. The best one is their huge indoor aquarium, a home of sharks; after every thirty minutes of walking in the Mall, you will find water shows. A huge fountain implanted outside the Mall adds more beauty to the Mall. There is also indoor ice skating where you can play ice hockey. In addition, there is a substantial indoor Fairground where you can enjoy yourself with your family and kids for kids. They designed this Mall to entertain everyone from young to old. They even have Souks inside the Mall for those who want to shop for traditional morocco stuff. The Mall is so big that you can spend an hour shopping and seeing various things.

New Medina:

Medina was built by the French ruler in 1923. It is also known as a new town in Morocco. It is a marketplace in a quarter known as Habous in the southeastern part of Casablanca, about 6.5 km from the city center. You will find a massive clock on the wall at the entrance, which can be seen above.

It is always packed with locals, and they buy different things from there. The new Medina is full of small Market, and the allays are very narrow because the French built it that way. The best thing to purchase from New Medina is Souvenirs. This place is the dream for those who want to experience Moroccan culture firsthand. The best thing about that area is that sellers are less pushy, unlike old Medina. The atmosphere of New Medina is much more relaxed, and you can shop for your favorite stuff at a much lower rate.

The Abder-rahman Slaoui Museum:

It was named after The Moroccan businessman, art lover, and collector Abder Rahman, who died in 2001. All the arts are presented in a gallery space, and the main focus of the painting is on showing Moroccan antique jewelry and old travel posters. The museum is well known for collecting 18th and 19th-century Old Moroccan jewelry. Thanks to Abder Rahman, Father in Law, a famous jeweler, and, along with Abder Rahman, helped preserve the antique jewelry. It also has the paintings of Muhammad Ben Ali Ribati, who is considered the father of modern Moroccan images.

Central Market of Casablanca:

Also known as Marche Central is located at the heart of Casablanca. This place has historical and cultural significance. The central Market was designed by French engineer Pierre and its construction was completed back in 1917. Unfortunately, it was bombed by the freedom fighter Muhammad Zarqtuni in 1953.

The most prominent part of the Market is its Gates. The Market is famous for selling different kinds of seafood. You can buy fresh fish from the Atlantic Ocean, oysters, and even the meat of sharks for sale at Central Market. Many locals come to this place every day to shop for their regular necessitates like meat to prepare their daily meals. It’s a great chance to meet and greet locals, and you can even take photographs with them. They are very friendly and helpful. The remarkable thing about this place is that you will find every household thing in that Market, from Groceries to Slippers. Spend just 30 min there, and you will learn how to bargain like a champion!

Ain Diab Coast:

It is located in downtown Casablanca best known for its beaches, hotel restaurants, and nightclubs. You can come here and enjoy your holiday on a sandy beach. In summers, the coast of Ain Diab can be very crowded. If you have deep pockets, this place has much to offer because, in the daytime, there is only a limited set of activities you can do, like a stroll on the sandy beach and having lunch or coffee at the hotel. Although you can play football and horse riding, the fun begins at night when bars and discos open. Still, it is hard to get Alcohol at that place. This place became famous after it hosted the formula one world championship.

Café Rick:

This place is designed to recreate the bar which is featured in the famous classic Hollywood blockbuster Casablanca. The bar was opened back in 2004, and it is considered an architectural gem because of its design and the decorative details inspired by the movie Casablanca. Most of the food they serve is seafood, but their goat cheese, Salads, and Steak are also very popular. Also, if you love sugary food, then try their cheesecake and Brownies.

SKY 28:

If you want to escape from the city’s busy life and spend some quality time with friends and family while overlooking the town, visit sky 28. They offer some best cocktails and even play live music for their guests. They also serve some great traditional and modern morocco foods. The best time to visit Sky 28 is at night when you can watch the illuminated white city from the 28th floor. The place opens at 3. pm and closes its operations at 2. am

Temple Beth-El:

More than 30 houses of worship for Jews were called synagogues in Casablanca. Still, Temple Beth-El is considered the hub for the Jewish community as it is the largest in Casablanca, with a rich history of old and New Casablanca. Its unique stained glass acted as a rainbow maker because when the sunlight comes into the synagogue, it converts the Yellow light into different colors of the rainbow. It is an artistic masterpiece that was completely redesigned in 1997. Many tourists visit this synagogue to see the life of the Jewish community of Casablanca.

El Hank Lighthouse:

Wanted to see the 360 views of Casablanca? Then climb to El Hank Lighthouse, about 160 ft tall and built-in 1916. It is the spot to take stunning pictures of the city, especially HASSAN II MOSQUE. The lighthouse shows the sheer genius of construction and depicts the glory of Muslim architecture. You can reach the top of the lighthouse by the internal staircase, about 255 steps. From the above, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and old Medina.

SAFI:

Safi is located a little outside, about 235 km south of Casablanca. The small city is a hub of Morocco’s weaving industry, and the city has a vital fishing port for the pilchard industry; further, this city exports textiles, chemicals, ceramics, etc. Visit Safi medina and buy ceramics and pottery from world-famous artisans.

Safi’s most prominent monument is Dar el Bahar Fortress which the Portuguese built in the early 1500. However, the city’s main contribution is the rulers of Almohade, who built ramparts around the city and made it an intellectual and spiritual hub for many.

Oualidia:

The stunning Coastal city is located about 185 km south of Casablanca between SAFI and EL JADIDA. The town is famous for its shellfish harvesting, and that is why also known as the Oyster Capital of Morocco. This place is known for its beaches and fresh seafood. Suppose you are foody then you must visit this relaxed and laid-back city. Come and unwind yourself in the cool Oualidia breeze.

Azemmour:

The city lies on the Atlantic coast, just about 77 Km southwest of Casablanca. The main attraction of the town is the Oum Er-Rabia River. The Medina of Azemmour sits right above the river, and you can take some very cool pictures in that city. There is also a stunning Atlantic beach to explore in Azemmour, but the sad thing is that no one knows about that place, and very few tourists explore this city. If you have time, we encourage you to explore this place and put pictures of this gem on your social media for awareness.

El Jadida:

Around 100 km from the south of Casablanca, this beautiful small town can be found. The city is on the list of one of the Seven wonders of Portuguese origin. It is quite a big thing to include in that list because it lists prominent landmarks built by the Portuguese empire in the sixth century. Apart from seven wonders, El Jadida also had in UNESCO World heritage. UNESCO included it back in 2004 because of its exemptional structure, which depicts Portuguese construction technology with the influence of European and Moroccan Culture.

The small town gets hugely crowded during the summertime because it is surrounded by beautiful and exciting things like Sand beaches, ports, Royal gold of el Jadida, etc. The best thing is to walk upon Citadel, constructed during Portuguese times, and see the sea view. In summer, this place gets quite hot. If we talk about its annual temperature, it is about 17.7 °C. In winter, this place enjoys more rainfall than in summer.

Cinema Rialto:

What better way to see a classic movie than Casablanca in the Classic cinema of Casablanca? Sound confusing! Anyway, Cinema Rialto was built in 1929, and still, it is an example of classiness and still operational with its classic red seats. I don’t know if they have the movie Casablanca or not, but they have some excellent classic Arabic film. You can watch it for fun otherwise just roam around the theatre and cherish the old architecture and sitting of the cinema. The staff is amicable and will allow you to take pictures of this single screen cinema.

Boulevard cultural Festival of Casablanca:

If you come to Casablanca, do not forget to attend a 10-day Music and art festival held every year. Many underground bands and the Mainstream band perform and represent local music. Along with classical music, pop, rock, and electronic music are also played by well-known international brands.

Gate of Medina:

The Medina of Casablanca is relatively new compared to the Medina of Fes or Marrakech, but still, the Medina of Casablanca was built 250 years ago in 1770. The Medina was created by the Grandson of Moulay Ismail, Sultan Muhammad bin Abdullah. King made several arched portals to protect the city from the enemies, and the Bab Marrakech is one of them. It is the main gateway to the town, and the Medina is located behind that gate. In addition, a vast bell tower was built next to the entrance, adding more beauty. You can discover this gate just beside the United Nations Square.

Ain Sebaa Beach:

This is one of Casablanca’s most popular beaches and favorite of Surfers because of the windy environment huge waves form in the sea, which every surfer wants. So they ride the waves, and those who can’t surf may enjoy food by watching surfers conquer them. If you want to collect seashells, then come to this place early in the morning and collect several seashells. Besides stalls, there are many restaurants around which offer delicious Moroccan food at a very reasonable price.

Forest of Bouskoura Merchich:

This Forest is located in the suburbs of Casablanca and is best for spending a day doing different sports like football, cycling, running, etc. The Forest covers an area of 3000 acres and is primarily dominated by eucalyptus trees. There are many open green spaces available in the Forest where you can do a picnic with your family and friends. The only downside about that place is that you cannot do quad biking there because there are not many tracks available for that activity, but the good thing is that the administration is working on it. Located 20km northeast of Casablanca, You need to have a car to reach Bouskoura.

Tamaris Aquaparc:

Many tourists ask us what they can do with kids in Casablanca; then we recommend that they go to Tamaris Aquaparc. As the name suggests, it is an Aqua Park or water park with many water slides and pools for kids and adults alike. The prices are high compared to European water parks, but their service is excellent. A quick money-saving tip: If you come at the time of Ramadan, you will get all the rides at half of the price. The only downside coming in Ramadan is food because all cafes and stalls would be closed and the time of the park would also be cut to half, but the best thing is you will not find any line at that time so you can enjoy with your family and friends at that time of the year. So go and unleash your inner child and splash water hard in the park.

Parc Sindibad:

Talking about kids and Parks, how can we not recommend Parc Sindibad, which was re-opened and is the only amusement Park in Morocco. This is not just a park but an adventure land where you enjoy rollercoasters and other amusement rides. There is also a well-maintained Zoo in the park with African and Asian animals, which you should visit. The food price in the garden is pricy, but the quality is far superior to what you pay. The entrance fee starts at 20 dirhams or $2 per person, which is reasonable.