22 Best Things to Do in Casablanca, Morocco

If uniqueness and exotic tropical lands are what you look for in a perfect vacation, the city of Casablanca in Morocco might be the finest choice for you.

Located at the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean, the city of Casablanca is the quintessential example of what a mixed cultured land looks and feels like.

Casablanca is a port city and is called the business capital of Morocco, being its commercial hub.

Its streets are lined with arabesque mosques and breathtaking Middle Eastern markets.

The impact of the French Revolution is evident throughout the city with its European architecture and art deco style that mingle with the blend of Moorish style.

Are you ready to explore this breathtaking city?

These are the best things to do in Casablanca, Morocco:

Visit the Awe-Inspiring Hassan II Mosque

Situated at Boulevard Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, the Hasan II Mosque was built by King Hassan II.

It is one of the largest mosques in the world and the second-largest functioning one in Africa.

With a height of 210 meters, its minaret is the second tallest in the world.

The minaret is 60 stories high, with a light at the top that is directed towards Mecca.

With exquisite and intricate details on the walls made with pure marble and the architecture facing the ocean, the Hassan II Mosque is one of Casablanca's primary attractions.

Visit the Beautiful Church of the Sacred Heart

Due to the French colonization of Morocco, numerous architectures feature Art Deco-style designs.

The Church of the Sacred Heart, also known as the Casablanca Cathedral, is one such monument.

It was an operational Catholic church until 1956, but after the independence of Morocco, it ceased its religious faculties and was transformed into a cultural monument open to exhibitions.

The Institut Francais even held a music night inside this beautiful center.

The Casablanca Cathedral was designed by French architect Tournon in 1930.

Built in the Gothic Revival style, facing the blue Moroccan skies, this tall white structure will take your breath away.

Shop to Your Heart's Desire at the Central Market

The Central Marketplace was built exactly where the Casablanca Fair of 1915 took place.

It was the most important place in Casablanca's European ville nouvelle.

Apart from its magnificent commodities, the beauty of the market lies in its architecture.

It features a Neo-Mauresque style with a mix of Art Deco and 20th-century colonial architecture.

Traveling around Casablanca can make you yearn for food, and this marketplace is filled with an array of fresh seafood and plenty of African vegetables.

If you are planning to buy traditional Moroccan gifts for yourself or your family, this vibrant market is the place to go.

Take a Camel Ride around Casablanca

You'll surely miss out if you visit Casablanca or Morocco without being able to take a camel ride through the dunes of the Sahara desert.

There are endless options to choose from in Casablanca, from mini rides that involve an overnight adventure to full-fledged extensive three-to-four-day tours on the back of a camel through the sand dunes.

There are overnight trekking excursions at the Desert Camp Merzouga Desert or the Chebbi Dunes.

There is an eight-day Imperial cities and Sahara camel trip from Casablanca, too.

In addition, you can also take your pick from numerous four-day, five-night camel rides from the city.

Walk through the Old Medina

Located in northern Casablanca, the Old Medina is like a meshwork of art, culture, and architecture.

You are bound to feel like you're walking through a real-life fairy tale, as you will find narrow alleyways and every corner of the area smells of exquisite and rich Moroccan delicacies.

There is, of course, the beautiful Medina and an entire locality surrounding it.

One can walk through to get a proper idea, flavor, and taste of the Islamic beauty blooming in the area.

You can also go shopping, with an endless option of souvenirs, shoes, rich spices, and jewelry to choose from.

Relive the Casablanca Film at Rick's Café

Any Hollywood lover is aware of the Oscar-winning 1943 classic film Casablanca.

Rick's Café was built in remembrance of this famous movie in 2004.

This was made famous by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, upon whom a Casablanca trend had started.

Rick's Café is a restaurant, bar, and cafe built on an ancient courtyard in a patterned mansion opposite the Old Medina.

The architecture and the cafe's piano bar are reminiscent of the actual movie scenes.

The menu consists of Moroccan seafood and desserts made with the local exotic varieties of fruits.

One is sure to get a cinematic and regal feel at this joint.

Admire the Art at the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum

To get a deeper taste of the art and culture of the Moroccan land and Casablanca, tourists must take a trip to the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum.

It was built in 2012 in memory of Abderrahman Slaoui, a famous businessman and art collector in Casablanca.

The museum is also famous for holding quarterly exhibitions and workshops for Moroccan artists.

This place proudly holds up its permanent collection of old Moroccan classic gold jewelry, Berber jewelry, paintings by one of the earliest Moroccan painters, Muhammad Bin Ali Ribati, an extensive collection of oriental Moroccan posters dating back to the 19th century, and much more.

Tour the City on the Casa Tramway

While the tram might seem like something you board when you have to go someplace else, in Casablanca, the beauty of the Casa Tramway is such that one can simply come out to go for a heritage tram ride.

The whole system is built in a European style, but it's highly modern in application and will surf you through parts of the city no cab driver would.

It is cheap, fun, and convenient, with lush greenery on both sides.

The trams pass through the city roads and markets, giving passengers a direct view of the city lights at night, which is dearly loved by the tourists.

Roam through Boulevard de la Corniche

For city life lovers, Boulevard de la Corniche is your destination.

The free area is always breezy, with palm trees on both sides.

Adjacent to it is the beach and a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean.

The whole area is flooded with brightly lit seafood shops and loads of shopping places and stalls.

In the neighborhood is La Sqala, which offers traditional ethnic Moroccan food.

The whole area buzzes with fun and activity.

There is AnfaPlace Shopping Center, Corniche beach, and many restaurants and cafes waiting for your visit.

A beautiful view of the tall Hassan II mosque is also a constant from this spot.

All in all, it is a fun place featuring a mix of cuisines, shopping, architecture, and nature.

Pay a Visit to the New Medina

Art lovers and aesthetes are bound to be blown by this place.

Located on Boulevard Victor Hugo, the New Medina is a three-story building that is a thorough mix of modernity and Art Deco.

Giving the feel of a maze, the whole structure has a unique and different atmosphere to it.

One can often find traditional music coming along with the breeze, and if you are lucky, you might even end up seeing snake charmers.

There is an array of various cuisines and specialties to reward your taste buds.

Regal-looking copper crockery is another very famous aspect of the New Medina.

Many home decor and spiritual and religious products also popularize the area.

Witness History at the Museum of Moroccan Judaism

The Moroccan history of Judaism goes back a long way.

Before the creation of Israel, Morocco consisted of about 350,000 Jews, which was the largest in the Muslim world.

Now, however, only about 2,500 remain.

The Museum of Moroccan Judaism was founded by Simon Levy in 1997.

Covering an area of about 700 square meters, this museum holds up various Jewish artifacts.

There is ancient Moroccan royal Jewish jewelry and the Moroccan Preamble, parts of which imbibe the Hebraic influences into the national integrity.

There is a multipurpose room known for its displays of art by Jewish Moroccans, including paintings and sculptures.

Take a Dip in the Atlantic Ocean

Apart from all that art, history, and culture, one should not forget that the city of Casablanca is literally facing the Atlantic Ocean.

To take full advantage of this, therefore, taking a serene nature break and going to take a dip in the ocean is a must.

The turquoise Atlantic is located opposite many seaside hotels from where you can get a direct view 24/7.

These beaches often carry out water activities and water sports that visitors can actively take part in.

Some of the most famous beaches in Casablanca are Ain Diab Beach, Plage Lalla Meryem Beach, and Plage Madame Choual Beach.

They all have red rocky or fresh white sandy shores and blue waters.

Witness the City Hall of Casablanca

Also known as the Hotel De Ville due to the extensive French colonization, the City Hall of Casablanca is a must-visit if you love a beautiful mix of culture and architecture.

Located beside Mohammad V Square, this monument is a three-story building with a clock tower.

The City Hall of Casablanca was built in the 1930s, and even a glimpse from the outside is sure to mesmerize you with the distinct amalgamation of Art Deco, French architecture, and Moroccan architecture.

The outside is filled with beautiful open-air fountains and is home to countless pigeons flying on and off throughout the day.

Entry to this place is free.

Feel Regal at the Royal Palace of Casablanca

The Palais Royal De Casablanca is a royal heritage site, to say the least.

You will witness breathtaking Islamic architectural finesse once you reach the palace.

This palace belongs to the group of four royal palaces situated throughout Morocco, in Rabat, Fez, and Marrakesh.

The Arabic craftsmanship and intricate details with brick-colored walls to complement the majestic ambiance are both mind-blowing and soothing to the eyes.

If one reaches the times of the Islamic worship, one can hear a cry of prayer coming from some other minaret, which is bound to give you an out-of-this-world feeling.

Have All the Fun at Arab League Park

Located to the east of Algiers Street, Arab League Park can be called an urban park.

Spread over an area of 30 acres, the park has the Moulay Youssef Boulevard in between.

This park is the perfect location for entertainment for people of all ages; there are different segments in the park for different age groups.

There are rides for children, and if you are a nature lover who finds peace in greenery, this is your place.

The entire area is systematically and meticulously arranged with a massive variety of vegetation, including huge palm trees on both sides of the boulevard and tropical low-lying shade-providing lush fruit-bearing trees.

All in all, this entire park gets a 10 out of 10 for its entertainment value.

Admire the Atlantic Ocean from the El Hank Lighthouse

When visiting Casablanca, this spot is a must for your itinerary.

El Hank Lighthouse is one of the tallest lighthouses in Morocco.

Located beside the Boulevard De La Corniche, this lighthouse is the finest place to take a perfect snap of your tour of Casablanca and the skyline.

To stand at such a height and witness the beach and the magnificent Atlantic in itself will be a magical experience.

On top of that, one can also enjoy a picturesque view of the Hasan II Mosque from this place.

Wander around United Nations Square

United Nations Square is a public square that's central to the history of Casablanca.

A clock tower was constructed there in 1908 after the French invaded Casablanca, but it was later destroyed in 1948 alongside various other buildings to make way for the Avenue des Forces Armées Royales.

For a long time, this gorgeous square was left forgotten as the city moved on around it and was even used as a bus station at one point.

However, in 1993, it was restored, and a replica of the original clock tower was erected so that visitors could once again appreciate its majesty.

Explore Le Parc de L'Hermitage

Le Parc de L'Hermitage, also known as the Hermitage Park, was inaugurated in 2011 by Princess Lalla Hasna, the youngest daughter of the king of Morroco.

The park spans over 17 hectares of land, and it was designed by the great architect Henry Probst way back in 1917.

With its towering, centuries-old trees and vast green spaces, visitors to this will easily fall in love with the area.

It's a great place to explore and relax with your traveling companions.

There's always something beautiful to see, and the peace will undoubtedly calm your mind and soothe your soul.

Visit the Beautiful Dar Ul-Aala

Dar Ul-Aala is a museum that was founded in 2010 by the Society of Amateurs of Andalusi Music in Morocco.

It is dedicated to the local music of Morocco, particularly Mauro-Andalusi music.

There's a host of things you can find inside the building, and it offers a beautiful mix of history and culture blended into music.

You'll see exhibits on rare musical recordings, manuscripts, and publications related to this specific kind of music and the legacy it's left behind.

There are also displays of traditional instruments, and you'll get to view a wide variety of items used in creating the magic of Mauro-Andalusi music.

Let Your Children Play at Yasmine Fun Park

Yasmine Fun Park is a great place to visit if you're visiting Casablanca with children aged two to 14.

It's an environment designed specifically for them and features several attractions catered to their interests.

They have a carousel, a magic train, and several other fun rides.

There's even a playground where they can run around to their heart's content.

Your kids will never be bored as they jump from one attraction to another, and their attention will constantly be filled with things meant to amuse and delight them.

The park also has an area specifically dedicated to children aged two to four, so you won't have to worry about their safety while they're there.

Haggle to Your Heart's Content at Marché Bab Marrakech

If you really want to get a sense of the culture of a place, the best place to do that is at the local market.

This one, located near the United Nations Plaza, offers a wide variety of things to the local buyer.

You'll soon find yourself entranced by the explosion of sound and color all around you the moment you step onto the market grounds.

You can even haggle and bargain for lower prices while you're there, making it an experience that's a lot more fun and social for everyone involved.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Be Dazzled by Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City

If you want to make the most out of your trip, a one-day mini-tour from Casablanca to Chefchaouen will probably be your best bet.

It is located less than five hours away from Casablanca.

Chefchaouen is called the "Blue City" for all the right reasons.

The entire city is azure, with all its houses and buildings painted in different shades of blue.

It is believed that the Jews painted most of these walls blue, resonating with the color blue representing the sky and their cultural and religious allegiances.

Final Thoughts

Casablanca is the setting for one of the greatest Hollywood films of all time, but that's not the only thing that makes it a magical destination.

It's a city filled with history and culture, with picturesque scenery that tells a story wherever you look.

Any visit there is worth the trip, so make it last and have as much fun as possible.