Casablanca is a city famous for being the setting of the 1942 movie, “Casablanca.” It has become one of the most iconic movies of all time and consistently ranks near the top of lists of the greatest films ever made.
While many people know the film for its iconic songs and quotes, it also reflects a time in history. It tells a story of love and virtue.
Colonial Center
During colonial times, Casablanca was the showcase of French imperial policy. It was also the site of several urban experimentation projects.
The old medina is a far cry from the traditional winding souks of Marrakech, but it’s still full of interesting stalls selling trinkets and fresh food. It’s also much less touristy, so you can do some European-style, high street shopping here too.
A local association called Casamemoire has been campaigning for the preservation of these buildings since 1995, and they have made some progress in this regard. They organize educational tours and manifestations that allow Casablanca residents to get to know their city’s history.
For many, the best way to experience Casablanca is by visiting its historic districts. These places are full of unique, fascinating sights that aren’t found anywhere else in Morocco. Some of them are even preserved in their original state. The most famous ones include Quartier Habous, where there’s a concentration of juxtaposed Neo-Classic, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Neo-Moorish buildings, and the French prison, which was built in 1900 and still has the original masonry.
Marche Central
Casablanca’s main market is a fun place to browse for a wide variety of products and sample a bit of local culture. You’ll find stalls selling fresh flowers, traditional Moroccan clothing and souvenirs.
If you’re a foodie, this is the perfect place to check out some of Morocco’s best offerings, from amazing arrays of olives to a selection of street foods that make for great lunches. It’s also a good place to pick up a bottle of the country’s famous Argan Oil.
A visit to this market is a must for any visitor to Casablanca. The grand market itself is located in Mohammed V Boulevard and consists of several rows of stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to fresh fish and shellfish, as well as rare spices. The best part is that it’s also a very active market, with plenty of locals and tourists to interact with and bargain with.
Hassan II Mosque
If you’re visiting Casablanca, it’s worth paying a visit to the Hassan II Mosque. It’s the largest mosque in Morocco, and one of the largest in Africa.
It’s a huge structure, and can host up to 100,000 worshippers at prayer. It also has the world’s tallest minaret, which tops out at 210 meters (over 1,000 feet).
The Hassan II Mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau. The construction took six years, and was completed in August 1993, the night before Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.
There’s a lot to see in this mosque, from the massive marble and wood carvings to the beautiful mosaics. However, it’s best to book a guided tour to learn more about its history and architecture.
The mosque is one of the few in the country that’s open to non-Muslims. The tours are offered in English several times a day.
Mohammedia Beach
The Atlantic ocean is an integral part of the city of Casablanca. There are many beaches around the city that are popular with tourists and locals.
Mohammedia Beach has a large selection of hotels, and a lot of them offer excellent service and beautiful views. There are a few hotels on the beach itself, and there are also many beach residential areas that are ideal for vacations.
These beach residential areas have been growing in popularity within the past decade, and have become a great place to stay during your trip. Several cafes, restaurants, clubs and a boardwalk are located there.
The ibis Mohammedia hotel offers comfortable rooms, equipped with modern facilities to help you relax and unwind. The hotel is located close to the beach and offers free WiFi. It also features a gastronomic restaurant and lounge bar. Guests can also enjoy an outdoor pool. The nearest airport is Mohammed V International, 57 km away.