Casablanca
Casablanca: Where History and Modernity Dance by the Atlantic
Casablanca is a city of paradoxes—a place where the whispers of the past blend seamlessly with the rhythm of modern life. Known as Morocco’s economic capital, this bustling metropolis is often overshadowed by the imperial cities of Marrakech and Fez. Yet, Casablanca has a history as rich and complex as any of them, filled with tales of conquests, colonial legacies, and cultural fusion.
The city’s origins date back to the Berber kingdom of Anfa, which flourished as a prosperous port before falling to Portuguese conquest in the 15th century. The Portuguese, recognizing its strategic value, built a fortress and renamed it Casa Branca ("White House"). However, after a devastating earthquake in 1755, the city was largely abandoned, only to be revived by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah, who renamed it Dar el-Beida—the Arabic translation of Casa Branca. Under French colonial rule in the early 20th century, Casablanca was transformed into a modern city with grand boulevards, Art Deco buildings, and a bustling port that still serves as Morocco’s economic heart today.
Beyond its colonial charm and financial prowess, Casablanca is also a city of romance, immortalized in the 1942 Hollywood classic Casablanca. Though the film was shot in a Hollywood studio rather than in Morocco, its name forever linked Casablanca with timeless love and nostalgia. Today, this city is a blend of Moorish tradition, French sophistication, and a cosmopolitan pulse that makes it one of the most fascinating destinations in North Africa.
Day 1: The Soul of Casablanca
Morning
Hassan II Mosque
Begin your journey at the Hassan II Mosque, an architectural marvel that stands as a symbol of Morocco’s spiritual and artistic heritage. Commissioned by King Hassan II and completed in 1993, this mosque is the largest in Morocco and one of the largest in the world. Its minaret soars 210 meters high, making it the tallest in Africa. Built on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, its prayer hall can accommodate 25,000 worshippers, with an additional 80,000 fitting into its vast courtyard.
The mosque’s interiors are a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship, featuring hand-carved cedarwood, intricate mosaics, and marble floors. One of its most remarkable features is its retractable roof, allowing the faithful to pray under the open sky. Unlike most mosques in Morocco, Hassan II Mosque is open to non-Muslims through guided tours, offering visitors a rare chance to explore its breathtaking interiors.
Recommended visit time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Opening hours: Guided tours available Saturday to Thursday at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM
Entry fee: 130 MAD (approximately €12)
Transport: Taxi from the city center costs 20-30 MAD (€1.80-€2.70)
Midday
Old Medina (Ancienne Medina)
Step back in time as you wander through Casablanca’s Old Medina, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways filled with market stalls, traditional homes, and historic mosques. Though less extensive than the medinas of Marrakech or Fez, Casablanca’s Old Medina retains its own unique charm.
Originally built before the French colonial era, this part of the city was once enclosed by walls, remnants of which still stand today. Unlike the grand boulevards of the French-planned New Medina, the Old Medina remains an authentic slice of Moroccan daily life, untouched by European influence. In recent years, restoration projects have sought to preserve its heritage while integrating modern conveniences.
Recommended visit time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Entry fee: Free
Transport: Short walk from Hassan II Mosque
Lunch at Café Maure
Overlooking the Atlantic, Café Maure is a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch with a view. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal of lamb tagine or seafood couscous while listening to the waves crash against the shore.
Address: 248 Boulevard Sour Jdid
Opening hours: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Average price per person: 100-150 MAD (€9-€14)
Afternoon
Mahkama du Pacha
This stunning Andalusian-style courthouse, built in the 1950s, is a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists. It serves as both a functioning judicial building and a showcase of Moroccan artistry, featuring elaborate stucco work, carved cedar ceilings, and colorful zellij tile mosaics.
Despite being a government building, visitors can admire its exterior and, on occasion, enter its halls if accompanied by a guide. The Mahkama du Pacha is a striking example of how Moroccan architecture remained deeply rooted in tradition, even during the French protectorate.
Recommended visit time: 30 to 45 minutes
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Entry fee: Free
Transport: Taxi from the Old Medina costs around 15-20 MAD (€1.40-€1.80)
Evening
Dinner at Rick’s Café
End your day at the legendary Rick’s Café, an atmospheric recreation of the famous bar from Casablanca. Though the original movie was filmed in Hollywood, this restaurant, opened in 2004, captures the film’s romantic ambiance with its Art Deco décor, grand piano, and candlelit tables.
Savor dishes like lamb shank with prunes or seafood pastilla while sipping a cocktail, just like Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman might have done.
Address: 248 Boulevard Sour Jdid
Opening hours: 6:30 PM to 1:00 AM
Average price per person: 200-300 MAD (€18-€27)
Day 2: Modern Casablanca and Coastal Charm
Morning
Villa des Arts
Start your day at Villa des Arts, a 1934 Art Deco villa transformed into a contemporary art museum. The museum houses exhibitions of Moroccan and international artists, blending modern creativity with the city’s rich artistic heritage.
Recommended visit time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry fee: Free
Transport: Taxi from the city center costs 20-25 MAD (€1.80-€2.30)
Quartier Habous (New Medina)
This neighborhood was built in the 1930s by the French to create a harmonious blend of European urban planning and Moroccan architectural aesthetics. Today, it is one of the best places in Casablanca to shop for traditional Moroccan goods, from handwoven rugs to leather poufs and argan oil.
Recommended visit time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Entry fee: Free
Lunch at Bistrot Chic
Located in the heart of Casablanca, Bistrot Chic offers a fusion of Moroccan and French cuisine in a stylish setting.
Address: Rue Ahmed El Mokri
Opening hours: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Average price per person: 120-180 MAD (€11-€16)
Transportation and Passes
Walking is ideal for exploring the Old Medina, but taxis (20-50 MAD per ride) are the best option for longer distances. There is no city-wide tourist pass, but some museums offer combined tickets.
Casablanca is a city where history and modernity coexist in a captivating dance. Whether you are drawn by its colonial charm, Islamic artistry, or cinematic nostalgia, this city is sure to leave an unforgettable impression.
