Top Attractions in Casablanca
Casablanca is one of the premier travel destinations in Morocco, seamlessly blending the past and the present with a rich cultural diversity that mixes modernity with tradition. In this article, we provide a quick overview of some of the most distinctive tourist spots in this magnificent city.
Old City of Casablanca
The Old Medina or Old City, also known as "Bab Marrakech," is a comprehensive area that combines its proximity to the city's port and a nearby train station. Visitors can shop in its stores that offer traditional goods and handicrafts, as well as see the historical buildings.
The area occupies a beautiful and old location in United Nations Square, easily accessible by tram.
Corniche of Casablanca
The Corniche of Casablanca is one of the city's most prominent landmarks, stretching along the Atlantic Ocean for about 8 kilometers. It is a distinctive place to enjoy stunning sea views, walk, and bike. The Corniche features a variety of restaurants and cafes offering local and international cuisine, as well as shops and small markets reflecting local culture and offering traditional goods and gifts. The Corniche is also famous for its green areas and parks, providing perfect spots for relaxation and entertainment, making it a unique tourist destination in Casablanca.
Hassan II Mosque
Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, is the largest mosque in the country and Africa, and the 13th largest in the world. It was built between 1987 and 1993 during the reign of King Hassan II. The mosque complex includes a prayer hall, a Quranic school, a library, and a museum. It features exquisite tile work ("zellij") and carved walls, as well as modern techniques like an automatic roof and laser lights. Designed by French architect Michel Pinseau and built by the French group Bouygues.
There is also a museum in the mosque that we recommend visiting.
Operating Hours: Daily from 10:00.
Habbous
Habbous is a true embodiment of traditional life in Casablanca. It features a well-known popular market selling electronics like mobile phones and other items, along with various everyday goods. The quarter allows visitors to feel, touch, and discover Moroccan life through its market. Habbous offers an opportunity to immerse in Moroccan culture and ambiance as you wander through its white-painted, tree-lined streets.
Habbous is located near the Royal Palace in Casablanca and the Court of Justice, making it a truly wonderful place to visit.
Mohammed V Square
This square and street, named after one of the sultans, occupy a prominent location in the city center. It is one of the popular areas where you can buy a variety of clothes, shoes, jewelry, and locally-made goods. Additionally, the square and the street that connects to it feature a unique mix of European buildings with Oriental decorations. This street is characterized by attractive historic buildings, and while not all the buildings are distinctive, those that catch the eye deserve special attention. The decoration of the area dates back to the pre-World War II era, retaining some features of the colonial period.
It boasts a rich history and proximity to the old Bab Marrakech market. At the end of the connecting street, you will find some popular cafes.
Mahkama du Pacha
This magnificent building, designed in 1925 by French architect Auguste Cadet, serves as a court of justice and a venue for official state events. The court is designed in the French-Arabic Moorish style, with prominent Moroccan elements. Some features resemble the Alhambra Palace, while other elements evoke the character of Persian schools.
The main gate appears as a Persian iwan, and upon entering the main hall, the arched ceiling and central courtyard resemble a beautiful mosque. The court's interior is uniquely decorated with carved ceilings, elegant mosaics, and intricate stucco. Geometric patterns are used to add beauty and grandeur to the place. With its unique appearance and stunning design, Mahkama du Pacha is an attractive destination for visitors to enjoy its rich history and artistic treasures inside.
You can find it in Mohammed V Square.
Royal Palace of Casablanca
The palace features a beautiful Arab facade, and despite its stunning exterior design, it is one of four royal palaces in Morocco, with the others located in Rabat (the capital), Fez, and Marrakech. The king uses the palace for some official duties. The interior of the palace closely resembles the Spanish Alhambra, with courtyards, gardens, and orchards filled with palm and orange trees and impressive water features, which remain hidden from the public. Visitors can only see the high walls and ornate doors, surrounded by beautiful mosaics.
While you can't enter the palace, you can take photos from its exterior square.
Anfa Lighthouse
Named after the Anfa neighborhood, this lighthouse is located on Ain Diab Beach in Casablanca. It offers a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the city's prominent landmarks. The lighthouse is 161 meters tall, built in 1919, and is a major tourist attraction in the city. Standing between Hassan II Mosque and Ain Diab Corniche, the lighthouse draws visitors with its breathtaking views throughout the year, especially on cloudy days. Anfa Lighthouse is a unique spot for enjoying sea views and photography, and it is one of the main landmarks attracting tourists and nature lovers in the city.
Twin Center
Twin Center is one of the main commercial centers in Casablanca, and a popular gathering place for youth, offering excellent views of the city. The center has a prime location and was designed to be a visitor and shopping attraction. In front of the center, there is a beautiful garden that adds a refreshing atmosphere amidst the city's hustle and bustle.
Boulevard Felix Houphouet-Boigny
Boulevard Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Casablanca is one of the main streets, extending from the port road to United Nations Square. Named after Felix Houphouet-Boigny, the former President of Côte d'Ivoire, the boulevard is a vital hub featuring major landmarks such as Port Train Station, Hyatt Regency Hotel, and Zofaco Globe. It is a palm-lined shopping street and close to Bab Marrakech.
United Nations Square
United Nations Square is a large, open space in the center of Casablanca, featuring a large geodesic dome representing the world in the center. It is surrounded by shops and restaurants, with beautiful palm trees planted around. The square serves as a bridge connecting modern and old Casablanca, easily accessible by tram.
The area saw reorganization in the mid-20th century, forming a meeting place for the old city's market and the modern city. The area retained its old charm and the beautiful houses that surrounded it. With the formation of the square group at the beginning of the 20th century, the entire area was rearranged, with increased attention to meeting the growing transportation needs of the capital.
We recommend having a snack at the nearby ice cream shop and enjoying gelato, tea, and coffee. Be careful when crossing the busy streets and follow the locals' lead.
Nahla Beach
Nahla Beach in Ain Sebaa, Casablanca, is one of the city's top tourist attractions. It is known for its beauty and cleanliness, offering various activities from surfing to enjoying seafood. This tourist destination features a moderate climate year-round, with a soft golden beach and breathtaking natural scenery. The beach is an excellent destination for those looking to relax and explore Moroccan culture and heritage.
Arab League Park
The "La Coupole" building inside the park hosts an interesting exhibition open to the public for free. The park, built in 1918, underwent extensive renovations from 2016 to 2019. It features many beautiful fountains and palm trees, along with unique park areas and a skate park.
Operating Hours: Daily from 07:00 to 21:00
Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum
Abderrahman Slaoui, a Moroccan businessman and art collector, was born in Fez in 1919. His childhood and adolescence in Dar Ibn Ish shaped his artistic inspiration. He learned his art from Andalusian Arab traditions and was influenced by their decorations and traditional clothing details. During his studies, he met influential figures in the art field, impacting his artistic development. After marrying the daughter of a skilled Fassi jeweler, he had a strong mentor. His life was affected by the economic hardships his father faced, and Abderrahman's goal was to rebuild his troubled past. The idea of establishing a museum to share his passion and allow people to enjoy his treasures began to take shape. He acquired a colonial-style villa in Casablanca's historic district to fulfill this dream. Although he passed away in 2001, his family continued his dream, opening the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum to the public in 2012.
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: 100 MAD per person + entrance fee
- Family visit (2 adults + at least 1 child): 100 MAD + entrance fee
- Group visits (at least 5 people): 500 MAD + museum entrance fees
- For unguided group visits, only the group members need to pay their entrance fees; the tour guide does not need to pay.
Murdoch Park
Previously known as Les Eaux-Vives Park, Murdoch Park is one of Casablanca's oldest parks, a great place for all ages, especially sports enthusiasts. The park is known for its beauty and long alleys shaded by palm trees, making it an ideal place to spend relaxing and enjoyable holidays. There are also lovely nearby cafes for those who want to enjoy a coffee or meal outdoors. Additionally, there is an outdoor gym and a children's play area.
Operating Hours: Daily from 06:00 to 20:30
Sindibad Park
Sindibad, the daring hero, embarks on seven exploratory journeys from Baghdad to distant civilizations, facing incredible dangers such as storms, shipwrecks, and encounters with pirates and monsters. With his wisdom and courage, he overcomes challenges and returns to Baghdad laden with treasures. He decides to settle in Casablanca, building a luxurious palace reflecting his wealth and unique experiences. The park features a zoo, restaurants, cafes, various rides, and a 9D cinema.
Operating Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 19:00
Ticket Prices: The park offers several wristbands that allow you to choose the number of rides you want to enjoy:
- Fun Wristband: 18 attractions for children during the week 65 MAD, weekends 70 MAD; adults during the week 70 MAD, weekends 75 MAD.
- Extra Fun Wristband: 23 attractions for children during the week 125 MAD, weekends 135 MAD; adults during the week 130 MAD, weekends 140 MAD.
- VIP Wristband: All attractions + 5 virtual reality tokens for children during the week 240 MAD, weekends 260 MAD; adults during the week 250 MAD, weekends 270 MAD.
Al-Qods Mosque
This neo-Gothic church was built in the late 1920s by Eugène Lendrat to commemorate his mother Marguerite. It is a replica of the Saint Martin de Pau Church, built in 1868, and Lendrat hailed from Saint Martin de Pau. The layout follows a Latin cross design, with a bell tower at the entrance of the nave from the west side.
The tower, consisting of three levels, features triangular peaks and gargoyles with dog heads. The gateway depicts Christ the King and the arched porch contains the main entrance. Lendrat installed statues of four missionaries atop the dome. This church was later converted into a mosque, named "Al-Qods Mosque."
Hermitage Park
One of Casablanca's oldest parks, located in the "Mers Sultan" area, features makeshift soccer fields. The park is a beautiful place for children to play and enjoy, situated in a popular area near Derb Sultan and Raja neighborhood. It is also close to tram stations, making it a convenient location for all ages and sports needs.
We recommend visiting it early in the morning.
Villa of Arts
Villa des Arts is a contemporary art space aiming to raise awareness and promote Moroccan artistic heritage. These spaces serve as educational tools to protect, preserve, and enhance art, striving to make it accessible to the public. Villa des Arts includes a wide range of cultural expressions, such as visual arts, photography, performing arts, cinema, literature, and festivals. They support cultural dynamics in Morocco through rich and engaging programs, effective promotion and communication, and attracting local and international talents, youth, researchers, and cultural actors. Visitors are invited to explore and understand others by viewing paintings, sculptures, installations, encounters, and performances. Each exhibition is an opportunity to discover and highlight new talents.
Operating Hours: Daily from 09:00 to 19:00
Morocco Mall
Morocco Mall is the first retail shopping center in Africa and the region, offering a unique shopping and entertainment experience. Spanning 10 hectares, it houses over 600 brands across 3 levels. Located on Casablanca's Corniche, it offers diverse retail spaces across various sectors. The mall provides comprehensive comfort services, including parking, facility security, rest areas, personal facilities, and security services. It also offers cultural, sports, promotional, and technological activities.
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 to 21:00 (22:00 for dining)
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 to 22:00 (23:00 for dining).
In conclusion, visiting Casablanca is a unique experience where visitors can explore its architectural beauty and rich history, leaving behind unforgettable memories and a deep sense of admiration that encourages them to return for more of its distinctive charm. If you want to experience the charm of all these places, check out WINGIE’s best deals to find the cheapest prices for your flight to Casablanca.
