Many people have heard of Casablanca before knowing Morocco. Many people even started to know Morocco because of Casablanca, thanks to the classic love movie "Casablanca". The movie of the same name made Casablanca a romantic place that many people yearn for. To this day, this white city still attracts countless tourists.
One Day Itinerary in Casablanca
You will find rich architectural heritage in Casablanca downtown, mainly in Moorish architectural style. If you are willing to take half a day or a whole day to experience the Moorish architectural style and the fusion of traditional and modern architecture in Casablanca, then the following route will never disappoint you:
Recommended tour route: Sacre Coeur — Place Mohammed V — Wilaya du Grand Casablanca — La Poste Centrale — Bank Al Maghrib — Café La Princière — Hotel Amouday — Hotel Transatlantique — Hotel Volubilis — Central Marketplace — Maroc-Soir — Petit Poucet — Cinema Rialto — Pl du 16 Novembre
Attractions in Casablanca
Casablanca is the commercial center of Morocco, therefore, locals are more interested in business than tourism. There aren't many tourists here, and apart from the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, there are very few traditional tourist attractions. The city's main attractions are located in the urban areas: the stunning Moorish architecture of the city centre, the charming Quartier Habous and the upscale seaside suburbs of Anfa and Ain Diab.
1. Hassan II Mosque
This magnificent mosque was built by the late King Hassan II to commemorate his 60th birthday, and part of the funds were donated by the public. The mosque is located on a rock above the sea, and the 210-meter-high minaret is the main landmark of the city.
Hassan II Mosque is third only to the mosques in Mecca and Medina in terms of overall size, and is the most modern mosque in the world. The marble floor in the main hall is heated all year round, and the roof can be automatically opened in summer to dissipate heat. There is an elevator in the mosque that can go directly to the top of the minaret, which is luxurious. One-third of the mosque was built on the sea, which is said to be to commemorate the Arab ancestors who came to Morocco from the sea to reproduce. Moroccan handicrafts are displayed here vividly: there are hand-carved stone and wood carvings everywhere, intricate marble floors and mosaics, gilded cedar ceilings and exquisite colored tiles.
Hassan II Mosque is the only mosque in Morocco open to foreign tourists. You need to take off your shoes and hat when entering the mosque, and non-Muslims are not allowed to visit the main hall. Outside of prayer time, the mosque organizes guided tours in multiple languages to lead tourists in solemn clothes to visit the interior.
Tickets: Adults 120 dirhams/person, students 60 dirhams/person, 4-12 years old 30 dirhams/person
Opening hours: 9:00 10:00 11:00 15:00 and 16:00 & noon from Saturday to Thursday
Tips: Refer to the interior of the mosque, dress modestly (do not expose knees and upper arms), women do not need to wear headscarves
2. Mohammed V Square
This central square is surrounded by four public buildings in a gorgeous Moorish western style, with large fountains and palm trees. Overlooking the square will be the new Casablanca Grand Theatre, designed by Moroccan-born French citizen and Pritzker Prize-winning architect Christian de Pozombak.
3. Sacred Heart Cathedral
Located on the northwest edge of the Arab League Park, the distinctive white Sacred Heart Cathedral is a rare blend of Art Deco, Moorish and neo-Gothic architectural styles, with a pair of minaret-like towers and decorative lattice windows. From there, walk around the church to admire the spectacular buttresses and spires, and peek into the church's huge stained glass windows.
4. Casablanca Old Medina
Casablanca’s small old town was built in the 19th century. Although it lacks the medieval charm that is characteristic of many old towns in Morocco, it is still worth a visit. There are no treasures to be found in the bland shops in the old town (mainly hardware stores, pharmacies and stores selling cheap clothing, shoes and hats), but the winding alleys, the occasional tree-lined squares and the popular local cafes together create a pleasant overall atmosphere. In addition, the old town is a popular route when walking between the center of Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque.
5. Museum of Moroccan Judaism
The Moroccan Jewish Museum is the only Jewish history museum in the Arab world and is built on the remains of a demolished Jewish orphanage. Half a century ago, more than 250,000 Jews lived in Morocco, but today only a few continue to live in several ancient towns in Morocco. The Moroccan Jewish Museum traces the history of Moroccan Jews over the centuries, focusing on the culture of the Jewish community in Casablanca and showing the cultural similarities between the Jewish and Muslim communities.
The exhibits are well arranged and clearly marked, with ornate costumes, traditional tools and ritual objects. The temporary exhibition space is usually dominated by photos, and a 1930s synagogue in Larache is also built in an adjacent exhibition room.
Tickets: 50 Dirhams/person
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00- 17:00 Sunday 11:00-15:00
Famous filming locations in Casablanca
Rick’s Café
Although the famous Hollywood classic love movie Casablanca is set in Casablanca, the actual filming location of the movie is not in Casablanca. The Rick’s Café in Casablanca is a replica of the cafe in the movie Casablanca. It is a cafe that was built before the movie and became famous because of the movie. Nowadays, coming to the edge of the old city of Casablanca and seeing this cafe full of stories in the movie has become a must-visit item for many tourists.
Casablanca Downtown
The super-burning movie Operation Red Sea released in 2018 once again brought Morocco into the eyes of Chinese people. The urban street gunfight breakout was filmed in the bustling street center of Casablanca. The tragic scene of the armed forces exchanging fire was specially built to strive to reproduce the war scene of the terrorist armed forces.
Marrakech Highway
The exciting car racing scene in Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible 5: Rogue Nation was filmed on the Marrakech Highway outside the Medina in the old city of Casablanca. The filming took half a month, and the highway was blocked for more than ten days.
Casablanca Food Guide
Fresh fish and seafood are local specialties. Rue Chaouia, located opposite Marche Central, is a good place for a quick meal. There is a row of barbecue restaurants, snack stands and restaurants serving grilled chicken, kebabs and sandwiches, open until about 2:00 in the morning.
1. Rick’s Café
This bar and restaurant that pays tribute to the movie "Casablanca" is run by a former American diplomat. It perfectly reproduces the scenes in the movie and is very romantic. It serves delicious Moroccan and international cuisine. There is also a movie theater on the second floor showing the movie of the same name. Many tourists specifically book seats in advance just to feel the unique atmosphere of this special cafe and reminisce about the sad and romantic love story. If you are interested in sitting in Rick’s Café, having a drink or a meal, you can go to their official website to book a seat.
Recommended dishes: Roast Duck & Fruit Chutney
Reference price per person: 100-180 dirhams/person
2. La Bodega
This Spanish tapas bar and restaurant serves a variety of meat dishes and live music. The dance floor is always crowded after 22:00 on weekends. At other times, the big screen occasionally broadcasts football games and even flamenco performances.
Recommended dishes: Spanish tapas
Reference price per person: 80-160 dirhams/person
If you miss authentic Chinese food, don't miss this treasure Chinese restaurant. Le Nouveau Dragon is located next to the Casablanca Seafood Market. If you want to eat fresh seafood, you can buy lobsters, shellfish, oysters, etc. in the seafood market and take them to Le Nouveau Dragon for processing. Choose your favorite flavor and method to cook the freshest ingredients.
Recommended dishes: Twice-cooked pork & garlic lobster
Recommended price per person: 75-170 dirhams/person
Casablanca Hotel Recommendation
Casablanca's occupancy rate and accommodation prices are higher than other places in Morocco, so make reservations in advance to ensure that you can book a room at a preferential price.
1. Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca
The Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca is owned by Four Seasons, and the ubiquitous Four Seasons logo highlights low-key luxury. The rooms are large and luxuriously decorated. The restaurant has a sea view (but does not provide alcohol), and the service is exemplary. In addition to spending time by the heated outdoor swimming pool, guests often go to the luxurious spa.
Reference room rate: 1,800 yuan/night/person
2. Sofitel Grand Blanche Casablanca
The design and facilities of Sofitel Grand Blanche retain the consistent characteristics of Sofitel, a fusion of Moroccan style and exotic customs. You can see the Atlantic Ocean and the Hassan II Mosque in the room. Families with children can also let their children learn Western pastries from the Western pastry chef in the restaurant.
Reference room rate: 1500 yuan/night/person
3. Boutique Hotel Le Doge - Relais & Chateaux Casablanca
This is a boutique hotel in Casablanca, located in a well-restored, artistically decorated and charming villa, located on a quiet street near Mohammed V Square. The 16 rooms are decorated differently and are very comfortable, with high-end toiletries. The lounge and library with an open fire fireplace is a big selling point in winter, and the luxurious spa is very popular.
Reference room rate: 1400 yuan/night/person
4. Hotel Address Casablanca
Located in the center of Casablanca, it has a superior geographical location, a very modern design, simple and warm rooms, rich and varied meals, and breakfast that suits Chinese appetites.
Reference room rate: 800 yuan/night/person
Family trip to Casablanca
Casablanca is a large, noisy city, so many families with children choose to avoid the chaotic city center and relax on the beach or in the hotel they are staying in. Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca and Hotel Bellerive are both located on the beach in Ain Diab, suitable for families who want to relax.
In addition, the beach clubs in Ain Diab have swimming pools, children's playgrounds and terrace cafes specializing in ice cream. Continuing west from Ain Diab, the upscale suburb of Anfa is home to the large shopping mall Morocco Mall, which has a huge aquarium and an IMAX Theater, as well as multiple shops and a food court, which is very suitable for teenagers.
If you want to know more information and tips about traveling to Morocco, please refer to our blog: Morocco Travel Guide.
Planning to travel to Morocco? You can refer to these itineraries:
3-Day Morocco Sahara desert Tour: Departing from Marrakech
5-day Northern Morocco Tour: a blend of history and culture
7-Day Morocco Tour: Departing from Marrakech
10-Day Morocco Tour: Departing from Casablanca
13-Day Morocco Tour: Departing from Casablanca
Want to customize your Morocco travel itinerary? Welcome to contact us:
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