Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and its economic powerhouse. Also known as Dar el Beida, meaning White House, the city is characterized by its white buildings that dominate the urban landscape. During the French colonial period, Casablanca was transformed with the construction of a modern port and the introduction of French romanticism and European architectural beauty to this North African metropolis. With its stunning modern art architecture, Casablanca serves as the beating heart of Morocco.

One of Casablanca’s most significant landmarks is the Hassan II Mosque, a coastal masterpiece that should not be missed. Completed in 1993, this second-largest mosque features a 200-meter minaret and is considered one of the best architectural designs in the world. Remarkably, a third of the structure is built on the Atlantic Ocean, allowing visitors to hear the echo of waves during their visit. The mosque is open to all visitors, including non-Muslims, who are welcome to enter and admire its delicate design and decoration. It represents a perfect harmony of white building, tranquil sea, sky, beach, and sun.

The Royal Palace of Casablanca is a modern Catholic church built in white in 1956, featuring a long concrete entrance. While the exterior is pure white, the interior design is quite elaborate with delicate stained glass extending from floor to ceiling. The colorful glasswork presents Bible stories beautifully and creates an impressive vision of light and color. When sunlight passes through the windows, it casts colorful shadows on the floor, immersing visitors in the sanctity of this building.

The Square of Mohammed V, also known as the Pigeons’ Square, is a lively gathering place home to numerous pigeons and a grand circular fountain. The square showcases both Sephardic Muslim architectural elements and European Art Deco designs, where visitors can experience both modern and ancient influences. The pigeons are always a highlight—visitors can feed them or capture photos as they fly through the sky against the backdrop of magnificent arcades.

The Old Medina of Casablanca offers an authentic experience of the city’s culture and local life. A stroll through this distinctive medina reveals rich history, with buildings dating back to the early 19th century, alongside vibrant markets selling exotic goods from shoes to spices and carpets. Visitors can take home specialties as gifts or souvenirs, or simply relax in an open-air café while enjoying the lively atmosphere over afternoon tea.

The Corniche, located at the eastern end of the waterfront, is an ideal destination for anyone visiting Casablanca. It provides a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. A leisurely stroll along the Corniche is one of the best ways to relax in the city. Visitors can find good spots to view the magnificent Hassan II Mosque with the sea and sky as a backdrop, grab a cup of coffee while enjoying the sea breeze, or join locals for a friendly game of beach soccer.

Rick’s Café is an impressive tribute to Humphrey Bogart’s film Casablanca. This café has recreated the stage where the romantic story takes place, complete with brass chandeliers, elegant lighting, cocktails, and the theme song with sophisticated piano accompaniment. Visitors on Sundays can also enjoy improvisation sessions while sipping their coffee. The café brings the legendary film to life in the heart of the city.

Casablanca’s cuisine reflects Morocco’s rich culinary traditions. Tagine, the national meal of Morocco, is a wonderful stew of meat and vegetables slow-cooked over low heat. Typical versions include lamb and vegetables, but variations exist with fish, meatballs, and chicken in olive oil. Seasonings like ginger, saffron, and cinnamon give the stew a distinctly unusual flavor. Couscous, formed from crushed and boiled semolina balls, is served with seven vegetables and meat over a fluffy bed, seasoned with thick broth. Pastilla, a festive meal with Spanish influence, combines chicken, eggs, dried fruit, onions, and spices in a paper-thin dough sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Zaalouk, a Moroccan salad made from spiced tomato sauce and eggplant, is offered as a side dish with roasted tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, and olive oil.

The best time to visit Casablanca is generally from June to August, the peak season with less rain and pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. July and August offer higher temperatures ideal for enjoying sunny beaches and water activities with minimal rain or strong winds. To avoid summer heat, March to May is recommended for sightseeing and exploring the old Medina. April visitors can join the Jazz Festival celebrations featuring jazz masters from around the world. September to November offers cool temperatures with some rainfall, providing great opportunities for city sightseeing without crowds and bargain prices.

Accommodation options in Casablanca vary by area. The city center is typically the first choice, offering well-equipped shopping streets, malls, and bazaars, along with lively bars and clubs for nightlife. Convenient transport links provide access to any attraction, and the Old Medina is within walking distance, as are other attractions like Rick’s Café and the Hassan II Mosque. The Sour Jdid district offers traditional local atmosphere close to the old medina, with both branded hotels and characterful local apartments. Ain Diab is ideal for beach lovers, close to sandy shores with a wide range of water sports and vibrant nightlife with many bars and restaurants.

Casablanca is accessible through Mohammed V International Airport, with train or taxi options to the city center. The city is well-served by public transport, including trains and an extensive public bus network. A stay of 2-3 days is usually sufficient to experience the city’s charm, from visiting the Hassan II Mosque to strolling along the Corniche, enjoying sunsets while tasting local specialties, buying souvenirs in bustling bazaars, and relaxing on pleasant beaches.

Casablanca stands out among Moroccan cities for its power, exquisite and elegant art buildings, and scenic landscapes. Whether exploring the world-famous Hassan II Mosque, the majestic Royal Palace, or the pleasant coastline, visitors discover the unique charm of this legendary city featured in great movies.