A weekend in Casablanca
If you have already travelled in Morocco, and visited places such as Marrakesh or Fez, Casablanca may hold a few surprises. Its great avenues, the incessant traffic, modern buildings, business signs, night clubs and international hotels, restaurants such as you might find in any European city… And also the style of women’s dress, which is a far cry from that seen in other, more traditional cities. One might say that Casablanca is a staging post between Europe and Africa, perhaps the ideal destination for a first holiday break in Morocco, before venturing into the country’s more conservative soul.
In spite of all this, however, the city still has an imposing mosque, the second-largest in the world, an old Medina with a maze of streets and attractive districts that still bear the French colonial imprint. A weekend tour of Casablanca will allow you to enjoy its tourist highlights at a leisurely pace, and even to explore corners imbued with the essence of the past. There is no shortage of night-time entertainment, so you may want to discover the nightlife too.
Itinerary day 1
11.30-12.30
Sacré-Cœur Cathedral
You may be surprised to find a Catholic cathedral of this size in Casablanca but it was built around 1930, when it was under the French protectorate. The striking architecture of the Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur is due to the creativity of French architect Paul Tournon. After the country's independence, the cathedral ceased to serve the purpose for which it was built and was converted into a cultural centre. Today it is used for exhibitions and fairs.
13.00-13.30
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is one of the most luxurious Islamic architectural works in the city, as it is the official residence of the monarch in Casablanca. As is customary for such buildings, entry is not permitted either individually or with a guide. It is possible to view the exterior and, if the guards allow it, to peek inside from the gate.
21.30-23.00
Le Cabestan
This restaurant can be the icing on the cake for the last night in Casablanca. Located on the Corniche, it's nicely decorated and offers views of the sea, the El Hank lighthouse... The menu offers a wide range of international cuisine, from red tuna carpaccio to exquisite French dishes. There are even pizzas if you're feeling peckish.
Itinerary day 2
10.00-12.00
Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque alone is worth a visit to Casablanca. With a surface area of 30,000 m2, it is the second largest mosque in the world. It can hold up to 20,000 people inside, and the surrounding esplanade can hold up to 80,000 more. Its location and architecture have not been left to chance, but its location by the sea makes it look like a ship about to set sail.
12.30-14.00
Medina de Casablanca
When people talk about "the medina of Casablanca" they usually mean the Old Medina because there is also the New Medina, but this is called the Quartier Habbous. The Old Medina, bounded in part by 16th-century bastions and with the beautiful Bab Jédid or New Gate, is the most Moroccan part of the city, with zigzagging alleyways and small shops.
18.30-19.30
Place des Nations Unies
Nearby is the modern Place des Nations Unies, which was called "Mohammed V" until 1991. This It separates the old part of Casablanca from the more modern part of the city and is the starting point for important thoroughfares with hotels and restaurants, such as Boulevard Mohammed V, Avenue de l'Armée Royal and Avenue Des F.A.R.
20.00-22.00
Rick’s Café
This bar and restaurant has become one of the city's classics, as the film Casablanca featured one with the same name. However, the film was shot in Hollywood and this café was created later. Even so, it is a good excuse to dine in a place where the atmosphere of the film has been recreated. On the menu you will find French, international and some Moroccan dishes.
22.30-00.00
Maison B nightclub
In Casablanca you will find numerous discos, pubs and all kinds of nightclubs. It is advisable to go out at least one night to get a taste of the city's nightlife. At Maison B you can listen to live music or DJs, dance, have cocktails... and mingle with the locals.
Itinerary day 3
18.30-20.30
La Corniche
To start your weekend in Casablanca, we recommend a stroll along the Corniche in the Ain Diab district. This glamorous palm-lined boulevard, which runs parallel to the coast, is home to the most exclusive beach clubs and restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea. It's a lively place all day long. From there you can walk to the Hassan II Mosque to see it lit up from the outside and how it shoots a laser beam into the sky.