what to see in Casablanca in 3 days
Every Moroccan city has its own particular flavour, and Casablanca stands out from the rest with the buzzing vibrancy of a modern city, one where you can feel the wheels of business turning, and see high-spec cars, modern buildings with glass façades and ubiquitous signs advertising big, foreign brands. Casablanca is an ideal destination for those who have already discounted travelling to cities such as Tangiers, Fez or Marrakesh because they are looking for a more modern, sophisticated offer.
Casablanca offers a diverse experience, encompassing visits to iconic monuments such as the Hassan II Mosque and walks around La Corniche, a bustling boulevard enlivened by its beach clubs. Of course, visitors will not want to miss some of the traditional areas such as the ancient Medina or Quartier Habous, the new Medina established by the French. In both these places, you can find good quality craft items to take away as souvenirs, but if you love shopping, don’t miss the Moroccan Mall, an impressive shopping centre with lovely shops (many of which sell local brands). During your three days in Casablanca, we would also encourage you to discover Moroccan cuisine — you’re sure to fall in love with their spicy or French-style dishes.
Itinerary day 1
14.00-16.00
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.
10.00-12.00
A walk through the Art Deco Quarter
The best place to see the French imprint in Casablanca is in the Art-Déco quarter. The two kilometres of Boulevard Mohammed V offer a bohemian image of buildings bearing the traces of history. Look out for the Rialto Cinema, Le Matin, Cinema Radio, the Post Office, the Transatlantic Company, Maroc Soir and the Glaoui, Incama and Café la Comédie buildings.
12.30-13.30
Casablanca’s Central Market
Casablanca's Central Market (or Marché Central) is a historically significant space located on the Boulevard de Mohammed V, amidst the colonial architecture of the 1920s. There you can find a good range of fresh produce, fruit, vegetables, meat... as well as handicrafts, fossils and antiques. Open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 4.30pm, closed at 3pm on Fridays and at weekends at 6.30pm.
14.00-16.00
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.
16.30 -18.00
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.
Itinerary day 2
10.00-11.30
Arabian bath experience
In Casablanca you'll find numerous Arab baths, so it's easy to book one of them for a complete, exfoliating and relaxing treatment. You'll find an ideal one next to the Hassan II Mosque (men and women separately) where you'll be provided with everything you need.
12.00-12.30
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, it 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.
Itinerary day 3
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
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.
18.00-19.00
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.