Casablanca is a great destination for anyone looking to explore the culture and beauty of Morocco. With its bustling streets, rich history and stunning architecture, there are many tourist attractions to enjoy during your stay in Casablanca. From sightseeing to shopping to sampling the local traditional Moroccan cuisine, this article explores some of the best things to do in Casablanca. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or an action-packed adventure, there is lots to see and do in Casablanca.
Best Things To Do In Casablanca
1. Hassan II Mosque
I have always been fascinated by the beauty of Hassan II Mosque. Located in downtown Casablanca, it is one of the largest mosques in the world and has a magnificent architectural design that stands out from other mosques. Its impressive minaret towers over 200 feet high, making it one of the tallest structures in Africa. Additionally, it features an expansive hall with a capacity of up to 25,000 worshipers.
The interior design is truly breathtaking with its intricate mosaics and marble floors; visitors are often awestruck when they enter this grandiose structure for the first time. The entire mosque was designed to demonstrate both Islamic tradition and modernity; elements such as a retractable roof allows worshipers to contemplate under open skies while still being sheltered by traditional Islamic architecture.
2. The Corniche
The Corniche of Casablanca is a beautiful stretch of waterfront that winds along the Atlantic coast of Morocco. It is lined with palm trees and golden sand, making it look like something out of an Arabian fairytale. Despite its beauty, one could easily forget they are within the city when strolling along this path, as the blue ocean waves crash against the shoreline and playfully roll up onto its white sands.
Taking a walk along La Corniche is certainly one way to enjoy its beauty, but there are many other activities available as well. You can choose to take part in watersports such as jet skiing and parasailing or rent boats for sailing out into the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Mahkama du Pacha
Mahkama du Pacha is a historical landmark that has been a staple of this city in Morocco since it was built in the 18th century. The impressive sandstone structure stands tall in the heart of Casablanca, and its grand architecture is a sight to behold. The Mahkama du Pacha is also known for playing an important role during Morocco’s colonial period, when it served as a court of justice for French colonists.
Today, it serves as an important cultural center and museum where you can learn about Moroccan culture, history and art. Inside the building are several galleries that showcase traditional Moroccan art work from centuries ago. There are also interactive displays where visitors can learn more about local histories and traditions. And the courtyard outside provides plenty of space to enjoy traditional Moroccan food or listen to live music performances.
4. Place Mohammed V
Located in the center of Casablanca, the Mohammed V Square is a vibrant space filled with culture and history. It was built in the early 1950s to honor King Mohammed V and is now a symbol of Moroccan independence. The square is surrounded by grandiose buildings like the Supreme Court, City Hall, and central post office. Many people come here for leisurely strolls or to simply rest in its lush gardens and admire its majestic fountains.
At night, the area comes alive with street performers entertaining tourists with their music or circus acts. During special occasions, such as national holidays or sporting events, thousands of people gather around for festivities including marching bands, parades, and fireworks displays that light up the sky. The buzzing energy is contagious and makes the square a great place to experience Morocco’s unique culture firsthand.
5. Old Medina
Casablanca’s old town, also known as the Old Medina of Casablanca, is a stunning place to explore. This part of Casablanca city has an energy and vibrancy that can only be fully appreciated when visited in-person. The narrow winding lanes take you on an adventure through traditional Moroccan culture with its colorful markets, bustling streets and hidden alleyways.
Every turn reveals something new as you wander through shops selling spices and other local treats from vendors sitting on the ground or small stalls lining each street.
Moroccans have a strong cultural identity which is evident in the architecture in Casablanca its medinas. Traditional riads are tucked away in the winding streets lined with tiled facades set against blue painted walls which together form lively plazas filled with locals gathering to socialize or just enjoy an afternoon in their vibrant neighborhood.
6. Notre Dame de Lourdes
Notre Dame de Lourdes in Casablanca is a Catholic church and one of the most iconic buildings in the city. The church was built in 1924 as part of a religious complex that also included a hospital and convent, which have since been converted into a school. Notre Dame de Lourdes has stood since then as an important symbol of faith for people throughout Morocco.
The structure itself is unique, with its Gothic-style architecture and stunning stained glass windows that let light flood through the interior.
The interior design of the Notre Dame de Lourdes is just as impressive as its exterior, with intricately carved woodwork and hand-painted frescoes adorning the walls. In addition to religious services held at the church, it also hosts art exhibitions and concerts throughout the year.
7. Villa des Arts de Casablanca
Villa des Arts is a world-renowned cultural institution located in the center of Casablanca. Founded in 1998, this modern art center hosts both Moroccan and international artists to share their works with the public. From its beginnings as a small exhibition space for local talent, Villa des Arts has now grown into an impressive showcase of contemporary art and culture.
The building itself is a masterpiece: made up of two separate structures connected by an enclosed bridge, it stands out among other buildings in the area with its distinct architecture. Inside, guests can find three separate galleries dedicated to paintings, sculptures, photography and more. Additionally, there are often special exhibitions featuring creative works from around the world that cover topics such as fashion design, architecture and digital art.
8. Muhammadi Mosque
The history of the Muhammadi Mosque in Casablanca dates back to the early 20th century, and is one of the highlights of the city. Built in 1919, this grand mosque was commissioned by Sultan Moulay Youssef and designed by French architect, Michel Pinseau. It is one of Morocco its most famous mosques and a symbol of Islamic culture and architectural excellence.
The building is adorned with intricate geometric shapes and colorful carvings that make it an impressive sight to behold. Its large courtyard garden features palm trees and lush vegetation, allowing travelers to enjoy its beauty even more.
The mosque also has a large minaret which towers over the city at almost 360 feet tall – making it one of the tallest structures in Morocco. On top of this imposing feature sits a metallic crescent moon, shining brightly as a beacon for all who pass by.
9. Museum of Moroccan Judaism
My visit to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism was an incredibly insightful journey into a unique culture and history. The museum, located in Casablanca, Morocco, celebrates Jewish life and heritage in the country. As I walked through the exhibits, I learned about how Moroccan Jews have been living in harmony with their Muslim neighbors for centuries.
The artifacts on display included traditional clothing, photographs of Jewish communities across the country, as well as religious texts and manuscripts that tell a compelling story of faith and devotion.
The highlight of my visit was when I attended a special talk by one of the museum’s curators about Moroccan-Jewish culture. He discussed how members of both faiths have intermingled over time through marriage, business exchanges, and other forms of social interaction. This fascinating discourse gave me a better understanding not only of the Morocco Jewish history but also its diversity.
10. Musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui
The Museum of the Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation is an incredible cultural contribution to Morocco, and one of the top things to see in Casablanca. Located in the middle of Casablanca, it houses a vast collection of works, art and artifacts which document important moments in Moroccan history. Tourists can visit the museum to explore works from both international and Moroccan artists while also discovering more about Morocco its rich culture.
The collection at Musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui is incredibly diverse with pieces that range from pre-historic times all the way up to modern day. It includes ancient coins, traditional pottery and textiles as well as artwork from renowned painters such as Chabia Rahal or Mohammed Kacimi’s unique avant-garde aesthetic. The museum provides visitors with a comprehensive overview of Morocco’s past and its impact on contemporary culture today.
