Casablanca is one of the largest cities in you shouldn’t travel to Morocco without visiting these Casablanca attractions. Its coastal location has made it an important port for the country. Trade relations with other states affected the formation of today’s Casablanca. The districts combine a traditional Islamic look and modern influences from Europe. The city has long held the position of a business, tourist and cultural center. The construction of the international airport has brought new flows of travelers to the city. There is everything you need for their leisure time: amenities are not worse than in the resorts of the Old World, and local flavor. Christian temples and synagogues are important landmarks. It is unlikely that it will be possible to meet so many of them in another Islamic city. And the Habus quarter and Old Medina will allow you to understand other features of Casablanca.
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What to see and where to go in Casablanca?
Palm-lined arteries, large business buildings and the Atlantic Ocean opening up to the world: Casablanca is the economic lung of Morocco, a bubbling metropolis that is constantly on the alert. Morocco in general can be visited in 10 days from Casablanca. Or if you have short days the best starting point for Morocco travel is surely Casablanca. Keep reading to get to know the top attractions to visit in Casablanca.
Modern infrastructures mingle with charming neighborhoods, between the Arab-Muslim heritage and the legacies of the colonial period. Discover all the nuances : stroll through the medina, one of the last in Morocco, walk through the center and its art-deco buildings, join the Hassan II mosque, a marvel of architecture built on the water. Let yourself be carried away by the festive side of the city. Take advantage of the cornice, its clubs and festivals as well: the Casablanca Festival, Jazzablanca or Tremplin L’Boulevard.
As for the coast, it is lined with beaches equipped for your comfort. On site, diving, jet-skiing or sailing are activities that will make your stay more enjoyable. In Casablanca, you will not be bored. Between culture and relaxation, the white city does not lack attractions. Here are the top attractions to visit in Casablanca.
Hassan II Mosque Construction
ended in 1993. It is considered the second largest mosque in the world. Interior decoration – onyx, golden marble. The height of the only minaret is 201 meters. The maximum capacity of the prayer hall is about 25 thousand people. The roof is sliding: in just a few minutes, a spacious room turns into a courtyard. About 80 thousand more parishioners accommodate the square, which was equipped nearby.
Old Medina
This part of Casablanca is sandwiched between the port and the city’s main mosque, it is one of the must walk in attractions in Casablanca. The quarters have been forming for decades. Old Medina is like a classic Arabian neighborhood. The building is dense, the streets are always crowded. Trade is brisk, both in shops and in the open air. In the vicinity there are sights such as the Sidi Kairouani sanctuary, a picturesque park and the “gate of the navy”
Habus quarter
The most recognizable part of the city. The quarter was created in the XX century for migrants from the province. Since there is a palace nearby, the area quickly gained popularity among the wealthy. The architecture is mixed – modern features are combined with the classic urban buildings of the past. There are shops and several markets within the boundaries of Habus. They sell everything from olive oil to brass products.
United Nations square
Built at the walls of Medina several centuries ago. However, its modern appearance took shape only at the beginning of the last century. In the center of the square there is a dome that resembles a half of a globe. It is surrounded by flags of different countries. The design is illuminated in the evening and at night. The area is lively: nearby transport interchanges, as well as the business district and streets with an abundance of retail outlets.
Muhammad V Square
It is the center of social and business life and it is a should visit Casablanca attraction. Restaurants, al-Maghreb bank, post office and police prefecture are built around. Close to the square are the Arab League Park and the public garden. The boulevards diverge in different directions – a great place for walking. In the evening, a colorful show “performed” by a light and music fountain takes place.
Corniche promenade
One of the elite areas of the city. The territory is built up with expensive pitchforks and hotels. There is always perfect cleanliness on the embankment. Almost all the beaches in the area are owned by hotels or individuals. There are also small public areas, but there is minimal service. Another distinctive feature of the Cornish is the abundance of greenery, gardens and flower beds. Life on the embankment is in full swing mainly in the evening and at night.
Mahkama du Pasha
The palace of the ruler of Casablanca was built from 1948 to 1952. It is known as a place of official receptions and the House of Justice. The exterior is modest in terms of decor and looks more like a fortress. The palace has 64 rooms, they are decorated in Moroccan and Moorish styles. The main elements of the interior decoration: multi-colored mosaic, white marble, stucco, dark cedar. Mahkama du Pasha is not always open to tourists.
Royal Palace of Casablanca
Located in New Medina, it is one of the top Casablanca attractions. The main residence of the king in Casablanca. In terms of architecture, the palace gravitates more towards traditional Moroccan and Muslim motives, but the influence of French culture is also visible. Surrounded by artificial reservoirs and orange groves. Tourists sometimes have access to the territory of the palace, but not inside. Visitors are especially attracted by the rich design of the main entrance.
Sacre Coeur Cathedral
Construction took place in the 30s of the last century, when the city was under French rule. The cathedral is made of cast concrete. The architectural style is ambiguous: neo-Gothic was mixed with Muslim architecture. Even the Sacre Coeur towers look like minarets. In the 50s, the building was given to an educational institution. Later, the cathedral was converted into a cultural center, and now exhibitions, festivals and fairs are held.
Cathedral of Notre Dame de Lourdes
The Catholic Cathedral was built by 1956. Plays an important role for Christians living in the Islamic region. The structure is monolithic, cast from concrete. For a Christian church, it has an atypical appearance. This did not prevent the cathedral from obtaining the status of a cathedral. Colored stained-glass windows of impressive size stand out in the design. They are made by renowned French painter and glassblower Gabriel Laura.
