1.Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca What to See and Do Among what to visit in the first place could only be the true symbol of the city. Completed in 1993, the Hassan II Mosque is in fact the largest Moroccan mosque. Its 60-story minaret is 210 meters high and constantly projects a laser light in the direction of Mecca.
Designed by French architect Michel Pinseau, it can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers inside plus another 80,000 in the outer courtyard. It is also the only mosque in Morocco that is open to non-Muslims but consider that the interior can only be visited with a guided tour. Therefore, if you decide to take a guided tour, stop and admire the beautiful view that opens up to the Atlantic Ocean.
2.Mohammed V Square
If you want to breathe the vibrant atmosphere of Casablanca, just go to Mohammed V Square. Casablanca What to See and Do This is in fact the true center of city life. Built in the French colonial style, it is flanked by wide arcades where cafes and stores of all kinds are located. In addition, the background are the beautiful colonial buildings dating back to the ’30s. In fact, the City Hall, the headquarters of the National Bank, the Court, the French Consulate, and the Post Office are housed in beautiful buildings in Maghreb art deco style, which overlook the square.
But the real symbols of the square are its Monumental Fountain, which is illuminated at night and showcases its water play to the rhythm of Arabic music, and the Clock Tower. The latter is 50 meters high and dominates the entire city square.
3.Habbous neighborhood
Between Mohammed V Square and the Hassan II Mosque extends the most elegant and refined district of Casablanca. In fact, the Habbous Quarter, also known as the Ville Nouvelle, is composed of elegant and long boulevards such as Boulevard Mohammed V, of clear French inspiration.
Moreover, the beautiful colonial buildings present a splendid bright white color, which make the atmosphere very exotic and refined. You can admire the best colonial architectural testimonies along Rue Tahar Sebti.
4.Medina of Casablanca
Remaining near the city port, we also find the Medina of Casablanca. This is the oldest part of the city, and although it is not comparable to the Medina of Marrakech, it is still an authentic place. Composed of countless alleys and narrow streets that intertwine, it is the perfect place to do some great shopping. In addition, in the southern portion of the medina, stands the Porta Bab Marrakech. In fact, in the past, this area was protected by mighty walls, but today only its access door remains.
Finally, other symbols of the old city are the Portuguese Fortress from 1700 and the Mausoleum of Sidi Allal el-Kairouani. This imposing structure houses the remains of the city’s patron saint from the holy city of Kairouan, Tunisia.
5.The Corniche
Casablanca What to See and Do If you are looking for the ideal place to relax and spend a pleasant evening, we recommend La Corniche. It is in fact the richest and most charming area of Casablanca, consisting of a beautiful waterfront frequented by the wealthiest Moroccans and expats.
Here there are many restaurants, trendy clubs, cafes and luxury hotels. But above all you will find wonderful stretches of beach where you can spend the day. A truly exceptional place in which to admire the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean!
6.Royal Palace
Among what to visit in Casablanca, even if only from the outside, the Royal Palace should not be missed. Located just beyond the Habbous district, this huge building is one of the homes of the King of Morocco and his family. The palace was built in 1920 in the classic Moroccan style and features an exterior decorated with tiles and a wide entrance door.
In addition, the entire building is surrounded by a beautiful garden consisting of fountains and orange groves that make the air intoxicating. Although the visit is not allowed, the exterior is still admirable and definitely spectacular. Absolutely a must See in Casablanca
7.Arab League Park
In the heart of the Ville Nouvelle and a few steps from Mohammed V Square stands the Parc de la Ligue Arab. It is an immense garden flanked by avenues lined with date palms and other tropical plants. The name is dedicated to the Arab League, the political organization that unites all the countries of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Created in 1919, it covers an area of almost 40 hectares and is the ideal place to relax far from the chaos of the city. In addition, in this city oasis there are many places where you can sip the typical Moroccan tea and coffee.
8.Villa des Arts
One of the most important buildings to visit in Casablanca is the Villa des Arts. This elegant 1934 palace in art deco style, stands a short distance from the Parc de la Ligue Arab and is the most important cultural center in all of Morocco. In fact, it houses a large exhibition space for contemporary Moroccan art and every month it organizes cultural events and activities with the aim of safeguarding the city’s strong cultural scene.
9.Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
As we have seen, in Casablanca you can visit numerous buildings from the colonial era. So, among the most iconic and characteristic we find the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Built in 1934 and designed by Paul Tournon, it was finally deconsecrated in 1956 after the country’s independence.
Anyway, the building is really impressive and dominates the entire area around the Parc de la Ligue Arab and the Mohammed V Square. The imposing structure is characterized by its neo-Gothic style, while the two bell towers vaguely recall the figure of minarets. Today, the cathedral hosts important events such as fairs and temporary exhibitions.
10.Island of Sidi Abderrahman
Finally, along the Atlantic coast rises the Island of Sidi Abderrahman. This tiny rocky islet, in addition to providing a decidedly impressive view of the ocean and Casablanca, houses the mausoleum of an important local saint. Lived in the nineteenth century, Sidi Abderrahman arrived on this small island from Baghdad to escape the cruelty of the world, deciding to cure the poor and the sick of the city.
Today it is possible to reach the mausoleum through a pedestrian bridge, while on the small island there is a tiny kasba where few musicians and fortune tellers live. A place with strong traditions, far from the modernity of the center of Casablanca.
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