Casablanca itinerary — 2 days
Day 1 — Casablanca
8 stops · ≈ 6 h 28 minRick's Café is a charming and romantic eatery that draws inspiration from the iconic café in the 1942 film "Casablanca." Located in an old courtyard-style mansion against the walls of the Old Medina of Casablanca, this restaurant and piano bar exudes nostalgia with its architectural and decorative details reminiscent of the classic movie.
La Sqala is a charming restaurant located within the walls of an old Portuguese fortress, offering a unique dining experience that blends Moroccan hospitality with rich history. The eatery features traditional Moroccan decor and serves authentic cuisine such as tagines, couscous, and freshly baked bread in a tranquil courtyard setting surrounded by lush gardens and shaded seating.
The Medina Market in Casablanca, Morocco, may not be as bustling as those in Marrakesh or Fes, but it still offers a glimpse into traditional Moroccan medina life. While some parts of the neighborhood are rundown residential buildings, the market features a variety of shops selling fresh produce, fish and meat, clothing stores, and a more touristy area known as the Old Medina Market.
United Nations Square, located at the heart of Casablanca, is a bustling urban center where modernity and tradition converge. Originally a marketplace, it now serves as a vibrant meeting point connecting the old Medina with the new city. The square is surrounded by numerous shops, restaurants, offices, and traditional cafes. It also features iconic buildings such as the BMCI building from the mid-twentieth century and the classic Excelsior Hotel built in neo-Moorish style.
Arab League Park, originally designed in 1918 by architect Albert Laprade, offers a peaceful 30-acre oasis in the heart of Casablanca. The park features lush gardens, tall palm trees, fountains, and play areas. It is a popular spot for locals to enjoy leisurely strolls and relax amidst the greenery. With its charming cafes and sports facilities, Arab League Park provides an authentic experience of the city while offering ample opportunities for serene walks and picturesque scenery.
Bondi Coffee Kitchen is a charming café with a contemporary atmosphere that seamlessly blends international and local influences, making it an inviting spot for travelers. Located in the heart of the city, this café offers a diverse menu featuring organic coffee, breakfast options like salads and sandwiches, and fresh juices. Whether you're looking for your morning cup of coffee or a relaxing evening takeaway, Bondi Coffee Kitchen has you covered.
When in Casablanca, a visit to Sky 28 on the 28th floor of Kenzi Tower Hotel is a must. The bar offers stunning panoramic views of the city through its floor-to-ceiling windows, providing an excellent opportunity to take in the city's hustle and bustle from above. Indulge in their excellent selection of beverages, such as the French martini made with pineapple juice.
Pâtisserie Bennis Habous is a renowned family-owned bakery that has been serving up delectable Moroccan treats since 1930. Located in the vibrant Quartier Habous, this charming 1930s shop boasts a colorful tiled exterior and is famous for its handcrafted sweet and savory pastries. The bakery, now operated by the fourth generation of the Bennis family, is celebrated for its signature cornes de gazelle - almond paste cookies infused with orange blossom water.
Reserve
11If you have time left — worth it too.
Cinema Rialto is a historic movie theater and performance venue located in Casablanca, known for its landmark art deco design. The building reflects the Parisian Art Deco style with ornate wrought-iron balconies, carved facades, and rounded exterior corners. With 1,300 seats inside, it continues to be a popular spot for watching movies in stylish surroundings.
The Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum, named after the late Moroccan businessman and art collector, is a cultural museum founded in 2012. It houses a privately collected assortment of paintings, posters, jewelry, and other objects that showcase Morocco's artistic traditions. The museum's extensive collection reflects Slaoui's lifelong passion for preserving the country's heritage. Visitors can explore diverse artifacts including figurative paintings by renowned Moroccan artists and ornate gold jewelry.
Beth-El Temple, located in the heart of Casablanca's White City, is a prominent Jewish synagogue known for its modern stained-glass windows and ornate white and gold decor. As the largest among over 30 synagogues in the city, it can accommodate up to 500 worshippers and serves as a vital center for spiritual events within the Jewish community.
The Villa of Arts is a cultural center housed in a stunning 1934 Art Deco villa, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions and events. Renovated by Casamemoire President Rachid Andaloussi, the venue features both permanent and temporary exhibits of contemporary art. One transformed villa on Rue du Parc now houses the private art collection of businessman Abderrahman Slaoui at Le Musee de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui.
Ain Diab is a lively and upscale area in Casablanca, featuring the fashionable La Corniche coastline. It offers a variety of dining options, from creperies to posh French restaurants, as well as trendy nightclubs that keep the party going until dawn. The long sandy beaches of Plage Lalla Meryem and Plage Ain Diab are lined with snack bars and ice cream parlors.
Habbous, also known as New Medina, is a bustling district filled with open-air markets where visitors can haggle for clothing, fabrics, olives, and dried fruits. The area is also home to traditional patisseries offering almond pastries and stuffed dates.
La Corniche, located in the Ain Diab neighborhood, is a popular spot for sunbathers and surfers during the day. As night falls, the area comes alive with trendy nightclubs, cocktail lounges, and sea-facing bar terraces. Along Boulevard de la Corniche, visitors can find a variety of dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale French restaurants.
When exploring the vibrant city, a visit to Central Market on Mohammed V Boulevard is a must for any culinary enthusiast. This bustling hub is brimming with an array of fresh ingredients, from colorful produce and aromatic spices to rich honey and high-quality oils. You’ll also find an impressive selection of meats and seafood that reflect the city's coastal charm. Beyond the market, delightful cafes dot the landscape—some even offering stunning beach views—alongside charming pastry shops and numerous spots serving up delectable seafood dishes.
Plage Lalla Meryem is a spacious beach with a nearby promenade that leads to a shopping center. It offers unique experiences such as horse and camel rides along the soft sand. While not ideal for inexperienced swimmers, it's perfect for surfing, with a year-round surf school available. The beach provides a serene setting to relax and enjoy stunning sunsets, although swimming may be challenging due to rocks.
Al-Qods Mosque, located in the Roches Noires neighborhood of Casablanca, Morocco, is a unique landmark with a fascinating history. Originally built as a Neo-Gothic style church called Eglise de Sainte Marguerite by Eugene Lendrat, it was later transformed into a mosque after Morocco's independence. This conversion was initiated by King Hassan II and the mosque is now known for its Gothic architectural elements.
Parc Murdoch, a 4-hectare urban park established in 1907, offers a serene retreat in Casablanca. The well-maintained park features wide jogging paths, gardens with flowering trees and shrubs, and a playground. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while strolling along the bench-lined paths or engaging in various sports activities. Despite suffering from drought conditions like much of the country, the park is praised for its cleanliness and tranquility.
- Negotiate taxi fares before starting your ride.
- Try local street food for an authentic dining experience.
- Keep some cash handy, as not all places accept cards.