Casablanca itinerary — 4 days
Day 1 — Casablanca
6 stops · ≈ 5 h 52 minThe 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.
Sacred Heart Cathedral, also known as the Church of Sacred Heart, is a grand former Roman Catholic cathedral in Casablanca, Morocco. Built in 1930 by French architect Paul Tournon in neo-Gothic style, it was intended to serve the city's Catholic community during the French protectorate era. However, after Morocco gained independence in 1956, it ceased its religious functions and was transformed into a cultural center.
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.
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.
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.
Bab Marrakech Flea Market is a historical marketplace featuring narrow streets and friendly vendors. Accompanied by a Moroccan friend who understands the art of negotiation, one can explore shops offering high-quality leather goods such as purses, backpacks, briefcases, and wallets. The market also showcases exquisite jewelry at reasonable prices. Bargain hunters can put their haggling skills to the test in this clean and vibrant setting. Additionally, there is an abundance of inexpensive counterfeit items available.
Reserve
17If you have time left — worth it too.
Old City (Casablanca) is a historic district in the heart of Casablanca, Morocco. It is known for its charming narrow streets, traditional Moroccan architecture, and bustling souks. Visitors can explore the vibrant marketplaces, sample local cuisine at authentic restaurants, and admire the beautiful mosques and historic buildings. The area offers a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage and provides plenty of opportunities for shopping and immersing oneself in the local atmosphere.
Muhammad V Square is a bustling hub in the heart of Casablanca, Morocco. It's surrounded by beautiful buildings and features fountains where pigeons gather and children enjoy watching them. The square hosts delightful music and water shows, so it's worth checking out its schedule. Nearby, United Nations Square offers a quieter retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Both squares attract numerous tourists and locals alike, making them vibrant centers of activity in Casablanca.
In Casablanca, the Old Fiat building stands as a testament to the city's remarkable growth during the French Protectorate era. General Lyautey's strategic economic development plan gave rise to stunning boulevards and a unique architectural style that fuses Art Deco with traditional Moroccan elements such as zellige tiles, inner courtyards, and climate-appropriate design.
The Clock Tower, a striking landmark in Casablanca, was originally constructed in 1911 by French captain Dessigny to symbolize the shift towards an industrialized lifestyle. Although the original structure was demolished in 1948 due to its deteriorating condition, a replica was erected in 1993. Located at United Nations Square—previously known as Place de France—the tower stands proudly amidst one of the city's grand plazas.
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.
Palais Royal de Casablanca is the official residence of the King of Morocco.
Anciens Abattoirs de Casablanca — a historic building, now a cultural centre.
A local market where you can explore Moroccan traditions.
Casablanca's Central Market, located at the heart of the city, is a bustling hub where locals gather to buy and sell groceries, vegetables, and various goods. The vibrant market offers a glimpse into local culture as people come to shop for produce, shoes, jewelry, and carpets while engaging in lively haggling sessions.
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.
The Museum of Moroccan Judaism in Casablanca is a small yet unique museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich Jewish history of Morocco. Housed in a beautifully restored villa, which was once an orphanage, the museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts including religious items, traditional clothing, and historic documents.
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.
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.
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.
Dar Khalifa — a historic building of architectural value.
Casablanca's streets are adorned with captivating street art graffitis that are a visual treat for art enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Take a leisurely stroll through the city to discover these masterpieces, created under the cover of darkness, adding an element of mystery to the experience.
If you're looking for a unique experience in Casablanca, consider visiting the Sidi Abderrahman Mausoleum. This shrine has a fascinating history that dates back to the nineteenth century when Sidi Abderrahman, a revered Muslim saint from Baghdad, settled on the islet. The mausoleum is built on a rock by the sea and can only be accessed at low tide.
- 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.