The contrast of magnificent architecture and unforgettable history makes Casablanca a fascinating place to visit. Casablanca tourism gains in popularity every year as it becomes cheaper to fly to Morocco. Casablanca is often overlooked for more photogenic cities like Marrakech and Fes, but it’s well-worth spending a day or two here before you head off to other adventures! How many days in Casablanca you want is up to you, but I recommend spending the day in order to see almost everything.
If you’re curious about what to do in Casablanca, here’s a list of the spots you don’t want to miss while you’re there!
THINGS TO DO IN CASABLANCA
SPLASH IN THE WATER OF AIN DIAB
Casablanca’s coast is lovely, and if you have time to go for a swim, this is one of the best spots in the country to do so. Best of all? It’s located near the downtown, making is easy to get to. During the summers, you’ll find this beach crowded with locals, all looking to enjoy Morocco’s pleasant weather. You will see a crowd of people splashing in the water and laying under the sun. It also has a lively night scene and while alcohol is not typically served in the bars, you can get a delicious smoothie, mocktail, or mint tea. For me, it’s the most fun thing to do when you’re wondering what to do in Casablanca for a day.
TAKE THE CASA TRAMWAY
The best way to get a glimpse of the city is to take the tramway. With 48 stops and a 31-mile-long line, you can get a tour for a cheap price. Make sure to grab a map in order to get an idea of the area you are going through, or just sit and watch the city go by. Tickets cost very little and you won’t have to worry about hiring a car or tour company to get around. Most of the Casablanca attractions are located in the middle of the city, and you can see most of it from this fun way to get from one end to the other.
GET A GREAT VIEW FROM THE TWIN TOWER
The Twin City restaurant is the perfect place to get a great view of the city. Located on the 27th floor of the Twin Tower building, you cane enjoy a delicious dinner while looking over Casablanca. You can find the Twin Tower in the Maarif district, where these 377-foot-tall buildings loom over the city. You can also find a number of restaurants, bars, and shopping centers worth checking out.
SACRE-COEUR CATHEDRAL
This Neo-Gothic style church designed by French architect Paul Tournon was constructed in 1930 and offers an opportunity for some beautiful photos. It is a masterpiece of French, Muslim, Art Deco architecture and offers one of the best things to see in Casablanca. During the Catholic rule of Morocco, the church was among the main areas of power, and was later abandoned after the country gained its independence. Since then, it has been turned into an art school and cultural center.
HASSAN II MOSQUE
King Hassan II constructed this mosque on the coast, and it has become an icon of the city. The floor is made of glass and are centrally heated, while the doors are electric and the roof can be opened when the weather is nice for large crowd. Designed by French architect Michel Pinseau in 1993, this 689-foot tall building towers over the city. It can accommodate 25,000 people inside the building and 80,000 people in the courtyard arriving for prayers. This magnificent mosque is the second-largest in the world. There is no restriction on religious beliefs and everyone can enter the mosque.
THE ROYAL PALACE
Casablanca’s medina is filled with historical masterpieces you’ll want to make sure to see–among them is the Royal Palace. This splendid building has an amazing structural design with stunning Islamic architecture surrounded by ornate water fountains and fragrant orange groves. However, you won’t get to see the interior and the gate is monitored by heavily-armed guards. Even still, it’s worth the visit in order to get a glimpse of the opulence Morocco has.
CORNICHE BEACHFRONT
This beachfront is located near the Hassan II mosque and Corniche Boulevard. There are plenty of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants worth checking out. This is the perfect place to take a stroll in the sand or enjoy dinner overlooking the ocean, which is why it goes on my list of the best Casablanca things to do. It also gives you a chance to get a glimpse of some of the local life while enjoying the sea breeze and some delicious food.
MARCHE CENTRAL
The Marche Central is a photographer’s dream in Casablanca. Along with locals doing their shopping, you will find a lot of tourists bargaining and roaming around at this large, lively and vibrant market. It’s the perfect places to buy souvenirs, and you’ll find jewelry, clothes, vegetables, carpets and almost everything at the shops. Don’t be afraid to haggle if you choose to buy!
MUSEE ABDERRAHMAN SLAOUI
Abderrahman Slaoui was a business man and art collector in Casablanca. He had a huge collection of artifacts, paintings, and jewelry that was then later used to open the museum that bears his name. Moroccan antique jewelry is the highlight of the collection, and the museum offers a glimpse into the unique culture of the area. Grab a coffee after strolling through the museum at its quaint cafe before ending the day.
PLACE DES NATIONS UNIES
As the heart of the modern city, this spot has rapidly come to represent the city as a new nation. While once the home of the French Protectorate, it later became later a spot that features modern art and sculpture as well as access to the tramway. It’s a good way to get the lay of the land when you are looking for things to see in Casablanca, and also to do some people watching.
Have any recommendations for things to do in Casablanca, Morocco? Is Casablanca worth visiting to you?
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Source: alexonthemap
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