Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Casablanca, Morocco

Morocco’s principal port and the largest city in the Maghreb, Casablanca is recognized as a multicultural financial hub that is more well-known for its contemporary architecture than its historical aspects.

For instance, the Hassan II Mosque stands as the largest mosque on the continent, representing a significant technical accomplishment with its retractable roof in the prayer room and an exceptional artistic quality in its fittings.

Casablanca’s boulevards were designed in the 20th century by innovative French urban planners who had considerable freedom in their designs.

This resulted in a blend of European and Moroccan architectural styles, prominently visible in the arcades and whitewashed facades of the Quartier Habous, which serves as a contemporary Medina for immigrants from various Moroccan regions.

The oceanfront Corniche is notably enhanced by Africa’s second-largest shopping mall, beaches, a theme park, a multiplex cinema, and sunset vistas over the Atlantic.

Let’s delve into the finest activities to engage in while in Casablanca:

1. Hassan II Mosque

Perched on a promontory above the ocean is Africa’s largest mosque and the third-largest mosque worldwide.

The Hassan II Mosque was inaugurated in 1993 after less than eight years of construction, accommodating 105,000 worshippers, including 25,000 indoors and an additional 80,000 on the grounds.

One of its breathtaking features is the minaret, the second-tallest in the world, soaring to 210 meters and adorned with a laser beam directed towards Mecca.

The dimensions of the Hassan II Mosque are indeed awe-inspiring, yet there is equally remarkable craftsmanship evident in its marble columns, horseshoe arches, chandeliers, woodwork, and zellige tiles, all crafted by 6,000 master artisans from across Morocco.

A guided interior tour, departing every hour, is not to be overlooked, as it offers insights into the fascinating aspects of the prayer hall’s retractable roof, the expansive hammam in the basement, and provides an opportunity to admire the Atlantic from inside.

2. The Corniche

The Boulevard de la Corniche winds along the oceanfront of Casablanca for several kilometers, showcasing a palm-lined boardwalk that has undergone significant redevelopment since the 2000s.

One side features sandy beaches, primarily occupied by private beach clubs, gently sloping into the water.

The other side is lined with hotels, restaurants, fast food outlets, bars, exclusive nightclubs, hookah lounges, and much more.

At the western end lies the expansive Morocco Mall and Parc Sindibad, which will be discussed later.

Behind the Corniche, in the eastern Anfa neighborhood, you will find many of Casablanca’s most luxurious residences perched on the hillside.

Visiting the Corniche in the late afternoon is ideal for strolling along the Atlantic and enjoying a sunset from a café terrace.

3. Place des Nations Unies

A vibrant hub within the city, the Place des Nations Unies serves as a transport nexus, established at the onset of the French Protectorate to connect the burgeoning city with the Old Medina.

The square is continuously evolving, with the most recent renovation occurring in the 2010s, which included the addition of the Casa Tramway station.

Modern architecture predominates in the square, although remnants from its early days are evident at the iconic Hotel Excelsior (1916) and the clock tower, originally erected in 1908, dismantled in 1948, and reconstructed nearer to the Medina in 1993. A contemporary landmark is the Kora Adia (1975), designed by architect and sculptor Jean-François Zevaco.

This openwork half-globe symbolizes Casablanca’s openness to the global community.

4. Mahkama du Pacha

Entering the Mahkama du Pacha is akin to stepping into an Andalusian palace; this parliamentary building houses Casablanca’s court of justice and serves as a venue for state receptions.

This complex, built between 1941 and 1942, was designed by French architect Auguste Cadet, who significantly contributed to the development of the surrounding Quartier Habous.

The structure’s traditional appearance can be attributed to the unavailability of modern construction materials during France’s war efforts, thus the Mahkama du Pacha was meticulously constructed in a traditional style using brick, zellige (mosaic tilework), multi-foil arches, honeycomb stucco, cedar wood, and green tiles.

True to Moorish architecture, the interior courtyard features an octagonal fountain surrounded by fragrant orange trees.

Entry can be accomplished by either seeking permission from the guard for a brief glimpse or obtaining tickets for a guided tour in advance from the ticket office at the Hassan II Mosque.

5. Quartier Habous

A refined and neat alternative to the Old Medina, the Quartier Habous is a well-planned district constructed between the 1910s and the 1950s to address a surge of migrants arriving from various parts of Morocco.

Habous showcases a blend of traditional Medina architecture with the incorporation of Moorish styles and materials, while simultaneously reflecting the principles of modern urban planning as set forth by French architects.

Within the intricately designed street arches, horseshoe arcades, and whitewashed buildings, street cafés present an opportunity to observe local life while enjoying a glass of mint tea and a pastry.

Vendors in Quartier Habous are known for being less aggressive, allowing visitors to explore and discover leather goods, olives, traditional attire, Moroccan sweets, tagines, and spices at a leisurely pace.

A must-visit is the charming Pâtisserie Bennis, renowned for handcrafting traditional Moroccan pastries since 1930.

6. Art Deco Architecture (Mauresque)

Casablanca experienced remarkable growth during the era of the French Protectorate.

The economic development initiated by General Lyautey (1854-1934) served as a type of safeguarding against unrest, giving rise to grand boulevards and architectural styles that fuse the flowing designs of Art Deco with traditional Moroccan elements such as zellige, interior courtyards, and climate-sensitive construction.

Many outstanding examples of Mauresque architecture can be found in the streets bordered by Mohammed V and Avenue Lalla Yacout to the north and south, and Rue du Prince Moulay Abdellah and Rue Ibn Batouta to the west and east.

At the historically significant Cinéma Rialto, located at the junction of Rue Mohammed el Qorri and Rue Salah ben Bouchaib, legendary entertainer Josephine Baker made her mark in 1942, entertaining American troops for the first time.

Other notable buildings include the Hotel Guynemer (2 rue Brahim Belloul), Hotel Transatlantique (79 rue Chaoui), and Hotel Lincoln, currently in a semi-ruined state opposite the Marché Central.

In contrast, Hotel Volubilis, situated at 20-22 Rue Abdelkrim Diouri, has undergone a successful restoration process.

7. Place Mohammed V

During the French Protectorate, this square, designed in the 1910s, was initially named after General Lyautey and served as the center of French power, framed by Mauresque-style architecture.

Visitors should take note of the 1918 Grande Poste (central post office) along the northern boundary, along with the 1925 Palais de Justice to the east.

Perhaps the most striking feature is the Wilaya, the former prefecture building located in the south, constructed in 1930, easily identifiable by its square clock tower that evokes elements of Venetian architecture.

It becomes quickly apparent why Place Mohammed V has earned the colloquial title of “pigeon square,” making it an ideal spot for an evening visit to witness the captivating fountain’s water and light display.

8. Old Medina

While the Medinas of other Moroccan cities possess centuries of history, Casablanca’s old walled city is notably more recent.

It was reconstructed by Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah following a devastating earthquake in 1755 and was subsequently almost entirely destroyed during the Bombardment of Casablanca by the French in 1907. While this less accessible district of winding streets may not attract tourists as readily as those in Marrakech and Fez, it remains worthwhile for those seeking to glimpse authentic Casablanca.

Within this area, you can shop for traditional Moroccan gifts like olives and argan oil near the grand arched entrances.

Just a few streets in from Boulevard des Almohades at the northern extremity, you will find the Ettedgui Synagogue, located on Rue Al-Aidi Ali Al-Maaroufi which was destroyed during the American bombing of Casablanca in 1942 but has since been restored and rededicated by King Mohammed VI in 2016.

9. Notre Dame de Lourdes

In contrast to the deconsecrated Église du Sacré-Cœur, Notre Dame de Lourdes (1954) still holds services.

This distinctive Modernist structure was designed by architect Achille Dangleterre and engineer Gaston Zimmer, featuring a tall, almost featureless silhouette that conceals the beauty within.

Inside, visitors are treated to stunning stained glass work by master artisan Gabriel Loire (1904-1996), who created pieces for churches across Europe and North America.

The lower lateral walls of the nave are entirely composed of stained glass designed to resemble Moroccan carpets, illustrating the Immaculate Conception and various Marian apparitions, including the one in Lourdes.

Above the nave, slender decorative strips separate the robust concrete pillars, casting colorful reflections on the floor below.

10. Villa des Arts de Casablanca

Situated near the junction of the Zertouni and Roudani Boulevards, the Villa des Arts de Casablanca is overseen by the ONA Foundation.

This organization organizes exhibitions, seminars, musical performances, and educational workshops, both here and in Rabat.

The Casablanca venue is an exquisite Art Deco villa dating back to 1934, primarily serving as a space for visitors to engage with Moroccan art through temporary exhibitions.

At the time of compiling this list in late October, an exhibition featuring the works of surrealist-turned-hyper-realist painter Hamid Douieb was on display, alongside talks from author Mamoun Lahbabi and poet Abdelhak Najib and a recital by soprano Jalila Bennani.

11. Phare d’El Hank

A prominent feature of the Casablanca skyline, this lighthouse is situated at the tip of the El Hank peninsula, west of the harbor and at the eastern extremity of the Corniche.

Constructed in the latter part of the 1910s, this 51-meter lighthouse boasts a second-order Fresnel lens and a range of 30 nautical miles.

The Phare d’El Hank opens informally to visitors.

If fortunate, you may climb 256 marble steps to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Atlantic, alongside the city of Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque.

Additionally, a visit to this location allows for a glimpse into the contrasting lifestyles between Casablanca’s affluent and less privileged neighborhoods.

12. Forêt de Bouskoura-Merchich

Green space is scarce in Casablanca; however, on the southern outskirts lies nearly 3,000 acres of recently planted eucalyptus forest.

The Forêt de Bouskoura-Merchich continues to develop, and until the late 2010s, amenities were limited.

Gradually, picnic areas, washrooms, and essential litter bins are being added, transforming the forest into a preferred spot for cycling and morning jogs.

Future plans include a lookout tower, a visitor center, an eatery, a sensory trail, and five playgrounds for children dispersed across four main zones.

13. Temple Beth-El

As the largest of Casablanca’s 30+ synagogues, Temple Beth-El can accommodate 500 worshippers and serves as a vital hub for the city’s Jewish community, hosting numerous spiritual events.

For instance, in April 2019, Rabbi Yoshiahu Pinto was appointed Supreme Chief Rabbinical Court Master of Morocco, a position that had remained vacant for over a century.

The synagogue, constructed in 1942, is noteworthy for its interior stuccowork, gilded details, stained glass, and chandeliers.

The interior underwent renovation in 1997, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone intrigued by Casablanca’s distinctive multicultural environment.

14. Morocco Mall

Africa’s second-largest shopping mall opened in 2011 between Plage Ain Diab and Plage Madame Choual.

Morocco Mall hosts over 350 stores and services, featuring a cylindrical aquarium that holds 1,000,000 liters and is home to 40 different aquatic species.

The mall boasts an array of fashion brands, ranging from high-end labels such as Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Dior, to mid-range retailers including Zara and H&M.

For media and entertainment, a vast two-level branch of the French chain Fnac provides books, films, and various media, while the mall’s Souk features nearly 50 artisans selling traditional Moroccan crafts.

Diverse dining options are available, offering everything from noodles to gelato, assuring every palate is catered to.

Additionally, the mall includes a cinema with two IMAX 3D screens.

15. Casa Tramway

If your last visit to Casablanca was in the 2000s, you will be impressed by the sleek new mass transit system that has significantly reduced journey times across the city.

The Casa Tramway commenced operations in 2012, featuring two lines, with two additional lines expected to launch in 2022. Line T1 extends from Sidi Moumen to Lissasfa (taking 69 minutes for the entire route), while Line T2 connects Sidi Bernoussi with Ain Diab Plage (taking 77 minutes). These lines intersect at two points: Abdelmoumen/Anoual and Ibn Tachfine/Mdakra.

The trams on these lines are modern Citadis Type 302 models produced by the French company Alstom.

As of 2019, the fare for a single journey is 8 dirhams (approximately $0.83), and a round-trip is 16 dirhams.

For convenience, ensure you have exact change when purchasing a ticket from the station kiosks, though multi-ride passes can be acquired from the kiosk at Mohammed V Square.

16. Derb Ghallef

Located in the southern Maârif area, Derb Ghallef is a commercial zone that features the second-largest flea market in the country.

The market is extensive, chaotic, and filled with a variety of goods, particularly renowned for consumer electronics.

Many bargain hunters flock here seeking deals on phones, laptops, and other gadgets.

For tourists, the souk is an experience in itself, showcasing the vibrant local culture rather than merely a shopping destination.

The paths throughout the market are unpaved and can become quite hot in the summer or muddy in the winter.

To take a break, you can find numerous street vendors and small restaurants offering kebabs, tagines, and nuts.

A short distance away is the Horticulture Garden, which provides a welcome respite.

17. Parc Sindibad

The only theme park in Morocco is situated in a wooded area at the western end of Plage Ain Diab.

In the 20th century, Parc Sindibad was a treasured destination for local children, but it closed in the early 2000s due to financial challenges.

However, a revival occurred in the 2010s when a beach resort was developed, enabling the park’s redevelopment in partnership with Compagnie des Alpes, which operates several prominent French theme parks.

As of late 2019, Parc Sindibad features approximately 24 rides and attractions, along with a small zoo and a karting track.

Key attractions include Le Serpent, a steel rollercoaster, Al Mouja, a toboggan water ride, and Ain Rokh, a tethered balloon ride that offers stunning aerial views from 42 meters above the park.

18. Tamaris Aquaparc

Located approximately 15 kilometers west of Ain Diab along Route d’Azemmour, Tamaris Aquaparc is an excellent destination for families with young children and teenagers seeking entertainment.

The waterpark boasts 10,000 m2 of filtered water, situated in a beautifully landscaped environment.

Featuring a large wave pool, a beach area, and a lazy river, the park also offers a comprehensive lineup of water slides, each color-coded by thrill level: Green for family-friendly, Red for moderate thrills, and Black for high-speed adventures. The black slides include names such as Boomerang, Cannon Bowl, and Kamikaze, while a shallow area with fountains and climbing structures caters to smaller children and toddlers.

A snack bar serves a selection of burgers, sandwiches, and shawarmas, and visitors can also enjoy bowling at the adjacent 12-lane alley once they’ve dried off.

19. Anfaplace Shopping Center

Located along Boulevard de la Corniche in Ain Diab, Anfaplace Shopping Center is a contemporary three-story mall teeming with familiar international brands.

Anchor retailers include Clarks, H&M, Accessorize/Monsoon, Marks & Spencer, and NewYorker, along with popular food chains like Starbucks, McDonald’s, and KFC, all complemented by a large Carrefour supermarket.

A surf school is located on the beach adjacent to the mall, and further along the boulevard, the Cinéma Megarama Casablanca multiplex provides additional entertainment options.

20. Rick’s Café

While Morocco’s chief port and economic center may lack the romantic allure depicted in the 1942 film classic starring Bogart, a replica of Rick Blaine’s upscale “gin joint” opened on the north edge of the city’s Medina in 2004. A perfect place to relax while negotiating for your letters of transit, Rick’s Café is an elegant restaurant housed in a historic courtyard mansion, showcasing interior elements that echo the film’s iconic set.

Guests can enjoy horseshoe arches, brass light fittings, balustraded balconies, and palm fronds casting dappled shadows on the whitewashed walls.

Notably, a genuine Pleyel piano from the 1930s is featured, with a live pianist performing timeless standards from the 30s, 40s, and 50s.

Be prepared to hear “As Time Goes By” more than a few times as the evening progresses.

21. Dream Village

Situated approximately midway between Casablanca and Mohammedia, close to the forêt des Cascades, lies Dream Village, a resort themed around ecological principles.

The zoo at Dream Village is the main attraction, featuring trails that wind through beautifully landscaped grounds adjacent to simple yet well-maintained enclosures housing tigers, lions, flamingos, emus, bison, bears, and various waterfowl including swans and ducks.

The resort also includes a leisure park predominantly targeted at children, equipped with slides, pools, pedal boats, and rides, along with an equestrian club offering horseback riding lessons and excursions.