Location: Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca is a city often overlooked when people are looking to travel to Morocco.
But the country’s largest city must have something to offer, right? I’ll be honest, this city is not for everyone, and calling it ‘bustling’ is honestly an understatement.
But if you love big busy cities then Casa is just the place for you.
You definitely could enjoy all the city has to offer in a day or two.
So let this blog be your guide.
Tips to know before travelling to Casablanca
But before getting into that, here are a few things you should know before getting there;
Accommodation
Accommodation is surprisingly cheap for a big city. Depending on your budget accommodation in the city centre ranges from £10 – £60 per night.
I stayed in a hostel called International Youth hostel Casablanca which I loved.
It was in the heart of the old Medina, super close to the station with lovely staff there too.
But I won’t lie to you the old Medina can become a very sketchy place at night and even the hostel staff advised me against going out at night.
If you are a night owl I advise you to arrange taxis around the Medina or stay in more upmarket areas such as Boulevard Al Massira al Khadra or by the beach in Ain Diab.
Clothing
Morocco is an Islamic country so it’s important to dress modestly.
Though Casablanca is quite modern (I wore short-sleeved shirts often), I’d advice loose-fitting clothing which covers you appropriately.
As you can imagine with part of the country being in the Sahara desert region, things can get pretty hot so make sure you pack as much sunscreen as possible!
Casablanca, home to nearly 3.5 million people, definitely has a lot more attractions than people give it credit for.
I loved getting lost and exploring the city. My favourite mode of transport here was taxies.
In Casablanca, there are both shared taxis ( 5 seater yellow cars which are cheaper) and private taxis (white taxis). Here are some of my favourites spots in Casa;
Hassan II mosque
This Mosque is the largest mosque in Africa and the 7th largest in the world! I know right, who would have thought the city was storing this gem eh?
Currently standing at nearly 700 ft tall, this mosque is definitely a must-see in the city.
Tourists can head inside to look and take pictures but must be dressed appropriately to do so.
The Riverbank by Hassan mosque
I don’t know if there’s an exact name for this area, but just a little walk away from the mosque is a beautiful river bank where people often sit to relax.
If the mosque is in the middle of the things you need to see, then I definitely recommend taking a moment to relax here.
Casablanca Cathedral
This former Roman Catholic cathedral was closed for renovations when I went (2019) but may be open sometime in the future.
A beautiful landmark with incredible architecture.
Beach
Located in the Ain Diab neighbourhood, the beach here stretches for miles with beautiful calm waves and warm sand.
This beach is definitely worth a swim in.
Morocco Mall
This mall is the largest in Africa and a great place to go if you’re wanting a shopping spree, with well known international stores.
Old Medina
The old Medina was the first Medina in the city of Casablanca and is still operating today!
Though it may not be as big as the ones in Marrakesh or Fez. You can just as easily get lost in the narrow streets.
Villa des artes museum.
Though rather small, this art museum is worth a visit to anyone looking for something extra to do in Casa.
With a collection of pieces from both Moroccan and international artists.
Sky 28
Now if you’re looking for an upscale bar with beautiful music and scenery, then sky 28 is the place for you.
This is the shard of Casablanca with drinks ranging around £12 and food £20.
Botanical gardens of Jardin Zerktouni
This spot was one of my favourite places as it was almost an escape from the manic city. It felt like a hidden treasure right in the middle of the city.
The botanical gardens are home to a lot of wildlife too so don’t be afraid of a bird decides to come and read with you.
This is a perfect place to relax and end your day.
If you’re planning on travelling to Morocco and want to know what else the country has to offer click here to read our country breakdown.
Click here to read our Casablanca story
