10 Top Sights and Activities to See and Do in Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and chief port, is a vibrant and exciting city to visit. From its stunning architecture to its bustling markets to its beautiful beaches, Casablanca has something to offer every type of traveler. Here are the 10 top sights and activities to see and do in Casablanca, Morocco.
1. Visit the Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque is an impressive architectural masterpiece and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Casablanca. Completed in 1993, the mosque is the largest in Morocco and one of the largest in the world. It features intricate details like cedar wood carvings and intricate mosaic tile work. The mosque is open to non-Muslims for guided tours during certain hours each day. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing for visitors of all genders, as visitors must be covered from shoulder to knee.
2. Admire the Architecture at the Habous Quarter
The Habous Quarter is a unique neighborhood located in the heart of Casablanca. It was built in the 1930s in an effort to create a traditional Moroccan medina within a modern city. The quarter features winding streets, traditional Moroccan architecture, and a lively market full of vendors selling everything from spices to crafts. Visitors can also find several mosques, palaces, and other interesting sites throughout the quarter.
3. Explore Old Medina of Casablanca
The Old Medina of Casablanca is a great place to explore Morocco’s traditional culture and architecture. The old medina is a maze of narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, grand mosques, and bustling markets. Spend some time exploring the alleyways and admiring the architecture or grab a bite to eat at one of the many street-side cafes. Be sure to haggle with the merchants for a great deal!
4. Shop at the Central Market
The Central Market of Casablanca is one of the best places to experience the hustle and bustle of Moroccan life. This bustling market is packed with vendors selling everything from spices to clothing to handmade crafts. Be sure to haggle for a good price and get ready to be amazed by the sights and smells of this vibrant market.
5. Go Beach Hopping
Casablanca is home to some stunning beaches that offer a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take a day trip outside of town to explore the nearby beaches or go beach hopping and explore several beaches in one day. The town of Bouznika is a great place to start your beach hopping adventure, as it has several beautiful beaches that are popular among locals and tourists alike.
6. Learn About Local History at the Mosquée Sidi Belyout
The Mosquée Sidi Belyout is one of the oldest mosques in Casablanca and provides a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history. The mosque is a popular pilgrimage site for Moroccan Muslims, but it is also open to visitors from all faiths who are interested in learning more about local culture and history. Take a guided tour to learn more about the mosque’s architecture and history or simply admire its beauty from afar.
7. Check Out the Cathedrale Sacré Coeur
The Cathedrale Sacré Coeur is an architectural masterpiece located in the heart of Casablanca’s historic quarter. Built in 1930, the cathedral features Gothic Revival architecture and boasts stunning stained glass windows and intricate sculptures inside and out. The cathedral is open to visitors of all faiths who are interested in learning more about its history or simply admire its beauty.
8. Take a Cooking Class
Moroccan cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the world and there’s no better way to experience it than by taking a cooking class in Casablanca. Many cooking classes provide hands-on experiences where you’ll learn how to make traditional dishes like couscous, tagine, and pastilla while learning about Moroccan culture and cuisine traditions.
9. Visit Ain Diab Beach
Ain Diab Beach is one of Casablanca’s most popular beaches, located just outside of town on the Atlantic Coast. This stunning beach features white sand, clear waters, and plenty of activities like jet skiing and banana boats rides. Visitors can also take a relaxing stroll along the beach or enjoy some delicious seafood at one of the many beachside restaurants.
10. Try Your Luck at Casino de Casablanca
For those looking for a more exciting night out, head over to Casino de Casablanca for an evening of gambling and entertainment. The casino offers a variety of table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and slot machines as well as live music and shows throughout the evening. It’s a great place to experience Casablanca’s vibrant nightlife while trying your luck at some classic casino games!
Conclusion
Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, offers something for everyone from history buffs to beach bums to adventurers looking for an exciting nightlife experience. From admiring the architecture of the Hassan II Mosque to exploring old medinas to beach hopping along the Atlantic Coast, there are plenty of sights and activities to see and do in Casablanca!
Table of Contents
