


Casablanca, Morocco
Population: 3,499,000
Casablanca, Morocco, stands apart with its unique blend of French colonial legacy and Moorish architectural marvel, epitomized in the stunning Hassan II Mosque, perched dramatically beside the Atlantic Ocean. Its Art Deco buildings whisper tales of a bygone era, while the vibrant Habous Quarter melds traditional souks with Parisian flair. The city's heartbeat is its bustling port, the largest in Africa, symbolizing Casablanca's role as a gateway to the continent and a melting pot of cultural dynamism.













Notable points about Casablanca
- Economic Hub: Casablanca is the economic heart of Morocco, home to the country's chief port and the largest industrial center. Unique to Casablanca is the status of being the business capital of Morocco, contrasting with Rabat, which serves as the administrative capital.
- Historic Landmark: The Hassan II Mosque is a breathtaking architectural feat and a major attraction, noted for its stunning minaret, which is among the tallest in the world. This iconic mosque sits partially over the Atlantic Ocean, symbolizing the city's deep connection to maritime trade and craftsmanship.
- Cultural Mix: Casablanca offers a fascinating blend of traditional Moroccan architecture with French colonial influences. Walking through the city, visitors can admire the art deco buildings and the blend of Moorish style, offering a rich cultural tapestry unlike any other in Morocco.
- Iconic Film Heritage: Immortalized by the classic 1942 film "Casablanca," the city attracts film buffs who are eager to experience the romantic and mysterious aura associated with its name, even though the movie was not actually filmed there.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Casablanca offers a lively nightlife scene, attracting singles and younger crowds with its variety of bars, nightclubs, and café terraces—offering a more cosmopolitan vibe compared to other Moroccan cities like Marrakech or Fez.
- Shopping Mecca: The city boasts Morocco Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in Africa, featuring a diverse range of international and local brands—appealing to shopaholics and those looking to experience modern Moroccan consumer culture.
- Diverse Dining Scene: Couples can enjoy a vast array of dining options, from traditional Moroccan eateries to international gourmet restaurants, providing romantic settings and diverse culinary experiences along the Casablanca seafront.
- For Families: Families visiting the city can enjoy the beautiful Ain Diab seaside promenade, which offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including beaches, parks, and amusement rides that are a hit with children.
- Multicultural Experience: As a melting pot of cultures, Casablanca hosts numerous cultural festivals and events throughout the year, offering residents and tourists alike a chance to engage with both local traditions and global influences.
- Business Opportunities: Entrepreneurs and business professionals will find fertile ground for investment and networking in Casablanca’s dynamic business environment, which is more international in its scope than other Moroccan cities, thus serving as a gateway for international trade in North Africa.
Summarized Traveller Reviews
Casablanca's Neighborhoods
Maarif
🎯 Key Attractions
- Twin Center: Iconic twin skyscrapers with offices, a hotel, and a shopping mall.
- Rue du Commandant Driss Harti: A bustling street lined with cafés, boutiques, and street vendors.
- Rooftop Lounge 21: A sleek terrace bar offering panoramic sunset views over the skyline.
✨ Unique Aspects
Known for its mix of luxury and local; hidden rooftop cafés and fashion-forward crowds make it the place to ‘be seen.’
Habous
🎯 Key Attractions
- Mahkama du Pacha: A stunning Hispano-Moorish administrative building with intricate tilework.
- Artisan Souks: Small markets selling leather goods, spices, and handwoven rugs.
- Olive Court: A peaceful square where old men sip mint tea under century-old olive trees.
✨ Unique Aspects
Feels like a mini-Marrakech without the chaos—perfect for postcard-worthy wandering.
Anfa
🎯 Key Attractions
- Royal Golf Anfa: A historic golf course surrounded by manicured greenery.
- Villa des Arts: Art deco cultural center hosting exhibitions and events.
- The Old Anfa Airfield: Once an airport, now a quirky open space for urban picnics and kite flying.
✨ Unique Aspects
Wide streets, vintage villas, and an aura of old-money Casablanca.
Bourgogne
🎯 Key Attractions
- Corniche Beach: Popular sandy stretch for sunbathing and evening strolls.
- Café Bianca: A beachfront café with frothy cappuccinos and people-watching for days.
- Surfer’s Alley: An informal meeting point for local surfers swapping wave stories.
✨ Unique Aspects
Where joggers, surfers, and ice-cream vendors coexist in salty harmony.
Sidi Belyout
🎯 Key Attractions
- Old Medina: A maze of narrow streets filled with tiny shops and hidden courtyards.
- Rick’s Café: Famous ‘Casablanca’-themed restaurant and bar.
- The Lantern Archway: A glowing passageway lit by hundreds of colorful lanterns.
✨ Unique Aspects
Part working neighborhood, part time machine to the city’s pre-colonial days.
Gauthier
🎯 Key Attractions
- Le Kimmy’z: Trendy cocktail bar with live music nights.
- Villa des Arts Annex: Smaller art space for contemporary Moroccan artists.
- The Secret Courtyard: Hidden garden café that feels like a private Eden.
✨ Unique Aspects
Casablanca’s dining hotspot where every menu seems to have a signature ‘twist.’
Ain Diab
🎯 Key Attractions
- La Corniche: Scenic seaside promenade perfect for evening strolls.
- Tamaris Aqua Park: Family-friendly water park with slides and pools.
- Sunset Deck: Open-air lounge where the sunsets look Photoshopped.
✨ Unique Aspects
Where locals and tourists mingle over fresh seafood and late-night music.
Oasis
🎯 Key Attractions
- Oasis Train Station: A modern station linking Casablanca to other Moroccan cities.
- Local Farmers’ Market: Fresh produce, herbs, and a surprisingly good olive stall.
- The Garden Nook: A shaded community park ideal for reading and dozing off.
✨ Unique Aspects
Feels almost suburban, yet still close enough for a quick taxi to the city buzz.
Derb Omar
🎯 Key Attractions
- Derb Omar Market: Labyrinthine market selling everything from fabrics to electronics.
- Textile Street: Colorful alley devoted entirely to fabrics.
- The Bargain Balcony: A quirky shop overlooking the main market chaos.
✨ Unique Aspects
It’s the place where Casablanca shops for itself—wholesale prices and big personalities.
Mers Sultan
🎯 Key Attractions
- Mers Sultan Market: Bustling open-air market with spices, fish, and fresh produce.
- Café L’Etoile: Vintage café where time seems to stand still.
- Story Wall: A long mural depicting Casablanca’s history in vivid colors.
✨ Unique Aspects
Every corner café has its own set of regulars—and their debates can get spirited.
Les Princesses
🎯 Key Attractions
- Marché Les Princesses: Covered market with fresh fish, vegetables, and local chatter.
- Street Art Corners: Murals tucked between apartment blocks.
- The Lemonade Stand: A beloved kiosk serving tangy, ice-cold lemonade.
✨ Unique Aspects
A neighborhood that feels like one big extended family—whether you asked to be part of it or not.
Ain Sebaa
🎯 Key Attractions
- Casa Near Shore: Business district with tech offices and cafés.
- Ain Sebaa Beach: Less touristy stretch of sand popular with locals.
- Warehouse 47: Repurposed factory turned into an arts and music venue.
✨ Unique Aspects
A work-in-progress that’s quickly becoming Casablanca’s creative playground.