Casablanca
As you may know Morocco almost won the World Cup 2022, but basically meant a win for us Moroccans/Arab/African nations.
Weeks and days of endless celebrations. Moroccan national team t-shirts being sold every second. A good couple days is all you need to dive into the gems and spices Casablanca has to offer.
Recommendations from a Casaoui:
Marrakech may be on your list but add Casablanca whilst you’re there with only a 2 hour train journey and you’re by the beach surfing the waves with a mint tea in your hand.
Here are some rather stunning locations to visit on your travel (as a local).
The Casablanca Itinerary (a full 3 days)
Day One:
Arriving to Casa
If you have been travelling from Marrakech by train you will arrive at the beautiful Casa Oasis station. The station has a retro vintage aesthetic whilst located in tranquil area slightly outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre. You will easily spot taxis to take you to your accommodation. *when I mean easy as in you will literally get escorted to a taxi at the entrance. Make sure you negotiate a price before hand but prices are relatively inexpensive anyway
2. Post-Settling in Walk in Ma’arif
After settling in to your place of stay and winding down from the journey, Ma’arif, meaning City Centre, is a great place to experience the city during the first day of your stay. This is the business district and great for some retail therapy. One of Casablanca’s oldest mosques is located here and is easily spotted with its green and white minara.
Ma’arif is home to many great restaurants including the famous Oliveri, a retro gelato cafe. Serving the best chantilly cream alongside all their desserts from sorbets to ice cream cakes. They have a couple branches but the one in the centre is the original dating back to 1950
If you’re not feeling something sweet, there is an Italian restaurant, Spiga d’Oro and a popular Spanish restaurant called Tio Pepe. Make sure to book in advance as they get fairly busy specially Fridays and Saturdays
3. Long Evening Beach Walk
If you’re going back to relax in your hotel room and simply have a nap post lunch, then I’d highly recommend getting a taxi or walking, depending on how far you are from the beach, going for a long walk along the beach during sunset going into night
Going for walks at night and getting out is very popular in Morocco specially with your partner. You will spot a lot of couples going for a romantic stroll feeling the night sea breeze
Day Two:
Hassan II Mosque
The most visited spot in Casa, Hassan II, the 7th largest mosque in the world.
You can easily get a pass to the museum and the mosque itself at the main desk. We didn’t visit the museum as we headed straight for our Asr prayer, which is late noon but would recommend learning about the architecture and Islamic art
A heads up for those who want to go pray, you can easily find the prayer times on Google when searching “Hassan Mosque II Casablanca Prayer Times”
2. Experience the Jewish Quarters
The mellah of Casablanca is surrounded by plenty Kosher butchers found in the old market. The Jewish cemetery is well noticeable with its white stone markers.
Temple Beth El is located here one of Morocco’s oldest synagogues. A beautifully preserved synagogue in the heart of the ancient city
Casaouis celebrate Hiloula annually, which is a pilgrimage festival at the tomb of the Jewish saint, Eliahou
3. Old Medina - Visit the ancient city in sunset
Colonised by the French in the 1900s, the media. The Berbers first lived here around 10 BC. Then later the Romans created a port, called Anfa, which houses the great Anfa Place and Morocco Mall along the other end of the beach. Grab a delicious bite here at either malls from authentic Moroccan food to a class Maccy D’s with a Moroccan Twist
Day Three:
El Habous - Last Day in Casa means Shop the Goods
El Habous derives from the Moroccan Jewish man named Haim Ben Dahab, who owned the land and gifted it to a Sultan
The Mosque of Sultan Yusuf was built between 1934 and 1936 and designed by Auguste Cadet
When shopping in the market make sure to have an idea of the artisanal items you’ll want to buy beforehand as you’ll literally want to buy everything from pure cinnamon to handmade leather bags
Also located here is one of the best patisseries, Benin, where you’ll find all the traditional sweet delicacies. Be prepared to be handed lots of samples so go hungry! My favourite are the caramelised sesame seed snaps filled with almond butter… and the half moons of course.
Would recommend taking a small bag of them to also eat in the moment, to have in the cafe around the corner, on the entrance of the market (next to the mosque). Moroccan mint tea and pastries, what’s not to love?
2. Souk and Ricks Cafe - Last night best night
2 Tourist Essentials
Experience the iconic Casablanca film here at Ricks Cafe. You have to book in advance to visit so would recommend going for a drink in the evening after some dinner at the Souk. Live music, Coupe’d’orange (an orange cocktail) a ricks special and a romantic wholesome experience
There is no better way than to round off your trip
Have a peaceful trip :)
ṭṭreq ssalama :)
طريق السلامة :)
