Casablanca

The Hassan II Mosque commands a dramatic presence on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its vast prayer hall and 210-metre minaret make it one of Casablanca’s most recognisable sights. Join a guided tour to see the detailed woodwork, marble floors, and the small glass section set over the water, and take your time walking the esplanade outside for long views along the coast.

Casablanca's Old Medina, also known as Old Town or Ancienne Medina, is a maze-like quarter teeming with life and marked by buildings that harken back to the period before French rule. Vendors with carts offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices, while quaint antique shops and artisanal leather workshops line the constricted passageways. Amid the lively bargaining, outdoor cafés offer spaces for respite, serving both coffee and refreshing mint tea. Here, locals go about their daily routines while visitors can shop for an array of traditional goods.

Casablanca Cathedral is a tall, white Art Deco landmark with clear Moroccan touches, a reminder of the city’s early 20th-century experiments in design. Wander through the interior to see how the old church has been adapted for exhibitions and occasional cultural events, with light filtering through high windows and a slightly weathered charm.

Place Mohammed V is the administrative and historic heart of Casablanca, framed by stately colonial-era buildings and a central fountain. It serves as a prime vantage point for observing the daily rhythms of Moroccan urban life.

La Corniche in the Ain Diab neighbourhood is Casablanca's hotspot for upscale Atlantic beach clubs, drawing a chic crowd looking to soak up the sun or catch a wave. As the sun sets, the atmosphere transitions seamlessly into a bustling nightlife, featuring an array of trendy nightclubs, sophisticated cocktail lounges, and terraced bars with ocean views. Along Boulevard de la Corniche, dining venues range from laid-back, counter-serve eateries to elegant French establishments. Ain Diab Beach is another crowd-pleaser, offering visitors a plethora of water activities and beach games. The area is dotted with beach clubs, restaurants, and bars. Once the sun dips below the horizon, the beachfront comes alive with live music and various forms of entertainment.

Situated just 5 kilometres from the heart of Casablanca, Aquaparc Tamaris offers a refreshing break from the city's hustle and heat. This expansive water park is a family-friendly haven, complete with water slides, a wave pool, and a variety of quick dining options. Whether you're looking to keep the kids entertained or simply cool off, it's an ideal day out for everyone.

Unwind in traditional style at Hammam Ziani, an authentic Moroccan bathhouse in central Casablanca, offering scrubs, massages, and seaweed therapy. Visitors can use the men’s and women’s sections, relax in the steam rooms, and enjoy the beauty centre for hair and skincare.

The Museum of Moroccan Judaism in Casablanca holds the unique distinction of being the only museum dedicated to Judaism in the Arab world. The museum offers an educational journey through Jewish history, showcasing a range of artefacts that shed light on the community's cultural heritage. While its somewhat hidden location off a main thoroughfare can make it a bit challenging to find, it's well worth the effort for those interested in delving into this aspect of Moroccan history.

The Royal Palace in Casablanca is the official residence of the King of Morocco, located in the quiet Hubous neighbourhood. Visitors can admire the palace from the outside, taking in its ornate gates, manicured grounds, and traditional Moroccan architecture, but access to the interior is restricted.

United Nations Square is the main junction between Casablanca’s French-built ‘ville nouvelle’ and the old medina. Stroll around to take in the mix of shops, cafés, and hotels, or use it as a starting point to explore the surrounding streets, markets, and alleyways of the medina.

El Hank Lighthouse rises above the Corniche on a rocky headland, its design inspired by the shape of old Moroccan minarets. Climb the 256 steps to reach the viewing platform or simply pause at the base to take in the sea air and the long views towards Hassan II Mosque and the coastline.