A Perfect Day in Casablanca
A Perfect Day in Casablanca
Mark Fedoronko
Available for hire
Casablanca gets a really bad rap. The vibrant, messy, energetic, and hectic economic hub of Morocco, most visitors begin their trip in the city. In their zeal to get Moroccan tajines, tiles, and mint tea, they flock to places in the Medina and get an underwhelming and negative view of the city.
Casablanca is not Marrakesh, Fez, or even Tangier. It has a treasure trove of activities, especially if you've been to some of the historic cities and are looking for a change of scenery. So if you're looking for a great experience taking in the sights of modern Morocco, here I present my perfect day in Casablanca.
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Check out my Ultimate Guide to Morocco for more!
Like this guide and need more than just Marrakesh tips? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Morocco! With over 200 recommendations around the country including Fes, Tangier, Casablanca, Essaouira, Ouarzazate, Marrakesh, and more, this is everything you need for your trip!
Dazzling, diverse, cultural, aesthetic, bustling. Those are just a few words to describe the country of Morocco. Whether you are exploring the bustling souks of Marrakesh, the historic gems of Fez, the coastal breezes of Essaouira, the warm sand of the desert, or anywhere in between, you are bound to find incredible architecture, culture, food, and experiences.
This guide is my "ultimate guide", a pay for guide that includes all my secrets and tricks for locations around the country. If you are interested in something small, check out my page and my free guides (Marrakesh, Casablanca) or more limited paid guides (Tangier, the road to Erg Chigaga). However, if you are planning a week or longer in Morocco and want the inside scoop on various cities around the country, this is your guide.
Over 240 recommendations included! Covered in this guide: Marrakesh, Fez, Casablanca, Tangier, Chefchaouen, Ouarzazate/Aït Benhaddou, Erg Chigaga/M'hamid, Erg Chebbi/Merzouga, and Agadir
Adventure • Architecture • Art • Boutique • Budget • Foodie • History • Luxury • Outdoors • People & Culture • Relaxation • Romantic
$15.00
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In the Morning
Le Gatsby
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Starting your day right is super important. Where better to start in Casablanca than at a wonderful cafe overlooking the beautiful Hassan II Mosque? Le Gatsby is a bit of an institution given its iconic location. With nice pastries and coffees, this is a great place to start the day
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Hassan II Mosque
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Chances are you probably knew to visit the Hassan II Mosque. And for good reason. The Mosque is maybe the prettiest building in the whole country and should not be missed when visiting Casablanca. Despite only being thirty years old, the interior is crafted using traditional techniques. The vast size makes it the third largest mosque in the world.
You will need a guided tour when you visit, which is offered in several languages. Check the website for times as this changes often season to season. You will also be able to view the small museum which discusses some of the Moroccan artistic motifs in the mosque.
One last tip about visiting: dress code. When I visited, I was accompanied by many Western tourists who were dressed however they felt. I highly recommend you DONT do this. Make sure to cover your shoulders and at least down to your knees. Women should bring a headscarf to wear inside. They may not enforce it but it's culturally sensitive to make sure you are properly dressed
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El Hank and a Walk Down the Corniche
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Unless you are visiting Essaouira or Asilah, Casablanca is the best chance to fully breath in the beautiful ocean air. In my trip, Casablanca was a pivot from Marrakesh and the Sahara to the coast; with this travel the ocean air is incredibly obvious (and a relief!).
To really enjoy, take a stroll down the Corniche. The path runs along the ocean and conveniently connects the Hassan II Mosque with the old neighborhood of El Hank. You'll know you've reached the neighborhood once you see the iconic lighthouse get closer in view. Feel free to turn back whenever you feel - it's a great place to spend as much time as you want!
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Lunchtime and the Afternoon
Central Marketplace
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My personal choice for lunch in the Central Marketplace (Marché Centrale) near the center of the city. Specifically worth noting is the beautiful fish market filled with fishermen peddling their catch. However, you can also enjoy spices, vegetables, and other wares in the market.
While in the market, there are a number of restaurants that will prepare whatever fish you order from the fish monger. This is intimidating, mainly because the restaurant owners aggressively try to win your business as you walk the market (the hassling is worse than the Medina in Marrakesh mind you). Most of the grills will prepare you a delicious lunch; take a deep breath and pick the one with the least pushy sales rep. I ate at Resto Grill Salahedinne, whose sales rep was the least pushy. Even the touristic restaurants do a good job so there's no harm in picking whichever.
Also nice is an after lunch coffee. Go just outside the market and find what looks like a little newspaper stand and order and espresso. You'll be happy and energized after a huge and delicious lunch!
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Habous market
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If you're looking for a bit of shopping and old Moroccan charm, Habbous is the place to go. The area served as a "New Moroccan Quarter" in the city after French occupation, with most of the buildings dating back to the 1920's like much of Casablanca. Unlike the Art Deco displays of the rest of the city, Quartier Habbous resembles a proper old city.
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Pâtisserie Bennis Habous
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If the walking of today has conjured a hankering for sweets, stop at Patisserie Bennis. The most famous pastry shop in the city, you can find some of the best Moroccan delicacies
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In the Evening
Villa of Arts
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After taking a late afternoon nap, make your way over to the trendier Gauthier district. Filled with lots of Art Deco buildings, you'll feel like you've entered a new country. The most notable of the buildings in Guathier is the Villa des Arts, part of a local art school. The mansion has some wonderful grounds and holds a rotating collection of Moroccan art. Do check before you go, as sometimes the museum is closed for setting up new exhibits.
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Arab League Park
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Before heading to dinner, walk over to the beautiful gardens at the Arab League Park. You'll see lots of Moroccans - both old and young - enjoying the wonderful flowers and fountains. It's a great place to stroll before getting some food!
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NKOA
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As a global city, some of the best food to get in Casablanca is international cuisine. And the culinary diversity is on full display at NKOA. The menu features dishes from all corners and regions of the world, and the food is delicious. Particularly noteworthy are the sub-Saharan African dishes (the chefs are all from countries like Senegal). Housed in a trendy spot it's a great spot to hang out!
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At Night
Sky 28
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If you're looking for an after dinner drink, Casablanca has some of the better nightlife in the country. While maybe not "lit" in the traditional sense, Sky28 - situated on the 28th floor of the Kenzi Tower Hotel - is a fantastic place to take in Casablanca's skyline. While the drinks are notably mediocre, the northern facing views of the skyline, the Hassan II Mosque, and the Atlantic Ocean are nothing short of incredible. If you come right before sunset, you'll get to see the city in a gorgeous red hue and watch the mosque light up - a magical sight.
Note that Sky28 is currently under renovation . However, Sens restaurant on the 27th floor is open with very similar views
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Hotel Recommendations
Radisson Blu Hotel, Casablanca City Center
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Lovely 5 star hotel that is close to the central market
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Kenzi Tower Hotel
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A nice luxury hotel near Quartier Gauthier with wonderful views of the city - one of Africa's tallest buildings
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Hôtel particulier Le Doge - Relais & Châteaux
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A trendy Art Deco hotel with lots of boutique features. Also has one of Casablanca's nicest restaurants
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Hotel Villa Blanca & Spa
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One of the better beachfront hotels, situated close to the El Hank neighborhood
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Some Links for Earthquake Relief
While Casablanca was not as impacted as cities like Marrakesh, Morocco's tourism industry has taken a big loss from the earthquake in September. If you are interested in bolstering the relief efforts, here are some great organizations to donate
Reach out to Mark!
Mark provides all sorts of info to help your travel needs! This includes specific travel itineraries and planning services. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like customized travel services.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Fedoronko
Available for hire
My name is Mark, and I've been travel planning since the age of 11.
About Me
I help redefine the way you experience the world. I don't just plan trips; we craft extraordinary adventures tailored to your unique desires. Mark's journey into the realm of travel planning began at an early age, driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the hidden gems and cultural nuances that make each destination truly exceptional.
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Boasting an extensive portfolio of expertise, Mark is a seasoned navigator through the enchanting landscapes of Morocco, the captivating history of Jordan, the rich tapestry of Israel/Palestine, the cosmopolitan allure of Copenhagen, and beyond. Whether you're yearning for the vibrant markets of Marrakech, the ancient wonders of Petra, the historical significance of Jerusalem, or the contemporary charm of Copenhagen, I ensure that your journey is not just a trip but a transformative experience.
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I understand that no two travelers are the same. My commitment to personalization means that every itinerary is a bespoke masterpiece, meticulously crafted to reflect your preferences, interests, and dreams. From immersive cultural excursions to adrenaline-pumping adventures, we curate experiences that resonate with your individual travel style.
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