Casablanca is the economic capital of Morocco and its most populous city, with nearly 5 million inhabitants. It is also one of the most important and most visited cities in Morocco. Casablanca has always been an emerging city that welcomes travelers and foreigners. It is a modern and luxurious coastal place, where development and progress are seen in every structure.

If you are planning to travel there, today we present you the must-see places in Casablanca. Enjoy your trip!

The Hassan II Mosque

One can say that this building represents for North Africa what the Statue of Liberty represents for the United States or the Eiffel Tower for Paris. The idea of building a large mosque came from King Hassan II. It is a temple born as a test of faith and it was a great religious event in the most secular city of the Moroccans. This wonderful structure revives the national pride. The construction required the work of 10,000 people, 3,000 of whom were still present on the site, which earned them a certificate of merit.

The idea was always that the mosque would unify all the Islam of the country, so materials were brought from all regions: cedar wood from the Middle Atlas, marble from Agadir (and Carrara), granite from Tafraoute, zellij from Fez. This mosque is probably one of the most impressive in the world. It also bears the title of “highest temple in the world”, rising proudly to 172 meters.

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in all of Morocco. With enough competition, it has risen to titles such as the most popular or the most visited. It is therefore another of the essential places to see in Casablanca.

When the king is not in town, you can venture through the opulent gardens, wonderful gates and magnificent orange groves. It is without a doubt a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

La Corniche

One of the best and most exuberant nightlife excursions in Morocco: the waterfront of La Corniche. Trendy restaurants and pubs surround your seaside walk. The atmosphere is so universal that it’s just as easy to find a sushi place as it is to find an establishment specializing in Moroccan cuisine.

The longer the night goes on, the more discos you’ll find. From techno to the latest music, there is something for everyone in this lively city that never sleeps. Another calmer plan is to take a bath, sunbathe and enjoy an exquisite dinner of whatever you want.

The Medina

Casablanca is the most important city in Morocco without being the constitutional capital. Yes, it is the focal point of the national economy as a modern city open to the world, but in the midst of all this cosmopolitan Arab atmosphere appears the ancient medina of the city: a must to visit. As its name suggests, the old medina is the oldest part of the city of Casablanca. The old 16th century walls that Sultan Sis Mohammed Ben Abdallah had rebuilt at the end of the 18th century, have the mission of limiting what the city once was.

Although it is impressive, it remains an urban core with small streets extremely colorful and full of vitality. You can find everything you can imagine as street stalls: selling clothes, food, imitations of every imaginable brand and gifts of all kinds. Two doors are the most interesting to visit, those of Bab Jédid and Bab El Mersa. This medina is one of the most modified by Western culture.

Perhaps the extensive renovations carried out by France in the city have meant that the old medina of Casablanca does not have that medieval air that other parts of the Moroccan country honor. But that doesn’t take away from its majesty and the fact that it continues to be a mandatory stop when you visit the city. It is a different place to see in Casablanca, in the middle of the city, which allows you to be part of the most authentic Moroccan society, and to enjoy a pleasant walk through streets and squares brimming with life and color.

You now know the absolute must-sees of Casablanca. Eager to learn more? Come back to check out the second part of our article. Until then, tell us  in the comments below what attracts you to this city and why you want to travel there.