Is Casablanca worth visiting? Although it’s definitely not my favorite city in Morocco, it is still worth a visit if you love cool architecture and vast, modern cities that overlook the sea.
Yes, it’s busy and a little bit dirty. Yes, you will have to keep an eye on your cell phone.
But, if you visit, you’ll be astounded by the grandeur of Hassan II Mosque and the botanical beauty of Arab League Park.
It is also a very international, cosmopolitan city. So, expats will love the availability of westernized food and access to a vibrant nightlife scene.
Just be prepared to spend a lot of time trying to navigate the city. Because as the economic capital of Morocco, Casablanca is huge.
So, while there are a lot of things to do, it can also be extremely hard (and time consuming) to get around the city since I found the public transportation system to be less than stellar.
However, enough of my personal opinions. Let’s look at all the reasons why you should visit Casablanca.
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Is Casablanca Worth Visiting: The Short Answer
Let’s cut to the chase because you’re busy and want a quick answer to the question, “Is Casablanca worth visiting?”
Well, I think the city is dirty, unsafe, and hard to navigate. But, attractions like the Arab League Park and Hassan II Mosque are well worth a visit.
So, I would visit Casablanca and spend one night here. Or, visit as part of a Casablanca day trip from Marrakech and just do a quick tour of the highlights.
But, if you’re deciding between Marrakech or Casablanca, I would choose Marrakech every single time since I think the city is safer, easier to navigate, and much more culturally/historically interesting.
1. You Can Explore Cool Local Neighborhoods like Habous
Yes, Casablanca is a super modern city and it can be hard to find authentic Moroccan culture.
However, if you get up early in the morning, you will have the city all to yourself and can explore cool neighborhoods like Habous.
Stand in awe of Moulay Youssef Mosque and Al-Mohammadi Mosque before exploring the beautiful exterior of the Royal Palace.
You can’t go inside but can walk around the perimeter before heading to Habous Market.
This vibrant center of commerce is lined with lovely arcades and is field with shops selling books, clothes, carpets, and more.
If you have time, stop by Pâtisserie Bennis Habous since it has been around since the 1930s and serves up a ton of great Moroccan sweet treats.
2. There are Lots of Really Cute Cats to Meet
Like basically every city in Morocco, there are a ton of stray cats everywhere. So, be sure to take their photos and pet them until you can pet them no more.
Just be careful since some of these cats are pretty wild and can scratch you or bite you if you’re not careful.
I had this happen to me at a cafe in Casablanca. A cat jumped in my lap and then when I wanted to leave, almost bit me when I got up. So, be careful.
You also may want to buy the cats some food since many are starving and not super well cared for.
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3. You Can Namaste It Up at One of Morocco’s Only Bikram Studios
Head over to the quiet residential neighborhood of Anfa and take a Bikram yoga class with Nabil Scally.
Established in 2013, Om Yoga is a great place to go if you want to enroll in some Bikram yoga classes.
It’s a chic, palm-lined studio offering power, aerial, yin, vinyasa, and hatha yoga, along with TRX sessions.
Classes are available in French and English, with week-long retreats offered on occasion.
4. You Can Enjoy Traditional Moroccan Mint Tea
If you only drink one thing when you’re in Casablanca, let it be mint tea. After all, mint tea is a way of life throughout Morocco and Casablanca is a great place to try it.
I know my boyfriend usually makes it for me by boiling the lion tea in a silver tea pot and then pouring the tea over mint leaves into small glass cups.
Yeah, he’s very proud of his suave long pour. And while I think his is the best, we had some great tea at Alba Salon de Thé and Les Maitres du Pain.
Both were good but not as good as my partner’s tea.
5. You Can Admire Some Amazing Architecture
Architecture enthusiasts will love the city’s array of architectural styles, ranging from elegant Art Deco buildings to cutting-edge modern designs.
To fully appreciate the stories behind the city’s most iconic buildings, consider participating in an architectural tour with Casamémoire.
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to the preservation of the city’s most historic structures and lobbies for their recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In particular, Hassan II Mosque stands as a monumental example of exquisite craftsmanship since it took 10,000 artisans seven years to finish the project. I basically traveled from Essaouira to Casablanca just to visit this place.
Boulevard Mohammed V also stands as a testament to French colonial influence in the historic part of the ctty and is lined with beautiful palm trees.
Not far from there, Cinéma Rialto is an excellent place to stop to see one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in the city.
Meanwhile, Mahkama du Pacha can be found in Habous. It was built in the early 1950s and is a treasure trove of Moroccan architectural designs.
Other amazing structures in the city include Église du Sacré-Couer, with its unique blend of Gothic and Art Deco designs, and the enormous Église Notre Dame de Lourdes.
The latter was built in the 1950s, sits right near Arab League Park, and features Brutalist architecture with stunning stained glass windows.
Also stop by Mohammed V Square. It’s one of the city’s premier attractions and is home to the iconic clock tower of Casablanca City Hall, as well as the city courthouse.
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6. The City Has Surf Culture
Because Casablanca sits along the coast, it has a nice little beach and surf culture going on.
It has a similar vibe to Venice Beach. So, a bit edgy with plenty of people that have a passion for surfing.
If you want to learn, visit one of the surf schools in La Corniche, like Ain Diab Surf School. You can also hit up Kai Shapes and get any gear you need while enjoying the funky vibe.
Trust me, this area is the real deal when it comes to surfing since every September, pros from all around the world come here for the Quiksilver Pro surf competition.
But if you want to go somewhere a little more quiet then head to Dar Bouazza. It’s a quaint beach town with nice, cafe filled streets.
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7. You Can Shop at the Medina
While the Medina in Casablanca is not nearly as impressive as the ones in Marrakech or Fez, it’s definitely worth exploring while in Casablanca.
After all, this ancient walled city is a labyrinth of alleys and souks, or markets, that sell food, clothes, souvenirs, and more.
Just be sure to watch out for pickpockets and always check the quality of the items you buy first.
I got a pair of sunglasses here and they basically fell apart after five minutes…literally.
Additionally, don’t forget to carry cash and to always haggle for a better price. But, I do like the souvenirs in Marrakech better.
8. There’s a Great Arts and Culture Scene
Several of Casablanca’s classic Art Deco buildings have found new life as hubs for art and culture.
La Villa des Arts, for instance, has hosted past exhibitions featuring pop art and graffiti from work from artist Ramzi Adek.
Today, this stunning villa from the 1930s now regularly welcomes both permanent and contemporary art exhibitions that visitors will enjoy.
Meanwhile, a 1940s villa along Rue du Parc now exhibits a diverse art collection that was originally acquired by Abderrahman Slaoui.
His collection, gathered during his travels throughout Morocco, include Bohemian glass pieces and antique jewelry, all displayed inside Le Musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui.
Similairly, the city’s former industrial abattoir has been transformed into La Fabrique Culturelle des Anciens Abattoirs de Casablanca.
It is a dynamic space for contemporary street art, urban dance performances, and a range of musical events,
9. Casablanca is Home to A lot of Great Restaurants
While Marrakech has good restaurants, Casablanca is a lot bigger. So, the restaurant scene is a bit more vibrant, attracting locals and visitors alike.
The city’s shoreline promenade, La Corniche, is dotted with beach cafes, sophisticated bars, and restaurants with views of the ocean.
Since opening in 1927, the fashionable French restaurant Le Cabestan has become a much sought-after eatery on La Corniche and offers stunning vows of the ocean.
Similarly, Bleu is an amazing Mediterranean restaurant on the fifth floor of the Four Seasons that is just a quick walk away from La Corniche.
Highlights include seafront views, a terrace with a fire pit, elegant maritime decor, a lavish raw bar with fresh seafood, and an incredible assortment of non-alcoholic drinks.
Additionally, Le Rouget de L’Isle is another great French restaurant in Casablanca that sits inside a historic 1930s villa filled with art and that is home to a gorgeous on-site garden.
Finally, stop by F.Kabbaj in Racine for some locally sourced foie gras or Café Maure at La Sqala if you want to dine inside a former 18th-century fortress with stunning Majorelle blue gates.
It’s a steller brunch spot since you can just relax in their lush garden and enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine.
10. You Can Stop By Rick’s Cafe
Famously featured in the classic film Casablanca, Rick’s Cafe is currently an actual restaurant in the city.
So, one of the many reasons why you should visit Casablanca is to see this iconic bar come to life.
I visited at lunch since it was a lot less busy at this time of day (still busy but not packed). I also sat at the bar and ordered a drink since I found the menu to be very expensive.
Yes, it’s kind of a tourist trap but the mosaic tile floors are beautiful and the arched doorways are stunning. There’s even a piano player on-site playing classic songs by none other than Frank Sinatara.
Just be sure to dress up since this establishment is a bit high-end. Also, be prepared for a crowd in the evening since this place gets packed. :
11. Have a Farm-to-Table Experience
Enjoy a genuine farm-to-table experience at La Ferme de Bousko.
Located right near the edge of the city, visitors will love exploring this dairy farm where they can enjoy farm tours and even do a cheese tasting with an optional wine pairing.
Additionally, the farm has weekend programs that cater to families, where children can try goat milking while adults can learn about the composting.
A variety of cheeses are all available for purchase that have been made using fresh milk from the farm’s many cows and goats.
Yup, these cheeses are so good that they are sold in many local eateries and markets. So, a trip here is easily one of the most unique things to do in Casablanca.
FAQs on Is Casablanca Worth Visiting
Is Casablanca Better Than Marrakech?
No, Casablanca is not Marrakech. I prefer Marrakech since it is smaller, easier to navigate, safer, and a more culturally rich city.
Is it Worth Visiting Casablanca Morocco?
Yes, it is worth visiting Casablanca, Morocco. Spend at least a night or two in the city.
This way you can see Hassan II Mosque, stop by Rick’s Cafe, shop in the Medina, explore the high-end Corniche neighborhood, visit Muhammad the V Square, and walk through Arab League Park
How Many Days Should You Spend in Casablanca?
Two days is enough time to spend in Casablanca. You can see most of the city’s major highlights and explore the area at a more leisurely, relaxed pace.
What is So Special about Casablanca Morocco?
Casablanca is the economic capital of Morocco. What makes it special is that it’s home to Hassan II Mosque, This is the largest mosque in Africa and the fifth largest mosque in the world.
That wraps up this guide to the many reasons you should visit Casablanca. I hope I have helped you answer the question, “is Casablanca worth visiting?” Because it definitely is.
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