Casablanca isn’t known for tourism, and visitors often use it as merely a gateway to Morocco. It’s a modern city with less historic charm than the more visited sites, such as, Fez, Marrakesh or the blue city of Chefchaouen. However, there are many reasons to spend a day here for some travel gems. I enjoyed an incredible day here and wouldn’t change a thing if I did it all over again. Therefore, if you only have a day here, I recommend this Casablanca day tour itinerary.
About Casablanca
Today, Morocco’s largest city and port, Casablanca, is a modern financial center in Africa. The Berbers first settled here in the 7th century BC. Later, it was a port for the Phoenicians and then the Romans. Under Portuguese rule in the 16th century, its name “Casa Branca” or white house arose, and later it became known as Casablanca. After the French conquest in 1912, Casablanca became a French colony. Morocco gained independence from France in 1956. The cool Canary Current off the Atlantic coast moderates the hot-summer Mediterranean climate. The currency is the Moroccan dirham.
Casablanca is known as the setting for the 1942 Academy Award winning film, Casablanca, starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. It was, however, entirely filmed in Los Angeles. Morocco is known for its national drink, mint tea, as a gesture of hospitality and kindness. Also, the Moroccan Argan Oil is famous for both culinary and skincare purposes. The oil comes from the Argan Tree, native to Morocco.
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Casablanca Day Tour Itinerary
& Top Attractions
Top Attractions
With only a day in Casablanca, my friend and I made the most of it. Here is our itinerary and it worked out perfectly. So, I highly recommend it in this approximate order.
Hassan II Mosque
If you only do one thing in Casablanca, go to the Hassan II Mosque and arrive before 9 am to avoid crowds. This is one of the few mosques in the world that provides tours of the interior for non-Muslims, so don’t miss it. The mosque stands on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean along La Corniche. This majestic edifice is one of the largest mosques in the world. Its minaret is the second highest in the world looming up to 172 meters. Atop the minaret a laser beam shines at night toward Mecca and visible for miles.
Inaugurated in 1993, this architectural marvel showcases a grandiose Prayer Hall with a retractable ceiling. A staggering maximum of 105,000 worshipers may gather here for prayer. (25,000 inside Mosque Hall and 80,000 outside) The tour takes you through the main floor’s massive Prayer Hall and lower level through the Ablutions Room.
We arrived about 8:30 to take photos outside before the crowds arrived. Then, we purchased tickets right away for the first morning tour at 9 am. These guided tours run hourly throughout the day.
Walk along La Corniche
After seeing the mosque, I suggest a leisurely walk on the boardwalk of La Corniche along the coast. It stretches for many kilometers alongside the mosque, Ain Diab beaches, Anfaplace shopping centre and El Hank Lighthouse. Also, this is a great way to get a fantastic view of the mosque jutting out into the ocean. At the west end is the massive Morocco Mall and Parc Sindibad.
Rick’s Café
Just a 20-minute walk from the mosque and against the walls of the Old Medina is the popular Rick’s Café opening at noon. For those who love the 1942 classic film, Casablanca with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergan, this is a must-see location for lunch or dinner. Although, it’s just a replica restaurant of the Rick’s Café featured in the movie. (The entire movie was filmed in Los Angeles.) However, the whole restaurant is designed like it was in the film. Plus, they serve delicious food and drinks. I enjoyed an exquisite dish of Beef Stroganoff along with my Casablanca beer.
The restaurant setting is in a traditional white Moroccan mansion with a central courtyard. The entrance displays the classic heavy wooden doors flanked by 2 palm trees with a balustraded balcony overhead. Inside, there are high arches, a grandiose bar, stenciled brass light fittings and a 1930s Pleyel piano. Visitors often request As Time Goes By to the in-house pianist.
Old Medina
Casablanca Day Tour Itinerary
Turn right from Rick’s Café and walk along the walls of the Old Medina. This medina is small and not as genuine as other more popular ones in Morocco like Fez or Marrakesh. Moreover, an earthquake in 1755 almost completely destroyed the Old Medina.
Over the years, the medina became reconstructed, but never back to its original charm. However, it’s still good to walk through here for context and historical significance. Also, if you are looking for a better shopping experience, I suggest going to the New Medina in Casablanca explained later.
Clock Tower/Place des Nations Unies (United Nations Square)
Across the street from the Old Medina is the iconic Clock Tower. This replica became reconstructed in 1993 after being demolished in 1948. The 20-meter minaret-shaped clock tower is a symbol of Casablanca and makes for a great photograph. Down the street from the clock tower is the Place de Nations Unies, a major transportation hub with the Casa Tramway station. Modern architecture surrounds the United Nations with an openwork globe structure. Also, many taxis line up here offering city tours. We found a wonderful taxi-driver here to show us the following sites described.
Mohammed V Square
Considered the heart of Casablanca, this is one of the most beautiful squares in the city. Many of its buildings are Mudejar style (combining Moroccan and French influences). For example, the Palace of Justice, the French Consulate, the National Bank and the Prefecture are this style. It’s a pleasant space where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful architecture. Many families and children gather around the fountain feeding the numerous pigeons. At night the fountain is aglow with a water and light show.
Arab League Park
Just down the street from the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is the picturesque Arab League Park. This a wonderful escape from the city to a green space lined with palm trees, fountains and gardens.
Art Deco Neighborhood
Casablanca Day Tour Itinerary
Just west of Mohammed V Square is the Art-DecĂł neighborhood. This is a unique opportunity to see Art Deco architecture blended with Moroccan style. Iconic building here include the Cinema Rialto (still in use) and hotels, such as Guynemer, Transatlantique, Lincoln and Volubilis.
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
The white neo-Gothic Casablanca Cathedral was built in 1953 to serve the Catholic community. However, after the political independence from France and Spain, it closed. Currently, the building is a cultural center.
New Medina – Hubous Neighborhood
Also known as Nueva Medina, it lies east from the city centre. During the French Protectorate, its Hubous neighborhood developed between 1910 to 1950 for the Muslims in a Moorish style. Therefore, it’s historic buildings are more authentic, including the New Medina.
This is one of the best places in Casablanca to shop or buy souvenirs, such as, olives, argan oil, mint tea, Moroccan sweets and local clothing. Don’t miss the Olive Souk or Pâtisserie Bennis, considered the best bakery in Casablanca. Overall, the New Medina is quieter with less pushy vendors than the Old Medina. Coming here was the highlight of my day in Casablanca, so I highly recommend coming here!
El Henk Lighthouse and Peninsula
At the east end of La Corniche is the El Henk Lighthouse and peninsula. There’s a nice park here with great views of the Hassan II Mosque. This is the best way to end the day for a great sunset panorama and photos. The El Henk Lighthouse is open for visitors with 256 marble stairs to the top for awesome views.
Enjoy Casablanca!
Even though Casablanca isn’t known for being a tourism hotspot, it’s well worth a visit. My absolute not misses of the day are The Hassan II Mosque, New Medina and Rick’s Café (if you’re a fan of the film). Hopefully, you find my Casablanca day tour itinerary helpful. Comments are always welcome with suggestions on how to make the most out of your time in Casablanca!
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