Sand, sightseeing and strolling around souks… You don’t have to pick between the beach and city on a holiday to Casablanca.

City breaks to Casablanca

Step aside Marrakech, Casablanca’s on the up for Morocco’s must-see city. It might not have the fancy look of Morocco’s other cities, but this place gives you the ideal mix of modern vibes and authentic tradition. ‘Casa’, as the locals call it, is Morocco's largest city and the country’s economic hub. Stroll through the unreal markets, known as souks and see if you can pick up a barg. Fresh food, spices, souvenirs and local goods are all on offer at these old-school markets. The star of the show in this city though, is the Hassan II Mosque. Standing tall in the heart of the city, it’s set against a backdrop of the stunning Atlantic and it’s one of the largest mosques in the world. If you love beaut buildings, then you’ll fall hard for the hand-carved wood and stone, gorg marble flooring, ceilings decorated with gold leaf and walls covered with colourful ceramic tiles.

A city straight out of the movies

Casablanca’s claim to fame might be the 1942 romantic film named after it, but plot twist – it was actually all shot in a Hollywood studio. So, if you fancy experiencing the real Casablanca, you’ve gotta see it for yourself. It’s got that big city energy – modern, buzzing and full of life. No wonder young Moroccans can’t get enough of this place. Unique Art Deco architecture adds a bit of vintage charm to Casablanca, while elsewhere in the city you’ll find a thriving foodie scene and boujie cafés. Head to Rick’s Café – a bar inspired by the movie – and feel like you’re walking onto the Hollywood set. The attention to detail here is next level, we’re talking the famous white arches, gorg hanging chandeliers, the intricate tiles and even the iconic piano.

The heart of Casablanca

Mohammed V Square is where all the actions at. Named after the former Moroccan King, this buzzing plaza has that old-meets-new vibe. On one side, you’ll see charming architecture reflecting the city’s rich history – the iconic clock tower and the Courts of Justice have those stunning Moorish details that you can’t miss. On the other side, you’ll find the chic Grand Théâtre de Casablanca. It’s bold and it’s unapologetically futuristic. In the centre of it all is this beaut fountain that’s a hot spot for meetups. Once you’re done checking out this urban gem, it’s just a short stroll to other popular picks such as Sacred Heart Cathedral or Arab League Park, both are just ten minutes away.

At a Glance

  • Fall in love with stunning Hassan II Mosque
  • Escape the city buzz and relax on Ain Diab beach
  • Relive the film and go to Rick’s Café

Best time to go to Casablanca

With its Med climate, you can enjoy warm temps for most of the year in Casablanca. Summer is obvs the most popular time, reaching the mid-to-high twenties between June and August – perf for a sunbathing sesh on the beach. If you like things a little cooler, March-May and September-November are ideal. Temps range between the mid-teens to early-twenties which is great for sightseeing and strolling around the souks. It’s a bit rainy in the winter months but if you want to swerve the crowds then this is the best time.

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