Hassan II, Casablanca's famous mosque, is one of the main reasons to visit Morocco's biggest city. Apart from that? Endless lines of white buildings, a few slums, and busy medinas - not at all like in the romantic 1940s classic film. Many people feel disappointed by Casablanca after having visited the historic places of Marrakesh, Meknes, Fés and Essaouira. But the metropolis has actually more to offer than you think.
First of all, it has a very rich history of urban planning. Just a bit more than 100 years old, Casablanca's architecture has been a laboratory of modernism.
Hassan II (Source: Tom D'Arby, Pexels)
The primarily white buildings with their long horizontal lines and round corners in typical Streamline Moderne style are the background for a very lively, modern culture. Nowhere else in Morocco will you find such a vibrant mood, from the historic markets to the contemporary art galleries. Let's explore the best hidden places in Casablanca.
Shopping
Hubous
Hubous market did not develop organically, but was created by the early urban planners of Casablanca Henri Prost and Albert Laprade in 1916. The idea was to build a place that would suit the "chaotic" lifestyle of locals, but would add some European order to the apparent mess. At least, that was the colonial attitude at the time.
(Source: Milamber, Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Hubous contrasts the modernist idea of the villes nouvelles, the new cities with their many high rise buildings. The French architects coming to Casablanca strongly believed that the taller buildings should be reserved for Europeans, while Arabs and Tamazight were better off living within classic medinas.
Compared to historic old towns, Hubous is more structured. When the French eventually left, it was completely seized by the local population and turned into something new. Today, Hubous is a very popular spot for shopping, where you can find everything from electronics to local spices. You can come here at daytime and enjoy great food after your little stroll closer to sunset.
Location: Short walk from tram station Hubous near the Royal Palace, Hubous Market
Senegalese Market at the corner Av. de FAR/Bd Tahar el Alaoui
A hot tip for shopping fans is the sub-Saharan, mostly Senegalese market at the corner of Av. de FAR and Bd Tahar el Alaoui. If you want to buy traditional arts and crafts, electronics, clothes and more, you will find plenty of options here. Apart from that, you can discover a completely different vibe compared to the Arabic markets in Casablanca.
Location: Av. de FAR and Bd Tahar el Alaoui, Senegalese Market
Souk at Bab Marrakesh in the old medina
A little walk further from the Senegalese market, you will spot a the iconic minaret at the Bab Marrakesh. Pass the gate and you will immediately enter the old medina. The historic old town welcomes you with a colorful market with Arabic and Sub-Saharan sellers. Especially, compared to Hubous, this is a much more traditional place. It also means that sellers are a bit more pushy, but still a lot more chilled compared to rather touristy cities like Marrakesh. It’s a great place for a little stroll and if you’re hungry afterwards, you can just continue to the plenty of restaurants inside the medina.
Location: Corner of Av. de FAR and Bd Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Bab Marrakesh market
Maârif
Maârif is a quarter that is a lot more modern compared to the medina and the villes nouvelles. It became trendy recently among hipsters and people with enough money to live here. There are many popular international stores, mostly flagship shops of luxurious brands.
You will find quite a few options for shopping and eating around Place Mehdi Ben Barka and at the Rue du Marché. Also the much bigger Boulevards Al Massira Al Khadra and Bir Anzarane are packed with stores for stylish fashion. Personally, I do prefer the smaller local places with quite a selection of modern Moroccan design in the older parts of Casablanca.
Location: Maârif
Derb Ghallef: Huge electronics and antiques market
The Derb Ghallef market is one of the most vibrant mercantile areas in Casablanca and puzzles its visitors with the sheer amount of electronics being sold here. The origins of this place date back more than 100 years ago, when leather was one of the main goods on sale. Nowadays, you can find all kinds of phones, TVs, computers and repair services. Broken display on your device? Come to Derb Ghallef and get it fixed.
Something else Derb Ghallef is really famous for are books. You will discover plenty of shops with classics and contemporary literature from all times. Apart from Arabic and French writings, you might come across other languages too. Some of these shops also offer antiques that serve as a perfect souvenir. Furthermore, you can add some cool vintage clothes to your closet by shopping at Derb Ghallef.
Generally, you should take your time at this souk and be careful with prices. Haggling is common, but might not lead to a fair price. Coming here with a local might be helpful. Derb Ghallef is open every day from around 09.00 a.m. until the early evening. After closing you can continue to the restaurants nearby, providing souk sellers and buyers with local specialities.
Location: Near T2 tram station Derb Ghallef
Museums and Culture
L’Atelier 21
A nice little tip to enjoy some culture and contemporary art in the heart of Maârif, is the L’Atelier 21. The small gallery displays Plastic Arts such as, paintings, sculptures, and more. The approach is deliberately multidisciplinary and diverse. There is a strong focus on Moroccan artists and Moroccans who have been living abroad for a long time. They are given a chance to present their work back in their home country. Apart from that, you can take a look at the art pieces of painters and sculpturists from other parts of Africa.
Working since 2008, L’Atelier 21 had enough time to build up a large network with connections to every region in the world. Therefore, plenty of new and thriving temporary exhibitions are guaranteed. If you just come around without checking what’s on before, you won’t be disappointed, but rather surprised by the latest trends. Of course, you can also check their website before and decide on one exhibition that you want to see in particular.
Location: 21 Rue Abou Al Mahassine Royani, L'Atelier 21
Museum of Moroccan Jews
Once upon a time, Morocco, Northern Africa and the whole Arab world had a very rich Jewish culture. However, after the foundation of Israel, many of the local Jews were expelled. Morocco, for instance, lost up to 350,000 people, who used to live here for centuries and helped costal cities like Essaouira to develop.
When the Sephardic Jews had to leave Andalusia after Spain's Reconquista and the Alhambra Decree in 1492, Morocco was the place where they found refuge. On the contrary to East European Jews, they blended a lot of Arab and African features into their ritualistic and cultural practices, from the use of Henna and Fatima’s hand to drum-driven music and kosher tagines. You can also discover many of those traditions when visiting Israel or Polish cities, for example, at the Jewish Culture Festival in Kraków and in some of the best restaurants in Kraków.
(Source: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
The Moroccan Jewish Museum (Musée du Judaïsme Marocain) was founded compartively late. Established in a former Jewish orphanage, it was opened 1997 and is, until today, the only museum in the Arab world dedicated to Jewish culture.
You can find the Moroccan Jewish Museum in Casablanca’s Oasis quarter and discover several artefacts from former synagogues on an area of around 700 sqare metres. Some of the most precious exhibits are the bimah of Beni-Issakhar, historic Torah scrolls, and menorahs. Also, you can learn more about the prosecution of North African Jews during the Hitler and Vichy-French period.
Location: 81 Rue du chasseur Jules Gros, Musée du Judaïsme Marocain
Theatre Zafzaf
This theatre was kind of a surprise find. Walking along Rue Oussama Ibnou Zaid in Maârif, I bumped into a pretty pedestrian zone with a nice selection of tagine restaurants and Moroccan cafés. Then my eye spotted a seemingly abandoned building. When I turned away from it, I noticed the Theatre Zafzaf or Complexe culturel Mohamed Zafzaf.
Being curious about it, I peeked inside and discovered a lovely local cultural center with a lot to offer. You can enjoy dramas, attend workshops, have a look at the library, and enjoy the changing art exhibitions. The shows are mostly in French or Arabic. It's best to just ask at the door what’s on and if there are any tickets available.
What makes this place interesting is that it’s a very vibrant and dynamic meeting spots for local artist. It’s not at all addressed at tourists and, therefore, gives you a great insight into the grassroots culture of Casablanca.
Location: 33 Rue Oussama Ibnou Zaid, Theatre Zafzaf
Abdelrahman Slaoui Foundation
Situated opposite the the Cathedral of Sacre-Cœur, the Abdelrahman Slaoui Foundation is a wonderful place to explore some cultural history of Casablanca. What you can see here is a collection of paintings by Muhammad Ben Ali Rabati and Jacques Majorelle, orientalist posters, and Moroccan jewelry.
The gold and Tamazight jewelry exhibition is particularly beautiful and consists of quite a few rare pieces. It also shows the deep interest of the museum founder Abdelrahman Slaoui in arts and crafts. Being a famous businessman and art collector, his foundation opened 11 years after his death in 2012.
Apart from the permanent exhibition, you can expect a lot of temporary ones, mostly presenting the arts of contemporary Moroccan painters and sculpturists. Furthermore, the foundation hosts different types of workshops, where you can learn how to produce art in various ways.
Location: 12 Rue du Parc, Abdelrahman Slaoui Foundation
CasArt' – Grand Theater of Casablanca
CasArt‘, also called Grand Theater of Casablanca, is a brutalist masterpiece right next to Mohammed V Square and in the vicinity of the Cathedral as well as of the Parc de la Ligue Arabe. The (of course white) curved concrete walls designed by Christian de Portzamparc catch the eyes. The building itself was completed in 2018 and since then offers multiple gaps and entrances for up to 35,000 visitors.
Inside the hall, you can enjoy several shows from music and performances to talks and readings. There are two smaller stages for a more exclusive atmosphere. You can also retreat into one of the coffee shops, stroll through the art store or enjoy some local and international food to live music in the restaurant Le Jardin de l’Opera.
Location: Place Mohammed V, CasArt'
Religion (apart from Hassan II)
Synagogue Beth-El
Honestly, this place is not my favourite, but mainly because I wasn’t allowed to see it and rudely got rejected. I showed up at the door, read the sign with the opening hours, sat down to wait in a nearby tea house and showed up again half an hour later. When I rang the door bell, a man eventually opened, took one look at me, shook his head, tutted disapprovingly, and silently closed the door again. No explanation given whatsoever. After searching on google, I found out that many other visitors had this experience.
(Source: Sambasoccer27, Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0)
Otherwise, it would be a great place to explore some of the remains of Moroccan Judaism. Beth-El is one of the centers of contemporary Jewish culture in Casablanca and an architectural highlight. Particularly noteworthy are the stained glass windows, which contain designs that were inspired by the work of Marc Chagall. So if you have a chance, try to visit, but don’t wait for hours or walk for ages just to get in – you might be denied entrance without any reason.
Location: Rue Jaber Ben Hayane near street corner with Bd d’Anfa, Synagogue Beth-El
Cathedral Sacre-Cœur
Fitting to the city’s name, the Cathedral Sacre-Cœur from 1930 is completely painted in white. It was build following the design of French architect Paul Tournon in a very prominent neo-Gothic style with a few experimental and Art Déco elements. By adding two quadratic bell towers, Tournon directly referred to Moroccan culture – they resemble North-African minarets.
For a long time, the cathedral was neglected and rather served as a place for urbex and hangouts. In the early 2020s, the church was extensively renovated and reopened to the public in November 2023. Bad for me, because I wanted to explore the church more as a ruin; good for the public, of course, since there’s an actual Christian sight inside Casablanca now, displaying the multi-religious history of the city.
(Source: trevor.patt, Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Sacre-Cœur is an impressive architectural landmark, which you can take pictures of from the Parc de la Ligue Arabe and the Bd Rachidi right next to it. The park itself is a great place for picnics, games, and football. There are also a few cultural institutions like the CasaArt' Theater and the Musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui nearby.
Location: Corner rue d'Alger et boulevard Rachdi, quartier Gautier, Cathedral Sacre-Cœur
Food, drinks, music
LOQMA CHAHIA Shawarma
When I stayed in Casablanca, I was lucky enough to be staying right next to a little fast food place called LOQMA CHAHIA in Maârif. The long lines in front of the shop immediately piqued my curiosity. A few hours after my arrival, my host confirmed to me that you can get one of the best shawarmas in town here. So, if you are looking for great food in Casablanca, this is the place to be.
The bread for the shawarmas is freshly baked in front of your eyes. Apart from the meat you can choose between different fillings like pickled or fresh vegetables. Most people get their bounty wrapped up to take it away. If you’re a big fan of street food culture and want to discover something trendy and local, check out LOQMA CHANIA on Rue Ahmed El Majjati.
Location: 138 Rue Ahmed El Majjati, LOQMA CHAHIA Shawarma
Casa Fish
Casa Fish is one of the most popular fish restaurants inside the medina. Stepping on the Place Ahmed el Bidaoui, it’s hard to miss. The majorelle bleu coloured doors catch the eye und lure you into this reknown place. There is a good atmosphere in front of the gates and inside, however, I would recommend to walk up the stairs and take a seat on the terrace. The colourful and designs and crafts create a lively surrounding.
The primary food in Casa Fish, naturally, comes from the sea. Here you can discover various types of fish - grilled, fried or steamed. One of the highlights is the fish tagine. Nevertheless, the restaurant is by far not only focussed on seafood. Apart from that, you will find a quite extensive menu with all sorts of traditional dishes.
Compared to street food, Casa Fish is a bit more expensive, but definitely a great place to sit with your friends and family. If you come alone, the stray cats demanding their share of your food will definitely provide good company.
Location: Place Ahmed el Bidaoui, Casa Fish
Al Makana Gnaoua
When I was invited to Al Makana in the historic medina, it was supposed to be a simple concert of Gnaoua music, the legendary Sahara blues, which I really appreciate ever since the first time I heard it being performed by the Tamazight people in Errachidia. Because I’ve been missing the yearly Gnaoua festival in Essaouira again and again, I was of course all in for visiting this location.
(Source: Al Makana Innovative Bazar, Facebook Page)
When I arrived, things started quite slowly and sped up over the course of one or two hours. Since the music was repetitive in the beginning, I took a stroll around the upper levels. Here, Makana hosts a couple of high class studios with local arts and crafts. Compared to other markets it’s more expensive, but also guarantees higher quality.
After my little tour, I looked down from the vestibule and couldn’t believe my eyes. First one older woman started frantically headbanging and dancing wildly. Okay, I thought to myself, it’s just one person losing control; I did not yet realise that this was in fact the aim of the entire performance, to reach a state of trance through repetitive sounds and motions.
Following the example of the first woman, more and more joined in the intense dancing that consisted of rocking around, inhaling frankincense and shaking their heads until they would collapse on the floor. Their friends and mothers would hold the dancers with a belt around the waist so they wouldn't hurt themselves.
After this incredible show had finished, my friend, while drawing on his joint, explained that the Gnaoua ceremonies are a natural way of getting high, to cleanse your soul and connect to Allah. True or not, it’s certainly an unforgettable experience that you can regularly encounter at Casablanca’s Makana house. Even if there’s no concert at the time, you can just check out the shops, the mint tea and some modern Moroccan food.
Location: Place de Belgique, Al Makana
Egg, Cheese and Kafta Tagine in the Medina
Another insider-tip I’ve discovered from meeting locals are the small tagine places in the heart of the medina. A variation I hadn’t tried before was the mix of kafta meat balls, tomatoes, egg, and cheese. While classic tagine stews usually consist of one type of meat and some vegetables, this option was a bit more greasy, like a pizza with extra grated cheese on top.
(Source: Ivy Bean, Flickr, CC BY 2.0)
The additional topping of cheese, makes this tagine very unique and a perfect snack on long sightseeing days through Casablanca’s center. The prices here are usually much lower than in the typical tourist restaurants. But of course, you need to make sure you don’t get ripped of. Insisting on what’s written on the menu and maybe taking a local with you is the way to go.
Nature and Parks
Sidi Abderrahman Islet
The islet of Sidi Abderrahman is probably one of the best places in Casablanca to enjoy the view across the Atlantic ocean. It is located not far away from the Morocco Mall Southwest of the monumental mosque Hassan II. You can access the islet through a little arched bridge and look at Casablanca’s skyline from here. It also houses the mausoleum of one of the local sufi saints, known as marabous; yes, you guessed it right: Sidi Abderrahman.
(Source: Carlos ZGZ, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0)
Location: Îlot de Sidi Abderrahman, Bd de l'Océan Atlantique, Sidi Abderrahman Mausoleum
El Hank
You want to take extraordinary pictures of Africa’s highest minaret next to Morocco’s rocky Atlantic beach? The peninsula of El Hank is the best spot to do so. El Hank is situated westward of Hassan II and overlooked by a lighthouse of the same name. Especially in the evenings, you can enjoy a very romantic scenery, with the setting sun illuminating the large mosque with a beautiful orange light.
Location: El Hank, North of Bd de la Corniche, Plage El Hank
Ain Diab Beach
When people in Casablanca want to relax, meet friends and look at the massive waves the Atlantic ocean sends to Morocco’s shore, they go to Ain Diab. The beach is far outside of the city in a neighbourhood that is quite popular for fancy hotels and nice bars. Passing the rocks, you enjoy a wonderful view onto the ocean and you might spot the little islet Sidi Abderrahman in the distance. It’s also a good place to meet new people. At least, I was approached by a few locals who seemed more chatty in this neighbourhood than in other ones.
Location: Plage Ain Diab, Bd de l’Océan Atlantique, Plage Aïn Diab
Fôret de Bouskoura/Art Nature Adventure Park
Just 10 km South of Casablanca, you will find the pretty forest of Bouskoura, an excellent spot for hiking and walking. On weekends and public holidays, many visitors come here for picnics and bbqs. There is also a golf course and an amusement park that is perfect for families. At the Espace Art Nature in the Fôret de Bouskoura, you can go climbing with the children and swing from one tree to another.
Location: Fôret de Bouskoura, Bouskoura forest.
Parc de la Ligue Arabe
In the center of Casablanca, Parc de la Ligue Arabe is an inviting spot for picnics, sports and relaxation in green surroundings. The spot is situated right next to the cathedral and not far away from Place Mohammed V.
Whilst in this oasis, you can have a look at the beautiful palms and the fountain that floats in the middle of the park grounds. In one corner you can visit the small dome-shaped building La Coupole, which serves as a meeting point for students and as an exhibition hall.
(Parc de la Ligue Arabe and Cathedral in the background)
Location: Bd Moulay Youssef, Arab League Park