What to do in Casablanca - Things to see and places to go in Casablanca while on a short trip

Here are, according to us and our local team, the things to do and see in Casablanca in order to get the real vibe, real essence of the city.

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1. Of course you could do all of the following or just register to our cultural scavenger hunt!

2. Take a look to this map of the city, to have a real idea on how it is built and organized.

3.  Hassan II Mosque

 On the shoreline, just beyond the northern tip of Casablanca's medina (old city), the Hassan II mosque dominates the entire city. Finished in 1993, it is the second largest mosque in the world, covering two hectares in size with the world's tallest minaret (200 meters high). The prayer hall can accommodate 25,000 worshippers, while the courtyard (which boasts a retractable roof) can fit another 80,000. Astonishingly intricate decoration covers every centimeter of surface. The location, right on the tip of the rocky bay above the ocean, is thoroughly dramatic. Non-Muslims can visit the mosque on guided tours, which begin at the mosque's western entrance several times per day.
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4. The Medina

Although Casablanca's old city district may not have as much exotic atmosphere as the medinas of Fes and Marrakesh, the maze-like tumble of alleyways still hides much to discover. Authentic tradesmen sell their wares to shoppers, with the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker all accounted for. It's a rambling and ramshackle neighborhood with an authentic residential feel, and a great place to experience the pulse of Casablanca life. There are also some interesting holy men koubbas (shrines) in the medina's southern section.
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 5. Square Mohamed V

Place Mohamed V is the central plaza of Casablanca. It is home to many of the city's important official buildings, including the main post office, Palace of Justice, Prefecture, French consulate, and the main Bank of Morocco. The building facades all sport the neo-Moorish style that French Resident-General Lyautey planned out for the city as he set about modernizing Casablanca in the early 20th century. The square has a central fountain and well-tended gardens.
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6. The Corniche

 Casablanca's Corniche (beachfront district) in the Ain Diab suburb, is the city's vortex for those who want to see-and-be-seen. Much of the shoreline is now home to luxury hotels and restaurants. During the day, the many beach clubs here do a roaring trade with sun worshipers lapping up the rays and splashing in the club swimming pools. Further along the shoreline is the public beach.
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7. Cathedrale du Sacre Coeur

This graceful cathedral was built in the 1930s, and its architecture is a harmonious blend of both European and Moroccan style. Unfortunately, it has been left to wither in the past few decades, and is now in need of serious restoration. But even in its current dilapidated state, the structure is still beautiful. If you're lucky, the guardian will allow you inside where you can capture a sense of this building's past glory. Nearby is the Notre Dame de Lourdes, a church lit by a vast stained glass window covering more than 800 square meters.
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8. Central Market

Casablanca's bustling central market is a must for tourists who want to throw themselves into the midst of city life. Right in the city center, the market is where locals come to buy and sell - be it housewives bartering for vegetables, or grocers yelling out their special deals. It's a great opportunity for photographers and fun for everyone else. You'll find everything here from plastic bowls to Morocco's famous slippers. You never know, you might be able to snag a few bargains for yourself during the visit.
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Hatem is our Casablanca local representative, we asked him what an ideal day of leisure in Casablanca could look like, what he would suggest doing from early morning to late at night
Here is what he suggests. Don't hesitate to contact Hatem on Twitter @bigcitychase #Casablanca #questionforHatem if you have questions for him, we may publish your conversation in this blog if he thinks it might be useful to other Casablanca visitors.

  Hatem from Casablanca for Big City Chase Casablanca : 

"Hello guys, my name is Hatem, I was born and grew up here in Casa, I still live here today, I'm a tour guide with a history degree, if you are passing by Casa soon, don't hesitate to contact me for a guided tour with history topics you can do so on Twitter or on Facebook  @bigcitychase #Hatem #Casablanca #question for Hatem. For right now I will make you some suggestion to spend an ideal leisure day in Casa.