 Casablanca boasts a number of fascinating and beautiful sights where visitors can learn about the city’s past as well as experience its present character. The Hassan II Mosque is especially popular with visitors as it one of the largest places of Muslim worship in the world. Another popular sight is the port, where you will be able to experience the buzz and spirit of locals going about their day-to-day life.
Top Things to See
 Hassan II Mosque
This gigantic religious structure sits majestically on boulevard Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah and is named after King Hassan II, to whom it was given as a gift on his 60th birthday. With a capacity for 25,000 persons and covering a total area of 22.24 acres, this is one of the largest places of Muslim worship in the world and with its 575 foot high minaret; it is unquestionably the world’s tallest religious structure. Non-Muslims can view the interior of the mosque through guided tours.
 Casablanca Port
Observe the comings and goings of one of Africa’s busiest ports where cruise liners and oil tankers dock and set sail throughout the day every day. A vibrant atmosphere prevails in the area and a real sense of the spirit of the city and its heritage can be experienced by a simple walk around the dockland district.
 New Medina
The city’s newer quarter is located south of the centre and is otherwise known as Quartier des Habous (meaning ‘district of holy men’). This district is modern and yet retains a sense of Moroccan tradition via its architecture. This is a good place to do a spot of shopping and watch modern Casablancan life.
 Old Medina
The old Arab quarter of Casablanca is now known as the Old Medina and is located central to town. It’s a great place for doing a spot of exploring and offers some fascinating sights of old stone houses set in winding passageways as well as a myriad of shops selling all manner of products. The lower end of the district is home to Borj Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, a fort built in the 18th century to protect the city from offensives made by the Portuguese.
 Place Mohamed V
Central to the city, Place Mohamed V is a square offering visitors some fantastic views of magnificent colonial French architecture. Many of the old buildings have been restored and reincarnated for use by government or public office. The centre of the square features a splendid fountain from which multi-coloured jets of water are strewn.
 The Marabout
Hailed as one of the country’s most important religious sites, the Marabout is said to house the remains of a number of Morocco’s most holy historic figures. Situated just outside of the city, on a small island, are the white-domed tombs which attract many a pilgrim believing in the powers of spiritual healing that they possess.
Top Things to Do
 Head for the beach and top up your tan. Casablanca is home to some very nice beaches and in the summer months, these are busy with families, sun worshippers and those looking for a bit of relaxation. The beaches of Ain Diab, Bouznika and Agadir are renowned for their golden white sands and warm sea waters.
 Indulge in a shopping trip in New Medina and get all your souvenirs that you might want to take home. The new town is home to some excellent shopping opportunities which should really be taken advantage of. It is a great area for souvenir and gift shopping although you will also fin clothes, electrical items and household objects for sale.
 Sample the local cuisine. With Moroccan food subject to such a diverse range of influences and offering some of the tastiest dishes on the African continent, it would truly be a sin to visit the city of Casablanca and not indulge in some of the local delicacies, be it from a roadside vendor or at a 5-star restaurant. Fragrant, mildly spicy and always mouth-wateringly tasty, food in Casablanca is as indicative of the culture of the local people as the clothes they wear and the buildings they dwell in.
 Take a guided tour of the city. Tours organised by local operators take visitors to all of the city’s major sights including Hassan II mosque, the Arabe Ligue Park, the Villa des Arts museum, the Moroccan Judaism museum, the Mohamed V square and the Royal Palace. Tours generally last a half-day only.
 Take a one-day tour to a neighbouring destination. Casablanca is within easy driving distance of some of Morocco’s other famous destinations and so after seeing all that the city has to offer, holiday makers should take advantage of this proximity to visit some of the other famous cities. Marrakesh with its 16th century Saadians tombs; Koutoubia mosque and Bahia palace; Fez with its Karaouiyne mosque; Moulay Idriss Mausoleum and Rabat and Salé with the Hassan tower and Mohamed V Mausoleum, are all accessible within a day’s driving and make for fascinating sightseeing.
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