Skip to content
Irhal · Your guide to the world
Irhal
العربية

Search for a city, hotel or experience

Discover Casablanca

Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Casablanca.

City map
Casablanca
Next prayerFajr 6:15 AM
Weather now18°C Cloudy
CurrencyMoroccan Dirham
Best time to visitSee city guide

Must-see attractions in Casablanca

From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 17 standout sights to build into your time in the city.

Casablanca is a city in western Morocco located on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Greater Casablanca region. Home to over 3.1 million people, Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city as well as its chief port, which is also happens to be one of the largest artificial ports in the world.  The Royal Moroccan Navy has its primary base here. Architects began designing this model city in 1912, bringing a visionary charm to this modern metropolis and organizing its phenomenal development, so that today it is the largest major city in Northern Africa and stunning for its architectural beauty.  The centre of Casablanca has elegant buildings

Halal restaurants in Casablanca

Casablanca’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 13 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.

altcasablanca

Ma Bretagne Restaurant

This restaurant is said to be the best restaurant in Africa. Seafood is the specialty but French delicacies cooked by the master chef are also very popular. Address: Sidi Abderahman, Blvd de la Corniche, Ain Diab, Casablanca Telephone: 022 362112

altcasablanca

Rick’s Café

Set in an old courtyard-style mansion built against the walls of the Old Medina of Casablanca, the restaurant - piano bar is filled with architectural and decorative details reminiscent of the 1942 film starring Humphrey Bogart: Casablanca. Curved arches, a sculpted bar, balconies, balustrades as well as dramatic beaded and stenciled brass lighting and plants that cast luminous shadows on white walls. Details have been added that go beyond the film set in terms of ambience and comfort - four fireplaces, banquettes and an intimate private dining with view of the fishing port provide the background setting for an international menu specializing in Casablanca's fresh fish, vegetables and fruit. Issam, a pianist from Rabat, provides the soundtrack to the sophisticated elegant surroundings. Guests come to feel as though they are in the film, and each evening a new chapter unfolds in the lives of the characters who are part of today's Rick's Cafe.

altcasablanca

Tavern du Dauphin

Tavern du Dauphin specializes in seafood and is one of the best seafood restaurants in Casablanca. Though a bit expensive, it is well worth the money. Cuisine: seafood Address: 115, Boulevard Houphoeut Boigny, Casablanca

altcasablanca

La Bodega

La Bodega is a lively tapas bar with Spanish cocktails upstairs and a DJ and dancefloor downstairs. The food here is excellent. Cuisine: local traditional Address: 129, Rue Allal Ben Abdallah, Casablanca Tel: 022-541842

altcasablanca

La Cabestan

Warm hospitality coupled with an excellent location in the shadow of El Hank lighthouse makes Le Cabestan a restauarant one would like to visit repeatedly. Excellent seafood coupled with steak and foie gras will make you lick your fingers. Through the large windows you can get a stunning view of the sea. Address: Phare d'El Hank, Casablanca, Morocco Tel: (212) (02) 39 11 90

altcasablanca

La Sqala

La Sqala is located in the gardens within the old city walls, in front of the port and at the edge of the old medina. Traditional Moroccon and international food is served here. You can enjoy seafood starters, skewers, main dish prepared in clay pots and the regular steak and fish too.

Where to stay in Casablanca

Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.

altcasablanca

Kenzi Tower Hotel

The Kenzi Tower Hotel is located in one of Casablanca’s Twin Center Towers offering panoramic views of the city. The air conditioned rooms have en suite bathrooms and a TV.

altcasablanca

Golden Tulip Farah Casablanca

Golden Tulip Farah Casablanca has a prime location in the heart of Casablanca. All guestrooms are well equipped and have internet access and cable/satellite TV. The hotel offers many services including a business centre, a spa and wellness center with an indoor swimming pool, a fitness club, Jacuzzi, hammam and many restaurants and bars with various specialties. Free private parking is possible.

altcasablanca

Sheraton Casablanca Hotel and Towers

Sheraton Casablanca is located in the heart of the city. This hotel is bordered by the amazing beach front and the city’s major sights, including palm-lined boulevards.

altcasablanca

Le Royale Mansour Meridien

Le Royale Meridian is one of Casablanca’s most prestigious hotels. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the harbor and the Hassan II mosque from the 9th floor terrace. The hotel has the advantage of having some of the tourist sites in close proximity including the Place des Nations Unies, New Medina, the winding streets of the Old Medina, and the Central Market. Guestrooms are decorated in refined Moroccan style with all modern amenities. The rooms are spacious and feature a luxurious sitting area for recreation ad leisure. The well equipped fitness centre has a team of instructors to assist with workout sessions. In addition, the hotel has a sauna, spa and wellness center, Turkish/steam bath and hammam. Wi-fi is available in public areas and costs EUR 20 per 24 hours. Wired internet is available in the hotel rooms and costs EUR 20 per 24 hours. Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 5 per day.

altcasablanca

Art Palace Suites & Spa

Art Palace and Spa is very well located in the heart of Downtown Casablanca. The décor of each air-conditioned suite of this trendy hotel is inspired by a celebrity or international icon. The hotel specializes in upscale service and attention to details. Nespresso machines are provided and there is a DVD player, iPod docking station and mini bar. Its suites also include free Wi-Fi and flat screen TV. Some suites have a private terrace and therapeutic bath. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and spa center with hammam. The restaurant at Art Palace serves international and local cuisine. In addition, guests can enjoy a cocktail at Le 4 Lounge bar or enjoy tea, coffee and pastries while relaxing at Le Living Room. The Art Hall also houses a permanent art gallery. Free parking is available for hotel guests. Rooms: 25 Address: Bd d'Anfa, 4 rue du Soldat Benhamou, Casablanca 20500

History and today in Casablanca

Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.

Casablanca Today

Casablanca Today

Casablanca is a city in western Morocco located on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Greater Casablanca region.

City Information

Casablanca History

Casablanca (Dar el Beida) in Moroccan Arabic or ‘White House’ in English, was a tiny Berber settlement during the 7th century. Anfa, a minor independent country emerged within the area due to the Arab Muslim rule. By the 14th century, with the help of Merinids, Anfa became a major port. By the 15th century, the town became a self-governing state once again. The Portuguese, ruined this town in 1468, eventually attacking the local pirates of the region. The Portuguese constituted a military fortress in the year 1515 with the remnants of the city. The town that emerged here was named Casablanca, which meant White House in Portuguese language. But most of this town was later on destroyed during 1755 due to a severe earthquake, forcing the Portuguese to leave.

Discover

City Information

When to go

Casablanca is located along the Atlantic Ocean but enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild weather throughout the year. There is little seasonal temperature variation and a lack of extreme heat and extreme cold which makes it possible to enjoy a visit to the city round the year. However winter is the least popular time to visit due to the rains. Visiting in the spring, early summer and fall will offer pleasant weather and the fewest crowds. Most hotels, shops and attractions remain open throughout the year. However, some restaurants and coffee houses will close during the day in the month of Ramadan.

Discover

City Information

Fast Facts

Location: Casablanca is located in the Chawiya plain on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Dialing Code: Country -212 City - 022 Emergency Numbers: Ambulance: 150 or call Amal Assistance at 022-36-44-36 or 022-39- 20-03 or SOS Medecins Maroc at 022-25-25-25. Fire Department: 190 Police: 190 Road emergency: 177 Royal Gendarmerie: 177 Airport: +212 (022) 539040 Moroccan National Tourist Office: +212 37 67 39 18/ 67 40 13 International Calls Operator: Telephone Directory Services: 160 Population: City- 3,299,428 Languages: The official language is Arabic but French is widely spoken as well as English & Spanish Time Zone: UTC +0, Summer (DST) UTC +1 Average January Temperatures: 17.2○ C Average July Temperatures: 26.4 ○C Annual Rainfall: 6.9cm Electricity: 220 volts in new buildings, round two-pin plugs are standard. (110 volts in the old ones ) Enquire on the spot before using appliances.

Discover

City Information

Currency and Exchange Rates

The national currency in Morocco is the dirham. It cannot be converted outside the Kingdom's borders, so don't forget to exchange money or bring other means of payment.

Discover

City Information

Public Holidays

1 Jan …New Year’s Day 11 Jan… Manifesto of Independence 01 May…Labor’s Day 30 July …Feast of the Throne 14 August… Fete Oued Eddahad (Oued Eddahab Allegience Day) 20 Aug…Revolution du Roi et du Peuple (Anniversary of the King and the People’s Revolution) 21 Aug…King Mohammed’s Birthday 06 Nov…Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green March) 18 Nov…Fete de l’Independence

Discover

City Information

Annual Temperature

All figures are in degrees centigrade. January: Jan High- 17.1 Jan Low- 7.2

Discover

Shopping in Casablanca

Explore 11 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.

altcasablanca

Maarif neighborhood

Maarif neighborhood (near the twin center) is sometimes considered as Casablanca’s St Germain-des-Pres. It has many European and American fashion chains, such as Zara, Prada, etc. Designer glasses, leather shoes, and "genuine" belts, bags, and shirts can be had at bargain prices. This neighborhood also boasts the city’s finest book shop, Le Carrefour du Livre.

altcasablanca

Artisanat Fenouch

Artisanat Fenouch is the perfect place to spend in peaceful shopping where shopowners allow you to browse through at leisure. Designer accessories like shoes, purses, belts etc. are available here. Earthenware, jewelry and local craft is also sold here. Bargaining is a no-no and prices are fixed.

altcasablanca

Cacheral

Ready to wear, high end fashion store, this offers eclectic and innovative designer wear with style based on a broad varied color palette, a mix of prints and textures.

altcasablanca

Marrionnaud

French perfumery chain Marionnaud’s first store in Morocco is known as the largest beauty store in all of the Maghreb. This two-level perfumery in the heart of Casablanca features several treatment cabins for women and two for men. It also houses Marionnaud's first-ever hair salon, a dedicated dermo-cosmetics area and a small refreshment bar. In keeping with the prestige image of the central Casablanca neighborhood where the perfumery is situated, Marionnaud offers a valet parking service and child-minding facilities in store. Address: 192 Boulevard d’anfa, Casablanca Tel: +212 (0) 522 364 500

altcasablanca

Bulgari

Address: 246, Boulevard Zerktouni, Casablanca Tel: +212 (0) 522 265 258

Signature sights in Casablanca

A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.

Festivals and events in Casablanca

Plan around 7 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.

altcasablanca

Video Arts Festival

The Casablanca Festival of Video Art explores the latest in video and multi-media installations. It also promotes the exchange of ideas by holding workshops and conferences for artists and anyone interested in the subject.

altcasablanca

Urban Culture on Stage

Urban Culture on Stage is a non-religious festival that promotes the talent of the city. The festival exhibits new musical genres that have become a significant part of the city over a period of time. This festival is generally hosted at the Zafzaf Cultural Center during March each year, making it a spring festival. At this festival, one can enjoy musical genres including hip-hop, fusion and rap.

altcasablanca

Jazzablanca Festival

A number of jazz musicians converge from around the globe to entertain thousands of visitors who descend on the city each April when the event takes place at the Megarama Cinema in Casablanca. One of Casablanca's most prestigious events on the social calendar, Jazzblanca is a must for lovers of all things jazz.

altcasablanca

Amazigh Theatre Fest

The Amazigh Theatre Fest is a fest with a difference. While it has all the usual attributes of theatrical production like speech, gesture, music, dance and sound all incorporated in a way universally accepted, it also has the unique distinction of being carried out in Berber, an ancient North African language which has been an integral part of Moroccan culture for centuries. The language continues to be used by many Moroccans even today. Alongside, traditional theatrical principles like masks, mimcry and puppetry also find their way at this festival.

altcasablanca

Mousseum of Sidi Mohammed Ma al-Ainin

Moussems are important gatherings to pay homage to saints. This veneration of saints goes against the principles of orthodox Muslims, nevertheless these celebrations continue with great fervor. An interesting event held every year in May is the “Mousseum of Sidi Mohammed Ma al-Ainin”, during which time tribes of nomads who wander the Sahara (known to some as the “Blue People”) gather and sell traditional clothing. Fantasias, dances, traditional costumes, processions and food all form part of the festivities.

Casablanca tours and experiences

Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.

altcasablanca

Imperial Cities Tour

This tour takes you through Fez, Rabat, Meknes, Volubili, Casablanca and Marrakech Price from: 450 EUR/person Tel: 0021239324407 Fax: 0021239324425 Duration: 7 days Location Start: Casablanca Location finish: Casablanca.

altcasablanca

Royal Cities Tour

This tour takes you through Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis,Fez and Marrakech Price from: 825 Euro/person Tel: 0021239324407 Fax: 0021239324425 Duration: 8 days Location Start: Casablanca Location finish: Casablanca

altcasablanca

Olive Branch Tours

Olive Branch Tours offer a 'Grand Tour of Casablanca', which takes in the main squares in the ville nouvelle, the medina and the Mahakma du Pasha in Habous, as well as a stroll along the Corniche. Also, from short breaks to month-long holidays, they offer a wide and unique range of options from weekends away to horse riding and desert safari holidays to High Atlas Mountains’ trekking to Special Interest tours. Customized tours can be organized too.

altcasablanca

City Discovery Tours

The tour starts with the United Nations Place, Mohammed V square, the central market, the royal palace surrounding, the Habbous Quarter, the Mehkama (court), the Cathedral Notre Dame de Lourdes, the residential area of Anfa, external visit of the famous Hassan II mosque and the beautiful Ain Diab corniche lined up with restaurants and swimming pools. Duration: 3 hours Price: Starting from $86 Contact: Toll Free 1-866-988

The Irhal city file

Casablanca travel guide sections

Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.