Top places to visit

The Tamaris Aquaparc, the only water park of the city, is situated 10 km away from Casablanca on the Tamaris beach direction. Children will enjoy the wave pool, the huge river and slides of all sizes. Built in an oasis of greenery, Tamaris Aquaparc is a very popular destination for the residents of the city as well as tourists. Address: Route d’Azemmour KM 15, Casablanca Tel: +212 (0) 522 965 369

Located in the centre of town, the ‘Yasmine Park’ is a great playground for children. It is a funfair located within the Parc de la ligue Arabe with small rides that are fun and relaxing Admission: DH150 Open daily: 10am - 7pm Address: Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca

Located in Grand Casablanca, Sindbad Amusement Park attracts hordes of tourists and locals who come here to enjoy rides and games. Some of the attractions are the whirling carousels, dizzying dodgems, slides and paddle boats. The giant statue of Sinbad staring down at visitors with a deep mysterious gaze is another interesting feature. Address: Grand Casablanca, near Ain Diab Resort

This zoo is the only one in Morocco and is a great place t spend a warm, sunny day with family. The zoo houses flamingoes, lions, bears, monkeys and other exotic species. Though not too high on visitor count, the zoo is nevertheless well worth a visit. Address: Avenue Aîn Sebaa, Casablanca Tel: +212 522 22 15 24

Casablanca Twin Center is a bold piece of architecture that represents a modern and enterprising Casablanca. Reaching a height of 100m, this building is a vibrant commercial center. The tower houses offices, dwellings and commercial establishments, the latter on the first five floors. Terraces, bars and restaurants occupy the top floor. Three basement car parks provide ample parking. Address: Boulevard Zerktouni at Boulevard El-Massira, Casablanca

Place Mohammed V was originally known as Place de France when it was laid out in 1920 after which it was called Place des Nations Allies after WWII. This magnificent square is undoubtedly the heart of the city. It is in fact the seat of the administrative centre of Casablanca. It has the post office, Palace of Justice, the French Consulate and the bank of Morocco all set around a central fountain. The vicinity is filled with cafes and souvenir shops making it a place frequently visited by tourists and residents alike. At night the place comes alive with lights. Address: Place Mohammed V, Casablanca

Rialto Cinema, which still functions as a movie house, is a delight to visit with its gaudily painted art deco both inside and out. Address: Corner of rue Mohammed el Quorri and rue Salah Bouchaib, Casablanca Tel: 022 262 632

The Jewish Museum has the distinction of being the only museum in Casablanca as well as being the only Jewish museum in any Muslim country. It has a collection of religious books, costumes, sacramental artifacts and other items which throw light on the 5000-strong Jewish community in Morocco. Address: 81 rue Chasseur Jules Gros, Casablanca Oasis Tel: 022 994 940

People suffering from psychological problems or nervous disorders often visit The Marabout of Sidi Abd Er Rahman, a shrine consisting of a group of whitewashed tombs, perched in a striking position on a rocky promontory that can only be reached at low tide. Every year, a large number of pilgrims go to bathe and spend the night there.

The Corniche is the perfect place to unwind after a day of touring the city. It stretches from Hassan II Mosque on a crescent to the El Hank Lighthouse. You can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy uninterrupted sweep of beaches or just sit at a restaurant and spend your time relaxing and people watching. Many fast food chains also have an outlet here. This area is also preferred by those looking for nightlife, with its fashionable bars and hotels. Address: Boulevard de La Corniche

Megarama cinemaplex has several theatres showing different films in English, Arabic and French. Address: Boulevard de la Corniche, Ain Diab, 20000 Casablanca Tel: +212 22 79 88 88

El Hank Lighthouse was built in 1919 to help sailors steer their vessels away from the shore. Until the construction of the lighthouse, many ships got stuck in the sandy banks of Casablanca’s shores. El Hank Lighthouse, also known as Pointe d'el-Hank Light, stands 161 feet high, and its light can be seen from 30 nautical miles away. The lighthouse is a round masonry tower with lantern and gallery. Earlier the lighthouse was painted with elaborate designs but now it has been painted white. The lighthouse is another famous landmark associated with Casablanca, and is a great place to bring a picnic lunch and watch the waves crash below.

The Makhama du Pacha is an imposing edifice which houses both the court of justice and reception rooms for state occasions.

Notre Dame de Loudres church is a monumental concrete sculpture, dating from the fifties. It is lit by vast stained glass windows and covers an area of 800 sq. m.

Old Medina is a small traditional walled town in the north of Casablanca containing an extravagant labyrinth of lanes. Wander through the bustling streets and watch the never-ending spectacle of barbers, butchers, grocers, ironmongers and their throng of customers.

The Sacre Coeur Cathedral is situated on the northwest edge of the Parc de la Ligue Arabe. It is an imposing building that gracefully blends different architectural influences; the European style and traditional Moroccan. Designed by Paul Toron in 1930, the cathedral has been used as a school, theatre and cultural center. Address: Parc de la Ligue Arabe

The Parc de la Ligue Arabe is not just Casablanca’s most renowned park but also one of the major parks of Morocco itself. Lush verdant carpeting and a profusion of flora that is local to Morocco make this a heavenly expanse of nature amidst the urban jungle. Many exotic and foreign varieties of plants are also grown here.

Tamaris Aquaparc It is the city's only water park, located 10 km from Casablanca in the direction of the beach. Children will enjoy the water rides, a large river and water slides of all sizes. The park was built in an oasis of greenery. It is a very popular destination for residents and tourists. Address: Route d’Azemmour KM 15, Casablanca Phone: +212 (0) 522 965 369 Parc de Jeux Yasmina This park is in the city centre and has a large children's playground. Inside it is also a small amusement park with some enjoyable rides for children. Ticket price: 150 Moroccan dirhams Open daily: from 10:00 until 7:00 pm Address: Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca Ain Sebaa Zoo It is Morocco's only zoo and an ideal place to spend a sunny day with the family. The zoo is home to flamingos, lions, bears, monkeys and other exotic species. Although it does not receive many visitors, it is worth visiting. Address: Avenue Ain Sebaa, Casablanca Phone: +212 522 22 15 24 Parc Sindibad This amusement park is in Greater Casablanca. Parc Sindibad attracts large crowds of tourists and residents who come to enjoy rides such as carousels, roller coasters, slides and rowing boats. A giant statue of Sindibad gazes at visitors, making it a focus of interest for many tourists. Address: Greater Casablanca, near the Ain Diab resort