First-Time Guide To Casablanca: What To See, Eat & Experience!

If you’ve ever dreamed of a city that’s equal parts old-world charm, coastal breezes, and modern North African energy, put Casablanca at the top of your list. Most people hear “Casablanca” and think of the old black-and-white Hollywood film—mysterious bars, romance, and foggy intrigue. But the real Casablanca is a living, breathing city brimming with color, local flavor, and surprises around every corner.

For first-timers, Casablanca isn’t your typical tourist trap—it’s more of an experience that unfolds slowly, street by street, cup of mint tea by cup of mint tea. So, if you’re packing your bags for the first time, here’s how to make the most of it.

Start at the Iconic: Hassan II Mosque

If there’s one landmark you absolutely shouldn’t skip, it’s the Hassan II Mosque. Even if you’re not big on sightseeing, this place will take your breath away. Perched dramatically on a jut of land above the Atlantic Ocean, this mosque is one of the largest in the world and one of the few in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter.

Take a guided tour—it’s worth every dirham. Inside, you’ll find intricately carved marble, massive chandeliers, and a retractable roof that opens up on sunny days. Outside, the courtyard is almost as impressive, with sea spray sometimes drifting across the tiled floor.

Wander the Old Medina

Casablanca’s old medina doesn’t get as much hype as Fez’s winding maze or Marrakech’s bustling souks, but it has its own charm, especially for first-timers easing into Morocco’s famous medina experience.

Here, narrow streets snake between whitewashed buildings. You’ll pass tiny shops selling leather slippers, spices, and knock-off football jerseys. Locals haggle over the day’s produce and street cats slink through alleys. It’s all a little chaotic but that’s the magic. Don’t rush—get lost, peek into tiny bakeries, and say “salaam” to shopkeepers. Most will greet you with a smile and a polite nod.

Stroll Along La Corniche

When you need a break from the medina’s bustle, head west to La Corniche—Casablanca’s breezy waterfront stretch. Think palm trees, surf, and wide views of the Atlantic crashing against rocks.

La Corniche is lined with beach clubs, restaurants, and cafes. Grab a seat at one of the oceanfront terraces, order a mint tea or fresh juice, and just people-watch. Locals and tourists alike come here to unwind, rollerblade, or take a sunset stroll.

If you’re up for it, pack a swimsuit and head to Ain Diab Beach. It’s a fun spot to see how locals cool off, play beach football, and swim when the weather’s right.

Eat Like a Local

Moroccan food is reason enough to visit Casablanca. Forget what you think you know about couscous and tagine—here, it’s all about fresh ingredients, spices done right, and meals that linger long past the last bite.

Start your food adventure at a traditional café—order a piping hot bowl of bissara (a creamy fava bean soup) with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh bread for dipping. For lunch, try a hearty tagine—slow-cooked lamb with prunes or chicken with preserved lemons and olives. If you’re by the sea, go for grilled sardines or fried calamari at a local seafood shack near the port.

And don’t skip past the pastries. Moroccan sweets like cornes de gazelle (crescent-shaped almond cookies) and sticky honey-drenched chebakia pair perfectly with a glass of strong, sweet mint tea.

Discover Casablanca’s French Past

Casablanca feels like Morocco’s most cosmopolitan city partly because of its colonial history. One of the best ways to appreciate it is by exploring the city’s Art Deco district downtown. Wide boulevards, grand facades, and old cinemas hint at the city’s 20th-century boom.

Take a stroll along Boulevard Mohammed V and admire the old buildings—some faded, some restored to their old glory. The city’s old post office is worth a peek, as is Cinema Rialto, which still shows films in a building that looks frozen in time.

Don’t Miss the Marché Central

If you want to rub shoulders with Casablancans doing their daily shopping, duck into the Marché Central. This covered market is smack in the middle of town and feels refreshingly real—locals bargaining for fresh fish, piles of bright oranges, olives in every shade of green, and spice pyramids that smell like heaven.

There’s a handful of simple seafood stalls inside too. Point to your pick—shrimp, fish, or calamari—and they’ll grill it up on the spot. Grab a plastic stool and enjoy your fresh catch with a squeeze of lemon and a cold drink.

Dive Into the Café Scene

Casablanca might not be known for its nightlife like Marrakech, but it does café culture very well. There’s something special about whiling away an hour or two in a sunny café, watching city life unfold.

Try Café de France for old-school charm—locals still gather here to chat, play cards, or read the paper. Or check out the more modern spots like Bondi Coffee Kitchen for a good espresso and laid-back vibe. And if you really want to step back in time, Rick’s Café—yes, that Rick’s Café, inspired by the movie—is worth a visit. It’s touristy, sure, but the vintage piano, old Casablanca posters, and classic cocktails bring the movie magic to life.

Practical Tips for First-Timers

  • When to Go: Casablanca has a mild climate year-round, but spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are especially pleasant.
  • How to Get Around: Petit taxis (red ones) are plentiful and cheap. Just make sure they turn the meter on. For longer distances, consider a ride-share app.
  • What to Wear: Casablanca is more laid-back than other Moroccan cities but still dress modestly—shoulders covered, long skirts or pants.
  • Stay Safe: Casablanca is generally safe, but keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas. A simple money belt or crossbody bag helps.

A City That Grows on You

Casablanca probably won’t charm you the same way a postcard-perfect village in the Atlas Mountains might. It’s modern, busy, and at first glance, a bit gritty in places. But spend a few days here and you’ll see its layers—old colonial architecture brushing up against modern skyscrapers, local vendors calling you “my friend” as you walk by, the ocean breeze mixing with the smell of grilled fish and street-side mint tea.

That’s the real magic of Casablanca. It doesn’t try too hard—it just is. And for first-time visitors ready to slow down and soak it up, that’s more than enough.

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