Day 01
Casablanca Heritage, Corniche, and Cultural Landmarks
- Although the rest of Morocco does not allow non-Muslims access to mosques, visits to the Grand Mosque of Hassan II are permitted through guided tours only. The entrance costs ten euros, but the expense is worth it to admire the second-largest religious building in the world after Mecca.
- A drive around the Corniche to the Hank Lighthouse should be considered essential. The area is home to many restaurants serving excellent food, and at night it becomes one of the most atmospheric places to go out for a drink.
- Go shopping in the souk of the Habbous neighbourhood.
- Take a break in Arab League Park.
- Enter the old Medina of Casablanca. Although it has a reputation for being dangerous, this should not be exaggerated. A tour of Sidi-Bou-Smara square will delight any traveller wanting to see the ancient Casablanca enclosed within its walls.
- Mahkama du Pacha is a Hispano-Arabic building composed of more than 60 rooms decorated with wooden ceilings, stuccos, and tiles. Although the entrance is free, it is not easy to enter, and you need to find a guide to accompany you. Ask around - especially if you speak some French - as it is worth it. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 08:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00. To get there, take bus 81 on Boulevard de Paris.
- The Central Post Office is a unique place to send your letters in style. Built in 1918, the facade of this building combines both round and rectangular shapes and features beautiful mosaics.
- Rêve de Mon oeil is an art gallery exhibiting a strange collection of modern sculptures by artists from all over Morocco.
- The Octagonal Plaza is one of the best places in modern Morocco. Businessmen gather here in large numbers at lunchtime to eat under the sun in this modern city square, making it a good place to take pictures.
- The Jewish Museum of Casablanca is the only Jewish museum in Morocco and in the entire Muslim world. It is an important resource that demonstrates the significance of Jewish heritage throughout Morocco's history. The museum is located in a modern, bright building in the Oasis neighbourhood, five kilometres south of Casablanca. Ancient Moroccan Jewish books and scrolls, traditional costumes, and sacramental elements are on display. You will also find photographs of ancient Jewish cemeteries and synagogues, such as Ibn Dannan in Fez and in Ifrane. The Jewish Museum of Casablanca is located at 81 Rue Jules Chasseur Gros, just outside the city. It is open from Monday to Friday, from 11:00 to 17:00, and the entrance fee is 30dh.
