By 1912 it was part of the new French protectorate.
CASABLANCA IN...
One Day
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Frédéric Cassel Haute Pâtisserie in Anfa. As no visit to Casablanca is completewithout marvelling at the seaside mosque, hop in a taxi to the Hassan II Mosque Offline map (^) Google map and take in a
tour. Then head to Sqala Restaurant in the ramparts for lunch in the garden. Browse the artisan shops in the Quartier
Habous for Moroccan souvenirs, stopping for tea and cakes at Pâtisserie Bennis Habous . Treat yourself to stunning views
over the ocean by dining at one of the cliff-top restaurants by el-Hank lighthouse before joining the city’s pretty young things
in the bars and clubs along Blvd de la Corniche .
Two Days
With another day to enjoy the city, start with breakfast at Paul in the beautiful Zevaco building. Work it off by following the
walking tour in this guide, taking in the best of Casa’s Mauresque heritage. After lunch, check out the trendy boutiques or take
in an Imax movie at Morocco Mall before a hammam and massage at Gauthier Bain Turc . Restaurant Port de Pêche is
just the place for local fish before a nightcap at La Bodega .
Sights
Casablanca is Morocco’s commercial hub and locals are far more interested in big international
business than in tourism. Tourists are few in town and it’s very much a workaday place with
remarkably few traditional tourist attractions. Apart from the grand Hassan II Mosque, the city’s
main appeal is in strolling around its neighbourhoods: the wonderful Mauresque architecture of
the city centre, the peaceful Parc de la Ligue Arabe, the gentrified market district of the
Quartier Habous and the beachfront views of the Corniche. Join the Casablancais in enjoying
the cosmopolitan pleasures of their city, go out for dinner, visit an art gallery, shop till you drop
in the Morocco Mall in Anfa, try out the funky nightlife or go roller skating outside the Hassan II
Mosque.
DOWNTOWN CASA
It is often said that Casablanca has no sights apart from the Hassan II Mosque, but the French-
built city centre is packed with grand colonial buildings, some of which are being restored. The
best way to take it all in is by strolling in the area around the Marché Central , or by doing the
walking tour ( Click here ). The rundown Marché Central quarter is slowly being revived,
particularly around the pedestrian street of Rue Prince Moulay Abdallah.
STREET NAMES
Casablanca’s French street names are slowly being replaced with Moroccan names. Be very specific when asking for
directions, as many people, including taxi drivers (and some local street directories) have yet to make the transition. You’ll
often see several different names for one street.