I came to Casablanca for the waters…” At least that’s the reason Humphrey Bogart’s character gave for visiting the city after which the famous 1942 film was named.
Bogart may have mentioned nothing of the city’s striking Moorish and art deco architecture, golden beach and lush gardens, but today these are among the city’s finest tourist attractions.
Established in the 10th century B.C. as a strategic port, Casablanca was completely rebuilt by Portuguese settlers who dubbed it Casa Branca (white house) and deserted it following an earthquake in 1755.
It was rebuilt by the Moroccan sultan and renamed Casablanca by Spanish merchants who settled there. But it was in the early 20th century that it gained its French flavor before being declared independent in the 1950s.
Today it is described as the most liberal of Morocco’s cities; a combination of old and new, from such ancient attractions as the medina of Anfa to modern shopping malls and skyscrapers.
Arguably the top-rated tourist attraction in Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque, the only mosque in the city non-Muslims are allowed to visit. Popularly referred to as Casablanca Hajj, it is the seventh-largest mosque in the world.
West of the Hassan II Mosque lies the Corniche, a wide boulevard stretching along the beach that is home to several Western-style hotels and restaurants. The nearby Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman may not be accessible to non-Muslims, but visitors can explore the medina-style neighborhood that surrounds it.
Another highlight is Casablanca’s new medina. Built in the traditional Moroccan style, the new medina is located in the south of the city and comprises several arcades and craft shops. Shoppers will also enjoy a quick visit to the old medina, where they can find traditional Moroccan goods like hookahs, tagines and pottery.
For quick insight into Moroccan art, suggest that clients visit the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum, housed within a fully restored 1940s art deco building and featuring a unique collection of antique jewelry, paintings and artifacts.
For Moroccan cuisine, suggest Rick’s Cafe, which did not exist before the movie. Also popular is La Sqala, set within an 18th century Portuguese fortress and renowned for its tajine (generally a stew served in an earthenware pot) and authentic Moroccan breakfast.
Meanwhile, coffee-and-croissant buffs will love visiting Chez Paul, a stylish art deco cafe and patisserie located in lush garden surroundings. It is not the only popular patisserie in town, however: Patisserie Bennis Habous in the Quartier Habous is known for its local pastries, while Patisserie de l'Opera offers a relaxing setting within which to sample an incredible variety of cakes.