Casablanca

The third-largest mosque in the world and the largest in Africa, Hassan II Mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture completed in 1993. Its 210-meter minaret is the tallest religious structure on earth. Built partly over the Atlantic Ocean on a platform, the mosque can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside and a further 80,000 on the esplanade. The retractable roof opens to reveal the sky, and every surface is adorned with hand-carved marble, zellige tilework, carved cedar, and painted plaster by over 6,000 Moroccan artisans.

Casablanca's compact Old Medina dates to the 18th century and provides a more intimate, less overwhelming experience than the medinas of Marrakech or Fes. The Sqala, a restored 18th-century Portuguese fortification on the medina's western edge, now houses a well-regarded restaurant in its garden. Inside the medina walls, narrow streets are lined with small shops selling textiles, electronics, and household goods.

Built in the 1930s by French architects inspired by traditional Moroccan urban planning, the Habous Quarter is an elegant hybrid of Moorish and European design. Covered arcades shelter shops selling leather goods, carpets, copperware, and some of Morocco's finest pastries. The olive market here is the best in Casablanca, with dozens of varieties displayed in colorful pyramids.

Casablanca possesses one of the richest collections of Art Deco and Modernist architecture outside of Europe. Concentrated around Boulevard Mohammed V and Place Mohammed V, dozens of buildings from the 1920s-1940s display stunning Neo-Moorish, Art Deco, and Streamline Moderne facades. Notable buildings include the Wilaya (Prefecture), the Central Post Office, the Cinema Rialto, and the Hotel Lincoln. The Casamemoire association works to preserve this unique architectural heritage.

One of the largest shopping centers in Africa, Morocco Mall features over 600 stores, an IMAX cinema, an indoor aquarium with a glass tunnel, an ice-skating rink, and a musical fountain. The aquarium alone holds over one million liters of water and houses sharks, rays, and tropical fish. The mall anchors the Maarif district and is a destination in itself for its entertainment options.

Casablanca's beachfront corniche stretches several kilometers along the Atlantic coast through the Ain Diab neighborhood. A wide pedestrian walkway connects beach clubs, restaurants, cafes, and swimming pools. The Atlantic waves crash against breakwaters while joggers, families, and couples enjoy the sea air. At sunset the promenade takes on a golden glow.

Built in 1930 in a striking Neo-Gothic style, Casablanca's former Catholic cathedral was designed by architect Paul Tournon. No longer functioning as a church since Moroccan independence, the building now serves as a cultural center hosting exhibitions and events. The twin towers and massive rose window remain architectural highlights of the city skyline.

Housed in a beautifully restored 1934 Art Deco villa, this museum is managed by the ONA Foundation and showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art. The building itself, designed by architect Marius Boyer, is a jewel of the Art Deco movement with elegant curved lines and geometric detailing.

The grand administrative square at the heart of Casablanca's French-built city center. Surrounded by impressive civic buildings including the Prefecture (Wilaya), the Courthouse (Palais de Justice), the Central Post Office, and the Bank Al-Maghrib, the square showcases some of the finest Neo-Moorish and Art Deco architecture in the city. A large fountain and gardens occupy the center, illuminated at night.

Casablanca's main fresh market occupies a large Art Deco building in the city center. Stalls overflow with fresh Atlantic fish and shellfish, seasonal fruits, olives, spices, flowers, and Moroccan produce. The surrounding small restaurants specialize in grilling the freshest catches to order. This is where Casablancans do their daily food shopping.

Inspired by the fictional nightclub in the 1942 film Casablanca, Rick's Cafe was created by American businesswoman Kathy Kriger in 2004 inside a restored 1930s courtyard mansion. The interior meticulously recreates the film's set design with arched doorways, a curving staircase, a piano bar, and period furnishings. A pianist plays nightly, and the walls are lined with film memorabilia.

The Twin Center towers are Casablanca's most recognizable modern landmark. Completed in 1998, the 28-story towers house offices, a shopping gallery, and the five-star Kenzi Tower Hotel. The design by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill echoes Islamic geometric patterns in glass and steel. The Sky 28 bar on the top floor of the hotel tower offers panoramic views of the entire city.