Many people think Casablanca is a great place to visit, but it may not be the best choice for your Morocco trip. This city has crowded streets and some places that might disappoint you.
In this article, we share what we liked and what we did not like about Casablanca. Read on to find out why you might want to skip it and explore other wonderful places in Morocco.
What We Liked About Casablanca
Casablanca may have some challenges, but it also has many enjoyable places to visit. five things we liked about this city:
- Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque is one of the biggest mosques in the world. It stands near the ocean and has beautiful architecture. Guided tours are available to explore the inside and learn about its history. The views from the mosque are stunning, especially at sunset. - Organic Kitchen
Organic Kitchen offers delicious and healthy food. This restaurant focuses on fresh, local ingredients. You can enjoy a variety of meals, including salads, smoothies, and vegetarian options. The cozy atmosphere makes it a great place to relax. - La Bodega
La Bodega is a lively restaurant and bar known for its fun vibe. It serves tasty tapas and drinks. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Enjoying a night out here is a great way to experience the city’s nightlife. - Dar Beida
Dar Beida is a lovely boutique hotel that offers comfort and style. The rooms are well-decorated and cozy. The staff is friendly and helpful, making your stay enjoyable. It’s a nice place to rest after exploring the city. - Hotel Transatlantique
Hotel Transatlantique is a charming hotel with beautiful views. It has a rich history and classic design. The hotel provides a relaxing environment with great service. It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking for a comfortable stay.
These highlights show that Casablanca has some enjoyable spots worth visiting, making your trip more memorable.
Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque is one of the most famous landmarks in Casablanca, Morocco. It stands by the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the largest mosques in the world. Built between 1986 and 1993, it can hold up to 25,000 worshippers inside and thousands more outside. The mosque has a stunning minaret that rises 210 meters high, making it the tallest minaret in the world.
The design features beautiful mosaics, intricate carvings, and a glass floor that lets you see the ocean below. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about its history and architecture. Non-Muslims can enter the mosque during specific hours. The Hassan II Mosque not only serves as a place of worship but also represents Morocco’s rich culture and architectural beauty.
Organic Kitchen
Organic Kitchen is a popular restaurant in Casablanca known for its fresh and healthy food. The restaurant focuses on using organic ingredients that are good for your health and the environment. Visitors love the menu, which offers a variety of dishes like salads, smoothies, and warm bowls.
The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making it a great spot to relax. People appreciate the friendly staff and the clean, vibrant setting. If you are looking for healthy eating options in Casablanca, Organic Kitchen is a must-visit!
La Bodega
is a popular restaurant in Casablanca, Morocco, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious food. The menu features a wide range of Mediterranean and Moroccan dishes, including tasty tapas, fresh seafood, and grilled meats.
Many visitors enjoy the friendly service and vibrant setting, making it a great place to relax and have fun with friends or family. If you find yourself in Casablanca, La Bodega offers a wonderful dining experience you won’t want to miss!
Dar Beida
Dar Beida is a popular restaurant in Casablanca, Morocco. It offers authentic Moroccan food, including traditional dishes like tagines and couscous. The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it ideal for families and groups.
some key points about Dar Beida:
- Location: It is situated in the heart of Casablanca, easy to find.
- Menu: The menu features a variety of Moroccan dishes, fresh ingredients, and flavorful spices.
- Service: The staff is friendly and attentive, providing good service to customers.
- Ambiance: The decor is traditional, creating a warm and welcoming environment.
If you want to enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine, Dar Beida is a great choice.
Hotel Transatlantique
Hotel Transatlantique is a well-known hotel in Casablanca, Morocco. It offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a touch of Moroccan style. Guests can enjoy tasty meals at the hotel restaurant, which serves both local and international dishes.
The hotel is located close to popular attractions, making it easy to explore the city. With beautiful views of the ocean and city, Hotel Transatlantique is a great place for travelers looking for a relaxing stay in Casablanca.
What We Did Not Like About Casablanca
Casablanca has some problems that can make your visit less fun. Here are the main things we did not like:
- Safety Issues: We had a scary moment when someone tried to rob us. This made us feel unsafe in the city.
- Bad Airbnb: Our Airbnb did not look like the pictures. It was dirty and not comfortable to stay in.
- Trash Everywhere: We saw a lot of garbage on the streets, which made the city look messy and unclean.
- Rick’s Cafe Disappointment: Rick’s Cafe, famous from the movie, was not worth it. The food cost too much, and the service was slow.
- Crowded Medina: The Medina was crowded and confusing, making it hard to enjoy shopping and looking around.
These problems made our time in Casablanca less enjoyable. We suggest looking at other cities in Morocco for a better experience.
Getting Robbed
Getting robbed in Casablanca can happen, especially in crowded places like markets and busy streets. Many travelers have shared stories about thefts, where pickpockets work in groups to distract people and steal their things. It is important to keep your valuables close to you, like in a front pocket or a secure bag.
Avoid showing expensive items like cameras or jewelry to not attract attention. Always stay aware of your surroundings and try to travel with a group. Using official taxis and avoiding poorly lit areas at night can also help you stay safe during your visit.
Our Airbnb
Our Airbnb in Casablanca did not meet our expectations. The pictures online looked good, but the apartment was dirty when we arrived. Some appliances were broken, and the host was slow to reply to our messages.
We also felt unsafe in the neighborhood, especially at night. Overall, we were unhappy with our stay and did not feel it was worth the money we spent.
The Trash
Casablanca has a serious trash problem. The streets and public areas are often filled with litter and garbage. This not only makes the city look dirty but also creates an unpleasant smell. The waste management system struggles to keep up, leading to trash piling up in many places.
Tourists may feel disappointed by the unclean surroundings, which can affect their overall experience. Addressing the trash issue would greatly improve the city’s appeal for both residents and visitors.
Rick’s Cafe
Rick’s Café is a well-known restaurant in Casablanca, Morocco, inspired by the classic movie Casablanca. It features a stylish design with a mix of Moroccan and European decor. The café offers a menu with a variety of dishes, including Moroccan and international foods. Many visitors enjoy the live music that creates a relaxing atmosphere.
However, some guests feel the prices are high for the quality of food served. Overall, Rick’s Café is a popular place for tourists wanting to experience a bit of movie history while dining in Casablanca.
The Medina
The Medina of Casablanca is the old town area known for its narrow streets and vibrant markets. It offers a variety of shops where you can buy spices, clothing, and local crafts. The architecture reflects Morocco’s history and culture, making it interesting to explore. However, it can feel crowded and chaotic, which might not be pleasant for everyone.
While it has its charm, other medinas in Morocco, like those in Marrakech and Fes, are often more enjoyable and authentic. If you want a true Moroccan experience, consider visiting those medinas instead.
Casablanca Morocco
Casablanca, located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, is the country’s largest city. It plays a key role in Morocco’s economy and is known for its modern buildings. A major attraction in the city is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, which offers beautiful views of the ocean.
Visitors can also enjoy local cuisine, shopping, and a lively nightlife. While Casablanca has many interesting places, some travelers prefer to explore other cities like Marrakech or Fes for a richer experience of Moroccan culture. Overall, Casablanca is an important city but may not be the best part of your Morocco vacation.
Where is Casablanca
Casablanca is a city on the west coast of Morocco, along the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest city in Morocco and an important economic center. Located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) southwest of the capital, Rabat, and 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Marrakech, Casablanca is easy to reach by train or bus.
The city has a mix of modern and traditional sights, making it a popular stop for travelers. Its location by the ocean means visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches and a vibrant city life.
Casablanca
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, located along the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its modern lifestyle, vibrant markets, and rich culture. The Hassan II Mosque is a famous landmark, showcasing stunning architecture and offering tours. Visitors can enjoy various restaurants, cafes, and nightlife options.
However, some travelers find the city crowded and less traditional than other Moroccan cities like Marrakech and Fes. While Casablanca has its attractions, many choose to explore these other cities for a more authentic Moroccan experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why should I think about skipping Casablanca ?
Many travelers feel Casablanca is not as charming as other cities in Morocco. It can be very busy, and some places may not be as nice as expected.
2. What are some good things to see in Casablanca ?
Casablanca has famous places like the Hassan II Mosque and local markets. However, many people believe these do not make up for the city’s problems.
3. Which cities are better to visit instead of Casablanca ?
Cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Chefchaouen are better choices. They offer more culture, beautiful buildings, and great views that many travelers enjoy more.
4. Is Casablanca safe for tourists ?
Casablanca is usually safe, but there are some reports of petty crimes like pickpocketing. It is important to stay alert, especially in crowded places.
5. What can I do in Casablanca ?
In Casablanca, you can visit the mosque, shop in the Medina, and eat local food. But many people find these activities less exciting than those in other cities.
6. Will I miss anything important if I skip Casablanca ?
While Casablanca has some attractions, skipping it often leads to better experiences in other cities. Most travelers find they can enjoy Morocco fully without visiting Casablanca.
Final Thoughts
If you skip Casablanca on your Morocco vacation, you may have a better time in other cities. While Casablanca has some nice places to see, many travelers think it lacks the charm and culture of cities like Marrakech or Fes.
By visiting these other cities, you can enjoy rich history, beautiful buildings, and real Moroccan experiences. For a more memorable trip, consider leaving out Casablanca and exploring the vibrant culture and beauty of other parts of Morocco.
