Hassan II Mosque and Casablanca shoreline across Atlantic ocean from Cabano Beach

We catch a train from Fes to Casablanca and go around the charming city of Casablanca. Starting at Gare de Casa-Voyageurs train station, we visit numerous attractions across various districts (neighborhoods) of Casablanca, including the port of Casablanca, Rick's Cafe, the iconic Hassan II mosque, the gorgeous world-famous Cabano beach, the prosperous Anfa district, the Royal Golf course and Hippodrome race track, the bazaars and craft stores of Habbous district, Mohammed V Square, Zevaco dome and United Nations Square and much more. This is our Casablanca photo story.

Fes to Casablanca Train

July 16, 2023

After an epic experience of Fes el-Bali (see our photo story "Fes El-Bali: We did not get fazed by the epic maze of Medina of Fez"), we take the 5:40 PM ONCF TL train #132 from Gare de Fes to Gare Casa-Voyageurs, Casablanca via Rabat.

Gare de Fes (Fez Railway Station)

9:06 PM: We do not get down at Rabat but see the just completed 820-foot 55-floor Mohammed VI Tower as our train leaves Gare de Rabat-ville train station.

Mohammed VI Tower is the third tallest building in the entire African subcontinent after Iconic Tower, Egypt and Great Mosque of Algiers Tower, Algeria.

Mohammed VI Tower, Rabat

We also cross Oued Bou Regreg river just north of Rabat. We can see the Pont Al-Fida / Rte Ain Houalla bridge across Bou Regreg from our train.

Bridge across Oued Bou Regreg (Bou Regreg river), Rabat

Our train pulls into Gare de Casa Voyageurs, Casablanca at 10:30 PM, about an hour late. The railway station is beautiful as are all ONCF train stations in Morocco that we have traversed so far.

Gare de Casa-Voyageurs Casablanca

We started our Morocco expedition from the ONCF train station at Med V Casablanca airport where we got on trains to Marrakech what feels like an eternity before (see "Marrakech: Daughter of the Desert and Atlas Mountains"). We have come full circle back to Casablanca.

It is pretty late. We pick up fast food from McDonalds at the station and check in to our hotel right across. A city tour of Casablanca will have to wait till the morning. Here is a paper map, and a digital map is further down.

Tour map of Casablanca listing attractions

Casablanca

July 17, 2023

Casablanca, lovingly called just Casa or d-Dār l-Biḍā in Moroccan Arabic is the largest city and economic capital of Morocco. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis with a rich history and culture. Located on the Atlantic coast, Casablanca has been a major port and trading center for centuries.

The Districts (Quarters) of Casablanca

The city of Casablanca, Morocco is laid out into eight neighborhoods, often referred to as "quarters". Each quarter has its own unique character and attractions. For example, Anfa is a wealthy residential and financial district, while Aïn Diab is a popular tourist destination with its beaches and casinos. Here is a brief overview of each district:

1. Anfa: Anfa is the most exclusive district in Casablanca. It is home to many of the city's wealthiest residents, as well as several international businesses and organizations. Anfa is also home to several popular tourist attractions, such as the Hassan II Mosque and the Rick's Café Casablanca.
2. Aïn Chock: Aïn Chock is a working-class district located on the outskirts of Casablanca. It is home to a large number of factories and warehouses. Aïn Chock is also home to the Mohammed V International Airport.
3. Aïn Diab: Aïn Diab is a popular tourist district located on the coast. It is home to several beaches, casinos, and hotels. Aïn Diab is also home to the Casablanca Corniche, a popular promenade that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Aïn Sebaa: Aïn Sebaa is a densely populated district located in the east of Casablanca. It is home to a large number of markets and souks. Aïn Sebaa is also home to several universities and colleges.
5. Hay Hassani: Hay Hassani is a residential district located in the south of Casablanca. It is home to a large number of apartment buildings and villas. Hay Hassani is also home to the Casablanca Zoological Park.
6. Moulay Rachid: Moulay Rachid is a working-class district located in the north of Casablanca. It is home to a large number of factories and warehouses. Moulay Rachid is also home to the Moulay Rachid Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Morocco.
7. Sidi Belyout: Sidi Belyout is a residential district located in the west of Casablanca. It is home to a large number of apartment buildings and villas. Sidi Belyout is also home to the Sidi Belyout Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Casablanca.
8. Sidi Bernoussi: Sidi Bernoussi is a residential and industrial district located in the north of Casablanca. It is home to a large number of apartment buildings and villas, as well as several factories and warehouses. Sidi Bernoussi is also home to the Mohammed V International Airport.

History

The area around Casablanca has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The first known permanent settlement was a Berber village called Anfa, which was founded in the 7th century BC. Anfa became a prosperous city thanks to its trade with the Phoenicians and Romans. However, it was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1468.

The Portuguese rebuilt Anfa in the early 16th century, but it was abandoned again in 1755 after a devastating earthquake. The city was then rebuilt by the Moroccan sultan Sidi Muhammad ibn Abdallah in the late 18th century. He gave it the name Dar al-Beïda, which means "the white house" in Arabic.

In the 19th century, Casablanca began to grow rapidly as a result of its strategic location and its role as a major port for the export of agricultural products. The city was also a key destination for European settlers, and by the early 20th century, it had become a thriving cosmopolitan center.

During World War II, Casablanca hosted the historic Casablanca Conference in 1943, where Allied leaders Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill met to discuss their plans for the war. After the war, Casablanca continued to grow and develop, and it is now one of the most important cities in Africa.

Culture

Casablanca is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Morocco's Arab, Berber, and European heritage. This diversity is reflected in the city's architecture, food, music, and art.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco and the second largest in Africa. The mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, with stunning minarets and a retractable roof that opens to reveal the sky during prayer.

Another popular tourist attraction is Rick's Café, a restaurant and bar inspired by the classic film Casablanca. The café is located in the Old Medina, the historic heart of the city.

Casablanca is also a major center for Moroccan cuisine. Visitors can find a wide variety of restaurants serving traditional dishes such as tagine, couscous, and pastilla.

The city has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and galleries. The Casablanca Museum of Modern Art is one of the most important museums in Africa, with a collection of works by Moroccan and international artists.

Casablanca is a truly unique city with something to offer everyone. With its rich history, diverse culture, and modern amenities, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco.

Here are some additional cultural highlights of Casablanca:

• The Habous district: This traditional neighborhood is home to narrow streets lined with shops selling traditional Moroccan handicrafts and souvenirs.
• The Corniche: This seaside promenade is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the fresh air and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Central Market: This bustling market is a great place to experience the local culture and sample some of Casablanca's delicious street food.
• The Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is one of the finest examples of French colonial architecture in Morocco.
• The Mohammed V Square: This lively square is the heart of Casablanca and is a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere of the city.

Travelers are sure to find something to love in Casablanca.

We overnighted at the Hôtel Ibis Casa Voyageurs right across the Gare Casa Voyageurs train station. Our room included an excellent breakfast in the morning. We are ready to tour Casablanca by 9 AM.

View of Gare de Casa-Voyageurs Train Station from Hotel Ibis Casa Voyageurs

Casa Voyageurs Railway Station Taxi Stand across Hotel Ibis Casa Voyageurs

Petit and Grand Taxis of Morocco

There are two kinds of taxis in Morocco. Petit (small) taxis are limited to city limits. Grand (large) taxis can take passengers out of city.

There is, of course, a major taxi stand at the Casa Voyageurs railway station right opposite our hotel. We hire Mohammad's petit taxi and ask him to take us around Casablanca. This would turn out to be a comprehensive city tour, thanks to the friendly and chatty Mohammad who obviously would go all out in showing off his city. Here is a map of the route taken by Mohammad.

Casa Port Train Station

The port is a center of the city of Casablanca. We head towards the port crossing the back-the to-back Hotel Ibis Casablanca City Center and Novotel Casablanca City Center on Rue Sidi Belyout.

Hotel Ibis Casablanca City Center & Novotel Casablanca City Center

The Gare de Casa Port Casablanca train station is next on our way. Casa-Port is another major railway station along with Casa-Voyageurs. Long distance TNR trains connect Casa-Port north along the coast to Rabat and Kénitra. The Casa Port station is just north of the walled old city medina of Casablanca.

Gare de Casa Port, Casablanca Train Station

Port of Casablanca

Handling over 21 million tonnes annually, the Port of Casablanca is among the biggest in the world, second only to the port of Tanger which is the largest on Africa's Mediterranean coast. Casablanca port has terminals for containers, RORO vehicles, minerals and a general purpose terminal with multiple berths in each.

The east shore of the little peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic making up El Hank point (العنق) is an awesome place for a view of Casablanca and Hassan II Mosque from across water. The 168 foot Phare d'el Hank - El Hank lighthouse named after this tip (also called the Cabano Lighthouse) is the tallest lighthouse in Morocco and a popular tourist destination. Incidentally the Atlantic Ocean itself is named after the great Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

Hassan II Mosque and Casablanca shoreline view from El Hank Point

The popular Cabano Beach here has mostly solid volcanic rock and dark stone boulders leading into the water of the Atlantic. We visit a point a short distance north of the Observation Deck Al Âank.

Hassan II Mosque and Casablanca shoreline view from El Hank Point

It is July and we were expecting a crowded beach with rows of cars parked above but it is strangely empty. Perhaps Morocco is still recovering from the damage done to tourism by the pandemic.

Cabano Beach looking north at el-Hank Point

Anfa District (Anfa Quartier)

We continue on the beautiful shore drive along Boulevard de la Corniche passing Complexe La Cascade beach restaurant.

Boulevard de la Corniche: Complexe La Cascade restaurant

Boulevard de la Corniche

Traffic Circle: Boulevard de la Corniche - Driss Slaoui Boulevard - Habib Sinaceur Avenue

The popular public beach of Plage Lalla Meryem is on our right as we pass McDonald's Corniche and Anfaplace Mall.

Boulevard de la Corniche, Anfa

We drive towards the Rond-point Megarama Océan Atlantique-La Corniche-Kennedy traffic circle and then continue on Boulevard de la Corniche crossing Pestana Casablanca hotel and shiny modern office and coworking spaces. The minaret of Al-Saoud Mosque is visible ahead.

Boulevard de la Corniche

The upscale district of Anfa is all very sparkling and modern showing little sign of the lower middle income economy of Morocco. We go past the large walled compound of Palais des Al-Saoud.

Palais des Al-Saoud

Boulevard de la Corniche: Megarama Traffic Circle

Continuing on from Megarama Océan Atlantique-La Corniche-Kennedy traffic circle on Boulevard de la Corniche, we pass by Restaurant Le Fèj, Mooja Tabac Store, Hotel Casablanca le Lido Thalasso & Spa, La Paillote and Tahiti Beach Club. Again we wonder why all of the spectacular beach restaurants are totally empty of humans!

We make a right to drive southeast on Franklin Roosevelt boulevard which continues as Boulevard Moulay Rachid reaching the traffic circle where Boulevard Moulay Rachid, Boulevard Al Massira Al Khadra, Boulevard Abdelkrim Al Khattabi (Morocco Route 320), Rue Bab Chellah and Rue Ali Abderrazak intersect.

Boulevard Moulay Rachid, Boulevard Al Massira Al Khadra, Boulevard Abdelkrim Al Khattabi (Morocco Route R320), Rue Bab Chellah, Rue Ali Abderrazak Traffic Circle

We continue on what was Franklin Roosevelt Boulevard and Moulay Rachid Boulevard and is now Al Massira Al Khadra Boulevard. The buildings in this part of Casablanca city center are mostly styled in French architecture. The Casablanca Twin Towers are ahead.

Boulevard Al Massira Al Khadra

Onomo Hotel Casablanca City Center, Boulevard Al Massira Al Khadra & Rue Normandie

Casablanca Twin Towers, Boulevard Al Massira Al Khadra

Kenzi Tower Hotel, Boulevard Al Massira Al Khadra

Boulevard Al Massira Al Khadra continues east as Bd Mohamed Zerktouni / National Route 1 (Morocco N1). We pass the Institut français de Casablanca (French Institute of Casablanca).

French Institute of Casablanca (Institut français de Casablanca)

The buildings along Mohamed Zerktouni Boulevard / Route N1 are still very French in architecture but we will soon hit the part of Casablanca that showcases more traditional Moroccan-Spanish architecture.

Mohamed Zerktouni Boulevard / Morocco National Route N1

We get off Mohamed Zerktouni Boulevard to Rue Mohamed Al Fidouzi on its south. The sprawling 45-hectare Ibn Rochd University Hospital (Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Ibn Rochd) complex is one of Morocco's premiere university hospitals. The hospital complex consists of Ibn Rochd hospital, Abdel Rahim Al Harouchi adult child and mother hospital, and a dental hospital and is renowned for its specialist doctors treating complex and difficult ailments.

Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center (CHUIR / CHU Ibn Rochd)

The architecture transitions to traditional Arab Moroccan style as we head southeast deep into the "New Medina" of Casablanca - the district of Habbous. We head towards Habous market and Muhammadi Mosque south of the Royal Palace.

Rue de Provence, Habous, Casablanca

Habbous district (Quartier Habous)

Established in early 20th century with the intention of building on the old city ambience while making it another city center of Casablanca, the Habbous district (Quartier Habous) is the more traditional Moroccan part of the city. There are beautiful gardens and fountains around Habbous. Bazaars, craft shops and bookstores nestle in Arab Moroccan style buildings along alleyways. There are a bunch of bookstores and crafts shops here around Allée impériale as we head to the circle in front of Muhammadi Mosque.

Allée impériale, Habbous, Casablanca

The Tribunal Administratif de Casablanca (Tribunal Administrativo de Casablanca) at the circle is a splendid old courthouse building. It is one of the oldest administrative buildings in Morocco. 

Tribunal Administratif de Casablanca

On the south side of the circle there is the Muhammadi Mosque. Surrounding it are the lush Mosquée Mohammadi Gardens.

Muhammadi Mosque & Mosquée Mohammadi Gardens

Mohammad drops us off at the Arabesque Bazaar shop on Rue Ibn Khaldoun telling us to walk around the area and come back while he waits.

We walk down Rue Ibn Khaldoun and explore Quartier Habous' alleys and bazaars around Rue Sidi Oqba and Rue du Palais du Sultan north of Moulay Youssef Mosque.

Rue Ibn Khaldoun, Habbous

Inaugurated in 1923, the Moulay Youssef Mosque is styled in architecture of the Almohad dynasty period. The minaret is inspired by the famous Koutoubia of Marrakech (see Marrakech: Daughter of the Desert and Atlas Mountains).

Moulay Youssef Mosque seen from Rue Sidi Oqba

Rue Sidi Oqba

Rue Sidi Oqba

Rue Sidi Oqba & Rue du Palais du Sultan

We circle back to Rue Ibn Khaldoun and pick up a couple of souvenirs from a crafts store.

Rue Ibn Khaldoun

Crafts shop off Rue Ibn Khaldoun

Crafts shop off Rue Ibn Khaldoun

Mohammed V Square & Palais de Justice

The iconic building of CasArts - the Casablanca Grand Theater (Grand Théâtre de Casablanca) is directly across the square on the west side of Ave. Hassan II. It was the biggest theater in Africa when finished, now overtaken in capacity by the Grand Theatre of Rabat also in Morocco. CasArts is designed by French architect Christian de Portzamparc with Moroccan partner Rachid Andaloussi.

CasArts (Grand Théâtre de Casablanca)

We continue north on Av. Hassan II to the intersection with Boulevard de Paris.

Av. Hassan II & Boulevard de Paris, Casablanca, Morocco, Africa

The gorgeous Barid Al Maghrib - Poste Maroc Central Post Office building is at the southwest corner of the intersection of Bd de Paris and Hassan II Avenue. The impressive French-built building  in French-Moroccan style dates to 1920 and was the first building of the Mohammed V Square administrative complex.

Barid Al Maghrib (Poste Maroc) Central Post Office Casablanca

We turn left into westbound Paris Boulevard and then right onto northbound Rue Abderrahmane Serghini.

Cafe Chicha Casa Délice

Going further up Rue Abderrahmane Serghini (Rue Abderrahman Sahraoui) we reach a T-junction with a street running alongside the south edge of the United Nations Square. French style grandiose buildings are all around, including one that houses the Sahraoui branch of Banque Populaire.

Banque Populaire Sahraoui

We take a left at the T intersection towards Bd Moulay Hassan I and then a right on Moulay Hassan I Boulevard / Bd. Hassan I.

Bd Moulay Hassan I

Zevaco dome (Coupole Zevaco) and United Nations Square (Place des Nations Unies)

The United Nations Square (previously known as Place de France) is a 1917 public square at southwest of old city walled medina of Casablanca. The square was originally a bazaar named Souq Kbir which the French referred to as the Grand Souq. The clock tower was added to the square by the French.

The original Zevaco dome (La coupole de Zevaco Casablanca), better known as the "Kora Ardia" was designed in 1975 by noted architect Jean-François Zevaco. It was renovated and reopened recently in its current form in 2021.

Coupole Zevaco / United Nations Square

We continue northeast on Hassan I Boulevard in Fonciere district and make a right on eastbound Av. des FAR. We make another right on southbound Rue Qortobi to reach Place Al Yassir square in Belvédère district. This is a large traffic circle and a major tramway station. Boulevard Mohammed V, Boulevard Emile Zola (Morocco National Route N1), Rue Qortobi and Rue du Lieutenant Mohamed Mahroud intersect at Place Al Yassir traffic circle.

Place Al Yassir

We cross the Al Yassir plaza traffic circle to southbound Rue du Lieutenant Mohamed Mahroud and then drive east on Bd Abdellah Ben Yacine to get back to our Ibis Casa-Voyageurs hotel. Mohammad is unable to drive us to the Casablanca Med V airport because his petit taxi is confined to inside city limits. He has been a wonderful and friendly guide who we had an extremely memorable day with, and we bid him an emotional farewell.

Casablanca to Mohammed V International Airport

We check out of hotel Ibis Casa-Voyageurs and hire a Maxi cab to take us to Casablanca Med V airport. The Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is a good 20 miles south of Casablanca city. It takes about 40 minutes to get there via the A3 Casablanca-Agadir tolled expressway across the pretty asymmetric cable-stayed Sidi Maarouf Bridge over Bd de Fes. The Sidi Maârouf Bridge is the 2nd biggest bridge of this type in Morocco.

Sidi Maârouf Bridge Casablanca

A3 Casablanca-Agadir expressway: Casablanca to Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)

Promising ourselves to come back to Morocco and spend a lot more time exploring the fascinating Kingdom, we board a Royal Air Maroc Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner home.