Cruising to Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca tourist information.

Casablanca (Spanish for “White House”) is a port city and commercial hub in western Morocco, fronting the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s French colonial legacy is seen in its downtown Mauresque architecture, a blend of Moorish style and European art deco.  Sitting on the Atlantic coast of Morocco it is the country’s largest city and Morocco’s, as well as North Africa’s, chief port. In this large, sprawling city full to the brim with people you will also find the bustling Ancienne Medina. Beyond the medina lies the pleasant new town of cool arcades and palm-lined boulevards, built under the French protectorate a century ago.

Casablanca is a cosmopolitan place packed with art galleries, fine restaurants, top fashion designers and cutting edge nightlife. At the same time it’s full of striking architecture such as the Hassan II mosque and the Mahkama du Pacha.  Its art deco architecture is amongst the finest found anywhere, especially around Place Mohammed V with its Grande Poste, iconic clock tower and the Palais de Justice.

Cruise ships arrive daily to experience its frenetic lifestyle, its stylish restaurants, shopping, its fine food and its often overpowering atmosphere. There are a few must-see sights in and around Casablanca.

Hassan II Mosque

There are very few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims are allowed to enter. Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Morocco and the seventh largest in the world, with the tallest minaret in the world. It opened in 1993, after 7 years construction. King Hassan II Mosque is one of the two main mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Beautiful interior complete with water features, a roof that opens to the sky, a huge hammam in the basement, and beautiful tile work. Much of the surface of the mosque is covered in ornate, traditional Moroccan tile work (zellij), woodcarving, and stucco work.

Casablanca Art Deco

One of the most interesting, rich historical aspects of Casablanca is the Art Deco architecture left by French colonialists through downtown Morocco. This particular neighborhood is rich with examples of Art Deco and is worth an afternoon stroll. Visiting the Art Deco and Historic sites of Casablanca on a private one-day tour is a rewarding way to discover Casablanca and the Art Deco Heritage of Morocco.

The Jewish Museum (Musée du Judaïsme Marocain)

Located in the suburb of Oasis, the Musuem of Moroccan Judiasm is one of only two Jewish museums in the Muslim world. The Jewish Museum in Casablanca is tucked into a residential neighborhood and holds a treasure trove with it being the Arab region’s only Jewish Museum. This recently renovated museum of history and ethnography features artifacts –including Torah scrolls, Chanukah lamps, photographs, carpets and kaftans – that trace Morocco’s traditions and daily life of Jews in the context of Moroccan civilization.