From Art Deco gems in Casablanca to secret pirate citadels in the capital city, this is your local guide to these two iconic Moroccan cities. Most travellers treat Casablanca as a must-see, while the country’s capital, Rabat, is often unfairly overlooked.
Where is Casablanca Located in Morocco?
Casablanca sits centrally on the western Atlantic coastline, roughly 90 km south of the capital, Rabat. It is the largest city in the Maghreb and serves as the primary gateway for international flights. Its location makes it the perfect starting point for a road trip: you have the coastal breeze to your west and the smooth highway to the north leading straight to Rabat.
Casablanca: More Than a Movie
Casablanca’s beauty is somewhat of a secret, but it’s absolutely worth going to look for it.
Art Deco Treasures in the Downtown District
Forget the “Old Medina” for a moment; the real soul of Casablanca is its Art Deco architecture. In the 1920s and 30s, French architects used the city as a canvas. Walk down Boulevard Mohammed V and look up. You’ll see ornate balconies and “Mauresque” facades that feel reminiscent of Parisian streets. Many of the buildings, like the Hotel Lincoln or the Post Office, were built during the French Protectorate era. The white-washed facades, geometric carvings, and wrought-iron balconies are exactly what gave the city its romantic reputation.
To see where the glamorous residents of 1940s Casablanca actually spent their evenings, head to Cinema Rialto. Built in 1930, this is one of the oldest Art Deco cinemas in the city. It remains largely unchanged, with a grand balcony and plush red seating.
Hidden Gems in Casablanca:
- The Olive Market in Habous: Everyone goes to the Habous Quarter for the palace, but head deep into the Olive Market. It’s a sensory overload of emerald-green and sun-gold olives, preserved lemons, and local oils. It’s where the locals actually shop.
- The Sacred Heart Cathedral (Sacré-Cœur): This de-consecrated white cathedral is a neo-Gothic masterpiece. It often hosts underground art exhibitions and offers a quiet, cool escape from the humid city heat.
Where to Eat in Casablanca?
Casablanca is a city that eats well, but you have to know where to look. It’s not a city of fancy signs; it’s a city of hidden courtyards and market stalls where the quality of the ingredients does the talking.
Here are some of the best places to eat in Casablanca:
- Marché Central (Central Market): this is a top lunch recommendation. It’s a gorgeous Art Deco market where the seafood is as fresh as it gets. Go to the fish stalls in the centre, pick out exactly what you want (shrimp, sea bass, calamari), and buy it by weight. Then, take your bag of fish to one of the nearby small “grills” and they’ll grill or fry it for you and serve it with a fresh Moroccan salad and bread.
- Rick’s Café: of course, the real ‘Rick’s Café’ only existed on a movie set, but this is the place to go to experience a taste of 1940s glamour, live piano music and great cocktails. You must book ahead, as it does get busy.
- La Sqala: located inside the remains of an 18th-century Portuguese fortress near the port, this is a garden oasis and the perfect spot for breakfast. Try Jben (goat cheese), Amlou (almond and argan oil spread), Msemen (flaky flatbread), and fresh eggs cooked with khlii (preserved meat).
- Al Mounia: if you want white tablecloths and incredible service, this is the place. This is a historic villa with a beautiful garden terrace.
- Le Cabestan: for something completely different, head to the Corniche beachfront for ocean views and Mediterranean-fusion food.
- Habous Quarter Pastries: while in the Habous district (the “New Medina”), look for Pâtisserie Bennis Habous, a tiny, legendary bakery. Grab a box of “Cornes de Gazelle” (Gazelle Horns) and find a spot in the nearby square to eat them with a tea from a street vendor.
Exploring the Capital: Must-See Attractions in Rabat
Rabat is the elegant, chilled-out sibling to Casablanca’s frantic energy. It is remarkably green, clean and highly walkable. When checking out the top attractions in Rabat, the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V are non-negotiable. But to find the “secret” Rabat, you need to head toward the water.
Local Favourites in Rabat:
- The Chellah Necropolis: this is a place where Roman ruins meet medieval Islamic history, all overgrown with wildflowers and inhabited by hundreds of storks. It is hauntingly beautiful and far quieter than the ruins in Italy.
- Kasbah of the Udayas: enter through the massive stone gate and ignore the “guides” at the entrance. Wander deep into the blue-and-white residential alleys until you reach the Plateforme du Sémaphore. The view of the Atlantic crashing against the rocks is the best in the city.
- The Secret Garden of the Oudayas: tucked inside the Kasbah is an Andalusian garden. It’s a literal oasis of orange trees and fountains, perfect for a glass of mint tea while you listen to the distant sound of the waves.
Secret Tip
If you have time, stop halfway between the two cities at Bouznika. It’s a coastal town famous for its roadside BBQ stalls. Follow the smoke and the crowds of locals, it’s the best way to break up the drive with some fresh grilled kefta.
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This article was written in partnership with Visit Morocco.