Casablanca in Morocco. Photo by Mehdi Sakout on Unsplash

Best Walks to Take in Casablanca 


 

Located on the Atlantic coast, Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco. Its primary international airport, which is the main gateway to Morocco, is in this city making it many tourists’ first stop.  

This city is the country’s powerhouse. It is more modern, business-oriented, and has an interesting history. With the title of Morocco’s business capital, the city has attracted international brands who have set up shop there. The common languages spoken are Arabic, French, and Spanish.  

There aren’t many attractions in Casablanca but the few available ones are truly worthwhile. Here are the 10 best walks to take in Casablanca. 

1. Walk Through the City’s Medina  

A street at the Medina in Casablanca. Photo By Mustapha ennaimi – Wikimedia Commons

This is a family-friendly walk thru the medina which is the old town of Casablanca. Before the French took over Casablanca in 1907, the city was contained within the old medina walls. Since then, the streets have remained the same over the years.  

The city has grown and expanded in all directions but this old town looks the same. A walk through the maze-like narrow streets will take you back in time. 

Start the walk at the United Nations square which should be easy to find. Ask a local or use google maps on your phone. Not far from there you will see the medina gate.  

Stroll through the narrow paths but be careful because although there are no cars, motorbikes are a hazard. Here you will mingle with the locals. You will see customers rummaging through piles of goods in the stalls haggling for bargains.  

If you find a coffee shop, please get mint tea or a drink of your choice and find a comfortable spot in front of the shop. Sit, relax and watch the world go by. You are on vacation. 

2. La Corniche Beach Walk 

Take a walk to La Corniche which is Casablanca’s beach neighborhood. This walk is family-friendly and can be romantic too. Sand and huge water bodies have a way of calming and relaxing a person and that’s the purpose of a vacation. 

To get to the beach, find your way to the Hassan II Mosque, on the west you will see the beach along the ocean. Take a stroll as you watch the ocean waves, jog, picnic with your loved ones, sit and read a book or listen to a podcast. 

Directly opposite the beach is Corniche Boulevard. Lined with palm trees and a line of shops, cafes, bars, amusement centers, and fast-food restaurants. 

Further along the beach, you will find fancy five-star beach hotels. 

3. Hassan II Mosque Walk 

The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca Morocco. Photo by Eka Maitri Viryani on Unsplash

Take a walk to the Hassan II Mosque which is one of the largest mosques in the world. Pay for a tour of the mosque and get to learn interesting facts about it. The tours are open even to non-Muslims. 

Guided by a quote in the Quran that says God’s throne was over the water, King Hassan II ordered the mosque to be built on the coast of the ocean.   

It was built in 1993 on both land and sea, it has strong walls that can survive ocean waves and earthquakes. With 25,000 people capacity on the inside and 80,000 people in the courtyard, the mosque can host 105,000 people more than most stadiums. 

The mosque has interesting features, there’s a room that has a glass floor so that the congregation prays right above the ocean. It also has a retractable roof that uses a hydraulic system to open up, so that the skies can be seen on a clear night. 

Its minaret (the Islamic tower) is the tallest in the world. 

4. Walk to the Mohamed V Square 

Popularly known as “Pigeons’ Square” due to the heavy presence of pigeons, this is a public square of historical and symbolic significance located at the center of Casablanca.  

On this walk, you will see the Court House, Place d’Armes de Casablanca (former Military Circle), Central Post Office, Wilaya Building (City Hall), and French consulate-general (former Military Commander’s Mansion). 

5. Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral

Take a walk to this large cathedral that is surrounded by small traditional dwellings. It is beautifully large, open, and spacious with enormous windows made of stained glass. 

Once inside, the calm and peaceful space is very relaxing. Light fills the space through the big windows that cover the wall on both sides. 

The stained glass has a vivid red and blue background, and the floor is covered in the finest Moroccan carpets, while portraits of the Virgin Mary hang in different settings. 

6. Rick’s Café Walk 

Rick’s Café in Casablanca. Photo By Stolbovsky – Wikimedia Commons

Take a romantic walk to the legendary mythical Rick’s Café that was brought to life by its owner Kathy Kriger. This café is famous for the 1942 Hollywood movie Casablanca. 

Get a table and sit with your loved one to enjoy your meal. It is astonishing how much they have achieved in recreating the movie. 

7. Food Tasting Walk 

On this walk that is friendly for all, learn about the culture, history, and food of Morocco. Start with a taste of amazing fresh seasonal juice from the street vendors before moving on to the fresh fish market. Enjoy fresh oysters on the half-shell, crab, and sea urchin. 

Pop into one of the restaurants across the street and have a fantastic feast of fresh seafood. Have Dessert at an outdoor restaurant and enjoy Moroccan pastries and fruit.  

8. Museum of Moroccan Judaism Walk 

Take a walk to the Moroccan Judaism Museum which is dedicated to the history of Morocco’s Jewish community stretching 2,000 years back.  

Photographs, traditional costumes, and religious objects are preserved here. Learn the heritage of Moroccan Jews. 

9. Royal Palace Walk 

The King’s Palace in Casablanca is very big and beautiful with its enormous open square at the front, a surplus of guards, and a grand exterior. Unfortunately, it is not easily accessible and one can only admire it from afar. 

It is close to the new medina so a walk to the royal palace will have you going through several other attractions including the large market where you can buy everything you want and need. 

10. Arab League Park and Ain Diab Walk 

Arab League Park. Photo By Sambasoccer27 – Wikimedia

Take a romantic walk to the Arab League Park, an urban park in the heart of Casablanca. The park covers 30 acres of land and is bisected by Moulay Youssef Boulevard.  

Afterwards for party animals, walk to Ain Diab a vibrant and affluent part of town where people go to enjoy the sea air and to stroll on the beach. Dine in the fancy restaurants then go to the trendy nightclubs within the area and party all night.