Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and its economic capital, set on the Atlantic coast in the Casablanca-Settat region of Africa. For many visitors it is a first stop on a Moroccan journey, and it is also known locally as Dar el Beida, or simply Casa.
What to see and do
- Hassan II Mosque: the city's best-known landmark, standing at the edge of the Atlantic. It is worth seeing from the waterfront and well worth a visit inside.
- The modern port: a working harbour that gives a sense of the city's role in trade and commerce.
- The business district: a contrast with the older quarters, with glass towers and busy streets that show the city's modern face.
What kind of visit it makes
Casablanca suits travellers who enjoy a city with a practical, working character rather than one built mainly for sightseeing. It works well for a few days, combining the mosque and the coastline with time spent wandering the streets and eating in local cafés. Because the city is Morocco's commercial heart, it also makes sense for anyone with business to attend, or for those who want to see how Moroccan urban life runs day to day.
The Atlantic setting gives the city an open, breezy feel, and the waterfront is a pleasant place to spend an unhurried hour. Visitors who want to explore further can use the city as a base for trips along the coast or inland, depending on how much time they have.