Casablanca City: Morocco’s Modern Soul of Culture, Food, and Coastal Beauty

When most travelers think of Morocco, Marrakech’s red walls or Chefchaouen’s blue alleys often come to mind. But those who truly know Morocco will tell you that Casablanca City is the country’s modern pulse — a blend of ocean air, cosmopolitan life, and timeless Moroccan charm.

In this article, we’ll explore Casablanca’s history, weather, best restaurants, hotels, clothing tips, local language, and hidden places few talk about. If you’ve ever wondered “Is Casablanca worth visiting?” — you’re about to find out why the answer is a resounding yes.

What Is Casablanca? A City Beyond the Movie

Let’s start with the question most people ask: What is Casablanca, really?

Casablanca (or Dar el Beida in Arabic, meaning “the White House”) is Morocco’s largest city and its economic heart. Unlike the historic feel of Fez or Marrakech, Casablanca is Morocco’s business and cultural hub — home to international companies, art galleries, stylish cafés, and the country’s main port.

💡 Did you know? Casablanca was once a small Berber fishing village called Anfa. After the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, it was rebuilt by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah and renamed Dar el Beida. The Spanish later translated it to Casablanca.

Today, it’s a city of contrasts — where art deco buildings stand beside glass skyscrapers, and where traditional souks coexist with luxury malls.

Casablanca City Restaurants: Where Morocco Meets the World

Casablanca’s culinary scene is unlike anywhere else in Morocco. The city’s coastal position and cosmopolitan energy have created a food culture that fuses French, Moroccan, Mediterranean, and African flavors.

Here are some of the best restaurants in Casablanca city that locals love but tourists rarely discover:

1. La Sqala

Set inside an 18th-century fortress near the old port, La Sqala serves traditional Moroccan food surrounded by gardens and fountains. The breakfast platters with msemen and mint tea are a must.

2. Rick’s Café

Inspired by the 1942 film Casablanca, this restaurant captures the old-Hollywood vibe. But here’s what many don’t know — the café was built in 2004 by a former U.S. diplomat, Kathy Kriger, who wanted to make the movie fantasy real.

3. Le Cabestan

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is Casablanca’s go-to spot for seafood and sunset views. It’s elegant, romantic, and often filled with artists and business elites.

4. Bocadillo Café or Bondi Coffee Kitchen

For travelers craving organic or vegan food, these small local cafés show a new, youthful side of Casablanca — where sustainability meets taste.

Casablanca City Weather: What to Expect

The weather in Casablanca is one of its biggest advantages. Thanks to its Atlantic coast, Casablanca enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and cool summers.

🌤️ Best time to visit Casablanca: April to June or September to November.
During summer, the city remains cooler than inland destinations like Marrakech due to the Atlantic winds.

Discover More: Best time to visit Morocco

Casablanca City Hotels: Where to Stay for Every Budget

Casablanca offers an incredible mix of accommodations — from modern skyscraper hotels to traditional riads hidden in the medina.

Luxury Hotels

• Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca – Overlooking the beach, this hotel defines modern luxury with ocean-view suites.

• Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche – Perfect for city explorers, close to the old medina and Hassan II Mosque.

Mid-Range

• Melliber Appart Hotel – Great for families; offers spacious rooms with kitchenettes and mosque views.

• ONOMO Hotel Casablanca City Center – Trendy, affordable, and eco-conscious.

Budget & Local Experience

• Hotel Central – A charming budget option near the port, filled with vintage Casablanca energy.

• Kenzi Basma Hotel – Comfortable, with a mix of Moroccan design and modern convenience.

💡 Tip: If you want to see both sides of Casablanca, stay one night near the Corniche (the coastal promenade) and another inside the Old Medina for a mix of modern and traditional Morocco.

Casablanca City Things to Do: Hidden Gems & Landmarks

Casablanca isn’t overloaded with tourist attractions — instead, it offers experiences that mix culture, architecture, and sea breeze.

1. Hassan II Mosque

One of the world’s largest mosques, it sits partly over the ocean. What many don’t know is that the mosque’s retractable roof opens for Friday prayers, letting sunlight in — a symbol of Morocco’s openness.

2. The Corniche & Ain Diab Beach

A long seaside promenade filled with cafés, bars, and beach clubs. Visit around sunset for an unforgettable view of the Atlantic.

3. Habous Quarter (New Medina)

Built by the French in the 1930s, this area mixes Moroccan souks with clean colonial architecture. It’s perfect for buying olive oil, leather goods, or traditional sweets like kaab el ghzal.

4. Villa des Arts

Casablanca’s main art museum — free to visit and full of local contemporary art. It’s a peaceful escape in a city of traffic and energy.

5. Marché Central

The city’s most authentic food market, where locals buy fresh fish and vegetables. You can even have your seafood grilled on the spot.

Casablanca Clothing: What to Wear

Casablanca is one of Morocco’s most liberal and modern cities, but respectful dressing is always appreciated.

👗 For women:

• Light dresses, jeans, or linen pants work perfectly.

• Avoid very short shorts or low-cut tops in traditional areas.

👕 For men:

• Casual shirts, pants, or shorts are fine.

• Avoid sleeveless tops in mosques or conservative neighborhoods.

If you’re visiting Hassan II Mosque, both men and women should cover shoulders and knees.

Casablanca Language: What Do They Speak?

The main languages spoken in Casablanca are:

• Darija (Moroccan Arabic) – everyday local dialect

• French – widely used for business, education, and signage

• English – increasingly common among younger generations

• Berber (Tamazight) – spoken by many families originally from the Atlas Mountains

💬 Common phrases:

• “Salam” = Hello

• “Shukran” = Thank you

• “Bslama” = Goodbye

• “Ça va?” = How are you? (French influence!)

Casablanca Map & Layout

Casablanca is divided into several key districts:

1. Old Medina – historical area with narrow alleys and souks.

2. Gauthier & Maarif – trendy, full of restaurants and shops.

3. Anfa & Ain Diab – coastal, modern, and perfect for nightlife.

4. Hay Hassani – residential area with a glimpse of real local life.

Is Casablanca Safe?

Yes, Casablanca is generally safe, especially during the day and in main districts like Gauthier, Anfa, and Maarif.

However, keep in mind:

• Be cautious in crowded medina areas — watch for pickpockets.

• Avoid walking alone at night in quiet zones near the port.

• Use official taxis or ride apps like Careem or Heetch.

🌍 Good to know: Casablanca is often safer than you’d expect for a big city, with low violent crime and a strong police presence.

Hidden Local Insights No One Talks About

• Casablanca’s architecture is full of art deco gems built during the French protectorate — some buildings rival Paris in design.

• Locals call the tramway “le tram”, and it’s one of the most efficient ways to explore the city affordably.

• Casablanca is Morocco’s film capital, with over 30 movie studios and international shoots yearly.

• Street art is booming here — you’ll find murals in Maarif and Derb Omar that reflect Morocco’s youth culture.

Final Thoughts

Casablanca City isn’t Morocco’s postcard fantasy — it’s the real Morocco: urban, dynamic, creative, and full of stories. From its oceanfront mosques and world-class restaurants to its hidden markets and multilingual culture, Casablanca is where the past meets the future.

Whether you’re exploring Casablanca’s restaurants, checking the weather for your trip, or learning Darija Arabic to connect with locals, this city will surprise you in ways you didn’t expect.