A Couple's Guide to Casablanca

Casablanca is home to numerous hotels, with accommodations ranging in price to suit varying budgets. Whether you’re looking for somewhere with traditional touches, a minimalist feeling, or something in between, Casablanca offers the lot. Make your accommodation part of your stay, rather than simply a place to sleep. For five-star sophistication, check into the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche, the Hyatt Regency Casablanca, Mogador Marina, Movenpick Hotel Casablanca, or Kenzi Tower Hotel. Alternatively, enjoy mid-range luxury at Hotel Les Saisons, Hotel Al Walid, Hôtel Barceló Casablanca, the Fourteen Luxury Boutique Hotel, or The Almohades Casablanca.

Sky 28 is a chic bar that offers some of the best views across Casablanca. Located at the top of one of the towers of the Twin Centre, it’s the highest bar in the city. The drinks menu is extensive and it’s especially romantic at sunset. Get there a little before sundown and you can see the city spread out below and watch as the sky changes colour and the light eventually fades to dark, leaving the twinkling lights of the city beneath. The city has a great selection of other bars and clubs too; why end the night early?

It’s easy to reach several sandy beaches from the heart of Casablanca. Ain Diab is one of the most popular stretches. Stroll along the sands, take a dip in the sea, chill out in a beach club, and admire the views. Surf-loving couples may enjoy the waves at Ain Sebaa. Other Casablanca beaches include Lalla Meryem and Madame Choual Beach. The old lookout point can be especially romantic at sunset.

Not only can you shop till you drop at Morocco Mall, which is one of the biggest shopping centres in Morocco, but you can also visit a large aquarium. Even more special, however, is to take the glass elevator through the double-level aquarium; fish and other aquatic creatures swim right in front of your eyes as you slowly ascend and descend.

Casablanca has lots of cool architecture to snap selfies in front of with that special someone. Art Deco buildings are particularly abundant throughout the city, and Place Mohamed V is surrounded by elegant architecture. A visit to the Hassan II Mosque is one of the most popular things to do for all visitors to Casablanca. A beautiful mosque from the outside, plan your trip for when non-Muslim visitors are allowed inside to feast your eyes on even more splendour. Take a walk through both the old and new medinas for even more lovely sights.

While not as exuberant as other medinas around Morocco, the calmer atmosphere in Casablanca’s old medina can be ideal for couples who are looking to take things a little easier on their vacation. See how locals live in the residential areas, stop into a quaint café for a glass of mint tea, and pick up some local souvenirs from the souks. You could even treat your partner to a thoughtful memento from your time in Morocco.

Being immersed in nature often helps to bring out the best in people and, despite being a large and bustling city, Casablanca still has a few pockets of peaceful greenery in which couples can unwind. The attractive Forest of Bouskoura Merchich is one of the nicest such natural areas in Casablanca. Wander along the shaded pathways, listen to the birds gaily singing, and inhale the fragrant aromas of trees and flowers. The tranquil vibe offers the perfect respite from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city.

There are several fabulous destinations within easy reach of Casablanca, letting couples enjoy even more of the country together. The former Portuguese town of El Jadida offers a completely different vibe to Casablanca, while you can pack a picnic and watch the birdlife at the wetlands of Oualadia. The modern capital of Rabat may appeal to some couples, while the old imperial city of Marrakech cannot help but capture people’s attention.

Do note that public displays of affection should be avoided when exploring Casablanca and other parts of Morocco. Dress modestly and maintain some distance between you and your love until you return to the privacy of your hotel room each evening.