The Top Things To Do And See In The Medina Casablanca

The architecture of the Hassan II Mosque, the shops of the Quartier Habous, the movie nostalgia of Rick’s Café – there’s plenty to love in the Medina of Casablanca. Stuck on what to visit first? Here’s a rundown of the top attractions in this Moroccan port city on the Atlantic.

Interested in visiting Casablanca? Book Culture Trip’s 13-day Moroccan adventure where you’ll be taken on a walking tour of the Art Deco scene and guided by a local architect.

1. The Old Medina

Historical Landmark

Step back in time and stroll through the streets of the Old Medina, the pre-20th-century city frozen in time. Remnants of the old city walls and forts can still be seen, and the narrow alleyways have remained the same for hundreds of years.

Much of this historic centre is now a bazaar; artisans selling leather goods, oils, linens, shoes and spices, or even antiques passed down by their ancestors. You’ll have to barter, but most vendors offer reasonable prices or are willing to negotiate. Here you’ll also find various outdoor cafes and smaller restaurants, so enjoy a coffee or tea while watching the locals go about their daily life.

2. Alpha 55

Store

The only department store in Casablanca, Alpha 55 has seven spacious floors lined with a wide range of products at reasonable prices. Pick up cosmetics, luggage, toys and sporting goods, as well as a plethora of clothes and school supplies. On the top floor is a restaurant, open Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm and 9pm-midnight.

4. Place Mohammed V

Architectural Landmark

The Palais du Justice Law courts in Casablanca

Architect Henri Prost ran with his vision and created a monumental plaza in the heart of Medina, impacting and inspiring future architects in many ways. This magnificent square is surrounded by public buildings, including law courts, the governor’s office, the bank al-Maghrib, the post office and the Ministry of Defence building. Within the open area are cobblestone bricks leading to an incredible fountain display in the centre. The fountain is an amazing sight during the day, and is lit up for special occasions. Place Mohammed V is also an ideal area for a day of shopping.

5. Quartier Habous

Market, Architectural Landmark

Quartier Habous, Casablanca, Morocco, Africa

Built by the French in the 1930s, the Quartier Habous is a miniature village lined with shops and eateries, and even has a mosque. This site combines modern French ideals with traditional Moroccan style, resulting in beautiful architecture and design.

Shop owners here are known to be friendly and to offer affordable prices – find traditional Moroccan clothing, slippers, carpets and handmade trinkets. Book stores and open-air restaurants can also be found here and make for relaxing stops during the day. There are also well-known bakeries and pastry shops, including Bennis Habous, which sells delicious, authentic Moroccan cakes.

6. Rick's Café

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Continental

Recreating the set of the 1942 movie Casablanca, Rick’s Café is a film lover’s dream. Step in the door and travel back to the 1940s, right into Rick Blaine’s café, complete with decor matching the era and a pianist playing music from the film. The restaurant has several floors, while televisions throughout play the film on loop. A variety of Moroccan food and drink is available for both lunch and dinner. Reservations and a sophisticated dress code are both necessary.

7. Patisserie Bennis Habous

Patisserie, Moroccan, Halal

Within Quartier Habous is Patisserie Bennis Habous, a traditional sweet shop set in an old Moroccan house. It’s difficult to find, but worth the hunt. The most popular treats here are the sweet and savoury cookies. Queue up and you’ll be handed a free sample. Another delicacy is the mini pastilla filled with shredded fish, vermicelli and prawns.

8. Loft Art Gallery

Art Gallery, Museum, Shop

Loft Art Gallery was opened in 2009 by two contemporary art professionals, Meriem and Yasmine Berrada. Their goal is to increase awareness of the importance of modern art in Arab countries. The gallery is funded by the Global Thinkers and Doers for the Arab World Association and supports the biggest names in local art (such as Farid Belkahia, Kim Bennani and Amina Rezkias) as well as up-and-coming talents.

9. Oliveri

Ice Cream Parlour, Ice Cream

Arguably the most famous ice cream shop in Casablanca, Oliveri is a top-quality joint with affordable prices and kind-hearted staff. The family-owned business was founded in 1950, and staff still use the same traditional techniques to make their creamy, mouth-watering flavours today. The gelato and sorbet varieties here are brilliant and are comparable to the lighter ice creams of Italy. The queues are longer in the evenings, but the wait is worth it.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.