If you've already been to Marrakech and are keen to explore another Moroccan city or simply prefer visiting places where you can feel like a local rather than a tourist, put Casablanca at the top of your “to go” list. The most modern – and largest – city in the country, Casablanca (the White City or Casa as the residents call it) has an energizing buzz, built on a foundation of rich history, a cultural smorgasbord of Arab, Berber, European and African influences, striking architecture, a vibrant arts scene and fabulous food with a strong seafood focus thanks to its Atlantic Coast location. And summer is the perfect time to visit, as it's warm (averages of 27° C in July and August) with a cooling offshore breeze.

Casablanca was founded by the Phoenicians in 714 BC as an important trading port. Its original name was Anfa (the Berber word for “hill”) and it wasn't until the Portuguese took control of the settlement in 1468 that it became known as "Casa Branca" ("White House") after a white-washed house overlooking the ocean. The city's modern roots date to the 18th century, when it had to be re-built after a devastating earthquake in 1755. Establishing a base here in 1781, the Spanish adopted its Portuguese name calling it Casablanca – the name that was officially accepted by the French when they arrived in Morocco in 1907.

During the French Protectorate, which lasted from 1912 to 1956, Casablanca served as the country's capital and it was during this period that many of its stunning Art Deco buildings were built. Today, Cinema Rialto still operates as a movie theatre (the 1942 Hollywood classic Casablanca shows regularly), stamps can be bought from the glorious Grande Poste and Villa des Arts (originally a private residence) is now a cultural centre well worth visiting for its contemporary art exhibitions. It was also during the French Protectorate that Casablanca's École des Beaux-Arts was established, nurturing a strong art movement that resulted in Tate St Ives staging a major exhibition in 2023-24 showcasing the very best works of Moroccan Modernism. The city's current creativity is further reflected in its street art – Royal Mansour Casablanca can organise a guided 3-hour tour to admire the murals painted on everything from the medina to modern high rises.

A modern architectural masterpiece worth admiring is Pritzker Prize-winning Christian de Portzamparc and Rachid Andaloussi's Grand Theatre de Casablanca, with its “billowing sails” on Place Mohammed V. Completed in 2020, its 1,800-seat main theatre makes it the largest in Africa. From here, take a 20-minute ride on the new electric tram system to the state-of-the-art sustainable Finance City, with Thom Mayne's futuristic CFC Tower at its heart, built on the former Casablanca-Anfa airport site. Anfa is the oldest part of Casablanca and is now an upmarket suburb of the city that is home to lots of interesting independent boutiques and the perfect place to spend an hour or so people watching while sipping a cool iced coffee on a café terrace.

Head back towards the heart of the city by walking along Anfa Beach, backed by a palm-tree-lined promenade, private beach lido and cool restaurant clubs, where a leisurely lunch can be enjoyed under the shade of a parasol with uninterrupted ocean views. Anfa Beach is also a great spot for beginners to learn how to surf (expert surfers will want to head to the chic resort of Dar Bouazza 20km south of the city for larger waves – Royal Mansour Casablanca can organise half and full day trips).

Nearby El Hank lighthouse (built in the style of an ancient minaret and operational since 1920), from where there are unobstructed views of Casablanca's most famous landmark, the Hassan II Mosque, a three-kilometre walk away along the sandy Corniche beach. A major feat of Moroccan architecture and design, visible from every part of the city, the massive Mosque with a 210-metre-high minaret can house 80,000 worshippers in its courtyard and 25,000 inside under a retractable roof; it took around 15,000 workers (many of them skilled artisans who carved the wooden ceilings and set the zellige tiles), eight years to build – it's well worth a visit.

Back in the centre of the city, it is worth visiting the old medina (and nearby Rick's Café – a faithful replica of the bar in the Casablanca movie), as well as the new medina built in Quartier Habbous in the 1930s to explore the varied stalls and impressive displays of fresh fruit and vegetables, including one section devoted to all types of olive. The Central Market, just a two-minute walk from Royal Mansour Casablanca, is well-known for its fresh fish and seafood, which you can pick out and have cooked to your liking at one of the market cafes.

Replete from exploring this fascinating city, be sure to leave enough time to experience a traditional hammam at Royal Mansour Casablanca – or for gents, a haircut, beard trim or wellness treatment in the dedicated Le Salon Barbier on the 20th floor of the hotel, with stunning views over Casablanca. It's the perfect way to totally relax after a long day of sightseeing, before dinner in one of Royal Mansour Casablanca's four restaurants – marvel at the twinkling city lights from La Grande Table Marocaine and Le Rooftop (serving Mediterranean food) on the 23rd floor or enjoy the tranquility of the stylish Le Sushi Bar and La Brasserie by Éric Frechon, serving modern French classics around the courtyard garden just off the lobby.

When to visit

Jazzablanca – 3 to 12 July

This annual music festival showcases international and local jazz, soul and fusion artists at different venues around the city, including in Royal Mansour Casablanca's Le Bar. This year's lineup includes performances by the Black-Eyed Peas, Seal, Kool & The Gang and more.
https://www.jazzablanca.com/en

L'Boulevard – 18 to 21 September

An annual urban music festival with three main components: L'Boulevard Festival, the Tremplin competition (allowing young musical groups to gain exposure to a larger audience), and Sbagha Bagha—an opportunity for graffiti artists to cover the "White City" with their creations.

https://www.instagram.com/lboulevard_festival/

Ends

Royal Mansour Casablanca   

Royal Mansour Casablanca, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, is a striking property that seamlessly blends Casablanca's cultural heritage with avant-garde interiors reflecting the early to mid-20th century that feature marble, wood inlays, opulent fabrics and an impressive art collection. The hotel has 149 exquisitely designed rooms and suites, along with four restaurants (one overseen by Michelin-starred chef Éric Frechon) that deliver exceptional dining experiences. For ultimate relaxation, there is a tranquil spa spread over two levels and covering 2,510 sqm. Facilities include a Hammam, high-technology treatments such as Indiba and Hydrafacial, a fitness studio and a hair salon. For male guests, there is a dedicated space Le Salon Barbier by La Barbière de Paris Those wishing to explore the vibrant metropolis of Casablanca can experience gastronomic and urban Art Deco tours, admire one of the world's oldest mosques (also the world's only mosque built half over ocean waters), and enjoy glamorous dinners at the glitzy beach clubs and restaurants dotted along the seaside promenade with their stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean.   

Rates start from 7000 MAD (currently approx. £560) for two people sharing a double room on a B&B basis.   

URL: https://www.royalmansour.com/en/casablanca/  

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