It is one of the two main mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Beautiful interior complete with water features, a roof that opens to the sky, a huge hammam in the basement, and beautiful tile work. Worth a trip to the city.
Old Medina, North of of the Place des Nations Unies There is a small, traditional walled town in the north of Casablanca. If you are in town it’s worth a visit, but it’s nothing compared to the glories of Fes or Marrakech.
The Corniche is a neighborhood on the ocean, west of the Hassan II Mosque. Decades ago, it was a thriving resort area – hotels lining the ocean side of the Boulevard de la Corniche and nightclubs lining the other side.
Most look like they’ve seen better days, but it’s almost disorienting how much it resembles the New Jersey Shore. Along the Boulevard de l’Ocean Atlantique are many newer, fancier hotels. The Corniche is also home to many western fast food chains.
A new western-style movie theater can also be found here, but the best option is to walk up and down the street, resting at one of the many ocean-view cafes.
The Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman is built on a rock offshore, well past The Corniche, and is only accessible at low tide. The shrine itself is off-limits to non-Muslims, but visitors are permitted to explore the tiny, Medina-like neighborhood that has sprung up around it. A better bet is to walk to it along the beach and catch a view of the beautiful white walls before catching a cab to less remote areas.
Mahkama du Pacha This is a Hispanic-Moorish building comprised of more than 60 ornate rooms with delicately carved wooden ceilings. There are many stuccoes and intricate wrought-iron railings as well as beautifully-tiled floors. While entrance may be free it is not easy to get in. You need to find a guide to accompany you. Ask around – especially if you speak some French – as it is worth the entrance.
Central Post Office Come here to send your postcards in style! Built in 1918, the facade of this building is composed of both round and rectangular shapes. Once you approach you will get a good view of the excellent mosaics.
