6 Must-See Casablanca Neighborhoods and How to Visit
Hi, I'm Lydia!Lydia Schrandt is a writer, editor, and award-winning photographer currently based in Houston. She’s a contributor for USA TODAY 10Best and serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers. Her work has appeared in Draft, Time Out Beijing, Travel+, USA TODAY, San Francisco Chronicle, and others.
Hi, I'm Lydia!Lydia Schrandt is a writer, editor, and award-winning photographer currently based in Houston. She’s a contributor for USA TODAY 10Best and serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers. Her work has appeared in Draft, Time Out Beijing, Travel+, USA TODAY, San Francisco Chronicle, and others.
From the ramshackle souks that sprawl through Old Medina to the array of mauresque- and art deco–style buildings constructed under French rule, Casablanca is full of dramatic contrasts. Here’s what you need to know about the best neighborhoods in Morocco’s largest city.
Old Medina
Great for strolling and shopping.
Located between downtown and Hassan II Mosque, this 19th-century maze of shops, squares, and cafés is well worth a stroll. Visitors can bargain for leather goods, jewelry, food, and spices, or sip mint tea on a shaded rooftop terrace.
Habous Quarter (Quartier Habous)
Beautiful architecture and top attractions.
This neighborhood, nicknamed “New Medina,” is known for its French colonial buildings and collection of small craft-focused souks. A walking tour through the atmospheric area often includes visits to landmarks such as Royal Palace of Casablanca, Mohammed V Mosque, and Mahakma of the Pasha.
Ain Diab
A trendy waterfront spot.
This neighborhood stretching along the beach is sometimes referred to as Casablanca’s Corniche. It’s one of the trendiest areas in the city, complete with beach clubs, restaurants, and upscale resorts. Walk along the waterside promenade, and you pass the Sidi Abderrahman mausoleum and shrine, as well as El Hank Lighthouse.
Anfa
Upscale appeal with residential calm.
Anfa might be one of Casablanca’s oldest neighborhoods, but it’s also among the most modern. The affluent residential district attracts visitors with high-end shopping, upscale restaurants, luxury hotels, and golf courses.
Sour Jdid
A must-see for first-time visitors.
One of Casablanca’s most prominent landmarks—Hassan II Mosque—sits within the Sour Jdid neighborhood. Just about every sightseeing tour of Casablanca passes through the area for a stop at the famous mosque.
Derb Ghallef
Shopping, street food, and more.
This sprawling neighborhood is home to Morocco’s largest permanent flea market, where budget-minded travelers can shop for clothes, second-hand electronics, books, and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to treat your tastebuds to some Moroccan street food.
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Lydia Schrandt is a writer, editor, and award-winning photographer currently based in Houston. She’s a contributor for USA TODAY 10Best and serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers. Her work has appeared in Draft, Time Out Beijing, Travel+, USA TODAY, San Francisco Chronicle, and others.