CITY GUIDE Casablanca
Facing the Atlantic, Casablanca— known to locals as‘ Casa’— is Morocco’ s largest and most modern metropolis, a place where industry and creativity flourish side by side, says Sarah Gilbert images: alamy; getty
Over its long history, Casablanca has been in a constant state of reinvention— home to a mix of Amazigh( Berber), Arab, African and European influences. The winding, whitewashed alleys of the compact old medina— where the souks are still more for locals than visitors— shed light on its once-diverse population, exemplified by a synagogue, a church and a mosque all located within touching distance.
What Casablanca lacks in ancient sights, it makes up for in striking 20th-century architecture, where geometric neoclassical edifices rub shoulders with ornate neo- Moorish facades, symmetrical art deco structures and sleek modernist towers. And its groundbreaking architectural projects continue apace.
It’ s also home to some of Morocco’ s best restaurants, with a new generation of chefs taking the country’ s abundance of fresh produce and creating a fine-dining fusion that caters to international taste buds, while a well-heeled crowd sips creative cocktails overlooking the Atlantic rollers.
Beyond the urban sprawl lies a sensational shoreline. On weekends, the waterfront walkway from the magnificent Hassan II Mosque to the historic El Hank lighthouse is packed with promenading families and love-struck couples. You can even learn to surf in the novice-friendly waves.
As for transport, Africa’ s first high-speed train links the city to Morocco’ s capital, Rabat, and bohemian Tangier. And, as the country gears up to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, there’ ll also be a fast track to Marrakech. summer 2026 • 79