Virgin Voyages' guide to Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca is an enchanting blend of culture, architecture, cuisine, and contemporary infrastructure.
CASABLANCA
Medinas, Mosques, and Movie Magic
Popularized in pop culture by the classic Humphrey Bogart film, the reality of Casablanca is arguably even more magical than its Hollywood depiction. “The White City”, as it’s called for its distinctive whitewashed art deco architecture, is a fascinating cultural blend of French colonial and Arab influence.
The art deco Cathédrale de Sacré Coeur and glass-floored Hassan II mosque are two of the city’s most iconic (though quite different) cultural landmarks, not to mention the iconic Place Mohammed V – a central plaza that serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub.
Just south of the Place Mohammed V, you can spend some time in the Parc de la Ligue Arabe. A park with a huge pool and avenues lined with palm trees, it’s perfect for taking strolls, admiring the lush African flora, and visiting one of its many small cafes. It’s truly an oasis in the heart of the bustling city.
And of course, you can’t visit Casablanca without diving headfirst into its delicious local cuisine. Since the city is a cultural melting pot, you’ll find local dishes here from all around the country, as well as inspired by other countries – particularly Spain. Explore the city’s many restaurants and souks (marketplaces), serving up traditional Moroccan cuisine like pastilla (meat, nuts, and spices wrapped in flaky pastry), snails in spiced broth, and zaazaa (a parfait-like sweet treat).
Just south of the Place Mohammed V, you can spend some time in the Parc de la Ligue Arabe. A park with a huge pool and avenues lined with palm trees, it’s perfect for taking strolls, admiring the lush African flora, and visiting one of its many small cafes. It’s truly an oasis in the heart of the bustling city.
And of course, you can’t visit Casablanca without diving headfirst into its delicious local cuisine. Since the city is a cultural melting pot, you’ll find local dishes here from all around the country, as well as inspired by other countries – particularly Spain. Explore the city’s many restaurants and souks (marketplaces), serving up traditional Moroccan cuisine like pastilla (meat, nuts, and spices wrapped in flaky pastry), snails in spiced broth, and zaazaa (a parfait-like sweet treat).
Private Authentic Moroccan Home Cooking Lesson
Roll up your sleeves and dive into the spice of life or sit back and take it all in at this private family-style Moroccan cooking lesson. You’ll be welcomed into a Moroccan home where you’ll learn to prepare an array of traditional dishes, including two mains, sides, homemade bread, and dessert. This half-day class will give you the basics on Moroccan spices, ingredients, and preparation. Then you’ll get to taste your handiwork for yourself with an authentic meal that you helped to prepare.
Moroccan Wine Tasting at It's Oldest Winery
Get in on the wine industry’s best kept secret: Moroccan wine. Starting with a drive to the Ben-Slimane province, you’ll visit Morocco’s largest and oldest winery – the Domain Thalvin. Here you’ll sample what sommeliers call the best wine in Morocco. You’ll learn all about Thalvin’s varietals while touring its vineyards and iconic “Syrollo.” Between tastings, you’ll clear your palate with Moroccan delicacies and learn how the region’s climate makes it perfect for wine production.
Mosque Visit & Hammam Hot Bath Experience
Relax at your own pace with a trip to the stunning and historic Hassan II Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world. Then, you’ll visit the mosque’s Hammam, where you’ll unwind like a local by sinking into baths ranging from warm, to hot, to scorching. This rejuvenating afternoon ends with a panoramic drive through the scenic Corniche and a stop to enjoy a traditional Moroccan tea before heading back to the pier.
Casablanca: A Cultural Melting Pot
Casablanca is a rich mix of Moroccan, French, Arab, and Berber cultures.
Shore Excursions
Discover Marrakech
Spend an unforgettable day in Marrakesh. Bask in the city’s rose-tinted glow and explore its rich history dating back over 1,000 years.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGSNot as squarely in the tourism spotlight as Marrakech and Fes, Casablanca is the perfect place to get a sense of Moroccan culture away from the crowds. That means experiencing the true blend of historical, culinary, and architectural influences from Spain, France, and the Middle East. Of course, there are the beautiful art deco buildings like the old Cathédrale de Sacré Coeur and the Hassan II Mosque, but there are even more opportunities for cultural learning, like the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum, which houses decorative Moroccan art. You can also spend some time strolling through the Old Medina, defined by its white-washed buildings with wooden doors and little restaurants and shops.
Casablanca is also one of the best under-the-radar beach destinations in Africa. There are plenty of beaches easily reachable from the city. Located right in the center of the city, Ain Diab is one of the most popular with both locals and tourists, since it’s lined with cafes and bars. Cabano Beach is another of Casablanca’s unique beaches, defined by its large rocks, green park spaces, and sports fields. The El Hank Lighthouse also makes for the perfect backdrop for your beach day, and the lighthouse’s observation deck offers some of the best views of the city and sea.
