Dreams of Bergman and Bogart, of romance and a very French cafe culture, Casablanca is an evocative destination unlike any other in Morocco. Grand old mosques sit aside streets awash with brilliant-white French colonial buildings, where art nouveau and neo-Moroccan styles rub shoulders. Modernity envelops the newer neighbourhoods, but you’ll still find the souks and medina alleyways typical of Moroccan towns; Casablanca’s romance lies in this diversity, a shimmering-white, art deco jewel that has a distinct bohemian quality to it.
Sink into the bustle of the Habous Quarter, and find Pâtisserie Bennis Habous - this area is old-world Casablanca, a fascinating glimpse at the city through a particularly vintage lens. The stalwart patisserie is lined with bursting trays of Maghrebi pastries, from cornes de gazelle (crescent-shaped cookies stuffed with almond paste and laced with orange-flower water) or akda aux amandes (almond macaroons). There’s a few cafes nearby where you can pick up a coffee to sample your bounty with, as you wonder the streets of this pretty part of town.
Head into the city for your first dose of Casa culture. Discover the collection of Abderrahman Slaoui, avid collector of Moroccan art. In a beautiful art-deco mansion, see Moroccan decorative arts and rare Amazigh jewellery, plus Marjorelle furniture and a whole heap of vintage travel posters. It’s an important collection, preserving rare pieces of national significance, and serves as a perfect platform for understanding Moroccan art.
Here, another house of art, showcasing Casablanca’s cultural importance. Similar to the Slaoui Foundation, discover remarkable artworks adorning the walls of a choice art-deco villa. Villa des Arts is ran by the non-profit Fondation ONA, who champion Morrocan artists through temporary exhibitions and educational outreach work. Discover contemporary works from the burgeoning Moroccan art scene.
One of Casablanca’s most striking and iconic landmarks, the Hassan II Mosque is an architectural and spiritual marvel. It’s the largest mosque in Morocco and the 7th largest in the world, perched on a promontory overlooking the churning ocean that meets Casablanca’s coast. Entry for non-Muslims is limited to daily guided tours, offering a glimpse at the mind-boggling intricacy of the zeelij tilework and vast wealth of craftsmanship. Don't miss the chance to marvel at its towering minaret, which stands at 210 meters tall.
For fans of the eponymous film, nowhere gets closer to the feel of the ‘40s romance than Rick’s Café. This imagined restaurant nods to the art-deco elegance of the film’s location, with grandiose interior and evenings of live jazz. Sample traditional dishes in style, as bebop underscores your Casablanca night.
Casablanca's Corniche, the part of the city where locals go to promenade against the ocean backdrop, is the nightspot in the city. Waterfront bars, resort hotels and clubs line the walkways, where a mint tea and a seat with a view accompanies sunset gazing across the Atlantic. The atmosphere is buzzing, captured along its length all the way to the historic El Hank lighthouse. This is the iconic sundowner experience of the city.
You and your travel partner will spend four nights at the Palais Mirage d’Atlas, a sophisticated resort with boho vibes just a stone’s throw from bustling Marrakech. With £500 for travel expenses and transfers to and from the airport, all you need to worry about is how best to indulge in the luxe trappings of this stylish resort.
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