Casablanca is a place where modernity blends harmoniously with tradition and east meets west. Here you will find the country’s most important monuments, which make up Morocco’s cultural wealth. Whether you are interested in architecture, history or art, Casablanca has something for everyone. What’s worth seeing there?
Unique monuments
Hassan II Mosque: You can’t talk about Casablanca without mentioning the Hassan II Mosque, which is one of the largest in the world. Rising over the Atlantic, it is one of the few mosques in Morocco that is open to non-Muslims. The unique handcrafted details, the impressive height of the minaret (210 metres) and the incredible views of the ocean make it an absolute must-visit.
Museum of Moroccan Judaism: Casablanca is home to the only museum of Judaism in the Arab world – the Museum of Moroccan Judaism. It is an important site that documents the rich heritage of the Jewish community in Morocco. It houses many valuable exhibits such as traditional costumes, ancient texts and photographs.
The Medina, or old town, is the heart of Casablanca. The maze of narrow streets is full of a variety of shops, bustling bazaars and cafes. Walking through the Medina, you will feel the authentic atmosphere of the city, which will give you an understanding of how its inhabitants live their daily lives.
The Royal Palace: although not open to the public, its impressive facades are worth a look. It houses the official residence of the King of Morocco, surrounded by beautiful gardens. The exterior view of the palace is considered one of the most beautiful in the country.
Hammam: When visiting, don’t forget to visit the traditional Moroccan bathhouse – the hammam. It is an integral part of Moroccan culture, where locals come not only to cleanse themselves but also to socialise. Try the traditional cleansing ritual and relax in the warm atmosphere of the hammam.
“At least we will always have … Casablanca”.
When we hear ‘Casablanca’, our thoughts undoubtedly turn to the cult production starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Who among us doesn’t remember the famous lines “We’ll always have Paris” or “Play it again, Sam”? Although most of the scenes were not filmed in Morocco, there are several locations in Casablanca that attract fans from all over the world.
Rick’s Café: First on the list has to be Rick’s Café. Although the original Rick’s Café from the film no longer exists, American diplomat Kathy Kriger opened a restaurant in 2004 that mimics the iconic décor from the film. This place is an absolute must-visit for any fan of ‘Casablanca’. Over a drink, you’ll immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the time while you wait for Sam to start playing ‘As Time Goes By’.
United Nations Square: Although it does not appear directly in the film, the United Nations Square also known as Place de France is simply worth a visit. It is the central place in Casablanca where life is vibrant. Here you can feel the pulsating rhythm of the city, just as Rick and Ilsa must have felt it.
Visiting Casablanca in the footsteps of the film is an incredible adventure. As Ilsa said to Rick, “we will always have Paris”, can we say that “we will always have Casablanca”? Check it out for yourself and let the magical places of this city transport you back in time – exactly where Rick and Ilsa’s story began.
From Marbella to Casablanca in a few hours
Marbella, the pearl of the Costa del Sol, is famous for its charming old streets, luxury yachts on Puerto Banus and, of course, one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Spain. It is in this city, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Andalusia, that we can feel the true Spanish laid-back vibe. However, did you know that Marbella can also be your introduction to the far corners of Africa? Below you will find some options on how to get from Marbella to Casablanca.
By car
If you love travelling on your own and discovering new places at your own pace, a car journey from Marbella to Casablanca might be the perfect solution for you. You will first need to get to the city of Algeciras or Tarifa, which are the closest ports to Marbella, from where there are ferries to Tangier in Morocco. The journey by car from Marbella to Algeciras takes about 1.5 hours and to Tarifa about 2 hours.
Once you arrive in Algeciras or Tarifa, simply purchase a ferry ticket to Tangier. The trip across the Strait of Gibraltar takes about 1-2 hours. Upon arrival in Tangier, you will still have an approximately 5-hour car journey to Casablanca.
By train and ferry
If you prefer to travel by train, it is also possible to get from Marbella to Casablanca. First you need to get to Algeciras, from where there is a ferry to Tangier. You can get to Algeciras by train from Malaga, and to Malaga by bus from Marbella. The journey by this route takes about three hours.
The ferry from Algeciras to Tangier takes about 1-2 hours. On arrival in Tangier, you must transfer to a train that will take you to Casablanca. The train journey from Tangier to Casablanca takes about 5 hours.
By plane
If you are concerned about time, the easiest and fastest way to get from Marbella to Casablanca is by plane. There are regular flights to Casablanca from Malaga Airport, which is about 45 minutes’ drive from Marbella. The journey by plane takes about 1.5 hours.
All in all, Marbella, with its charming atmosphere, beautiful beaches and proximity to both fascinating Andalusia and exotic Morocco, is the ideal place to relax and a base for further travel. Whether by car, train or plane, Casablanca is waiting to be discovered!
