Are you planning a trip to the Western coast of Morocco for the holidays? Take a look at these great places to stay in Casablanca!
Located in the center-west of Morocco, on its Atlantic side, Casablanca is the largest city in the Maghreb by population, with 3,359,818 inhabitants. Morocco’s economic capital, the city is known for its rich historical, cultural, and architectural heritage, epitomized by the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate with oceanic influences, Casablanca offers an ideal environment. Unsurprisingly, the city attracts millions of visitors: 10.3 million tourists visited Morocco in 2016. Accommodation-wise, Casablanca has much to offer, from top-of-the-range options (hotel, riad) to more modest villas. However, rates have risen sharply in recent years so accommodation in Casablanca can be expensive depending on the neighborhood.
The first traces of human life in Casablanca date back to the Paleolithic era, making Morocco a world-class archaeological site. Nicknamed “la blanche” (“the white city” – ad-Dār al-Bayḍā in Arabic), Casablanca is a sprawling city, home to numerous districts, all different from one another. Find out where to stay in Casablanca.
The City Center
Photo credit: Flickr – Axel Drainville
There are several “city centers” in Casablanca. Thus, the districts of Maarif, Gauthier, Racine, and Palmiers can each be considered as the city center. Home to luxurious residences, Maârif is the favorite night haunt for young Casablancans who enjoy going out. Located behind the Twin Center skyscrapers, Maârif boats a unique blend of high-end buildings, restaurants, and chic cafés alongside countless shops and department stores. A dynamic, youthful place to stay in Casablanca.
In the Gauthier district, you’ll find many bars and restaurants serving Moroccan and international cuisine, especially the ones located between the Place de la Fraternité and the Rond-Point Mermoz. In Gauthier, you are not far from the old Medina and Sour Jdid, from where you can see the famous Hassan II Mosque overlooking the ocean. A very central area to explore the city, and an ideal area to stay in Casablanca.
Find a hotel in Maarif
Find an Airbnb around Maarif
Find a hotel in Gauthier
Find an Airbnb in Gauthier
Anfa
Photo credit: Flickr – Panegyrics of Granovetter
Literally translated as “hill,” Anfa is the ancient name of the city, which is said to have been founded by the Romans, but this version of history is not unanimously accepted by historians and archaeologists. Located near the cornice, Anfa is home to bustling avenues such as Boulevard Driss Slaoui, Boulevard de l’Océan Pacifique, Boulevard du Lido, Boulevard Kennedy, and Avenue de Nice. This is Casablanca’s posh quarter, favored by the city’s golden youth. This high-end neighborhood houses an array of luxurious palaces, hotels, pubs, and countless nightclubs – the perfect place to meet young people – right up to the beach. Anfa is one of the most pleasant neighborhoods to stay in Casablanca.
Find a hotel in Anfa
Find an Airbnb in Anfa
Aïn Diab
Photo credit: Flickr – Kent MacElwee
Looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, the Aïn Diab district is adjacent to Anfa and overlooks the Corniche of Casablanca. A very touristy area, Aïn Diab attracts a growing number of visitors every year. You will find a host of cafés, restaurants, bars, shops, and villas with swimming pools, as well as the second largest shopping center in Africa: the Morocco Mall, featuring an impressive one million-liter aquarium as well as 200,000 m² of floor space. You can walk down Avenue de Nice towards the neighborhoods Bourgogne and Racine. Centrally located, Aïn Diab is a convenient area to stay in Casablanca.
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