The energy of modernity
The architectural tradition of the city endures to this day with the inauguration of the Hassan II mosque on the 30th of August 1993. This 200m high mosque is one of the largest in the world. The hectic Mâarif district exemplifies modern Casablanca. This previously impoverished area, just west of the Arab League Park, has gradually been transformed and is now one of the most prominent neighbourhoods in town. The young Moroccan jet set patronise its luxury shops and its trendy establishments in the shadow of the Twin Center twin towers. You must also visit Anfa, Casablanca's upmarket area. Boulevard Mohammed V, situated in the city centre, has kept its arcades under which shops and restaurants abound for almost 2km.
Seaside
In the evening, you can take the Aïn-Diab coast road between the El Hank lighthouse and Sidi Bou Abderrahmane mausoleum, a small village only accessible at low tide. This coast is Casablanca's seaside resort. It has swimming pools, public and private beaches. Coming here to admire the sun setting and to refresh oneself on a terrace is a classic outing. Every weekend, the inhabitants of Casablanca love to meet each other here. Later in the evening the discotheques keep things lively in this city which never sleeps.
The beaches
The city extends along the sea where you can discover a succession of beaches and swimming pools, frequently using seawater, along the coast. It is very popular with the inhabitants of Casablanca on weekends who go there to stroll and watch the sun go down from the terraces of its numerous cafés. Continuing northwards up the coast, you come to Mohammedia, an up-and-coming seaside resort which has a marina, a golf course and luxury hotels. About 20km further on, you arrive in Bouznika. Its superb beaches have made this seaside complex one of the most reputable on the Atlantic coast. In particular, the Dar Bouazza beaches have become the new "El Dorado" of the Casablanca suburbs for beach clubs.
Nightlife
The Aïn-Diab coast, the seaside annex of the city, is the traditional spot for inhabitants of Casablanca going out for the evening, especially at weekends. Trendy restaurants and popular pubs abound along the seafront. Some of these establishments, with or without seawater swimming pools, are there since the thirties, like an unusual restaurant built on piles. The atmosphere is so cosmopolitan that it is as easy to find a sushi restaurant as one specialised in Moroccan dishes. The discotheques open later on in the evening. Everyone will find one to his taste, from the latest techno to North African music. Boulevard Mohammed V, in the city centre, is full of restaurants, some of which have kept their 1920's decoration. Another curiosity: you can have a drink in a perfectly recreated copy of the famous café in the film Casablanca.
Shopping
As usual, it is in the souks that you will find traditional craftworks. Your shopping spree could start by Bab El Jedid in the old medina. This gate leads to the boulevard Tahar-El-Alaoui, which is in fact a long market following the line of the ancient ramparts. You will find yourself in a friendly easy going atmosphere with beautiful little squares planted with palm and fig trees. Craftsmen and coloured stalls are one beside the other. The copperware souk is beside the Great Mosque and the old mellah.
(Original information sourced from Morocco Tourism Dept).