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A view across the rooftops of the Old Medina of Casablanca towards the sea and the minaret of the Hassan II Mosque

Old town

Old Medina

The Old Medina is what remains of Casablanca before the 20th century: a small walled quarter of narrow lanes beside the port, rebuilt in the late 18th century after an earthquake. It is a lived-in neighbourhood rather than a showpiece, with everyday souks, washing overhead and a few surprising sights.

Why visit

Casablanca’s medina is small and modest compared with those of Fez and Marrakech, and that is part of its charm. There is less pressure to buy and more everyday life: fishmongers, barbers, tailors and children playing football in the lanes. A walk here takes you from the busy modern city into something much older in a few steps.

What to see

  • Bab Marrakech: the main gate, with a busy market of clothes and household goods outside.
  • The clock tower: a rebuilt landmark at the corner of Place des Nations Unies.
  • The Sqala: an 18th-century sea bastion with old cannons along its walls.
  • The Ould El Hamra Mosque: a late 18th-century mosque on the edge of the old quarter (non-Muslims can only see it from outside).
  • Rick’s Café: the restaurant styled on the film Casablanca, against the medina wall.

Tips

  • Go in the morning or late afternoon, when the shops are open and the lanes are busy.
  • Keep your phone and wallet secure, and avoid the quiet lanes after dark.
  • Dress modestly and ask before taking photographs of people.
  • Bargain politely in the souks, and do not feel you have to buy anything.

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