Casablanca

Forget the movie — the real Casablanca has little to do with Humphrey Bogart. Morocco's largest city (4 million inhabitants) is the economic heart of the country: modern, bustling, cosmopolitan, and at first glance not particularly beautiful. But those who look closer discover a fascinating mix of Art Deco splendor, lively neighborhoods, and a landmark worth the trip alone.

★★★ Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque is Morocco's landmark and one of the largest mosques in the world: space for 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 on the forecourt, a 210-meter-high minaret (the tallest religious building in the world), a retractable roof, a glass floor over the Atlantic, and craftsmanship that leaves you speechless: zellige tiles, carved cedarwood, stucco, marble from Agadir — all created by 10,000 Moroccan craftsmen in just 6 years (1986-1993).

It is one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims are allowed to enter. Guided tours (in English, French, German) start hourly. The location directly on the ocean, on a promontory over the Atlantic, is breathtaking.

Entrance: 130 MAD. Tours: Sat-Thu 9, 10, 11, 14 (summer also 15, 16). Closed on Fridays. Appropriate clothing required.

★ Art Deco District

The city center around Boulevard Mohammed V is a fascinating open-air museum of Art Deco: In the 1920s-30s, French architects built a colonial city here that combined Moorish ornamentation with European modernity. Many buildings are unfortunately dilapidated, but the best examples (Cinéma Rialto, Marché Central, Hyatt Regency) still show their former glory.

Corniche & Beaches

The Corniche of Aïn Diab is Casablanca's nightlife mile by the sea: restaurants, clubs, beach clubs, pools. However, the beaches are mediocre for swimming (city beaches after all). For swimming, it's better to go to Mohammedia (30 km north).

Quartier Habous (New Medina)

Built by the French in the 1930s as an "idealized medina" — a clean, well-organized version of a traditional souk. Perfect for stress-free shopping: olives, pastries, babouches (leather slippers). The Pâtisserie Bennis is legendary for its Cornes de Gazelle (almond pastries).