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The old part of Casablanca, within a set of city walls and known as the Medina, is surprisingly easy to miss. You could wander around the city centre for a few hours, then take a taxi out to the big mosque and the seaside, and not realise that the medina exists. It certainly doesn't compare to other medinas in places like Fes or Marrakesh, or even Rabat or Meknes. There are no real sights within the walls, nothing really that old or picturesque either, but it is a nice place to walk around, especially as there is very little hassle from touts or guides, aside from a few pushy sellers right inside the main gate.
My hotel owners told me to be careful in the medina, and I'd read that elsewhere too, but I can't really say it felt threatening at all, just a normal residential area, slightly rundown with one or two dodgy characters lurking in the shadows, but the main streets are busy with shoppers in the markets or children playing or men smoking in cafes. It's fairly easy to get lost, and I tried three times to find Jemaa ach Chleuh (the Berber Mosque), but somehow found myself at the other end of the medina every time. You can't really get too lost though, as the medina is only small, and you'll end up at the wall at some point.
What to see? Well, start with the clocktower entrance, not really a sight in itself but a good place to enter, easy to find just off Place des Nations Unies. The whole area around here is a street market, a few official shops but mostly immigrants from other parts of Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa selling their wares on the pavements. Entering the gate by the clocktower brings you to a square with several snack stalls, and you can take any of the streets here for a walk through the souqs. They're not terribly exciting, with a lot of touristy tat at the start (cruise ship passengers are brought here), which gives way to clothing and eventually food.
Aside from markets, try to find the Skala, a small fortress-type structure in the walls opposite the port, which has been restored and is now an expensive restaurant. Next door is the oldest mosque in the medina, where I was picked up by a "guide" from Laayoune, a city I'd already visited. He knew (or claimed to know) the medina fairly well, and adopted me, in the beginning just "to chat to a foreigner", but I was convinced I was going to be asked for money at the end of his little tour. But he did take me into the mosque (I forget the name, but it is right next to the Skala, so easy to find), normally forbidden in Morocco, and walked me around the medina as the sun was coming down. It was interesting to talk to him, and he showed me a few places I had missed, like the horsemeat market, but after about an hour, the conversation changed to be constantly about money and how poor he was and how rich i was and how hungry he was and how nice it would be if I would give him money to buy a meal for him and his fourteen children (he'd introduced himself as unmarried and alone in Casa, so something was a lie...). I sort of knew it was coming, and prepared to hand over some dirhams, but it did confirm yet again that meeting ordinary Moroccans is difficult as a tourist.
One final "sight" at the far end of the medina is Rick's Cafe, not really a cafe at all, but an upmarket bar aimed at tourists who come looking for the romantic Casablanca of the film. Some must be fooled into thinking it is authentic, but anyone with an ounce of film knowledge will know that the filming was all done in Hollywood and the bar was completely fictional!
Written Apr 30, 2011
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I didn't get a chance to go to the Old Medina, but passed by it in a Petit Taxi enroute from Casa Voyageurs train station to the Hassan II Mosque.
If you're looking for postcards of Casablanca, other than the Hassan II Mosque, this is probably the next possible feature.
Updated Apr 5, 2010
I'm meaning the old medina, not the new one. It was just closing as I arrived and not yet open the next morning as I was leaving.
So, I just had a quick look round. Make sure you have a good map if you're going in all the way.
It seemed friendly & comfortable when I was there.
You do need to venture in just a little bit just to get some idea of Moroccan life. Be prepared for dirt, squalor and poverty, but we need reminded of the way some have to live so that us northerners/westerners stay comfortable.
On my first visit (1973) I stayed with Moroccan friends in the medina, and that was fun!
Written Dec 23, 2009
Address: Place des Nations-Unies
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I was very surprised when I saw low and unimposing city walls of large city of Casablanca. In all other cities I visited in Morocco the city walls dominated the image of the city. But there was interesting, tall clock tower there - close to focal point of Casablanca that is Place des Nations Unies (United Nations Square, former Place Mohammed V).
Updated Aug 5, 2009
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Walking around Casablanca we came across a wall with an arched entrance. Entering ,we found ourselves in the old medina with its suq of winding alleys . It was colourful- in spite of the rain. Houses were old and sometimes balconies overlooked the street.
Trying to find a way out meant passing shops selling almost anything, turning down narrow alleys, and getting lost. In a wider area carts selling fruit were found. Many of the buildings looked old and dilapidated, but there were others that were quite attractive .
Updated Jul 28, 2009
Address: Old Medina
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The Old Medina is enclosed by stone walls in the old part of the city. It is small and offers a labyrinth of alleys. There are only two of gates out of the original four which allow you to gain entry – Bab el-Jedid and Bab Marrakech. Within the walls is a buzzing daily market selling spices and food, housewares and clothing as well as local services from barbers and dentists etc.
Written Jan 13, 2009
Address: Casablanca
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Sidi Belyoott is the Patron Saint of Casablanca. His name is Omar Ben Haroon and he died around 1165 AD. He was a blind holy man who the locals saw being befriended by a pride of barberry lions so he was nick named Abo Alloyooth (the man with the lions). After his death a mosque was built on his grave. This mosque was destroyed along with the city in the late 15th century by the Portuguese. The current building was built in 19th century and it has the graves of others too. The mosque has 2 court yards leading to a prayer hall where the grave is located inside.
This mosque is on the road between Hyatt Regency hotel and Casa Port train station. I would say it is 150 Meter from the station and 200 meter from the hotel. As you leave the train station walk pass the traffic light and you’ll see a police station on you left hand. Behind it you’ll see this white Mosque.
Today Casabanca is devided into 5 sections Sidi Belyoott is the biggest section of the city.
Updated Jun 12, 2008
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The souq in the Medina is most probably more expensive. I think during my visit, it was not high tourist season, and I could take my time doing shopping. Some typical Moroccan items on sale like tagines, preserved lemons and spices.
Written Apr 30, 2008
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Although the walled Medina is the oldest part of the city, it does not really have that old feel to it. There are several entrances, but most easy to identify would be the entrance at the clock tower.
Inside the Medina, it is a hustle and bustle of activity. I have read that many tourists were harassed by “guides”, but luckily I experienced no problems – not even with taking photos.
Written Apr 30, 2008
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The Medina (the Old City) is a must to visit. Fascinating shops, living history.
This is the real Casablanca. The shopkeepers and stallholders are trying to make money out of the tourists who visit of course, but it's also the local people going about their normal daily lives, buying their everyday food and other items.
Updated Mar 21, 2008
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Old Medina tips and photos posted by real travelers and Casablanca locals.
Write a ReviewThe Medina (the Old City) is a must to visit. Fascinating shops, living history.This is the real Casablanca. The shopkeepers and stallholders are trying to make...
47 members live in Casablanca
Q: Hi all, Am looking for a hotel with discotheque or pub in Casa. Thank you
A: If you mean clubbing and dancing, try Hyatt Regency's Blackhouse Discoteque - http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/wwg/hotels/casab/index.jsp or, Sheraton's Club Ceasar or Cas...
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