Morocco – Mommy Travels https://www.mommytravels.net Creating memories one trip at a time. Sat, 23 Nov 2024 20:28:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://www.mommytravels.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-Mommy-Travels-favicon-2-32x32.jpg Morocco – Mommy Travels https://www.mommytravels.net 32 32 Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie – 12 Perks That Will Make You Want to Move In https://www.mommytravels.net/club-med-marrakech-la-palmeraie/ https://www.mommytravels.net/club-med-marrakech-la-palmeraie/#respond Tue, 25 Jun 2024 22:37:20 +0000 https://www.mommytravels.net/?p=47568 Where the air is filled with the aroma of spices, the streets are a labyrinth of colorful chaos, and your children...

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Where the air is filled with the aroma of spices, the streets are a labyrinth of colorful chaos, and your children are a ticking time bomb of energy. But fear not, fellow parents! Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie is here to save your sanity and ensure you have an incredible family vacation. Here’s a list of family-friendly features that will make you consider moving in permanently:

1. Kids’ Clubs

Many kid clubs at Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie
photo by MommyTravels.net

From Petit Club Med (ages 2-3) to Mini Club Med (ages 4-10) to Junior Club Med (ages 11-17), your kids will be so entertained that you might actually finish that novel you started three vacations ago. I watched the staff interact with the kids and it was so impressive, that I wondered if they’d been trained by Mary Poppins herself. It seemed like no matter where I went on the property I would come across one of the kid groups having a blast. They even throw parties just for kids during the day complete with bounce houses and a dessert bar. (I may have helped myself to some dessert while taking that bounce house photo!)

2. Pools with a Personality

Many kid clubs at Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie
photo by Meagan Wristen/MommyTravels.net

Whether it’s the family pool where your teenager can perfect their cannonball or the Zen pool for when you need to remember what peace feels like, there’s a spot for everyone. And let’s not forget the kiddie pool, perfect for your kiddos to splash around without causing a tsunami.

I spent most of my time at the pool in the exclusive collection area. If you are staying in the Le Riad section you have access to this private pool area. The waiter will bring you tapas and much to my surprised one of them remembered what I prefer to drink and had a drink for me as soon as I was situated.

3. All-Inclusive, Including Your Sanity

Buffet at Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie
photo by Meagan Wristen/MommyTravels.net

Meals, drinks, snacks—it’s all covered. No more frantic searches for a restaurant that serves chicken nuggets. Enjoy a tajine while your picky eater devours their fifth plate of pasta.

The Palmeraie: This is the main buffet restaurant, offering a wide variety of international and local dishes. Think Moroccan tajines, fresh salads, pastas, and a dessert bar that will make your sweet tooth sing. Perfect for when everyone wants something different. And, for those traveling with babies, there’s a section where you can prepare bottles and food.

El Kebir: Serves light meals and snacks throughout the day from lunch – dinner. It’s a lifesaver for those moments when your kids are suddenly “starving” between meals. Expect fresh salads, grilled meats, and delicious pastries. I ate here several times and each day the menu was different and always Morrocan-based.

4. Flying Trapeze: Circus Dreams Come True

trapeze at Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie
photo by Meagan Wristen/MommyTravels.net

Who wants to fulfill their dream of being in the circus? Channel your inner acrobat and swing through the air by signing up for a lesson. You and your kids will talk about your trapeze lesson for months! There’s no experience necessary.

5. Golf for the Mini Tiger Woods

golf at Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie
photo by Meagan Wristen/MommyTravels.net

Got a budding golfer in the family? The resort’s mini-golf course is perfect for little hands, and the 9-hole course is great for teens who need a bit more challenge. Plus, it gives you a chance to show off your questionable putting skills. If you’ve never played golf they have lessons for kids and adults.

6. Spa: For When You Need to Hide

Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie Spa
photo by Meagan Wristen/MommyTravels.net

Okay, maybe this one’s more for you than the kids. But seriously, the spa is a sanctuary. Treat yourself to a massage or a hammam session while the kids are off enjoying their activities. You deserve it.

7. The Brand-New Family Addition: A Game-Changer

Room at the Family Oasis at Club Med Marrakech
photo by Meagan Wristen/MommyTravels.net

Just when you thought Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie couldn’t get any better, they’ve added a brand-new family area that’s designed to make every parent weep with joy. Here’s what you can expect:

Family Suites That Fit Your Family

Gone are the days of cramming everyone into one room and pretending it’s fun. The new family suites are spacious, stylish, and come with separate bedrooms. Yes, separate bedrooms! You might actually get some privacy on this vacation. Kid’s will love having their own bed in their own room.

Dedicated Family Pool with Splash Zone

The new family pool area is a paradise for kids. With shallow areas, water slides, and splash zones, your kids will be entertained for hours. And don’t worry, there are plenty of lounge chairs for you to supervise (or nap) from a safe distance. Plus, there’s a bar here.

Interactive Play Areas

The new addition includes interactive play areas where kids can burn off energy and make new friends. From climbing structures to creative play zones, there’s something to engage every child’s imagination.

8. Nightly Entertainment: Better Than Netflix

Evening-entertainment-at-Club-Med-Marrakech-La-Palmeraie-
photo by Meagan Wristen/MommyTravels.net

After a day full of activities, wind down with the resort’s nightly shows. From acrobatics to traditional Moroccan performances, there’s something for everyone. And yes, the bar is open. Early evening activities typically take place in the main area and they always provide pre-dinner Moroccan snacks.

9. Fitness Classes: Burn Off Those Buffets

Yoga at Club Med Marrakech
photo by Meagan Wristen/MommyTravels.net

From yoga to Zumba, the fitness classes are a great way for the whole family to stay active. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just trying to justify that extra dessert, there’s a class for everyone. Plus, it’s a great way to burn off some of that never-ending kid energy. Kids ages 4 and up can participate in some of the yoga classes while the rest of the classes allow teens 16 and up.

10. Themed Dinners

White night at Club Med Marrakech
photo by Meagan Wristen/MommyTravels.net

There are themed dinners throughout the week. White Night is quite the production, you will not want to miss it. Everyone dresses in white and enters through a neat white seat up and then while you enjoy the buffet there are live acrobat performances.

11. Family-Friendly Excursions: Worth Every Penny

Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech
photo by Meagan Wristen/MommyTravels.net

For those willing to venture beyond the resort (and spend a little extra), there are several fantastic family-friendly excursions:

Atlas Mountains Day Trip: Experience breathtaking landscapes and traditional Berber villages. It’s a great way to introduce the kids to local culture and natural beauty.

Marrakech Souks Tour: Navigate the bustling markets with a guided tour. Perfect for older kids and teens who can appreciate the vibrant chaos and maybe pick up a few souvenirs.

12. Serve Up Some Fun at the Courts

Tennis courts at Club Med Marrakech
photo by Meagan Wristen/MommyTravels.net

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to hit a few balls around, the tennis courts are a fantastic way to engage the whole family in some friendly competition. Lessons are available if you want to improve your game, or just have a laugh as you chase the ball around. Plus, they have a sand volleyball court and shuffleboard courts!

Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie has it all!

Amenities at Family Oasis Club Med Marrakech
photo by Meagan Wristen/MommyTravels.net

Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie’s new family addition is the cherry on top of an already fabulous resort. It’s clear that they’ve thought of everything to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. So, whether you’re traveling with teens, toddlers, or anything in between, this resort is ready to cater to your every need.

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Is Morocco Safe – An Ultimate Guide https://www.mommytravels.net/is-morocco-safe/ https://www.mommytravels.net/is-morocco-safe/#respond Sat, 01 Jun 2024 10:56:17 +0000 https://www.mommytravels.net/?p=47323 If you live in the UK or Europe then Morocco is an easy country in Africa to visit. It’s just a...

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If you live in the UK or Europe then Morocco is an easy country in Africa to visit. It’s just a short flight and you’re transported to an exotic land that feels a million miles away from home. You’ve got the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, as well as the windswept coastline of Essaouira, and the bustling medina of blue-washed Chefchaouen, to name but a few places.  The vibrant landscape offers so many things to do in Morocco. Before you book, you might ask yourself, is Morocco safe?

Morocco is a fantastic place that has so much to offer for adventurous spirits plus it’s very easy to get off the beaten track in Morocco is that’s what you’re looking for. This is exactly what we did when we explored Morocco with our toddler and baby on our month-long road trip. We felt that it was a very safe country and in particular we found the Moroccan locals extremely welcoming and great with children of all ages. In fact, traveling with children can help break the ice and encourage contact with Moroccans who are generally very helpful and protective towards families.  

Morocco is easily one of our favorite travel destinations because we had an amazing experience.  Why?  Because, it’s a fascinating country with an exciting and vibrant culture, and it’s safe to travel through. We also hear through people we met that it’s a popular and safe destination for digital nomads.

We’ve had some experience traveling in Morocco and answering the question ‘‘Is Morocco safe?” is quite easy. Because after spending a month traveling we believe that Morocco is very safe! To help you plan your Morocco trip and hopefully answer all your questions we’ve put together a post covering how safe Morocco is.

Bedouin tent1. Is Morocco safe?

Although we can’t guarantee that a country is totally “safe”, in our opinion and based on our experience, Morocco is a very safe country. The people of Morocco are friendly, very peace-minded and welcoming.  We never felt unsafe during our entire month-long road trip through Morocco with our kids. What’s really interesting is that we noticed that the more inland you go, towards the Berber people, the more genuinely welcome you feel.  It also helps that the country has been a politically stable kingdom for several decades.

However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention, that  like most other countries, Morocco does have some issues you should be aware of:

  • The country suffers from petty crime such as pickpockets or scams.
  • In some large cities, you’ll find that tourists can receive unwanted attention or be harassed by touts and salesmen.  Women especially can be a target.

Most travelers we’ve spoken to visit Morocco have visited with no problems whatsoever. In all honesty, if you’ve traveled already to either Asia or Africa, you probably won’t find traveling to Morocco a problem at all.

General Safety Tips

As with most other countries, it’s best to take some precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some things we’d suggest you keep in mind when you visit Morocco.

  • Keep your valuables such as passports, and other important documents in a secure place, like a safe, at your accommodation.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and in particular try to avoid walking alone at night.
  • Try to always use licensed taxis or private transportation arranged by your hotel or tour operator.
  • Be cautious when strangers target you with unsolicited offers or requests. Marrakech has a special tourist police that you should report to if you’re worried.

Respect their local culture

  • Morocco is a Muslim country and so it is very important to respect this and dress modestly.  This is especially true for women when they visit mosques or other religious sites.
  • Public displays of affection between adults should be avoided, especially because this is viewed as inappropriate in Moroccan culture.  Cuddling children is very acceptable by parents or close relatives.
  • Read up on and respect local customs and traditions, such as removing your shoes before entering a home or mosque.

2. Are people in Morocco welcoming to families?Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou in Morocco

Moroccans are extremely warm and welcoming towards kids of all ages. They see children as a blessing and a source of joy, and so therefore they treat them with great care and respect.

In fact, we experienced that it is very common for total strangers to stop and admire a child and talk to them.  Whilst baby Dylan was oblivious to the attention, it was at times a little bit overwhelming for Cam, our three-year-old.  If it bothers you or your kids, then we found it helpful to step in and let people know nicely but firmly not to touch them.

Moroccans are very family-oriented, and so children are very much an integral part of the family unit.  Something we experienced when we stayed in family run riads when we were included in family meals and the boys were given a lot of attention and affection.  In Marrakech the owner of our homestay even did some cooking with young Cam. 

In restaurants, you’ll find that children are usually welcomed with very open arms. Most restaurants will have high chairs and booster seats available.  And some even have small play areas or activities that you can use to keep children entertained.

3. Is it safe to go camel riding in Morocco?   Ride camels in Morocco

Camel rides are typically one of the highlights of any trip to Morocco. The great news is that camel rides in Morocco are very safe, and you can even take young children and babies with you. During our trip to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in Merzouga we took our baby and our toddler son on a camel ride and they loved it.  It was an amazing experience, because they were both so relaxed that they were both asleep by the time we reached our desert camp for the night.

Camels are very gentle and calm animals by nature, however, you may occasionally get one that is a bit nervous or perhaps tired but they’re rarely dangerous. Our concern was that we made sure that the camels were well cared for, and we’re pleased tp say that this was very much the case on our tour. Our camel guide treated his camels with such respect, care and love. He even slept next to them during the night rather than in a room at the camp. 

4. What should you pack for a trip to Morocco?How to dress in Morocco

Morocco is not your usual holiday, where you might “fly and flop” for a week or weekend. Although you can find that in Agadir, if that’s what you’re looking for. The climate and landscape are very diverse they have everything from the snow-capped mountains to the arid Sahara and windy coastal surf towns. Plus, it’s also a Muslim country so modesty is important. What you pack will need to cover the varied climate and local customs.

From a cultural respect perspective, I wore loose-fitting, light clothes that covered my shoulders, cleavage, and legs.  There is no specific “Moroccan” dress code, and while you might see some Westerners in shorts and vest tops in tourist areas, we’d recommend being sensitive to the local culture and still covering up. No one will say anything to you if you don’t, however, it’s just being respectful.

Young children will be alright in shorts and T-shirts, however, older teenage girls will need to dress more modestly.

Packing list

Besides the typical things you need to take with you, there are some special tips to consider.

  • Pack light and comfortable clothing. Layers with the change in climate across the country are the key!  And please don’t forget to pack a fleece or sweatshirt if you’re in the mountains or desert.
  • As it can be very sunny, therefore it is very important to pack a hat and high-quality sunscreen.
  • Depending on which part of the country you visit, you may want to take insect repellent. Especially true if you’re spending time outdoors.
  • Other travel essentials include a first-aid kit and water bottles. If you don’t want to buy bottled water (you shouldn’t drink the tap water), a great solution is to buy a water filter bottle.
  • Don’t forget to bring your basic medications with you.  We usually take our preferred pain relief, antihistamines, and anti-diarrhea medication. 

Top tip:  The weather can vary and during our time in Morocco we wore a warm sweater and long trousers several times. In the Atlas mountains it can be particularly cold even in the summer, then in the Sahara Desert it gets very cold in the evenings and first thing in the morning.

5. When is the best time to visit Morocco? Marrakech

The great thing is that the varied climate means there’s always a good time in the year to visit somewhere within Morocco.

For example, the coastal region has a more Mediterranean climate and is best in May, June and September.  Morocco can get very hot during the summer months and if you travel in the summer then it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you don’t get too much sun. You should always make sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and light clothing to protect you from the sun.  The great thing is that when the temperatures start to get cooler in Europe, between November and April, then this is the perfect time to head inland to Marrakech and the desert.

In our opinion, the best time to visit Morocco is between March and May, or between September and November. That’s because these are the months when the weather is mild and pleasant, which makes it easier to explore the cities and attractions.Casablanca

6. What is the best way to get around Morocco? 

Hiring a car is your best option if you love the flexibility of traveling on your own schedule and want to explore more than one town in Morocco. That’s because it allows you the freedom to travel at your own pace plus you can stop whenever you want.

For our Moroccan adventure we traveled to Morocco in our own car from the UK by taking it over on the ferry from Spain. We had already planned a trip in Portugal for a month so it made sense to take the ferry with our car to Tangier.  It was very easy, you just need to remember your ownership paperwork and to buy Moroccan insurance when you get off of the ferry.

You’ll be pleased to know that the roads are very good quality and easy to navigate.

An alternative way to travel around Morocco is by private transport using petit taxis. The main downside is that it will be usually be more expensive than hiring a car.  Or a cheaper alternative is by public transport as buses and trains in Morocco are well organized (especially between the bigger cities) and cheap.  However, it will take you much longer to get around by public transport and you’ll be less flexible. We guess that it really all depends on what you feel up to as slow travel can bring you great experiences too!

If you don’t feel up to driving or perhaps you don’t have the time to arrange everything yourself, then you could always book an organized Morocco tour.

7. Is it safe to drink the tap water in Morocco? 

We wouldn’t recommend that you drink tap water.  However, we can reassure you that we had no problem during our road trip finding bottled water.  Even in the very smallest of towns they have small shops that will sell bottled water.

Rather than buying bottled water you’d be better to invest in a water filtration bottle. We find them very handy when we go camping with our kids as we can use them to filter river water to drink. (Meagan prefers Lifestraw.)

As well as water, there are fresh orange juice stalls everywhere, which we loved to visit to keep ourselves hydrated.Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech

8. Vaccination and visa requirements for Morocco

As long as you’re up to date at home with your regular vaccination schedule then you’re good to go. The main thing to arrange before you go is to ensure that you have adequate health and travel insurance before you travel.  That’s because the national health service isn’t great and the private hospitals in Morocco are very expensive. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Most visitors to Morocco don’t need a visa (including Brits) and you are allowed to remain in the country for 90 days.  We loved that you also get a cool stamp in your passport.

9. Where should you go on a road trip around Morocco? 

We absolutely loved our road trip in Morocco and wanted to share some top tips.  What made the trip so much fun was that we saw such a variety of different attractions and sites, as well as different cultures as we crossed Morocco.  If you search online there are lots of different itineraries that you can choose from.  It very much depends on how much time you have and how much driving between locations you want to do.  We spent a month there, and managed to visit a lot of the main attractions in that time.  In a 10-day itinerary you cover some of the major attractions including going to the Sahara Desert for a camel ride!

You’d be able to cover:

Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes – Merzouga (Sahara Desert) – Tinghir – Ait BenhaddouMarrakechEssaouira

Final Thoughts on Is Morocco Safe For Families

Morocco is a fantastic family travel destination for travelers of all ages. During our road trip there we found that Morocco felt an extremely safe place. During our trip we had no issues, and in fact felt very welcomed. It is the perfect place to visit if you’re keen to experience and explore a country in Africa that has culture, history, and excitement and is easily reached from Europe. It’s also very affordable and that means that you can travel on a budget without breaking the bank.  

Guest Author: Sara Young is the author of Big Adventures With Little Feet, a family travel blog with the key aim to inspire parents to travel with their kids. 

Read Next:

2 Days in Casablanca Itinerary: Ultimate Guide

7 Best All-Inclusive Club Med Resorts For Families 

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

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If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

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2 Days in Casablanca Itinerary: Ultimate Guide https://www.mommytravels.net/2-days-in-casablanca-itinerary-ultimate-guide/ https://www.mommytravels.net/2-days-in-casablanca-itinerary-ultimate-guide/#respond Thu, 23 May 2024 11:37:37 +0000 https://www.mommytravels.net/?p=47237 Are you looking for a two days in Casablanca itinerary? Then you are in the right spot.  Casablanca is a beautiful...

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Are you looking for a two days in Casablanca itinerary? Then you are in the right spot. 

Casablanca is a beautiful city in Morocco, and it has a lot to offer. But how can you fit all these amazing spots in just a short trip? 

Luckily for you, I have just visited Casablanca and I know all the ins and outs of the city.  For that reason, I have created this ultimate itinerary showing you how to spend two lovely days in Casablanca. Let’s get to it!

2 Days in Casablanca Itinerary: Overview

Mohammed V Square

Day 1:

Morning

  • Breakfast
  • Hassan II Mosque
  • Rick’s Café

Lunch

  • Old Medina

Afternoon

  • Eglise de Sacre Coeur
  • Villa des Arts

Evening

  • Corniche

Day 2:

Morning

  • Breakfast
  • Eglise Norte Dame des Lourdes
  • Palais Royal
  • Quartier Habous

Lunch

Afternoon

  • Parc de La Ligue Arabe
  • Morocco Mall

Day 1: 

Hassan II MosqueHassan II Mosque in Casablanca

We’ll start our two days in Casablanca itinerary with the biggest highlight of the city, the Hassan II Mosque. 

The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is one of the largest mosques in the world, and it is quite impressive.  It has a capacity to accommodate over 25,000 worshippers. 

Its minaret stands tall at 210 meters, making it the tallest in the world. One of my favorite things about it, is that the mosque is beautifully perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

It’s open to non-Muslim visitors for guided tours, and I definitely recommend going in. The wood carvings and colorful mosaics inside are truly stunning.

Plan at least two hours for a full tour of the Mosque and the attached museum, since there is a lot to see.

Rick’s CaféRick's Café in Casablanca

Rick’s Café in Casablanca is a super cool restaurant inspired by the classic 1942 movie “Casablanca.” 

It is a renovated old mansion and all decorated in nostalgic charm, with funky decor and piano music. It is one of the must-see spots in Morocco.

The café serves a mix of Moroccan and international dishes. You can either eat lunch there if you can snatch a seat (it can get pretty busy) or wait and eat at our next stop.

Old Medina

Our next stop on this itinerary is the Old Medina. The Old Medina of Casablanca is located in the city center, just a short distance from the Hassan II Mosque and close to the port.

It is a smaller, more traditional area where you can get a feel for the old city. It’s full of narrow, winding streets to get lost in.

Of course, it also has the famous narrow shops selling everything from spices to textiles. Not only is this place super Instagram-worthy, but you can also grab some delicious lunch there. 

Eglise du Sacré-CœurEglise Norte Dame des Lourdes Casablanca

The Eglise du Sacré-Cœur, or Church of the Sacred Heart, in Casablanca is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. Interestingly, you can also see some Moroccan style blended into it. 

It was originally built as a Catholic church in the 1930s. Today, it is no longer used for religious services and now serves as a cultural center. 

One of my favorite parts of this church are the impressive stained glass windows. You can simply visit the church or check the even calendar for exhibitions or concerts. 

Villa des Arts

The Villa des Arts is another cultural hotspot that needs to be on everyone’s two days in Casablanca itinerary.

The Villa des Arts is an art museum housed in a beautiful Art Deco building from the 1930s. It’s dedicated to contemporary art, and you can see works by Moroccan and international artists there. 

The museum is run by the Foundation ONA and one of its highlights is the tranquil garden setting in the back.

It is a small, peaceful escape from the city’s busy streets and chaos on the markets. 

Corniche

CornicheCorniche is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Casablanca because it is right by the beach. 

It has a long promenade perfect for strolls, along with beaches, pools, and lots of cool other entertainment options. 

For dinner, try La Sqala Restaurant. It is located in an old fortress with a charming garden setting. 

You can sample delicious Moroccan cuisine in great and relaxed atmosphere. It is one of the places you shouldn’t miss when spending two days in Casablanca.

Day 2:

Eglise Notre Dame de LourdesGrotto at Eglise Notre Dame de Lourdes

The Eglise de Notre Dame de Lourdes is another Catholic church that is worth visiting in Casablanca. 

It is mostly known for its striking modern architecture, it does not look too much like a church from the outside. It has a huge concrete facade and an impressive stained glass window that covers much of the building. 

Inside, the colorful glass casts beautiful light patterns, which is absolutely worth seeing. Don’t forget to visit the small grotto outside, it has special religious meaning. 

Palais RoyalPalais Royal in Casablanca

The Palais Royal in Casablanca is usually not open to the public, but it’s an impressive sight from the outside. And since it is right across the street from our next stop, it is still great to walk by.

The Palais is located in the Habous Quarter, and is surrounded by high walls and guarded gates. 

It is the king’s official residence in the city whenever he resides here. Other members of the Royal family stay here as well. 

It is also a great example of Moroccan architecture, so make sure to stop by during your two days in Casablanca. 

Habous QuarterOlive Market, New Medina Habous Quarter

The Habous Quarter, also known as the New Medina, is a charming area in Casablanca. It is a great place to spend a couple of hours.

The area was built by the French in the 1930s. They tried to blend Moroccan traditional architecture with modern needs. The result was an orderly version of a traditional medina – it is nothing like the maze you encounter in Marrakech’s medina. 

You can still find lots of fabulous shops selling handmade stuff, leather goods, and traditional Moroccan pastries. A highlight for me was the olive market, where we could sample all kinds of different olives. Patisserie Bennis

Sabrina’s tip: Don’t miss trying some local treats at Patisserie Bennis. It is famous for its delicious Moroccan sweets.

There are also a lot of beautiful mosques and squares in the area, so you can really take your time here, grab lunch and shoot lots of pictures. 

Parque de la Ligue Arabe

After these culturally intense stops, it is time to switch gears and relax a little. And the Parc de la Ligue Arabe is the perfect spot for it.

It is one of the largest and oldest public parks in Casablanca. It’s a beautiful green oasis right in the middle of the city.

The park is perfect for long walks, jogging, or just relaxing on a bench and watching the cute birds. 

If you grabbed some sweets in the Habous Quarter, this is the perfect spot to indulge in them. 

Morocco Mall

The Morocco Mall in Casablanca is one of the largest shopping centers in Africa. After spending all day outside in the Moroccan heat, you’ll likely enjoy this small escape into air conditioning.

The mall offers lots of shops, ranging from high-end international brands to local boutiques. This is the perfect spot to grab a souvenir. 

Besides shopping, the mall also has a massive aquarium, an IMAX cinema, and some restaurants for your last dinner on your two days in Casablanca. 

How Many Days Do You Need in Casablanca?Habous Market

If you are only interested in seeing the city, you two days is perfect for Casablanca. 

If you hurry along, you can even see most of the highlights in one day in Casablanca. That of course is ideal for cruise ship guests. 

One of the perks of Casablanca is, that it is super central in the country and you can do lots of day trips of even weekend trips to other cool places in Morocco. 

Many people combine a visit to Casablanca with Marrakech, or even include Casablanca in a full week of Morocco itinerary. 

I suggest to spend at least three days there, and include a visit to the capital city of Rabat as well. It is easy to reach from Casablanca and beautiful. 

Conclusion: Two Days in Casablanca Itinerary

This sums up our two days in Casablanca itinerary. Of course, we included a visit to the stunning Hassan II Mosque. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful spots in Morocco. 

But we also explore the traditional Old Medina, as well as the New Medina in the Quartier Habous. 

Naturally, the two famous catholic churches also made it into this itinerary, since they provide a fantastic contrast to the Moroccan mosques. 

I hope you enjoy your time in Casablanca as much as I did. 

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