The largest city in Morocco is the commercial centre of the country and its 'unofficial capital city'. The city is a blend of old and new, with a gorgeous Old Town Medina and Art Deco new town - once again built by the French at the start of the 20th century. The old, traditional walled 'medina' lies to the north of the city, where you'll inevitably find yourself immersed in the bustling markets - an experience which can seem quite overwhelming. However, it is a truly remarkable place to explore, with tiny labyrinthine streets and tall, dusty traditional and colonial-style buildings. If it all becomes a bit much, escape to the League of Arab States Park, a green oasis built in 1925 that makes a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The city is blessed with some real architectural treasures, including the iconic Hassan II Mosque - an impressive sight to behold with its 210-metre minaret, the tallest in the world, glistening gold in the sunshine. The mosque stands on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and can accommodate over 100,000 worshippers inside.
Casablanca is North Africa's most important port, which has given the city a cosmopolitan feel and has contributed to it being regarded as one of the most progressive Arab cities. The Mohammed V Square is considered to be the heart of the city and is a hive of activity 24 hours a day. It is almost impossible to miss the large square when you are exploring Casablanca, particularly after dark, when the buildings surrounding the square are beautifully illuminated.
