In contrast to the elegant squares and grandiose architecture of modern Casablanca, wandering through the Old Medina is like stepping back in time. Everything from linens, brass-work, and leather goods to traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and spices are sold here, and friendly merchants invite travelers into ramshackle stalls to haggle for bargains while sipping sweet mint tea.
Travelers may also explore the Old Medina as part of a half-, full-, and multi-day sightseeing tours of Casablanca. On a guided walking tour, soak up the city’s atmospheric streets lined with tea shops and bazaars and essential sites like the elegant United Nations Place, Mohammed V Square, the Royal Palace, and also by the seaside for a stroll along Ain Diab Corniche. Longer multi-day tours leave from Marrakech and Rabat and may be customized to travelers’ desires.
The Old Medina of Casablanca is in the northern part of the city. Most visitors enter through Bab Marrakech on Ave Tahar El Alaoui, or via the gates next to the Place des Nations Unies clock tower, which is where you’ll find most of the Old Medina’s shops.
Marché Central de Casablanca is open year-round daily, 9am–6pm. Avoid crowds and arrive early. Casablanca can be quite hot year-round, though cool breezes come with the Canary Current off the Atlantic Ocean. In July are two of the city’s most outstanding events (Festival de Casablanca and the Feast of the Throne) or come during the spring for Ramadan to experience an array of cultural activities and festivals.
Marché Central is located inside one of the city’s most picturesque and vibrant communities, the Quartier Habous. Also known as New Medina, French colonists built the district in the 1930s and the mixture of Moroccan and French architecture is one of its main draws, alongside important attractions like the New Palace, Mahkama du Pacha, Moulay Youssef Mosque, Mohammed V Mosque, and Park ISESCO, a lush oasis from the bustling streets.
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