Things to Do at Place Mohammed V

Complete Guide to Place Mohammed V in Casablanca

About Place Mohammed V

The French Protectorate architects gave Casablanca a civic square that could sit in Paris, then added Moroccan details that make it something else entirely. Place Mohammed V is ringed by white Art Deco government buildings with arched colonnades, zellige tilework accents, and green copper roofs - the Prefecture, the Tribunal, the old postal bank - all dating from the 1920s-1930s and still in use today. The fountain in the center illuminates at night, and the tiled pavements around it are where Casablancans gather on warm evenings. The architecture here represents Casablanca's unique "Neo-Mauresque" style - French colonial planners incorporating Moroccan geometric patterns, horseshoe arches, and green-tiled roofs into European building forms. The Prefecture building is the most impressive, with a clock tower and elaborate entrance portal. Walk the perimeter in 20 minutes and you have a crash course in why Casablanca's architecture is distinct from any other Moroccan city. Free, open 24/7, and mostly ignored by tourists despite being the most architecturally significant public space in the city.

What to See & Do

Palace of Justice

An imposing courthouse with beautiful Moorish-influenced colonial architecture - the blend of French and Moroccan design elements is genuinely striking

Central Post Office

A surprisingly elegant building that's worth a peek inside for its period details and the contrast between the grand exterior and functional interior

Prefecture Building

The administrative heart of Casablanca, notable for its classical French colonial facade and the constant flow of official activity

Clock Tower

A modest but charming timepiece that serves as a popular meeting point and gives you a decent vantage point for photos of the square

Fountain and Gardens

Well-maintained green spaces with fountains that provide some relief from the urban intensity - locals often gather here in the evenings

Practical Information

Opening Hours

The square is accessible 24/7, though individual buildings have standard business hours (typically 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)

Tickets & Pricing

Free to visit and walk around - no admission fees required

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (8-10 AM) for photography and fewer crowds, or late afternoon (5-7 PM) when locals gather and the light is softer

Suggested Duration

30-45 minutes for a casual walk around, up to 1.5 hours if you're interested in the architecture and want to explore the surrounding streets

Getting There

Most visitors end up at Place Mohammed V whether they plan to or not. The Casa-Port train station sits just 10 minutes away on foot, connecting you to other Moroccan cities easily. Perfect transit hub. Major bus routes pass through or near the square. Taxis know it well-just say "Place Mohammed V" and you'll get there without confusion. City center hotels are usually walkable. The square works as a natural stopping point when you're exploring on foot. Many of Casablanca's main streets spread out from here like spokes on a wheel. Can't miss it.

Things to Do Nearby

Central Market (Marché Central)
A bustling covered market just a few blocks away - perfect for experiencing local life and maybe picking up some fresh produce or spices

Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral
An unusual modernist Catholic church with striking stained glass windows, about 10 minutes on foot

Arab League Park
Casablanca's largest green space, ideal for a break from the urban intensity and popular with families on weekends

Old Medina
The historic quarter is a short walk away - smaller and less overwhelming than other Moroccan medinas but still atmospheric

Casa-Port Train Station
Not just transport - the station itself is an interesting example of colonial architecture and always buzzing with activity

Tips & Advice

Bring a camera with a decent wide-angle capability - the buildings are impressive but you need some distance to capture them properly

If you're dealing with any official business in Casablanca, this is likely where you'll end up, so dress a bit more formally than you might for typical sightseeing

The square can feel quite formal and governmental during business hours, but stick around until evening to see it transform into more of a social space

Street parking around the square tends to be limited and competitive - if you're driving, consider parking a few blocks away and walking in