Where to Stay in Casablanca

Maarif is Casablanca's vibrant commercial and residential heart, known for its tree-lined boulevards, Art Deco buildings, and bustling shopping streets. This central neighborhood perfectly balances modern convenience with local authenticity, featuring the famous Twin Center towers alongside traditional markets and cafés. The area comes alive in the evenings when locals fill the restaurants and patisseries along Boulevard Zerktouni and Boulevard Massira Khadra. Maarif offers excellent public transportation connections and represents the contemporary face of Casablanca living.

Ain Diab stretches along Casablanca's Atlantic coastline, offering a resort-like atmosphere within the city. This upscale neighborhood is famous for its oceanfront promenade, the Corniche, lined with beach clubs, seafood restaurants, and nightlife venues. During summer months, the area transforms into Casablanca's playground, with locals and visitors enjoying the sea breeze and sunset views. The neighborhood combines residential luxury with entertainment, making it feel distinctly different from the city center's business-focused energy.

The Old Medina is Casablanca's historic heart, a walled quarter dating back centuries with narrow winding streets, traditional souks, and authentic Moroccan architecture. Unlike the grand medinas of Fez or Marrakech, Casablanca's medina is relatively compact and working-class, offering a grittier, more genuine glimpse into daily Moroccan life. The whitewashed buildings, small workshops, and local markets create an atmospheric contrast to the modern city surrounding it. This area provides the most culturally immersive experience in Casablanca, though it requires travelers comfortable with basic amenities and bustling street life.

The City Center, or Centre Ville, showcases Casablanca's stunning French colonial and Art Deco architecture, with wide boulevards, elegant buildings, and important administrative centers. This area radiates from Place Mohammed V and includes landmarks like the Central Market and numerous government buildings. The neighborhood maintains a sophisticated, European-influenced atmosphere while serving as a major business and administrative hub. Walking these streets feels like stepping into 1930s colonial Morocco, with beautifully preserved buildings housing banks, offices, hotels, and upscale shops.

Quartier Habous, also called the New Medina, was built by the French in the 1930s to blend traditional Moroccan architecture with modern urban planning. This charming neighborhood features wider streets than the Old Medina, organized around a central market square, with traditional crafts shops, pastry boutiques, and the Royal Palace nearby. The area offers an accessible introduction to Moroccan medina life without the intensity of the old quarter, making it popular with visitors seeking authentic experiences in a more manageable setting. The neighborhood's tree-lined streets and artisan workshops create a peaceful, village-like atmosphere within the city.

Gauthier is an upscale residential and commercial neighborhood known for its Art Deco architecture, elegant villas, and sophisticated atmosphere. This quiet, leafy area attracts affluent residents and discerning visitors who appreciate its refined character, excellent restaurants, and proximity to both business districts and cultural sites. The neighborhood's wide, tree-lined streets create a peaceful environment while remaining centrally located. Gauthier represents Casablanca's upper-middle-class lifestyle, with boutique shops, quality cafés, and a noticeably calmer pace than the busier commercial districts.

Anfa is Casablanca's most prestigious residential neighborhood, characterized by luxurious villas, embassies, and upscale apartment buildings set among tree-lined streets and green spaces. This affluent area offers a suburban feel within the city, with excellent security, manicured gardens, and an atmosphere of exclusivity. The neighborhood is home to wealthy Moroccan families, diplomats, and international executives, creating a cosmopolitan environment. While accommodation options are limited, staying in Anfa provides access to Casablanca's elite lifestyle, premium restaurants, and proximity to both the business districts and the coast.

Sidi Belyout is a densely populated, working-class neighborhood that offers an authentic slice of everyday Casablanca life at affordable prices. This bustling area features local markets, traditional cafés, and residential buildings housing middle-class Moroccan families. The neighborhood lacks tourist polish but compensates with genuine cultural immersion, friendly locals, and budget-friendly services. Sidi Belyout serves as a gateway between the modern city and traditional areas, making it suitable for independent travelers seeking authentic experiences without venturing into the medina.

Bourgogne is a transitional neighborhood that blends residential areas with commercial activity, located between the City Center and the port district. This area maintains a local character while offering reasonable access to both business districts and tourist attractions. The neighborhood features a mix of mid-century apartment buildings, small businesses, and local services that cater primarily to Casablanca residents rather than visitors. Bourgogne provides a middle ground for travelers seeking affordability and authenticity without the intensity of the medina or the premium prices of upscale areas.

Racine is a modern commercial and residential neighborhood that has developed significantly in recent decades, featuring contemporary apartment buildings, shopping centers, and business facilities. This area represents new Casablanca, with wider streets, modern infrastructure, and a growing number of international restaurants and cafés. While lacking the historic charm of older neighborhoods, Racine offers convenience, cleanliness, and modern amenities that appeal to business travelers and those preferring contemporary urban environments. The neighborhood continues to evolve, attracting young professionals and middle-class families.

Palmier is an upscale residential neighborhood near the coast, known for its palm-tree-lined streets, modern villas, and proximity to the Morocco Mall. This area has developed into one of Casablanca's desirable addresses, combining residential tranquility with access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. The neighborhood attracts upper-middle-class families and offers a suburban feel with urban conveniences. While primarily residential, Palmier's location between the city center and Ain Diab makes it strategic for visitors wanting to balance business activities with leisure.

Derb Sultan is a traditional working-class neighborhood known for its vibrant markets, particularly the famous Derb Ghallef electronics and secondhand market. This densely populated area offers one of the most authentic experiences of everyday Casablanca life, with narrow streets filled with shops, workshops, and local eateries. The neighborhood has a reputation for being rough around the edges but is generally safe during daylight hours and provides unparalleled cultural immersion. Derb Sultan attracts adventurous budget travelers and those interested in experiencing Casablanca beyond its polished facade.