I just got back from Casablanca, and honestly, the whole trip was a whirlwind. When I think about the best things to do in Casablanca, what stands out most isn't the shiny tourist spots but the messy, unexpected moments that made me smile and feel alive. So, grab a coffee, and let me spill some stories.
This Spot? Total Surprise.
Okay, picture this: I landed in Casablanca with a vague map on my phone and a much too ambitious agenda. I had a couple of must-sees, like the grand Hassan II Mosque, but I had no idea what other delights awaited. I thought I'd have everything planned, but you know how it goes—plans can dissolve like sugar in hot tea.
One afternoon, I wandered a bit too far into the streets after snapping a picture of some random architecture. Out of nowhere, I find myself standing in front of a small café. The sign was almost illegible, and honestly, I didn't even know if it was open. But my legs took me there anyway. I had one of those moments where doubt crept in. Should I knock? Should I just walk away?
But hey, I figured what's the worst that could happen? I knocked. The door creaked open, revealing a cozy interior filled with locals deep in conversation, laughter bubbling over like the coffee steaming in front of them. I was the only tourist there—that was my cue.
I ordered the most random thing off the menu, a dish called tagine. Little did I know that it would be the most tender, flavorful piece of meat I'd ever tasted. It was chicken thrown together with olives and preserved lemons, and the way it melted in my mouth was a total game changer. The owner, noticing my obvious delight, came to sit with me, and we chatted about daily life in Casablanca.
The Afternoon That Changed My Whole Mood
Another day, feeling a bit worn out from zipping around the city, I stumbled into the Royal Palace. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much—just another building like so many I'd seen. But y'all, this place had an energy that practically grabbed me by the shoulders.
I was just meandering around, taking in the manicured gardens, when I bumped into a small group of locals sitting underneath a tree they claimed was over a hundred years old. Someone tossed a piece of bread that landed just out of reach of a few strutting pigeons. It turned into this spontaneous moment of laughter as everyone scrambled to toss breadcrumbs.
Can you believe it? Here I was, in this famously extravagant city, hanging out in a garden feeding pigeons like a scene straight out of a movie. The whole atmosphere shifted my mood instantly. I stopped sticking out like a sore thumb and felt like I belonged for just a brief moment. It was incredibly freeing. We shared smiles, stories, and some really bad jokes. What was even better? They insisted I try a local pastry, a melt-in-your-mouth kind of treat called ‘kaab el ghazal'—which, by the way, is still haunting my dreams.
I Almost Missed This, No Thanks to My Bad Sense of Direction
Let me tell you, my sense of direction could make a compass throw itself in the direction of the nearest exit. One evening, I wanted to catch the sunset at the beach. Actually, I'd heard that the sunsets were supposed to be amazing at the Corniche—everyone kept raving about it. So, I figured it would be a safe bet.
I got completely turned around after taking a right when I should have taken a left (or was it left to right—I can't remember). After about twenty minutes of wandering through sketchy alleys and dodging street vendors who were clearly much better at haggling than I was, I finally stumbled upon this little bar tucked away right at the edge of the shore.
The moment I sat down, the view was glorious. The sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pinks and oranges that looked unreal. I was alone, but it felt perfect—the soothing sound of waves crashing against the rocks and the chatter of happy people around me. I ordered a mint tea, which honestly felt like the best decision ever. It's funny how such small mistakes can lead to amazing discoveries.
I spent hours just sitting there, basking in the glory of that sunset, reflecting on everything I had seen so far. I don't know why I ended up there, but sometimes getting lost is the way to find what you truly seek.
The Unexpected Encounter That Made the Trip
Before I wrap this up—and trust me, I could ramble for days—I have to mention this unexpected encounter I had with a local artist named Youssef. I met him at a tiny gallery while wandering through the neighborhood of the Old Medina. I really hadn't planned to stop, but the vibrant colors of his work caught my eye.
He ended up talking my ear off about the stories behind each piece, his passion oozing out like the paint on his canvases. He brought me into his workshop, and before I knew it, we were laughing over sketches and sipping on some juice he whipped up (don't ask me the name; I couldn't pronounce it). I ended up buying a small painting of a Casablancan sunset, and what was meant to be a five-minute visit turned into an unforgettable afternoon.
These little surprises, the unplanned chats and encounters with passionate souls, are what make travel feel real.
So, there you have it. I'm still digesting all the wonders and moments from my trip—a jumble of experiences bigger than the most well-planned itinerary. I can't help but think that sometimes the best things to do in Casablanca aren't the ones pinned on a map, but rather the ones that emerge unexpectedly when you just let yourself wander.
As I sip the last of my lukewarm coffee, I can't help but smile. Such a messy, beautiful trip. What a gift.
