So, I just got back from Casablanca, and wow, where do I even begin? I mean, when it comes to the best things to do in Casablanca, I really didn't know what to expect. Honestly, the entire trip felt like I was navigating a patchwork of experiences — some beautiful, some downright confusing, and others just a little chaotic. But that's what made it all the more human, right?
This spot? Total surprise.
You know how people always talk about the Hassan II Mosque? I guess I kinda rolled my eyes when a friend insisted I had to go. I thought, “Sure, a big mosque — cool, but how exciting can it really be?” But then there I was, standing in front of it, and honestly? I was so blown away.
First off, this place is HUGE. Like, "I have no idea how something this majestic even exists" huge. The intricate tile work, that serene feeling of stepping onto the terrace overlooking the Atlantic… it was all mind-boggling! I snapped a couple of photos, you know, the usual “look where I am!” shots, but they don't even come close to capturing the experience.
I remember standing there, trying to soak it all in, and I was hit with a wave of humility. Maybe I underestimated this trip? I almost felt bad that I'd been dismissive. It was so peaceful, and there was this soft hum of clerical chants echoing in the distance, mingling with the sound of the waves crashing below. I didn't know whether to cry or just smile like a goofball. Life has a way of surprising you, doesn't it?
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Now, after that life-changing visit, I found myself meandering around the Old Medina. I honestly hadn't planned for this; it just kind of happened as I was trying to find this cute café I'd read about. Spoiler alert: I failed miserably at following directions, surprise, surprise. Instead, I stumbled upon this small, local place that didn't even have a name on the outside.
But wow, once I walked in, it was like stepping into someone's living room — cushions thrown casually everywhere, the smell of spices wafting through the air, and a couple of grandmas in the back cooking something that looked and smelled divine. I felt like I had entered a magical parallel universe where time moved slower and smiles were the currency.
So, I sat down, and this friendly woman— I wish I caught her name— plopped a plate of tagine in front of me. I mean, I'd had tagine before, but this was on another level. It was like comfort food on steroids, and I'm talking about that soft meat that just fell apart, swimming in a sea of saffron and apricots that took it to a whole new realm. I can still remember how it tasted, lingering long after the plates were cleared away.
In that moment, I felt an unfathomable warmth, a reminder that sometimes the best things just come out of nowhere, fully unplanned.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Oh, speaking of detours and odd turns, let me tell you about how I almost missed out on exploring Rick's Café. Yes, the one made famous by Casablanca! I had this idea in my head that I could walk there — map? What map? But as usual, I lost myself wandering through this labyrinth of alleys and shops, like some sort of misguided tourist in a movie where everything goes wrong.
At one point, I found myself walking in circles, following the intense calls of various street vendors, who were trying to sell me anything from dates to “authentic” Moroccan handicrafts. At that point, I was about to give up. But just when I thought all hope was lost, a kind old man caught my eye and smiled as he gestured for me to follow him. I debated. I mean, in another life, wouldn't you warn yourself against just following a random dude?
But I did. And lo and behold, he led me straight to Rick's. I barely got out a thank you before he went on his way, leaving me stunned.
Inside, with jazz music playing softly and the ambiance dripping with nostalgia, I found a little corner seat and a beautiful view of its signature decor— it felt like stepping onto a film set. I ordered a Casablanca cocktail, of course, and just soaked it all in. There was something ironic about being transported into a 1940s vibe, sitting in a place that was built around the allure of a movie I hadn't even seen until I got home and felt nostalgic about my trip.
That dinner I can’t stop thinking about
And then there was the last dinner I had, one of those culinary experiences that just stays with you. I was hungry from a long day of wandering through the city, and after a bit of Googling (and I don't even know how I ended up in this restaurant that wasn't on any list), I found a place called La Sqala, hidden just across from the sea.
The ambience was warm and inviting. And can we talk about the ceiling? It was beautifully decorated with wooden motifs. I ordered a seafood tagine this time, half-expecting not to be wowed again. But man, what I got was like a heavenly seafood love letter. Fresh fish simmered with all these spices I couldn't identify, accompanied by some homemade bread that was fluffy and hearty. I scooped up every last drop of sauce with that bread, savoring every bite as if my life depended on it.
Sitting under the stars and dappled light, with the ocean's melody in the background, I felt gratitude wash over me in waves. Maybe I understand now why people fall in love with this city. It's messy, complicated, full of surprises — and it was the perfect mess to dive into, even if I made a couple of wrong turns along the way.
As I sip the last of my coffee now, I can't help but smile thinking about all those little moments. I didn't exactly find the “best things to do in Casablanca” as I had imagined. Instead, I found unexpected treasures tucked between detours and misdirections. And somehow, that made every moment feel even more special.
