So, I just got back from Casablanca, and wow—I've got to tell you about it. To be honest, when I first threw out the idea of going, I wasn't expecting much. I figured it might be just another city, you know? Lots of hustle and bustle, but not really much to write home about. But oh man, was I wrong. It turned out to be quite the adventure. Seriously, the best things to do in Casablanca will surprise you at every corner.
This spot? Total surprise.
There I was, wandering the streets, feeling a bit overwhelmed. Honestly, it's not the easiest place to navigate, and my sense of direction is pretty much nonexistent. I was trying to find my way to the Hassan II Mosque, which, to be fair, was on my list of things to see. But somehow I got sidetracked.
I stumbled upon a small café tucked away in an alley. I mean, I don't even know how I ended up there! The sign was half-worn, and the door looked like it hadn't been opened in a while. I hesitated for a second, but my stomach said, “Go in!” And boy, am I glad I did.
The place was run by this adorable couple—totally charming. They spoke minimal English, and I attempted my subpar Arabic, which felt like a comedy sketch. We ended up laughing more than communicating, but that somehow made it even better. I ordered some traditional Moroccan mint tea, and they insisted I try a pastry they had made that morning.
Oh man, that pastry was something else. It was flaky and sweet—almost like a twisted croissant that had taken a dive into a honey bath. I actually had a moment of doubt, wondering if I'd gotten lost and stumbled into the wrong place, but once that first bite hit, I knew I'd hit the jackpot.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
So, after that celestial pastry experience, I finally found my way to the mosque. And let me tell you, standing there in front of it? Talk about a mood shift. The way the sunlight hit those intricate tiles was almost magical. It's massive—like “I can't believe humans built this” massive. I spent a good hour just staring, pondering life, and snapping a million photos, because, let's be real, my Instagram needed some love.
While I was there, I had this moment of doubt. Did I actually deserve to be in such a beautiful place? I mean, I had heard so many stories about Casablanca, and here I was, knee-deep in this vibrant culture that seemed to glow under that afternoon sun. I caught myself smiling, just soaking it all in, and realizing that traveling is this hilarious, messy ballet.
Right there, with the call to prayer echoing in the air, I felt this wave of peace. Like, who cares what you didn't plan? Just be where you are, you know?
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Ah, and then there was the escapade of getting lost in the medina. I mean, really lost. I thought I could outsmart the map and maybe squeeze in a little shopping at the souks, but what I actually did was walk in circles for an hour. I could feel my frustration bubbling up. "Why did I think I'd be able to navigate this labyrinth?" But hey, one bad turn led me to this small pottery shop that I never would have found if I hadn't gotten overwhelmed.
These women were crafting beautiful ceramics, and I don't know why, but I just felt drawn to them. We ended up chatting about their process, and they even showed me how to make some of the designs. I wasn't exactly a natural, but that whole moment just felt like a warm hug. It completely turned my mood around, transforming my frustration into a newfound appreciation.
We laughed, we shared stories, and honestly? That little detour made my day. I bought a small hand-painted bowl that now sits on my coffee table at home, reminding me of that beautiful encounter. Those are what make the best things to do in Casablanca memorable—those unplanned stops that turn into gems.
The meal that still haunts my tastebuds
Before heading back, a friend had recommended a fish café along the coast, La Sqala. Now, if you ever find yourself in Casablanca, you HAVE to go. It's this cute spot surrounded by palm trees, with the ocean breeze wafting through. I'm not even a huge seafood lover, but the grilled fish they served was seriously unreal. They seasoned it with spices I couldn't even pinpoint, and paired it with some of the fluffiest couscous I've ever had.
Eating there felt like a culinary orchestra—every bite was harmonizing with the sounds of laughter and ocean waves. I ended up lingering longer than I should have because it was hard to say goodbye to that plate. I almost ordered a second round of everything—who can resist perfectly grilled fish that sends you straight to culinary heaven?
Wrapping up my dance with Casablanca
By the time I was heading back to the hotel, my heart was full, but also a little heavy. I had grown attached to Casablanca. It felt chaotic and vibrant, beautiful in a way that goes beyond the surface. And honestly? Those missed turns and random encounters turned out to be the highlights, the pieces of the puzzle that came together to create an unforgettable portrait of the city.
It's amazing how a place can surprise you, shape you, and—if only for a moment—make you feel completely alive. As I sit here nursing my coffee, I'm still absorbing everything; it's like the city left pieces of itself with me, and I'm utterly grateful. Here's to more adventures, wherever they may lead.
