Imposing historic monuments, charming corners, a fantastic gastronomic tradition, labyrinthine souks and modern shopping centres, beaches, parks and natural spaces, architectural jewels from different historical periods, and more… Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, has them all. And what’s more, it also has good nightlife.
On a visit to Casablanca there are all kinds of options to suit all tastes and budgets, and that includes, obviously, the buzzing gastronomic scene and the city’s fizzing nightlife. Casablanca draws on its diverse, cosmopolitan ambience to offer an open and varied night scene, comparable only, perhaps, with what can be found in Marrakesh. Be that as it may, here are some options for discovering and enjoying the nightlife of the great Moroccan metropolis.
Casablanca at night: a vibrant city
There are always exceptions but in general terms, predominantly Muslim countries tend not to be much given to partying, certainly by contrast to the nightlife to be found in bars and clubs across much of the rest of the world. However, big cities and capital cities such as Casablanca are more influenced by global trends, and have always therefore been more relaxed in this respect.
Local and international DJs, live music, sophisticated clubs that follow the latest design trends, places that provide an appealing blend of Arab and Maghreb elements with the global scene… As the sun sets over Casablanca, a world comes to life where after-work get-togethers are enjoyed side by side with couples or friends having dinner together — as well as shows, special events and, of course, the best places to go dancing and drinking until the early hours.
As one would expect, weekend nights and main public holidays are the liveliest, and while what’s on offer is not particularly large for a city of its size, there is always somewhere you can enjoy Casablanca’s nightlife, 365 days a year.
Where to go clubbing in Casablanca
Although there are night spots in different parts of the city, Casablanca’s nightlife is largely concentrated in two main areas: in one part of La Corniche (internal link to La Corniche), particularly between the beaches of Lalla Meryem and Ain Diab, and back in the city centre, around Mohammed V Square (internal link to Mohammed V Square), United Nations Square (internal link to United Nations Square), and the junction of Boulevard d’Anfa and Avenue des Far.
La Corniche is where you will find the largest number of trendy spots. The relaxed beach clubs become lively nightclubs cooled by the sea breeze; some restaurants exchange plates and cutlery for glasses, lights and music; the biggest clubs have an atmosphere somewhere between exotic and trendy. The whole of this coastal strip is a succession of different night spots that bring together the most hip locals with the countless tourists who visit the city.
The centre of Casablanca itself is, perhaps, more eclectic, with all kinds of bars and a few clubs having closer links to the local scene but not so unfamiliar that they would deter international visitors. In the centre, there are more restaurants and bars, but also a few clubs that offer long nights of music, dancing, drinking, and a great atmosphere.
The best clubs in Casablanca
It is always difficult to know what will appeal to all tastes, but Casablanca has a number of establishments that any party animal will love:
- Maison B.- Music and partying in La Corniche, in a modern, designer establishment that has a brasserie-style, restaurant, a lounge bar, a temperature-regulated terrace with a garden, and an ultra-trendy club with international guest DJs.
- Yellow Club.- DJs, music, dancing, partying — everything that any nightclub worth its salt should have. Also located in the heart of the most party-loving area of La Corniche.
- Standard Club.- In the heart of Ain Diab beach, this club is also the perfect place for those looking for a taste Casablanca’s nightlife. From twerking to Afro dance, this is club culture through and through.
- Black House.- Right in United Nations Square, this is one of the city centre’s most popular clubs. Lights, music, a dance floor… Everything you could ask for, and more besides.
- CasArt.- More of a lounge than a club, this place blends art and good vibes at the gates of Casablanca’s ancient Medina. With exhibitions, live music, DJs, and a buzzing atmosphere, this is a great place to enjoy a cocktail mixed by experts.
- Le Kimmy’z.- Located between the Arab League Park and Boulevard d’Anfa, this is one of the finest examples of a Casablanca restaurant that becomes a nightclub after dark. An impressive wine cellar, live music and the best pop music in the heart of the Gautier district.
And for those looking for a different way to spend the evening, the city also offers places such as Sky 28 with its amazing views; then there’s La Bodega, a lively and typical Spanish bar; the Brooklyn Bar, with its unique New York style; or the Irish Pub, an authentic Irish joint… And, of course, there’s the classic Rick’s Café (internal link to Rick’s Café), a place to enjoy an evening straight out of the film, along with jazz, a good cocktail and the spirit of Bogart’s mythical Rick Blaine.
Recommended hotels in Casablanca
Whether your evening has been short, or longer than you had expected, you’ll always be thankful for a good rest after your night out. And that is exactly what’s on offer at the city’s two Barceló Group hotels, the Barceló Casablanca (https://www.barcelo.com/es-es/barcelo-casablanca/) and the Barceló Anfa Casablanca (https://www.barcelo.com/es-es/barcelo-anfa-casablanca/), the perfect places to sleep and recharge your batteries, ready to carry on enjoying your stay in the wonderful city of Casablanca.
Of course, in addition to their fully-equipped guest rooms, these two hotels (4- and 5-star respectively and located right in the city centre), also offer guests the finest local and international cuisine, along with a modern spa and gymnasium in the case of the Barceló Anfa Casablanca — perfect for rebalancing mind and body after a night’s clubbing — or the Barceló Casablanca’s pleasant B-Bar, the perfect spot for enjoying a range of tapas. One possibility among many.