Thing to do
Old Medina of Casablanca
A walk through the walled old town rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, with souks along the ramparts, shrines, the old mellah and the Sqala bastion.
Boulevard Mohammed V Art Deco Walk
A self-guided walk along Casablanca's main colonial-era avenue, lined with 1920s and 1930s buildings that mix Art Deco lines with Moroccan decoration.
At a glance
- Type
- Architecture walk
- Area
- Centre Ville, Casablanca, Morocco
Good to know
- Free
- Self-guided
Why we recommend it
Casablanca is one of the great Art Deco cities of the world, and Boulevard Mohammed V is the best place to see why. Laid out as the main commercial axis of the protectorate-era city, the boulevard is lined with buildings from the 1920s and 1930s that combine modern European lines with Moroccan detail: zellige tiles, green-tiled roofs, arches, ironwork and carved stucco. You do not need a ticket or a guide, just time, comfortable shoes and a willingness to keep looking up.
A good walk starts near the Central Market, where the boulevard was widened to give the market a more open setting. Nearby, the Bessonneau Building, built between 1917 and 1921 and long known as the Lincoln Hotel, was one of the first to pair a heavy European structure with delicate Moroccan ornament. As you continue, look for facades decorated with cherubs, fruit baskets and lion heads alongside zellige and stucco friezes and cedar balconies. The Glaoui Building is recognisable by its towers covered in tilework, and long arcades inspired by the Rue de Rivoli in Paris shelter the pavements.
Other landmarks within easy reach include the former ABC cinema, associated with the architect Marius Boyer, the circular Bourse du Commerce, and the BMCI building. The boulevard leads towards Mohammed V Square and Bank Al-Maghrib, designed by Edmond Brion in 1937. Close to the port end stands the koubba of Sidi Belyout, a shrine that still draws many visitors.
The walk suits architecture lovers, photographers and anyone who wants to see a side of Morocco quite different from the medinas. Allow one to two hours, depending on how often you stop. Mornings and late afternoons have the best light for the facades. Some buildings are in need of restoration, which is part of the boulevard's faded charm, but take care on uneven pavements. During the city's heritage days, guided visits open up some of the district's landmarks if you prefer to go with an expert.
The tram stops on the boulevard at the Central Market, which is handy if you get tired. Combine the walk with the Central Market for lunch, Mohammed V Square, and the old medina, which lies just beyond the port end of the boulevard. Cafés along the route make easy stops for a mint tea.
Boulevard Mohammed V Art Deco Walk FAQs
Do you need a guide?
No. The walk can be done independently, though guided visits are offered during the city's heritage days.
How long does the walk take?
Allow one to two hours, depending on how often you stop.
Which buildings should you look for?
The Bessonneau Building, the Glaoui Building, the former ABC cinema, the Bourse du Commerce, the BMCI building and Bank Al-Maghrib.
When is the best time to go?
Morning or late afternoon for the best light on the facades.
Is it free?
Yes. All the buildings are seen from the street.
Can you use the tram?
Yes. There is a tram stop on the boulevard at the Central Market.
What is nearby?
The Central Market, Mohammed V Square and the old medina.