Old Medina of Casablanca

The Old Medina of Casablanca, known locally as the Ancienne Medina, is the walled historic core of the city in Morocco, set between Boulevard des Almohades, Rue Tnaker and the port. Much smaller and less polished than the medinas of Fes or Marrakech, it is a working neighbourhood of narrow lanes, whitewashed houses, small mosques, bakeries, spice sellers, tailors and stalls selling household goods, clothing and street food. Its origins reach back to the Anfa settlement and the later Portuguese and Alaouite periods, and the quarter retains old gates such as Bab Marrakech, along with the nearby Sqala bastion on the seafront. Visitors who want atmosphere rather than monuments tend to enjoy it most: the main appeal is watching daily life, sampling fresh bread, olives and sweets, and bargaining gently for crafts and leather goods. Some lanes are lively with traders, while others are quiet residential alleys with doors painted in blue and green. A typical walk takes one to two hours and is easiest in the morning, before about 11:00, when the stalls are busy but the sun is mild and the lanes are not crowded. Shops generally open around 09:00 and close near 19:00, and many shut for Friday midday prayers. Good photo angles are at the gate arches, along the ramparts facing the sea, and in the cluster of lanes near the Tnaker area. The medina is compact, so it pairs well with the Sqala Bastion and Rick's Cafe. Visitors should carry small change, keep bags closed in busy spots, and politely decline unofficial guides if they prefer to wander independently. Evenings are quieter and less welcoming for first-time visitors, so daytime is advised.