So you're coming to Casablanca for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025? Great choice! While everyone rushes to the stadium, I want to share three special Casablanca CAN 2025 spots that most football fans miss. These places are close to the stadium, easy to reach, and show you the real Casablanca—not just the tourist version.
When I first visited these neighborhoods, I learned something important. The best part of any trip isn't just the main event. It's the moments between—the mint tea you drink in a hidden square, the artisan who shows you how he works leather, the park where locals jog at sunset.
Let me take you to three places that will make your CAN 2025 experience unforgettable.
Spot 1: Al-Habous Quarter – Where Tradition Meets Craftsmanship
Distance from Stadium: 30 minutes by bus
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon
Cost: Free to explore
The Habous Quarter feels like stepping into old Morocco. While the modern city rushes around you, this historic neighborhood moves at its own pace.
What Makes Habous Special
This area was built in the 1930s as a blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and French urban planning. But don't let that confuse you—it looks and feels completely Moroccan. The streets are narrow. The doors are carved wood, painted in deep blues and greens. Every corner has something beautiful to photograph.
I spent three hours here once, just walking. My phone filled up with photos of doors—each one different, each one telling a story about the family behind it.
The Craftsmen You'll Meet
Habous is famous for its artisans. These aren't souvenir shops for tourists. These are real workshops where men learned their craft from their fathers, who learned from their grandfathers.
Leather Workers: Watch craftsmen make bags, belts, and babouches (traditional slippers) by hand. The smell of leather fills the small shops. If you're patient, they'll explain their process while they work.
Pottery Makers: Moroccan ceramics are known worldwide, and Habous has some of the best. You'll see traditional tajines, colorful plates, and decorative pieces. The patterns are hand-painted—no machines, no shortcuts.
Carpet Sellers: The Berber rugs here are authentic. Each design comes from a specific region in Morocco. The sellers know every story behind every pattern. Ask questions. They love to talk about their carpets.
Don't Miss the Sweet Shops
After walking through the crafts quarter, you'll be hungry. This is where Habous surprises you.
The sweet shops here—hlawiyat in Moroccan Arabic—sell traditional Moroccan desserts you won't find anywhere else. My favorites are:
- Chebakia: Fried dough shaped like flowers, covered in honey and sesame seeds
- Ghriba: Crumbly almond cookies that melt in your mouth
- Kaab el ghzal: "Gazelle horns"—pastries filled with almond paste
The shop owners are generous. They'll often let you taste before buying. Take advantage of this. Try everything.
Practical Tips for Visiting Habous
- Take the bus from the stadium—it's cheap and easy
- Wear comfortable shoes. The streets are cobblestone
- Bring cash. Most small shops don't accept cards
- Visit during late afternoon when the light is perfect for photos
- Learn one phrase: "Shhal?" (How much?)
- Don't rush. This place rewards slow exploration
Spot 2: Parc de la Ligue Arabe – Casablanca's Green Escape
Distance from Stadium: 15 minutes walk
Opening Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
After the noise of a football match, you'll want peace. Parc de la Ligue Arabe gives you exactly that.
A Park for Everyone
This isn't just a park. It's where Casablanca breathes. Families come here on weekends. Joggers run circles in the morning. Couples walk hand-in-hand at sunset. During CAN 2025, this will be your perfect escape between matches.
The park covers 30 hectares. That's big enough to feel like you've left the city, even though you're right in the middle of it.
What You'll Find Inside
Walking Paths: Wide, tree-lined paths crisscross the entire park. Palm trees provide shade. Benches appear every few meters. It's designed for slow, peaceful walks.
Jogging Tracks: If you're staying fit during your trip (good luck with all that Moroccan food!), the jogging paths here are excellent. They're well-maintained and marked.
Cycling Routes: You can rent bicycles near the entrance. The routes are flat and safe. Cycling through the botanical sections is particularly beautiful.
Botanical Gardens: This is my favorite part. The gardens showcase plants from Morocco and around the Mediterranean. Labels explain each species. It's educational without being boring.
Why CAN 2025 Visitors Love This Park
During major tournaments, cities get crowded. Hotels feel small. Streets get loud. You need somewhere calm.
This park gives you that. It's close enough to walk from the stadium, but quiet enough to feel like an escape. I've seen football fans from different countries sitting together on the grass, sharing snacks, enjoying the greenery between matches.
The atmosphere during tournaments is special. Everyone's excited but relaxed. It's football fever without the chaos.
My Experience Here
Last summer, I came here after walking around the city all morning. I was exhausted. The heat was intense. I found a bench under a big tree, bought fresh orange juice from a vendor, and just sat.
Twenty minutes later, I felt completely refreshed. That's the power of this place.
Practical Tips for the Park
- Early morning is best for jogging
- Late afternoon is perfect for walking
- Bring a blanket if you want to sit on the grass
- Food vendors sell fresh juice and snacks
- The park is safe, but keep an eye on your belongings
- It's a great spot for a picnic between matches
Spot 3: Villa des Arts Museum – Casa's Cultural Heart
Distance from Stadium: 30 minutes by bus
Opening Hours: Every day except Tuesday
Entry Fee: 20 dirhams (approximately $2 USD)
Not every football fan visits museums during tournaments. But Villa des Arts isn't like other museums. It's small, personal, and tells Casablanca's story in a way that makes you understand the city better.
What is Villa des Arts?
This beautiful villa was built during the French colonial period. The architecture mixes Art Deco and Moroccan styles—white walls, geometric patterns, elegant rooms. But the building itself is just the beginning.
Inside, you'll find Casablanca's memory. The exhibits show how this city grew from a small port to Morocco's economic capital. You'll see old photographs, historical documents, and art that captures different eras of Casa's life.
Why History Matters
When you watch a CAN 2025 match in Casablanca's stadium, you're part of this city's story. Understanding where you are makes the experience richer.
The museum shows you:
- How Casablanca developed in the 20th century
- The villa's own history and construction
- The cultural movements that shaped modern Morocco
- Art from Moroccan and international artists
It's not overwhelming. You can see everything in about an hour. But that hour gives you context for everything else you see in the city.
The Exhibition Space
The museum regularly changes its exhibitions. During CAN 2025, they might have special displays related to football and sports culture in Morocco. Even if they don't, the permanent collection is worth seeing.
The rooms are well-lit. Labels are in French and Arabic (bring a translation app if needed). The staff is friendly and can answer questions if you speak French.
My Recommendation
Visit this museum during the middle of the day. That's when the Casablanca heat is strongest anyway. The villa is cool inside, and you'll appreciate the break from the sun.
After the museum, the surrounding neighborhood has excellent cafes. Sit outside, order a coffee or mint tea, and watch Casablanca life pass by. This is as important as the museum itself.
Practical Tips for Villa des Arts
- Check if they're open before you go (closed Tuesdays)
- 20 dirhams is the entry fee—bring exact change
- Photography is usually allowed, but ask first
- The villa has a small gift shop with books about Casablanca
- Combine this visit with lunch in the nearby Art Deco district
Planning Your CAN 2025 Casablanca Experience
These three Casablanca CAN 2025 spots work together perfectly. Here's how I'd structure a day between matches:
Morning: Start at Villa des Arts when it opens. Beat the heat and learn about the city. (2 hours)
Midday: Take the bus to Habous Quarter. Explore the craft shops, talk to artisans, buy some sweets. (3 hours)
Afternoon: Walk to Parc de la Ligue Arabe. Rest, have a snack, enjoy the shade. (1-2 hours)
Evening: Head to the stadium for the match, energized and ready.
This route makes sense geographically too. You're not crisscrossing the city. Each spot leads naturally to the next.
Getting Around: Transportation Tips
Buses: The easiest way to reach these Casablanca CAN 2025 spots from the stadium. Buses are frequent, cheap (5-7 dirhams per ride), and safe. Ask locals which number bus goes where—they're always happy to help.
Taxis: Petit taxis (small red taxis) are everywhere. They're metered, but always confirm the driver will use the meter before getting in. From the stadium to Habous costs about 20-30 dirhams.
Walking: Parc de la Ligue Arabe is walking distance from the stadium. The other two spots are better reached by bus or taxi, but you could walk if you enjoy long walks and have comfortable shoes.
Apps: Careem and InDrive work in Casablanca if you prefer ride-sharing apps.
When to Visit These Spots
Match Days: Visit in the morning before matches, or between matches if you have a rest day.
Rest Days: Perfect time to explore all three spots leisurely.
Early Morning: Best for the park (coolest temperature, fewer crowds).
Late Afternoon: Best for Habous (beautiful light for photos, shops are open).
Midday: Best for Villa des Arts (escape the heat).
Cultural Tips for Your Visit
Casablanca is cosmopolitan, but respect goes a long way:
- Dress modestly in Habous (it's a traditional neighborhood)
- Ask before photographing people—always
- Learn basic Arabic greetings: "Salam aleikum" (hello), "Shukran" (thank you), "Bslama" (goodbye)
- Bargain politely in Habous shops—it's expected and fun
- Be patient—Morocco moves at its own pace
- Tip service workers—small amounts are appreciated
Why These Casablanca CAN 2025 Spots Matter
Football tournaments bring people together, but they can also feel rushed. Everyone's focused on the matches. You move from hotel to stadium to restaurant to hotel. You miss the real city.
These three spots let you slow down. They show you authentic Casablanca—the crafts, the nature, the history. When you return home, you won't just remember the goals scored. You'll remember the leather worker who taught you about his craft. The peace you felt in the park. The story of the city you learned in the museum.
That's the real treasure of traveling for CAN 2025.
Conclusion: Make Casablanca Yours
CAN 2025 brings you to Casablanca for football. But these three spots—Habous Quarter, Parc de la Ligue Arabe, and Villa des Arts—help you leave with more than match memories. They connect you to the city's soul.
Visit the craftsmen. Walk through the gardens. Learn the history. These experiences cost almost nothing but give you everything.
Now I want to hear from you: Have you been to Casablanca before? Are you planning to visit during CAN 2025? Which of these three spots interests you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I read every single one and love helping travelers plan their trips!
If you're looking for more Morocco travel tips, check out our guides on [navigating Moroccan souks] and [the best Moroccan dishes to try during your visit].
Safe travels, and see you in Casa! 
