After dozens of visits to both venues, my answer comes down to one sentence: it entirely depends on what you’re looking for. Morocco Mall remains the go-to reference for a massive shopping experience, with its giant aquarium and 350 stores, while Anfaplace wins people over with its more intimate vibe and direct access to the Corniche. Here’s my full take, built on real experience on the ground, so you don’t waste a single day of your Moroccan trip hesitating between the two.
Casablanca has changed a lot in recent years, and shopping has become a genuine draw for visitors. Whether you’re on a short layover or a longer stay, picking the right mall can turn a simple outing into a real highlight. Let’s break down the strengths and limits of each address.
Morocco Mall, the giant that changed everything
You can’t talk about shopping in Casablanca without mentioning Morocco Mall first. Opened in 2011, it was long presented as the largest mall in Africa, and even though other projects have since rivaled that title, the sheer scale of the place is still impressive. We’re talking over 220,000 square meters dedicated to retail, entertainment, and dining.
The first time I walked in, I was struck by the ceiling height and by that central aquarium plunging several floors down. It’s basically the showstopper, and honestly, even the most jaded visitors stop to watch the sharks glide behind the glass. This architectural touch is what really sets it apart from a standard mall.
An overwhelming retail offer
Morocco Mall brings together international high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and Cartier, alongside more accessible names like Zara, H&M, or Marjane for everyday shopping. It’s this mix of price ranges that makes it a spot frequented by Casablanca families just as much as by tourists hunting for premium souvenirs.
I remember a conversation with a salesperson in the watch gallery who told me the mall pulls in several million visitors a year, making it a near-mandatory stop for brands wanting to establish a lasting presence in Morocco. That footfall is especially noticeable on weekends, when some walkways can get pretty crowded.
Entertainment built for the whole family
What really sets Morocco Mall apart is its entertainment offering. Between the multiplex cinema, the musical fountains outside overlooking the Atlantic, and the kids’ play areas, you can easily spend a full day there without getting bored. I personally caught the dancing fountain show in the evening, a free spectacle that’s worth it even if you’re not planning to buy anything.
Anfaplace, the more low-key alternative
A few kilometers away, in the upscale Anfa district, Anfaplace offers a radically different experience. Smaller, airier, this mall bets on a relaxed atmosphere rather than sheer scale. It’s often the one I recommend to people who find Morocco Mall too crowded or too maze-like.
Located right next to the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche, Anfaplace benefits from a strategic location for tourists wanting to combine cultural sightseeing with shopping. You can literally chain a seaside walk with a terrace lunch, then some shopping before heading back out to catch the sunset.
A more curated store selection
Anfaplace has around a hundred stores or so, compared to over three hundred fifty for its competitor. That might sound limited on paper, but in practice, it’s a real time-saver for anyone who doesn’t feel like walking for hours. You’ll find contemporary fashion brands, a few local concept stores, and a varied dining scene with several terraces facing the ocean.
I particularly appreciate how much smoother the flow feels here. The aisles are wide, natural light is well used thanks to the large windows, and there’s less of that dense-crowd feeling you can get at Morocco Mall on a Saturday afternoon.
The rooftop and the Atlantic view
Anfaplace’s real strength is its rooftop. Few malls in Morocco offer a panoramic terrace of this quality, with a direct view over the ocean and the Hassan II Mosque in the distance. I’ve gone back several times just for a coffee at the end of the day, which says a lot about how this place goes beyond its purely commercial function.
Direct comparison between the two malls
To help you decide quickly, here are the key points to keep in mind depending on your visitor profile.
- Size and variety: Morocco Mall wins by a wide margin with over three times more stores than Anfaplace
- Atmosphere: Anfaplace offers a calmer, more intimate experience, away from the crowds
- Location: Morocco Mall sits by the sea on the western Corniche, Anfaplace is closer to downtown and the Hassan II Mosque
- Entertainment: clear edge to Morocco Mall with its aquarium, cinema, and musical fountains
- View and setting: Anfaplace’s rooftop is unbeatable for a relaxing moment with a panorama
- Average store prices: comparable overall, with a slight premium lean at Morocco Mall
- Getting there: both are easily reached by taxi from downtown, allow fifteen to twenty minutes depending on traffic
My personal experience on the ground
I’ll be honest with you, my first visits to Morocco Mall go back several years, to a time when I was discovering Casablanca for a piece on Moroccan urban tourism. I was impressed by the scale of the place, but a bit disoriented by its size. I needed a map to find my way between the different levels and zones.
I discovered Anfaplace later, almost by chance, while looking for a quiet spot to work with decent wifi and a nice terrace. What struck me is how different the experience is on a sensory level: less noise, fewer crowds, and this sense of being able to breathe between two stores. Today, my choice really depends on my mood in the moment. If I want an immersive, spectacular experience, I head to Morocco Mall. If I’m after a pleasant moment without the crowds, Anfaplace wins every time.
What budget to plan depending on the mall
The budget question comes up a lot in the messages I get. Overall, both centers offer a similar price range, with international premium brands sitting alongside more accessible names. The difference mostly comes down to the temptation built into the offer. With over three hundred fifty stores, Morocco Mall multiplies the chances of spending, simply through sheer accumulation.
Personally, I’ve noticed I consistently leave with fewer impulse buys from Anfaplace, simply because the tighter selection forces me to prioritize better. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, this difference can work in your favor.
Dining: where to eat well between stores
Both malls offer solid dining options, but with distinct vibes. Morocco Mall has a massive food court covering every craving, from international fast food to traditional Moroccan cuisine. Anfaplace leans more toward terrace restaurants with a view, perfect for a more relaxed lunch facing the ocean.
How to get there and practical info
Both centers are easy to reach from downtown Casablanca. For Morocco Mall, located on the Corniche, allow around twenty minutes by taxi from downtown depending on traffic, which is often heavy during rush hour. Parking is huge and free in most cases, a real plus for visitors with a car.
Anfaplace is a bit closer to the heart of the city, in the Anfa district, which often makes it quicker to reach from downtown hotels. Parking is also available, though more modest in size.
For anyone wanting to check opening hours or ongoing events before heading over, I’d recommend checking the official websites of both venues directly, moroccomall.ma for the first and anfaplace.ma for the second, which regularly post their seasonal events.
Final verdict, which one to choose based on your profile
If you’re traveling with family and kids, or want a complete shopping experience with entertainment built in, Morocco Mall stays my top pick. Its impressive scale and entertainment offering make it a destination in its own right, not just a mall.
If you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or simply looking for a calm shopping moment with a great view thrown in, Anfaplace fits that mood better. Its rooftop and relaxed atmosphere make it a spot I particularly love for wrapping up a day of sightseeing in Casablanca.
Ideally, if your trip allows it, I’d honestly recommend trying both. They’re close enough to visit on the same day, as long as you split your time well between morning and afternoon.
FAQ
How far apart are Morocco Mall and Anfaplace?
The two centers are about six to eight kilometers apart, which works out to fifteen to twenty minutes by car depending on traffic in Casablanca.
Is Morocco Mall really the largest in Africa?
It held that title for a long time after opening in 2011, but other projects on the continent have since offered comparable or larger surface areas. It remains one of the largest in Morocco and the Maghreb region though.
Can you get tax-free shopping at these two malls?
Some international brands offer a tax refund service for non-resident tourists, mainly at Morocco Mall where the concentration of premium brands is higher. Check directly in-store when making your purchase.
Which mall is better with young children?
Morocco Mall has more family-dedicated spaces, including play areas and an aquarium that generally fascinates younger visitors, making it the more practical choice with kids.
