Casablanca’s Mers Sultan neighborhood has been ranked the second coolest in the world according to a new list published by the renowned arts and entertainment magazine Time Out. The British magazine’s annual ranking of the 38 coolest neighborhoods to live in and explore placed Mers Sultan just behind Notre-Dame-du-Mont in Marseille, France, making it the highest-ranked neighborhood in Africa.
The list was compiled by Time Out‘s international correspondents, editors, and urban experts. About Mers Sultan, the magazine wrote, “This concrete jungle with its narrow streets and Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and modernist buildings hides a pleasant secret: it has become the go-to spot for young artists and cultural workers in Casablanca.”
What makes Mers Sultan stand out, according to Time Out, is its authenticity and originality. “This neighborhood remains authentic, with no trendy cafes in sight. Instead, get ready to hunt for treasures at second-hand bookstores, enjoy modest yet delicious food at small restaurants and snack bars, or sip a ‘Nous-Nous’ (half espresso, half milk) in a tiny glass. You’ll be seated among elderly men filling out betting forms in a cloud of cigarette smoke, and alongside rebellious graffiti artists, electronic musicians, and promising young filmmakers speaking a mix of Moroccan Arabic, French, and English,” the magazine enthused.
The publication goes on to describe the perfect day in Mers Sultan, starting with a trip to the 17th floor of the iconic Immeuble Liberté, a historic building that once housed the apartment of famous Moroccan musician Abdelwaheb Doukkali, now transformed into a museum with stunning views over Casablanca.
The itinerary continues with a visit to the lively Cité Maréchal Améziane, a heritage residential building, and grabbing a beef liver sausage sandwich from a local butcher on the street. A stop at the Rue Agadir Market, designed by Franco-Moroccan architect Jean François Zevaco, or catching a Moroccan or international film at a nearby cinema, are other highlights of the day.
Visitors are also encouraged to enjoy a coffee while watching passersby at the popular café Champs Elysée or take in the “spiritual vibes” at Nevada Skate Park, just across the tram line. The day ends with an intimate drink at Bar Atomic and a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline from the rooftop of Hotel Washington.
The article also emphasizes what makes a neighborhood “cool” according to Time Out. It’s all about places that reflect the best of the city—its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food, and drink—all condensed into a vibrant, walkable area.
Besides East City in Cape Town, South Africa (19th), and Osu in Accra, Ghana (36th), Mers Sultan is one of only three African neighborhoods to make the list. Other global entries include Seongsu-dong in South Korea (4th), Chippendale in Sydney, Australia (7th), Glória in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (9th), Little River in Miami, USA (12th), Gakugeidaigaku in Tokyo, Japan (15th), and East Hollywood in Los Angeles (26th).
