Best Things to Do in Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca is where most international flights land, and many travelers treat it as a place to pass through. That’s a mistake, at least for one day. Morocco’s biggest city is modern and fast-paced, but it has one of the most impressive mosques in the world, a beautiful Art Deco downtown, an ocean-front promenade and some of the best seafood in the country.

Things to do in Casablanca

Hassan II Mosque

If you do only one thing in Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque. Completed in 1993 and built partly over the Atlantic, it has one of the tallest minarets in the world, at about 210 meters, and space for more than 100,000 worshippers inside and on the esplanade. The craftsmanship is extraordinary: carved cedar, marble, zellige and stucco made by thousands of Moroccan artisans.

It is one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter, on guided tours that run several times a day (except during Friday prayers). Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and check the tour times the day before, as they change around religious holidays.

The Corniche and Ain Diab

From the mosque, the Corniche runs west along the ocean to the Ain Diab district, with beach clubs, cafés and restaurants. It’s busiest at sunset and on weekend evenings, when Casablancans come out to walk by the sea.

The Habous quarter

Built by the French in the 1930s as a “new medina”, the Habous quarter mixes traditional Moroccan design with neat arcades and small squares. It’s a pleasant, unhurried place to shop for olives, pastries, books, brass and pottery. Nearby, you can see the elegant Mahkama du Pacha, the old courthouse, from the outside.

Art Deco downtown

Casablanca grew quickly in the early 20th century, and its center is full of Art Deco and Moorish-revival buildings, with white façades, ironwork balconies and carved details. Walk around Boulevard Mohammed V and Place Mohammed V, and look up. Many of the best buildings are best appreciated from across the street.

The old medina and the Sqala

Casablanca’s old medina is small and less touristy than those in other cities. Next to it, the 18th-century Sqala fortress overlooks the port, and its garden restaurant is a nice spot for lunch.

Museum of Moroccan Judaism

In the Oasis district, this small museum tells the story of Morocco’s Jewish community through objects, costumes and photographs. It is often described as the only Jewish museum in the Arab world.

Rick’s Café

The film Casablanca was shot in Hollywood, but Rick’s Café, opened in 2004 in a restored mansion by the medina walls, recreates the famous bar. It’s touristy but fun, with a pianist in the evenings. Book ahead for dinner.

Seafood at the Central Market

The Marché Central downtown has fish stalls where you can choose your seafood and have it cooked at one of the small restaurants around the market. It’s simple, lively and very fresh.

How long to stay

One night and a full day is enough for most visitors. Arrive, rest, visit the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche, then continue to Rabat, Fes or Marrakech the next morning.

Getting around

• From the airport: Mohammed V International Airport is about 30 to 45 minutes from the city by road, or by train to the main stations.
• Trains: fast connections to Rabat (about an hour), Tangier (on the high-speed line) and Marrakech (about 2.5 to 3 hours).
• In the city: the tram is clean and easy to use, and red petit taxis should use the meter.

Is Casablanca safe?

Casablanca is a big city, so use normal big-city precautions: watch your phone and bag in crowded areas and use registered taxis at night. Read our guide to safety in Casablanca.

Start your trip in Casablanca

Many of our private tours begin in Casablanca, with an airport welcome and a first night in the city. Our 10-day private tour from Casablanca and 14-day tour from Casablanca are two of the most popular. See all our tours from Casablanca, or ask us to plan your route.