Things to Do in Casablanca: 25 Best Experiences (2026)

Most travellers land in Casablanca, glance at the skyline and jump straight on a train to Marrakech or Fes. That is a mistake. Morocco's largest city is not a postcard of ancient walls and donkeys in narrow lanes; it is something more surprising: a confident Atlantic metropolis where one of the world's most spectacular mosques rises from the ocean, where whole streets of 1930s Art Deco facades are waiting to be noticed, and where locals spend summer evenings strolling a seafront that feels closer to Lisbon than to the Sahara.

This guide brings together the best things to do in Casablanca in 2026, from the unmissable Hassan II Mosque to quiet museums, seafood lunches in the Central Market, easy day trips and practical advice on airport transfers and where to stay.

Casablanca at a Glance

• Location: Atlantic coast of Morocco, roughly 90 km south of Rabat and about 240 km north of Marrakech.

• Population: the largest city in Morocco and its economic capital, with several million people in the greater urban area.

• Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD). Cards are accepted in malls, hotels and many restaurants, but carry cash for taxis, markets and small cafés.

• Main airport: Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), around 30 km south of the city centre.

• Getting around: modern tram lines, red "petit taxis", ride-hailing apps and walking in the central districts.

• How long to stay: one full day covers the highlights; two or three days let you add museums, beaches and a day trip.

Iconic Landmarks and the Atlantic Coast

1. Take a Guided Tour of the Hassan II Mosque

If you do only one thing in Casablanca, make it this. Completed in 1993 and designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau, the Hassan II Mosque stands partly on a platform over the Atlantic, and its minaret, about 210 metres tall, is one of the tallest religious towers on earth. Inside, the prayer hall can welcome around 25,000 worshippers, with tens of thousands more in the surrounding esplanade.

What makes the visit unforgettable is the craftsmanship. Thousands of Moroccan artisans carved cedar ceilings, sculpted plaster, laid hand-cut zellige tiles and polished marble and granite. Unlike most mosques in Morocco, the Hassan II Mosque is open to non-Muslims on guided tours, which usually last around 45 minutes to an hour and include the vast prayer hall and the ablution rooms below.

• Tickets: expect roughly 130 to 150 MAD for adults, with reduced prices for students and children. Prices change, so check on arrival.

• Tour times: several tours run daily in different languages, but schedules vary with prayer times, Fridays and religious holidays, and especially during Ramadan.

• Dress code: cover shoulders and knees; you will remove your shoes inside (a bag is provided).

2. Walk the Corniche at Sunset

The Corniche is Casablanca's long seafront promenade, stretching west from the El Hank lighthouse towards Ain Diab. Late in the afternoon it fills with joggers, families, couples and friends sharing sunflower seeds on the sea wall. The view of waves crashing over black rocks, with the mosque's minaret on the horizon, is one of the most memorable images of the city.

3. Relax on the Beaches of Ain Diab

Ain Diab is the city's beach district, lined with hotels, cafés, restaurants and private beach clubs with pools and sun loungers. The Atlantic here is powerful and the water is cool even in summer, so swim only where it is supervised and the flags allow. Beach clubs charge an entry fee that usually includes a lounger, and they are a comfortable way to spend a lazy half day.

4. See the Marabout of Sidi Abderrahmane

At the western end of the Corniche, a small cluster of white buildings sits on a rocky islet just offshore. This is the shrine of Sidi Abderrahmane, a local saint, and at low tide it can be reached on foot across the rocks. The sanctuary itself is a place of popular devotion and not a tourist attraction, so visitors usually admire it from the shore. It is a beautiful, slightly mysterious spot for photographs, particularly in the soft evening light.

5. Stroll Around the Marina

Between the old medina and the Hassan II Mosque, the Casablanca Marina is one of the newest parts of the city, with waterfront walkways, modern apartment towers, offices and cafés.

The Old Medina and the Habous Quarter

6. Explore the Old Medina

Casablanca's old medina is much smaller and less polished than those of Fes or Marrakech, and that is exactly its charm. Squeezed between the port and Place des Nations Unies, its whitewashed lanes are full of everyday life: tailors, barbers, bakeries, cheap electronics, fishmongers and children playing football. Enter near the clock tower by Place des Nations Unies, wander slowly and let the medina show you the real rhythm of the city.

7. Climb onto the Sqala Bastion

On the edge of the medina facing the sea, the Sqala is an 18th-century fortified bastion with old cannons pointing towards the Atlantic. Its walls enclose a garden restaurant that serves Moroccan breakfasts, tagines and pastries in a calm, leafy setting. It is an ideal stop for mint tea after exploring the medina and before walking along the waterfront to the mosque.

8. Shop and Snack in the Habous Quarter

The Habous quarter, also called the Nouvelle Medina, was built in the 1930s during the French Protectorate as a carefully planned "new" medina. The result is a calm, elegant neighbourhood of arcades, small squares and tidy streets. It is one of the best places in Casablanca to shop for olives, spices, leather goods, lanterns, books and traditional clothing, at a gentler pace than the big souks. Do not miss the olive market, and try the almond pastries at one of the famous traditional pâtisseries in the area.

9. Admire the Mahkama du Pacha

On the edge of the Habous stands the Mahkama du Pacha, a former pasha's courthouse and administrative building completed in the 1940s. Its many rooms and courtyards are decorated with carved cedar, stucco and zellige of extraordinary quality, a showcase of 20th-century Moroccan craftsmanship. As it is still used by local administration, access is limited and can depend on the day, so ask locally or with your guide whether a visit is possible.

Art Deco and Colonial-Era Architecture

10. Follow an Art Deco Walk Along Boulevard Mohammed V

Casablanca grew at breathtaking speed in the early 20th century, and architects used it as a laboratory for Art Deco, Neo-Moorish and modernist design. Today the city has one of the richest collections of interwar architecture in the world. Start on Boulevard Mohammed V, where arcaded buildings carry geometric balconies, curved corners, stylised floral motifs and Moroccan touches such as carved wood and zellige. Look up: the best details are often on the upper floors. Some buildings are beautifully restored, others are faded, and the contrast is part of the story.

11. Discover Place Mohammed V

The city's grand administrative square brings together a remarkable group of buildings from the Protectorate period, including the courthouse, the former post office and the prefecture with its clock tower, all mixing European planning with Moroccan decoration.

12. Visit the Sacré-Cœur Cathedral

The brilliant white Sacré-Cœur Cathedral, completed in the 1930s, blends Gothic Revival forms with Art Deco lines and subtle Moroccan influences. It no longer functions as a church and is used for cultural events and exhibitions. Opening hours can be irregular, but even from the outside its twin towers and tall windows make it one of the most photogenic buildings in the city.

13. Relax in the Parc de la Ligue Arabe

Right beside the cathedral, the Parc de la Ligue Arabe (Arab League Park) is the city's largest central green space, with tall palms, wide alleys, playgrounds and cafés. It has been renovated in recent years and is a welcome break from traffic and noise, especially on a hot afternoon.

Museums and Culture

14. Learn at the Museum of Moroccan Judaism

In the residential Oasis district, the Museum of Moroccan Judaism is often described as the only museum dedicated to Jewish heritage in the Arab world. Its collections of clothing, jewellery, ritual objects, photographs and reconstructed synagogue interiors tell the story of a community that has been part of Moroccan life for more than two thousand years.

15. See Contemporary Art at the Villa des Arts

Housed in an elegant Art Deco villa from the 1930s, the Villa des Arts is a cultural space run by a private foundation that hosts temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary Moroccan and international art. The building and its garden are worth the visit on their own, and the exhibitions are a great introduction to the creative energy of today's Morocco.

16. Browse the Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum

This charming private museum, set in a restored Art Deco house in the city centre, displays a superb collection of Moroccan jewellery, perfume bottles, ceramics and vintage travel posters. It is rarely crowded and makes a perfect hour-long stop for anyone interested in design and craftsmanship.

Food, Markets and Modern City Life

17. Eat Seafood at the Central Market

Built in the early 20th century on Boulevard Mohammed V, the Marché Central is a lively covered market selling flowers, fruit, olives and, above all, fish straight from the Atlantic. The best experience is to choose your seafood at a stall and have it grilled at one of the small restaurants around the courtyard, or to sit down for a plate of fresh oysters from the Moroccan coast. It is simple, cheap by European standards and full of local character.

18. Taste Casablanca's Street Food and Cafés

Casablanca is a city of cafés. Start the day with msemen (flaky square pancakes) or baghrir (semolina pancakes) with honey and butter, try a bowl of bissara (split-pea soup) on a cool morning, and look for fried fish sandwiches near the port. Pastilla with seafood, a coastal twist on the classic pie, is a local speciality worth seeking out.

19. Enjoy an Evening at Rick's Café

Fans of the 1942 film Casablanca often arrive hoping to find the real Rick's Café Américain. The film was actually shot in Hollywood studios, so there was never an original bar. Rick's Café in the old medina walls is a recreation opened in the 2000s, inspired by the film's set, with a piano, arches, palms and a classic menu. Treat it as a stylish, slightly nostalgic dinner or cocktail spot rather than a historic site, and book ahead, as it is popular and has a smart dress code.

20. Shop at the Morocco Mall

Overlooking the ocean near Ain Diab, the Morocco Mall is one of the largest shopping centres in Africa, with international brands, restaurants, a cinema and a large aquarium that families love.

21. Ride the Tram and Explore Maârif and Gauthier

The city's modern tram network is clean, cheap and easy to use, linking the centre, the beaches and many neighbourhoods. Use it to reach Maârif and Gauthier, residential and commercial districts packed with boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants where young Casablancans go out.

22. Unwind in a Hammam

A visit to a hammam is a classic Moroccan experience. Casablanca has everything from simple neighbourhood bathhouses, where you bring your own black soap and scrubbing glove, to elegant spas offering steam, a vigorous gommage scrub and massage.

Best Day Trips from Casablanca

23. Rabat, the Capital

Just about an hour away by road or train, Rabat is calm, green and full of history. Visit the blue-and-white lanes of the Kasbah of the Udayas above the river mouth, the unfinished Hassan Tower and the richly decorated Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the atmospheric ruins of the Chellah. Rabat's medina is relaxed and easy to explore, making it one of the most rewarding day trips in Morocco.

24. El Jadida and the Portuguese City

About an hour and a half south along the coast, El Jadida hides the UNESCO-listed Portuguese City of Mazagan. Walk the ramparts above the sea and step into the famous Portuguese Cistern, an underground vaulted hall where a thin layer of water reflects the columns and the single shaft of light from the ceiling. It is a magical, photogenic place.

25. Azemmour, the Artists' Town

On the way to El Jadida, the small town of Azemmour sits on the banks of the Oum Er-Rbia river. Its medina walls overlook the water, and many walls inside are decorated with murals by local and visiting artists. It is quiet, authentic and pairs perfectly with El Jadida in a single relaxed day.

A Perfect 1-Day Casablanca Itinerary

Short on time? This plan covers the highlights at a comfortable pace:

• Morning: start at the Hassan II Mosque for one of the first guided tours, then walk along the waterfront to the Sqala bastion for mint tea.

• Late morning: wander through the old medina and continue to Place des Nations Unies.

• Lunch: grilled fish or oysters at the Central Market.

• Afternoon: follow the Art Deco walk along Boulevard Mohammed V to Place Mohammed V, the Sacré-Cœur Cathedral and the Arab League Park, then take a taxi to the Habous quarter for shopping and pastries.

• Sunset: head to the Corniche and Ain Diab to watch the sun go down over the Atlantic.

• Evening: dinner at a seafood restaurant on the coast or a classic night at Rick's Café.

Arriving at Mohammed V Airport and Getting Into the City

Most international flights to Morocco arrive at Mohammed V International Airport, about 30 km south of central Casablanca. You have three main options to reach the city:

• Train: the ONCF airport train links the airport with Casa Voyageurs and Casa Port stations in roughly 35 to 45 minutes, usually running about once an hour. It is cheap and reliable, though less convenient with heavy luggage or late at night.

• Taxi: large "grand taxis" wait outside arrivals. Fares to the centre are generally fixed but agree on the price before you leave, and expect higher rates at night.

• Private transfer: the most comfortable choice, especially after a long flight, with a driver waiting at arrivals with your name.

Casablanca as the Starting Point for Your Morocco Tour

Because so many flights arrive here, Casablanca is the natural gateway for exploring the rest of the country. A classic route heads north to Rabat and the blue town of Chefchaouen, continues to the imperial cities of Meknes and Fes, crosses the Middle Atlas and its cedar forests to the golden dunes of Merzouga in the Sahara, then returns via the Dades and Todra gorges and the kasbahs of Ouarzazate to Marrakech. Starting with a private driver from your hotel or the airport saves time and lets you shape the journey around your own interests.

Where to Stay in Casablanca

• Ain Diab and the Corniche: best for ocean views, beach clubs, restaurants and nightlife.

• City centre (around Boulevard Mohammed V and Place Mohammed V): ideal for sightseeing, Art Deco architecture and easy tram and train connections.

• Gauthier and Maârif: stylish, central and full of cafés and shops, popular with business travellers and couples.

• Marina: modern hotels close to the Hassan II Mosque and the old medina.

• Anfa: leafy, upscale residential area with quiet boutique accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Casablanca worth visiting?

Yes. While it is not as traditional as Fes or Marrakech, Casablanca offers the Hassan II Mosque, outstanding Art Deco architecture, excellent seafood and a lively coastline.

How many days do you need in Casablanca?

One full day is enough for the main highlights. Two or three days allow you to add museums, a beach afternoon and a day trip to Rabat or El Jadida.

Can non-Muslims visit the Hassan II Mosque?

Yes. It is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors, but only on official guided tours. Dress modestly, remove your shoes inside and check tour times in advance, as they vary with prayer times and holidays.

Is Casablanca safe for tourists?

Casablanca is generally safe for visitors who take normal big-city precautions. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas, avoid poorly lit streets late at night and use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Is Rick's Café from the movie real?

No. The film Casablanca was shot in Hollywood. Today's Rick's Café is a recreation inspired by the film and opened decades later, but it is a pleasant place for dinner, drinks and live piano music.

How do I get from Mohammed V Airport to Casablanca?

You can take the airport train to the city stations, a grand taxi with an agreed fare, or a pre-booked private transfer. The journey usually takes between 35 minutes and an hour depending on traffic.

Explore Casablanca and Beyond with Travsus

Casablanca is the perfect place to begin your Moroccan adventure, and the best way to experience it is with people who know the country inside out. At Travsus, we design private tours of Morocco that start in Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes or wherever suits you: guided visits of the Hassan II Mosque and the Art Deco centre, comfortable airport transfers, day trips to Rabat and El Jadida, and unforgettable multi-day journeys through the imperial cities, the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert of Merzouga.

Every itinerary is tailored to your pace and interests, with a private vehicle and an experienced local driver. Contact the Travsus team through our website and we will create your perfect Morocco trip.