Casablanca

3 Days in Casablanca: Classic Highlights

If you only have 3 days in Casablanca, this itinerary focuses on the must-see attractions in Casablanca, balanced with food stops and local experiences.

Day 1 – Hassan II Mosque, Corniche & Sunset

I always start day one with the city’s undisputed showstopper: the Hassan II Mosque.

Arrive for the morning guided tour (usually around 9–11am; check 2026 schedules in advance). Walking into the prayer hall, with its carved cedar ceilings and onyx columns, is breathtaking no matter how many times I’ve been. The Atlantic waves crashing below the glass floor windows still give me goosebumps.

• Getting there: Tram to Place des Nations Unies, then petit taxi (~10–20 MAD) to the mosque. Or walk 20–25 minutes if you like city strolls.
• Dress code: Modest clothing; shoulders and knees covered. Scarves for women are not mandatory but appreciated.
• Family-friendly? Yes, though young kids may get restless—bring snacks and water.
• Romantic? Very, especially if you linger on the sea terrace after the tour.

Lunch on the Corniche: After the mosque, I usually walk along the waterfront toward Ain Diab Corniche. Stop for a seafood lunch—grilled sardines, calamari, and a salade niçoise-style Moroccan salad. You’ll find everything from casual fish joints to higher-end restaurants with panoramic terraces.

Spend your afternoon wandering the corniche, watching surfers at Ain Diab, and maybe renting a bike or simply people-watching from a café. For sunset, I like to grab mint tea at a café overlooking the rocks and, if it’s warm, dip my feet in the water.

Evening: If you’re not jet-lagged, head to a rooftop bar around Maarif or along the corniche for your first taste of nightlife in Casablanca. Many places have live DJs and a mix of locals and visitors.

Day 2 – Old Medina, Downtown Art Deco & Habous

Day two is about history and architecture: this is where Casablanca’s layers become clear.

Morning in the Old Medina: Start at Place des Nations Unies and slip into the Old Medina. It’s smaller and less intense than Fes or Marrakech, but that’s exactly why I love it. I like to wander without an agenda, letting the alleys pull me toward spice shops, small mosques, and tailors hunched over sewing machines.

• Pick up dried fruits and nuts for snacks.
• Try a fresh orange juice or sugarcane juice from a street stall.
• For kids: buy a simple toy or colorful slippers—vendors are usually friendly and playful.

Downtown Art Deco Walk: Exit the medina toward Place Mohammed V and the surrounding streets. This is one of my favorite strolls in the city: faded art deco balconies, geometric ironwork, and old cinemas now repurposed. I usually walk down Boulevard Mohammed V and side streets toward Derb Omar, stopping for coffee at a retro café with marble-topped tables.

Lunch: Grab a plate of loubia (bean stew) or a simple tagine at a worker’s café; these spots are cheap, filling, and a window into local life. I’ve had some of my best meals in places with plastic chairs and menus only in Arabic.

Afternoon in the Habous (New Medina): Take a petit taxi to the Habous Quarter, a planned “new medina” built during the French Protectorate that blends Moroccan styles with European urban planning. I always stop at one of the famous pastry shops for kaab el ghazal (almond “gazelle horns”) and chebakia. Browse bookstores, carpet shops, and ceramic stalls.

Before sunset, walk up toward the Mahkama du Pacha (more on this in the attractions section) and, if visiting hours allow, peek into its ornate courtyards.

Evening: Dinner in Habous or back downtown. If you want something atmospheric, choose a restaurant in a restored riad-style building—candlelight, live oud music, and tagines slow-cooked to perfection.

Day 3 – Maarif, Anfa & Contemporary Casablanca

Your third day explores modern Casablanca: shopping, cafés, and neighborhoods where locals actually hang out.

Morning in Maarif: Start in Maarif, the city’s shopping and café district. I like to grab a strong espresso and msmen (layered flatbread) at a busy corner café, then just watch people: students, office workers, fashion-forward locals.

• Explore local fashion boutiques and Moroccan streetwear brands.
• Check out mid-range malls if you need anything practical.
• Stop by a pâtisserie for French-Moroccan pastries.

Afternoon in Anfa & La Corniche: Take a taxi up to the Anfa hills, where you’ll find leafy streets and sea views. On one trip, I spent an entire afternoon just café-hopping and reading on terraces. From there, head back down to the corniche for a late lunch or early dinner by the water.

Evening Options:

• Family-friendly: Ice cream on the corniche, kids’ play areas, and an early night.
• Romantic: Sunset cocktails on a rooftop, then a moonlit walk by the sea.
• Adventurous: Try night surfing sessions (in season) or join locals at a live music venue.

If you only had 3 days, you’ve seen both the famous and the everyday sides of Casablanca. If you have time for a 4 day itinerary for Casablanca or more, keep reading.

4 Days in Casablanca: Culture & Coast

With 4 days in Casablanca, you can go deeper into cultural experiences and coastal relaxation.

Day 4 – Museums, Galleries & Artsy Casablanca

Use your extra day to explore some of Casablanca’s emerging cultural scene.

Start at Villa des Arts, a beautiful art deco villa turned art museum with rotating exhibitions of Moroccan and international contemporary art. I’ve discovered several local artists here whose work I still follow years later.

Later, head to La Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui (see details below), which houses vintage posters, jewelry, and design pieces—perfect for understanding Casablanca’s 20th-century cosmopolitan vibe.

Lunch: Eat at a café near the museums or go back downtown for a modern Moroccan bistro where chefs reinterpret traditional dishes (think lamb tagine with creative plating, or fusion couscous bowls).

Afternoon/Evening: Browse smaller galleries or concept stores in Maarif or central Casablanca. If you’re visiting during a festival (see the events section), attend an evening concert, film screening, or street performance.

5 Days in Casablanca: In-Depth & Day Trips

A 5 day itinerary for Casablanca is ideal—it lets you combine city life with at least one day trip.

Day 5 – Day Trip to Rabat or El Jadida

On my longer stays, I almost always take a day trip. Two of my favorites:

• Rabat (1–1.5 hours by train): Morocco’s capital has a calmer vibe, a lovely waterfront, and the blue-and-white Oudayas Kasbah. Great for couples and families.
• El Jadida (1–1.5 hours by train): A seaside town with a UNESCO-listed Portuguese fortress and a laid-back beach. Excellent if you want more swimming and sun.

Trains in 2026 are frequent and comfortable; book online or at the station. Return to Casablanca in the evening for a farewell dinner—maybe at a seafood restaurant overlooking the lit-up mosque.

1. Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque dominates every conversation about things to do in Casablanca—and for good reason. Completed in 1993, it was commissioned by King Hassan II and designed by French architect Michel Pinseau. The mosque’s minaret soars 210 meters high, the tallest in the world, and the complex straddles land and sea on a vast platform built over the Atlantic.

On my first visit, I arrived just as the fog was lifting off the water; the minaret appeared like a mirage. Inside, the cedar ceilings, zellige tiles, and marble floors create a sense of scale that photos can’t capture. The guided tour walks you through the main prayer hall, ablutions area, and sometimes the underground hammam spaces (not in use for the public).

• History tip: The mosque was funded heavily through national donations, symbolizing unity and modern faith.
• When to go: Morning tours are less hot; late afternoon light is magical for photos on the esplanade.
• Dress & behavior: Modesty, quiet voices, no shoes in the prayer hall (bags are provided).

I like to circle the exterior afterward, watching local kids play soccer and families strolling—reminding me that the mosque is both monument and neighborhood gathering place.

2. Ain Diab Corniche

The Ain Diab Corniche is Casablanca’s seaside playground: a long strip of promenade, beaches, cafés, clubs, and pools. In summer evenings, it’s where half the city seems to come to walk, flirt, and eat ice cream.

I’ve spent lazy mornings here watching surfers and afternoons bouncing between cafés. There are pay-to-enter beach clubs if you want loungers and pools, plus public stretches of sand if you’re happy with just a towel.

• Family-friendly: Yes—playgrounds, shallow areas (always watch kids; currents can be strong), and casual food.
• Nightlife: Many of Casablanca’s most famous clubs and lounges sit along this strip.
• Money-saving tip: Skip pricey beach clubs and join locals on public beaches; bring your own snacks.

3. Old Medina of Casablanca

The Old Medina is smaller and less labyrinthine than those in Fes or Marrakech, but it’s where I go when I want to feel wrapped in old Casablanca. You’ll find everyday shops: tailors, hardware, cheap clothing, spices, and a few tourist-oriented stalls.

Historically, this area predates the French Protectorate and was partially walled; remnants still exist. I often enter via the gate near the port and wind my way out toward Place des Nations Unies, stopping for olives or fresh bread.

Tip: Navigation apps work poorly in narrow streets—embrace getting lost. If you feel disoriented, ask a shopkeeper for “Place Nations Unies”; most will happily point the way without expecting a tip.

4. Habous Quarter (New Medina)

The Habous Quarter, built in the 1920s–30s, is sometimes called the “new medina.” It’s calmer and cleaner than the old medina, with orderly streets, whitewashed arches, and a mix of administrative buildings and shops.

I always come here for pastries and olives—rows of barrels with every variety. It’s also good for carpets, ceramics, and bookshops. Unlike tourist-saturated souks elsewhere, many shops here cater primarily to locals, so bargaining is gentler.

Personal routine: Mint tea at a corner café, pastry stop, a slow browse through bookstores, then a walk up to the Mahkama du Pacha facade.

5. Place Mohammed V & Art Deco Downtown

Place Mohammed V is the civic heart of Casablanca, framed by grand administrative buildings in a blend of neo-Moorish and art deco styles. Pigeons, fountains, palm trees, and traffic swirl together.

From here, I like to wander down Boulevard Mohammed V and side streets, admiring old cinemas, balconies with wrought-iron railings, and cafés frozen in time. There’s a whole movement now to preserve this art deco heritage, and walking here feels like stepping into a 1930s movie set.

Tip: Look up. The best details—sunburst reliefs, geometric patterns, stained glass—are often above eye level.

6. Villa des Arts

Villa des Arts is one of my favorite quiet escapes in Casablanca. This white art deco villa with gardens hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art, plus cultural events.

On a hot afternoon, I’ll wander the galleries, then sit outside with a notebook. Exhibitions change regularly, so every visit feels new—sometimes photography, sometimes installation art, sometimes painting.

Practical: Entry is often free or very low-cost; check opening hours, as they can shift around holidays and Ramadan.

7. Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui

The Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui is a small gem: a museum dedicated to vintage posters, jewelry, and decorative arts. It tells the story of Morocco’s encounter with modernity through advertising, design, and travel posters.

I still remember finding a 1930s travel poster for “Casablanca, la ville blanche” here—it instantly connected the city’s cinematic myth with its real history.

Why go: It’s compact, beautifully curated, and offers great context for Casablanca’s 20th-century boom.

8. Mahkama du Pacha

The Mahkama du Pacha in the Habous Quarter is an ornate administrative building and former court, built in the 1940s in a neo-Moorish style. Its carved cedar wood, stucco, and zellige tilework rival many palaces.

Access policies change; in some years I’ve been able to enter with a guide or during open days, while at other times it’s closed to casual visitors. Even from outside, though, the arches and doors are worth seeing.

Tip: Ask locally or check recent reports for 2026 visiting rules. If entry is allowed, go with a guide or during official hours.

9. Casablanca Cathedral (Sacré-Cœur)

The former Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur is a striking, now-deconsecrated church in a fusion of Gothic and art deco styles. Built in the 1930s, it has two square towers and a monumental, almost surreal presence amid palm trees.

When accessible, I’ve climbed to the upper levels for one of the best skyline views: mosque minarets, modern towers, and the sea beyond. The interior is sometimes used for exhibitions and events.

Note for 2026: Restoration and repurposing plans have been ongoing; check if there are updated visiting hours or ticket systems.

10. Central Market (Marché Central)

Marché Central is Casablanca’s historic central market, just off the tram line in downtown. It’s smaller than some markets elsewhere, but the quality of produce and seafood is excellent.

I come here for two things: early-morning photos of colorful produce stalls, and seafood lunches. Some stands will grill your chosen fish on the spot and serve it with bread, salads, and lemon wedges.

Money-saving tip: Eating here is usually cheaper and fresher than many tourist restaurants. Don’t be shy about pointing to what you want; vendors are used to visitors.

11. Casablanca Port & Seafront

The Port of Casablanca is one of the largest artificial ports in the world and a major economic engine. While much of it is industrial and off-limits, the surrounding area offers glimpses of daily port life: fishermen mending nets, ships docking, the smell of diesel and sea salt.

On one visit, I spent an hour just watching seagulls circle above unloading trawlers—a very different vibe from the leisure-focused corniche.

Safety note: Stick to public areas and daylight hours; this is a working port, not a polished tourist attraction.

12. Anfa & Anfa Hills

Anfa is a leafy, upscale district climbing the hills above the coast. It’s quieter, with villas, embassies, and some chic cafés and restaurants. Historically, this area was home to European settlers and wealthy families; today, it’s a mix of old and new money.

I like to come up here for brunch on weekends and to escape the noise. Some streets offer glimpses of the Atlantic and the Hassan II Mosque in the distance—perfect for photos.

13. Maarif District

Maarif is Casablanca’s shopping and café hub, filled with mid-rise buildings, boutiques, malls, and eateries. If you want to see what middle-class urban life here looks like in 2026, this is where to go.

I’ve spent many afternoons café-hopping with friends here, talking politics and football over espresso and pastries. It’s also a good place to buy contemporary Moroccan fashion or international brands at more reasonable prices than in tourist-heavy cities.

14. Boulevard de la Corniche

Boulevard de la Corniche runs along the seafront in Ain Diab and beyond. It’s technically part of the corniche, but I list it separately because walking or cycling along this boulevard at sunset is one of my rituals in Casablanca.

You get views of the Atlantic, glimpses into beach clubs, and the constant soundtrack of waves and traffic. Street vendors sell roasted nuts, popcorn, and cotton candy—perfect if you’re traveling with kids.

15. Casablanca Marina & Marina Mall

The newer Casablanca Marina area, between the Hassan II Mosque and the port, showcases the city’s modern face: glass towers, a marina, and a mall with restaurants and shops.

Some travelers dismiss it as “just another mall,” but I appreciate the contrast with the old medina. On one rainy day, I spent a few hours here sipping coffee and watching boats bob in the harbor, then walked out to the mosque in a drizzle for moody photos.

16. Arab League Park (Parc de la Ligue Arabe)

Parc de la Ligue Arabe is Casablanca’s central green lung, recently renovated with paths, lawns, and palm-lined alleys. It stretches near the Cathédrale Sacré-Cœur and offers much-needed shade in warmer months.

I like to grab an ice cream and wander here in late afternoon, watching kids run around and couples sit on benches. After hectic markets, this park feels like a reset button.

17. Casablanca Technopark & Startup Scene

Casablanca Technopark is a technology and innovation hub on the edge of the city, home to startups, co-working spaces, and events. It’s not a classic tourist sight, but if you’re into tech, entrepreneurship, or remote work, it’s worth a look.

I once attended a small startup pitch night here and ended up chatting with young developers about their favorite cheap lunch spots—one of which became a staple for me.

18. El Hank Lighthouse (Phare d’El Hank)

The El Hank Lighthouse stands on a promontory west of the Hassan II Mosque, guiding ships into the port. The surrounding area is more local and less polished than Ain Diab; you’ll see fishermen, kids playing, and waves smashing against rocks.

At sunset, the lighthouse silhouette against the sky is a beautiful sight. On one trip, I watched a storm roll in from here—dark clouds backlit by the last of the sun.

19. Quartier Gauthier

Quartier Gauthier is a trendy neighborhood between downtown and Maarif, known for its restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. It’s become one of my favorite evening hangouts: you can find everything from gourmet burger joints to creative Moroccan fusion restaurants.

The architecture is a mix of older low-rise buildings and newer constructions, but the street life is what matters: terraces packed with young professionals, soft music, and the clink of glasses.

20. Sidi Abderrahman Island & Shrine

Sidi Abderrahman is a small rocky island off the corniche connected by a causeway, home to a religious shrine and a tiny settlement. It’s a fascinating blend of spirituality and seaside life.

I often come here in the late afternoon. The sea crashes around the rocks, pilgrims visit the shrine, and fortune-tellers and healers sometimes offer their services nearby. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a powerful reminder that Casablanca is more than its business towers.

Cultural note: Dress modestly and be respectful; this is a religious site for many locals.