Casablanca-Settat, Morocco•الدار البيضاء•Economic Capital
Casablanca Guide
Morocco's modern metropolis on the Atlantic. A city of Art Deco grandeur, the monumental Hassan II Mosque, world-class seafood, and a nightlife scene that pulses long after the rest of the country sleeps.
Region
Casablanca-Settat
Population
4.3 Million
Climate
Mediterranean
Best Time
Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov
Airport
CMN (Mohamed V)
Coastline
Atlantic Ocean
Why Casablanca is Extraordinary
Casablanca defies expectations at every turn. Travellers arriving with visions of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in foggy noir discover instead a roaring, kinetic Atlantic metropolis of 4.3 million -- Morocco's largest city, its economic engine, and a place where the twentieth century left its most ambitious architectural fingerprint on the African continent.
The Hassan II Mosque, completed in 1993, is the city's defining landmark and one of the greatest architectural achievements of the modern Islamic world. Its 210-metre minaret -- the tallest religious structure on Earth -- rises from a promontory over the Atlantic, with waves crashing against its foundation. The prayer hall accommodates 25,000 worshippers beneath a retractable roof, and the entire complex was crafted by 6,000 master artisans over seven years using marble, onyx, cedar, and titanium.
Beyond the mosque, Casablanca rewards architecture enthusiasts with one of the world's finest collections of Art Deco and Mauresque buildings, a legacy of the French Protectorate era (1912-1956). Boulevard Mohammed V unfolds as a timeline of twentieth-century design: cinemas, apartment blocks, and commercial buildings blending Parisian geometry with Islamic ornament. Add the cosmopolitan dining scene, the Atlantic corniche, Morocco's liveliest nightlife, and excellent connections to the rest of the country, and Casablanca emerges as far more than a mere transit point.
Explore
Essential Casablanca
In-depth guides to the experiences that define Morocco's modern metropolis. Start here to plan your perfect visit to the city where Art Deco grandeur meets Atlantic energy.
Must See
Hassan II Mosque
One of the largest mosques on Earth, built on a promontory over the Atlantic Ocean with a 210-metre minaret visible from every corner of the city. Open to non-Muslims for guided tours.
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Must See
Art Deco Heritage
A treasure trove of 1930s Mauresque architecture along Boulevard Mohammed V -- white facades, geometric tilework, wrought-iron balconies, and cinemas from the golden age of French colonial design.
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Must See
Atlantic Waterfront
The Ain Diab corniche stretching along the ocean -- beach clubs, seafood restaurants, the Morocco Mall, and sunset promenades where Casa comes alive after dark.
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Must See
Top Attractions
From the monumental Hassan II Mosque to the Art Deco boulevards and the legendary Rick's Cafe, these are the landmarks that define Casablanca.
LandmarkHassan II Mosque
Completed in 1993 on a platform over the Atlantic Ocean, this is one of the largest mosques in the world. The 210-metre minaret is the tallest religious structure on Earth, topped by a laser beam pointing toward Mecca. The prayer hall holds 25,000 worshippers with a retractable roof that opens to the sky. One of the few Moroccan mosques open to non-Muslims via guided tours.
ArchitectureArt Deco District
Casablanca possesses one of the world's richest concentrations of Art Deco and Mauresque architecture, built during the French Protectorate (1912-1956). Boulevard Mohammed V is the grand axis, flanked by cinemas, apartment blocks, and office buildings with geometric stucco, zellij tilework, and wrought-iron flourishes. Key buildings include Cinema Rialto, the Central Post Office, and Hotel Lincoln.
Historic QuarterQuartier Habous (New Medina)
Built in the 1930s as a planned "ideal medina" by French architects working with Moroccan artisans, this charming quarter combines traditional medina aesthetics with orderly French urban planning. Browse patisseries selling cornes de gazelle, olive merchants, bookshops, and the Royal Palace gates. Quieter and more navigable than the Old Medina.
Iconic RestaurantRick's Cafe
Inspired by the 1942 film "Casablanca" (which was actually filmed entirely in Hollywood), this real-life recreation opened in 2004 in a restored riad near the Old Medina. Live piano music, Art Deco interiors, and Moroccan-international cuisine create the atmosphere Bogart and Bergman never actually experienced. Reservations essential for dinner.
Market & MedinaOld Medina & Central Market
The compact Old Medina near the port retains its character amid the modern city. The adjacent Marche Central (Central Market) is a sensory explosion of fresh fish, spices, olives, and flowers. Lunch at one of the surrounding seafood restaurants where your fish is selected from the market and grilled to order is a quintessential Casa experience.
Shopping & BeachMorocco Mall & Ain Diab
Africa's largest shopping mall overlooks the Atlantic with 600 stores, an IMAX cinema, a musical fountain, and an aquarium with a 1-million-litre shark tank. Beyond the mall, the Ain Diab corniche stretches along the coast with beach clubs, surf spots, seafood restaurants, and the sunset promenade that defines casual Casablanca.
Experiences
Things to Do
From guided mosque tours to Art Deco walks and corniche sunsets, Casablanca offers experiences that reveal the modern soul of Morocco.
Hassan II Mosque Tour
Join a guided tour of one of the world's largest mosques, marvelling at the 210-metre minaret, retractable roof, marble floors, and cedar ceilings crafted by 6,000 artisans.
Art Deco Walking Tour
Trace the Mauresque and Art Deco heritage of Boulevard Mohammed V, Cinema Rialto, the Central Post Office, and Sacre Coeur cathedral repurposed as a cultural centre.
Corniche Sunset Walk
Stroll the Ain Diab corniche at golden hour, passing beach clubs, surfers, and seafood grills before settling into a terrace for sunset over the Atlantic.
Central Market & Seafood Lunch
Explore the Marche Central's colourful displays of fish, spices, and flowers, then choose your catch to be grilled at a neighbouring restaurant.
Quartier Habous & Patisseries
Wander the planned "New Medina," sample cornes de gazelle and chebakia from master patissiers, browse bookshops, and admire the Mahkama du Pacha.
Nightlife on the Corniche
Experience Casablanca's vibrant after-dark scene at rooftop bars, live music venues, and nightclubs along the Ain Diab strip -- the liveliest nightlife in Morocco.
Architecture
Art Deco Heritage
Casablanca's Art Deco and Mauresque architecture rivals Miami, Mumbai, and Havana. The French Protectorate era (1912-1956) left a legacy of extraordinary buildings that define the city's visual identity.
Cinema Rialto
A masterpiece of Art Deco cinema design on Rue Mohammed el Qorri. The streamlined facade with its vertical tower and neon signage has been carefully restored and hosts film screenings and cultural events.
Central Post Office
The white Mauresque post office on Place Mohammed V, blending Art Deco geometry with Islamic archways and zellij tilework. Still functioning and open to visitors during business hours.
Sacre Coeur Cathedral
The former Catholic cathedral (1930) now serves as a cultural centre. Its twin towers and Neo-Gothic Art Deco fusion make it one of the most photographed buildings in the city. Visitors can explore the interior.
Hotel Lincoln
A landmark Art Deco hotel on Boulevard Mohammed V with a distinctive rounded corner tower. Currently undergoing restoration to return to its 1930s glory.
Mahkama du Pacha
An extraordinary courthouse in Quartier Habous combining Art Deco structure with lavish Moroccan decoration -- carved stucco, zellij, painted cedar ceilings across 64 rooms. Free to visit.
Villa des Arts
A beautifully restored 1930s villa converted into Casablanca's premier contemporary art gallery. Regular exhibitions of Moroccan and international artists in an Art Deco setting.
Art Deco Walking Tour Tip: Begin at Place Mohammed V to see the courthouse, post office, and Wilaya building. Walk north along Boulevard Mohammed V past the Hotel Lincoln and Cinema Rialto. Turn east toward Sacre Coeur cathedral, then south to the Villa des Arts gallery. End at Quartier Habous for the extraordinary Mahkama du Pacha courthouse. The full circuit takes approximately three hours at a leisurely pace.
Dining
Where to Eat
Casablanca's dining scene is Morocco's most cosmopolitan -- from market-fresh grilled sardines at the port to Michelin-worthy French cuisine overlooking Atlantic waves, with everything in between.
La Sqala
$$$A garden restaurant in a restored 18th-century bastion near the Old Medina. Legendary breakfasts, traditional tagines, and one of the most atmospheric settings in the city
Le Cabestan
$$$$Perched on the rocks at the end of the corniche with waves crashing below. Refined French cuisine, spectacular sunsets, and Casa's most dramatic dining location
Port de Peche Restaurants
$$A row of no-frills restaurants near the fishing port where you select your catch from the market. Grilled sardines, fried calamari, and shrimp at unbeatable prices
Rick's Cafe
$$$$Inspired by the Bogart film, with live piano, Art Deco interiors, and Moroccan-international cuisine in a restored riad. Reserve ahead for the full experience
La Bodega
$$$Lively Spanish-style tapas bar in the Maarif district with sangria, patatas bravas, and a late-night buzz that captures Casa's cosmopolitan spirit
Marche Central Street Food
$Fresh-squeezed orange juice, grilled sardines, bocadillos, and pastries from the stalls surrounding the Central Market. The best budget eating in Casablanca
Accommodation
Where to Stay
From ultra-luxury oceanfront resorts to boutique Art Deco gems, Casablanca offers Morocco's widest range of international-standard accommodation.
Four Seasons Casablanca
Oceanfront resort on the corniche with Atlantic views, infinity pool, hammam spa, and the city's most polished luxury experience
Royal Mansour Casablanca
Palatial property with soaring marble atrium, rooftop pool, and world-class dining. Casablanca's grandest hotel
Hotel & Spa Le Doge
A lovingly restored 1930s Art Deco mansion in the city centre with individually designed rooms, spa, and period-perfect charm
Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche
Sleek high-rise hotel near the Twin Center with rooftop bar, refined dining, and panoramic city views from upper floors
Hyatt Regency Casablanca
Central location on Place des Nations Unies with comfortable rooms, business amenities, and walking distance to the Art Deco district
Melliber Appart Hotel
Modern apartment-style accommodation in the Maarif district at excellent value. Ideal for longer stays with kitchenette and local neighbourhood feel
After Dark
Nightlife & Entertainment
Casablanca is Morocco's undisputed nightlife capital. From rooftop cocktail bars to live music venues and late-night clubs, the city comes alive after sunset.
Sky 28 Rooftop Bar
Panoramic cocktails 28 floors above the city at the Twin Center. The best views of illuminated Casablanca with DJ sets on weekends.
Live Jazz at Rick's Cafe
Nightly live piano and occasional jazz performances in the film-inspired setting. The most atmospheric evening in Casablanca, best enjoyed with dinner.
Ain Diab Beach Clubs
Daytime pools and sunbeds transform into evening cocktail lounges with ocean views. Tahiti, Miami, and Cote Club are perennial favourites.
Le Comptoir Darna
Dinner and a show at this legendary venue -- Moroccan cuisine accompanied by belly dancing, live music, and a vibrant late-night atmosphere.
Black House Nightclub
One of the city's premier nightclubs on the corniche with international DJs, themed nights, and a fashionable Casa crowd until the early hours.
Casa Beer Garden Microbrewery
Casablanca's craft beer scene is growing. Sample locally brewed ales in a relaxed garden setting, a refreshing contrast to the city's club culture.
Neighborhoods
Explore Every Quarter
Casablanca is a city of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character -- from the Art Deco grandeur of the centre to the ocean breeze of the corniche and the intimate charm of Quartier Habous.
Centre Ville & Art Deco District
The beating heart of the city along Boulevard Mohammed V, Place Mohammed V, and Place des Nations Unies. Grand colonial architecture, banks, cafes, and the business district.
Old Medina & Port
The compact original walled city near the harbor, with narrow lanes, traditional shops, Rick's Cafe, and the Marche Central seafood restaurants.
Quartier Habous
The elegant "New Medina" built in the 1930s combining Moroccan craft with French planning. Patisseries, olive shops, the Mahkama du Pacha courthouse, and the Royal Palace gates.
Ain Diab & Corniche
The Atlantic waterfront strip stretching west of the Hassan II Mosque. Beach clubs, luxury hotels, Morocco Mall, surf spots, and the city's most glamorous nightlife.
Maarif & Racine
The fashionable residential and shopping districts south of the centre. Twin Center towers, upscale boutiques, international restaurants, and the boulevard's cafe terraces.
Anfa
The prestigious hilltop residential quarter where the 1943 Anfa Conference was held. Tree-lined avenues, Art Deco villas, and some of the city's finest dining.
Day Trips
Beyond Casablanca
Use Casablanca as your base to explore Portuguese fortresses, the royal capital, beach towns, and the rolling plains of Morocco's heartland.
El Jadida
A UNESCO-listed Portuguese cistern, a dramatic fortified town on the Atlantic, and one of Morocco's finest beaches. The underground cistern with its reflected columns is one of the country's most photographed sites.
Half day 100 km
Rabat
Morocco's elegant capital city with the Hassan Tower, Kasbah of the Udayas, Royal Palace, and the modern Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. An easy day trip by Al Boraq train.
Full day 90 km
Azemmour
A sleepy riverside town with Portuguese fortifications, whitewashed streets adorned with murals, and an artistic community. Often visited en route to El Jadida.
Half day 75 km
Mohammedia
A relaxed coastal resort town with a royal golf course, yacht harbor, and wide sandy beaches. Popular with Casablancais for weekend escapes.
Half day 25 km
Settat & Berrechid
The agricultural heartland south of Casablanca, offering a glimpse of rural Morocco with weekly souks, farming communities, and vast plains.
Half day 60 km
Bouskoura Forest
A eucalyptus and pine forest on Casablanca's southern fringe popular for jogging, cycling, and horseback riding. An easy escape from the urban pace.
Half day 15 km
Know Before You Go
Practical Information
Getting There
- Airport: Mohammed V International (CMN), 30 km south. Direct flights from Europe, Africa, Middle East, and North America
- Train: Al Boraq high-speed from Tangier (2 hrs 10 min), regular ONCF from Marrakech (3 hrs), Fes (3.5 hrs), Rabat (1 hr)
- Airport to city: Train every hour to Casa Voyageurs (45 min, 50 MAD) or taxi (250-350 MAD)
- By road: Well-connected by autoroute to Rabat (90 km), Marrakech (240 km), Tangier (340 km)
Getting Around
- Tram: Two lines covering the city centre to corniche (6 MAD). Modern, efficient, and recommended over taxis in traffic
- Petit taxi: Red cabs for trips within the city (metered, 10-40 MAD for most journeys)
- Walking: The Art Deco centre and Old Medina are walkable, but distances between major sights are significant
- Ride-hailing: Careem and InDriver are widely available and often easier than flagging taxis
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (Mar-May): Warm and pleasant, ideal for walking tours and outdoor dining
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot inland but moderated by Atlantic breeze on the corniche. Beach season
- Autumn (Sep-Nov): Excellent conditions, warm sea, fewer tourists. The best season overall
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Mild (12-18 C) with occasional rain. Good for mosque visits and indoor dining
Money & Budget
- Budget: 500-800 MAD/day ($50-80)
- Mid-range: 1,500-3,000 MAD/day ($150-300)
- Luxury: 4,000+ MAD/day ($400+)
- Tip: Casa is Morocco's most expensive city, particularly for hotels and dining. Budget travellers may find better value in Marrakech or Fes
Safety Tips
- General: Casablanca is a safe major city with normal big-city precautions
- Traffic: Pedestrian crossings are advisory at best. Stay alert when crossing busy boulevards
- Old Medina: Less touristic than Fes or Marrakech -- minimal hassle, but stay aware
- Night: The corniche and Maarif are safe late at night; avoid dimly lit industrial areas
Cultural Tips
- Dress code: More cosmopolitan than other Moroccan cities, but cover shoulders and knees for the mosque tour
- Friday prayers: The mosque is closed to non-Muslim visitors during Friday midday prayers
- Business city: Casa is a working city; restaurants are packed at lunch and dinner, book ahead
- Languages: Arabic and French dominate; English is common in hotels and tourist areas
Morocco's Metropolis
Ready to Explore Casablanca?
Let our local experts guide you through Casablanca's architectural marvels, from the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque to hidden Art Deco gems and the best seafood restaurants by the Atlantic. A city that surprises everyone who gives it the time it deserves.
Casablanca FAQ
Is the Hassan II Mosque open to non-Muslims?
Yes. The Hassan II Mosque is one of the very few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Guided tours run several times daily (typically 9am, 10am, 11am, and 2pm) except during Friday prayers and religious holidays. Tours last approximately one hour and cover the main prayer hall, ablution rooms, and hammam. Modest dress is required -- shoulders and knees must be covered, and shoes are removed. Arrive 15 minutes early as tours begin promptly.
How many days should I spend in Casablanca?
Two full days cover the highlights comfortably: the Hassan II Mosque, Art Deco walking tour, and Central Market on day one, with Quartier Habous, the corniche, and Rick's Cafe on day two. If you have three days, add a day trip to El Jadida or Rabat. Many travellers use Casablanca as a gateway and spend just one night, but the city rewards those who linger -- particularly for its dining scene and nightlife.
Is Casablanca worth visiting compared to Marrakech or Fes?
Casablanca offers a completely different experience from Morocco's imperial cities. While it lacks the medieval medinas of Fes and Marrakech, it excels in modern architecture, cosmopolitan dining, nightlife, and the monumental Hassan II Mosque -- an absolute must-see. The Art Deco district is genuinely world-class. If you appreciate urban energy, architectural heritage, and seafood, Casablanca is very much worth a visit.
How do I get from Casablanca airport to the city centre?
Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is 30 km south of the city centre. The train (ONCF) runs every hour to Casa Voyageurs station (45 minutes, approximately 50 MAD). Taxis cost 250-350 MAD (agree on the price before departure or insist on the meter). The train is the most reliable option and avoids traffic. From Casa Voyageurs, the tram connects to the city centre and corniche.
What is the tram system like in Casablanca?
Casablanca's tramway (opened 2012) has two lines covering the main arteries of the city. Line T1 runs from Sidi Moumen through the city centre to Ain Diab on the corniche, making it useful for reaching the Hassan II Mosque, downtown, and the beach. Tickets cost 6 MAD per ride. The tram is modern, air-conditioned, and a far better option than navigating Casa's notorious traffic by car.