Casablanca Itinerary: 2 Days

One to two days is enough to see Casablanca's main sights. A single day covers the Hassan II Mosque and the downtown art deco core, while a second day adds the Habous quarter and the Ain Diab Corniche. Many travellers use Casablanca as an arrival or departure city paired with Rabat or Marrakech.

Yes. The Hassan II Mosque is one of the very few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, who can visit on scheduled guided tours (typically several times a day, outside prayer times). Visitors should dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.

The minaret of the Hassan II Mosque rises 210m, making it the tallest minaret in the world. A laser at its summit points toward Mecca. The mosque was completed in 1993, sits partly over the Atlantic, and can hold 25,000 worshippers inside plus 80,000 on the esplanade.

Yes, for a day or two. Casablanca is a modern, cosmopolitan city rather than a classic medina destination, but the Hassan II Mosque is world-class, the art deco and Mauresque architecture is unique in Morocco, and the seafront Corniche offers a relaxed Atlantic break. It is also a major transport hub.

The film Casablanca (1942) was shot entirely in Hollywood, so the original Rick's Café never existed. The current Rick's Café is a faithful recreation opened in 2004 inside a restored riad by former US diplomat Kathy Kriger, complete with a piano, arches and period styling.

The Quartier Habous, or "New Medina," is a neighbourhood built by the French in the 1930s in a refined Hispano-Moorish style. Its arcaded streets are full of spice merchants, traditional bookshops, slipper makers and pastry stalls, and it sits beside the ornate Mahkama du Pacha courthouse.

Mohammed V International Airport is about 30km southeast of central Casablanca. The easiest options are the direct train to Casa-Voyageurs and Casa-Port stations (roughly 40 minutes), a metered or app-based taxi, or a pre-booked private transfer.

The Ain Diab Corniche is Casablanca's seafront promenade, lined with beaches, swimming pools, beach clubs, cafés and seafood restaurants. At its western end sits Morocco Mall, one of Africa's largest shopping centres, with a giant aquarium and a musical fountain - a relaxed spot for a sunset over the Atlantic.

Casablanca is generally safe for visitors who take normal big-city precautions. Keep valuables discreet in crowded areas such as the Old Medina and Habous, use official or app-based taxis, and be aware of occasional pickpockets. Violent crime against tourists is rare.

Spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable weather, with mild temperatures and sea breezes off the Atlantic. Summers are warm but rarely extreme thanks to the coast, while winters are cool and can be wet.