The crown jewel of modern Morocco and the world's third-largest mosque. Completed in 1993 on a promontory extending over the Atlantic Ocean, its 210-metre minaret is the tallest religious structure on Earth. The interior accommodates 25,000 worshippers beneath a retractable roof that opens to the sky, while the courtyard holds 80,000 more. Waves crash visibly through a glass-panelled floor. Guided tours for non-Muslims run at scheduled times and reveal the extraordinary craftsmanship -- hand-carved plaster, painted cedarwood, and 53 marble fountains.
Good to know
Tours ~130 MAD, set times
2
Art Deco Downtown
Why go
Casablanca holds one of the world's densest concentrations of Art Deco, Streamline Moderne, and Neo-Moorish architecture -- a legacy of the French Protectorate's ambitious urban planning. Start at Gare Casa Port and walk along Boulevard Mohammed V past the Hotel Guynemer, Cinema Rialto, and the ornate Wilaya Prefecture. The Sacre-Coeur Cathedral, now a cultural centre, blends Gothic and Art Deco in striking fashion. Guided walks (2-3 hours) are available from local architectural associations.
Good to know
Self-guided or with architect guide
3
Quartier Habous (Nouvelle Medina)
Why go
Built by the French in the 1930s as a cleaner, more orderly alternative to the old medina, the Habous quarter combines traditional Moroccan arches, fountains, and covered passages with European-style street planning. Browse the pastry shops (the mahalabia at Patisserie Bennis is legendary), olive sellers, and fabric merchants. The Royal Palace is adjacent, though closed to visitors.
Good to know
South of centre, daily
4
Ain Diab Corniche
Why go
Casablanca's oceanfront promenade stretches along the Atlantic, lined with beach clubs, restaurants, cafes, and the Morocco Mall. In summer, Casaouis flock to the private beach clubs for swimming, cocktails, and sunset views. The corniche comes alive in the evening -- a perfect venue for a post-dinner stroll with the ocean breeze.
Good to know
Atlantic beachfront boulevard
5
Old Medina
Why go
Smaller and grittier than its imperial-city counterparts, Casablanca's old medina retains an authentic, un-touristy atmosphere. The narrow lanes around Rue Chakib Arsalane hold fabric shops, spice dealers, and local eateries. The Sqala -- an 18th-century fortification -- houses a charming garden restaurant within its rampart walls.
Good to know
Near the port, daily
6
Central Market (Marche Central)
Why go
An Art Deco-era covered market that is Casablanca's gourmet heart. Fresh Atlantic seafood dominates the stalls -- enormous prawns, whole swordfish, oysters, and sea urchins -- alongside flowers, olives, spices, and charcuterie. Several small restaurants inside the market serve the catch of the day grilled to order.
Good to know
Best before noon, closed Sundays
7
Rick's Cafe
Why go
A loving recreation of the 1942 film's nightclub, set in a restored riad near the old medina. Curved archways, potted palms, a tinkling pianist, and ceiling fans transport guests to a cinematic fantasy. The Moroccan-French menu is solid, the cocktail list extensive, and the atmosphere irresistible for film enthusiasts. No connection to the actual film, which was shot in Hollywood -- but who cares?
Good to know
Dinner reservations recommended
8
Morocco Mall
Why go
Africa's largest shopping centre at the time of opening, the Morocco Mall features an aquarium, ice rink, IMAX cinema, and international luxury brands alongside Moroccan designers. The food court offers a culinary world tour, and the ocean-facing terrace cafes are unexpectedly pleasant.
Good to know
Corniche, daily 10 am-10 pm
9
Sacre-Coeur Cathedral
Why go
This striking 1930s cathedral, blending neo-Gothic structure with Art Deco ornament, was deconsecrated after independence and now serves as a cultural venue. The twin towers and dramatic interior arches make it one of the city's most photogenic buildings.
Good to know
Now a cultural centre, free entry
10
Nightlife & Live Music
Why go
Casablanca is Morocco's nightlife capital. La Bodega serves tapas with live Latin music, Sky Bar at the Four Seasons offers rooftop cocktails with mosque views, and the Anfa district harbours sophisticated lounge bars. Rick's Cafe features nightly piano performances. The scene is cosmopolitan and welcoming.
A day-by-day route, with the driving time between stops
Stays matched to your style (riads, kasbahs, desert camps or hotels), named so you can look them up
Which moments are private to you, and which are shared, such as a camp’s dining tent
An itemised quote: what is included and what is not
Who is planning your trip, and how to reach them on WhatsApp
Free, with no obligation to book
Every trip is private and priced to your dates, so there is no fixed price list. Ask, and the proposal shows the full cost before anything is booked.
Casablanca: good questions
How many days do I need in Casablanca?
One full day covers the Hassan II Mosque, the Art Deco centre, the Habous quarter and the corniche at sunset. A second day adds Rabat or El Jadida as a day trip.
Can non-Muslims visit the Hassan II Mosque?
Yes, on the guided visits that run outside prayer times. The schedule changes on Fridays and religious holidays, so we check the times for your day.
What is there to do in Casablanca in the evening?
Walk the Ain Diab corniche as the sun goes down over the ocean, then dinner in the city. Our Casablanca nightlife guide covers the rooftops and the safe areas.
Is Casablanca worth visiting?
For a day or two, yes: it is Morocco’s most modern city, with a great mosque on the sea and a rare Art Deco centre. Its airport is the country’s main gateway, so it fits easily at the start or end of a trip.
Can I see Casablanca on a layover?
With enough hours between flights, a private driver can take you to the Hassan II Mosque and the corniche and back to the airport. Allow for city traffic and your check-in time.
ⴰⵣⵓⵍazul · hello, in Tamazight
Your private days in Casablanca, planned around you.
Tell us your dates and the picks you want. A travel designer in Morocco sends a private, day-by-day plan with a private guide and driver within 24 hours. Free, with no obligation.
Private
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Local
A Morocco-based team in Casablanca plans and supports the trip.
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