Are you planning a visit to Casablanca? That’s amazing! Casablanca is one of my favorite cities in Morocco. Casablanca is viewed by many as overwhelming, and busy and that can be true if you don’t know the secrets and the tricks of navigating its streets and corners.
As the largest city in Morocco, Casablanca is a bustling metropolis with plenty to offer visitors. From its ancient Medina and impressive mosques to its beautiful beaches and buzzing nightlife, there’s something for every visitor in this iconic North African city.
When I first visited Casablanca, many years ago, I thought that the whole city needed some serious restoration, starting with a well-deserved paint job.
As I learned my way around, I began to appreciate the good and bad about Casablanca. After all, it is the soul of Morocco. It is the biggest and most important city.
Here are 20 of the best things to do and see in Casablanca on your next visit to Morocco.
And if you don’t have a Moroccan trip planned already, check out our Morocco city guides that will help you map your best Morocco itinerary.
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Things to know before visiting Casablanca
When planning a trip to Casablanca, there are a few things to keep in mind. By keeping these things in mind, you’ll be sure to have a safe and enjoyable trip to Casablanca.
- The city is a bustling metropolis in Morocco, so be prepared for large crowds and busy streets. Casablanca is also relatively safe, but like any large city, visitors should take precautions against pickpockets and petty crime.
- Casablanca is located in a Muslim country, so be respectful of religious and cultural customs
- French is the predominant language spoken in Casablanca, so it may be helpful to brush up on your some French before your visit. I highly recommend the Lonely Planet French Travel Phrasebook.
- Casablanca can be quite hot and humid in summer, so pack light, loose-fitting clothing and plenty of sunscreens.
20 best things to do in Casablanca, Morocco
Stay at a Hotel overlooking Casablanca Beach
I love the stunning views of Casablanca beach. My advice when booking a hotel in Casablanca is to pick one with a beachside view. There are many nice hotels overlooking the beach in Ain Diab and Tamaris areas.
Our favorite hotel in Casablanca is The Four Seasons Hotel. They have rooms with stunning views of the city and extraordinary service. The moment you step into the hotel, the staff makes you feel special and welcomed.
The beds are extremely comfortable to the point of having a hard time waking up in the morning. Everything about this luxury hotel in Casablanca is amazing. I highly recommend it.
Visit the Hassan II Mosque
One of the most impressive mosques in the world, the Hassan II Mosque is a must-see when visiting Casablanca. Completed in 1993, the mosque is built partially on land and partially over the water, with a massive glass floor offering views of the Atlantic Ocean below.
It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and it’s the only mosque in Morocco where non-Muslims are allowed to enter (with a guided tour only).
If you are planning to visit this marvelous site in Casablanca (and you should), be sure to dress modestly. Women will need to cover their heads, arms, and legs. A long maxi dress with a lightweight scarf can do the job. And men should avoid shorts or anything too revealing.
Sample the local cuisine
One of the best things to do in Casablanca is to sample the local cuisine. There are a number of great restaurants to choose from, but be sure to try some of the city’s street food as well.
One of my favorite restaurants for authentic Moroccan food is La Sqala. This restaurant is located in an old casbah overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The setting is absolutely beautiful, and the food is delicious.
I highly recommend getting the seafood platter which comes with a variety of fresh seafood including shrimp, lobster, and fish. The only downside to La Sqala is that it’s a bit on the pricey side. But, in my opinion, it’s worth it for the setting and the food.
And if you want to try some of the best street food in Casablanca, head to Marché Central. This large covered market is the perfect place to try a variety of local dishes. I recommend the chicken Pastilla, a traditional Moroccan dish made with chicken, nuts, and spices wrapped in phyllo dough.
Watch the sunset at Casablanca Corniche
Corniche is a beautiful oceanfront promenade in Casablanca, and the perfect spot to watch the sunset. The promenade is lined with palm trees and has a number of restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to relax and watch the sun go down.
Being a huge city, Casablanca Corniche is the only place for many locals to enjoy the sea breeze and sunset. If you’re visiting in the summer months, you’ll find the promenade packed with locals enjoying the cooler evening air.
Shop until you drop in Bab Marrakech Market
Bab Marrakech in Casablanca is great for shopping- whether it’s shoes, bags, clothes, or Moroccan souvenirs and gifts, this place has it all. Take a few hours to get lost and do some shopping therapy. It’s good for mental health.
Casablanca has been always our first stop when going back home. And obviously, Bay Marrakech souk is must stop in the city. We stock up on all the Moroccan goodies we need at a cheaper price.
The souk is not as big or as good as the ones in Marrakech or Fez. It has more modern stuff than traditional Moroccan products, but it’s still worth visiting.
Visit Casablanca Fishing Port
The Casablanca Fishing Port is one of the busiest fishing ports in Africa. If you love seafood, this is the place to go!
The port is open to the public, and you can explore it on your own or on a guided tour.
There are a few restaurants in the area where you can buy fresh seafood and have it cooked to order.
I recommend visiting early in the morning when the fishing boats come in and the fish are being unloaded. It’s a great time to take pictures and see the busy port in action.
Browse the Old Medina of Casablanca
The Old Medina is the historic center of Casablanca and is home to a number of interesting streets and alleys to explore. The old Medina of Casablanca is not as large or as popular as those found in other Moroccan cities which means not many tourists make it here.
I personally wouldn’t recommend you to explore the old Medina streets without a local company or a guide as there are areas which can be unsafe for tourists. However, if you do have a local friend or guide with you, the Old Medina is where you will get a sense of what Moroccan real life is like, away from the glitz and glamour of Casablanca’s modern center.
Feed the Pigeons at Place Mohammed V
if you are traveling with kids, they will love to feed the pigeons at Place Mohammed V! This large open square is located in the center of Casablanca and is home to a number of important government buildings and monuments.
The pigeons here are very used to being fed by tourists, and it’s a fun activity for everyone, not just kids.
Plus, Place Mohammed V is one of the most popular squares in Casablanca and is a great place to relax, people watch and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city.
Just be aware that there are a lot of birds, so if you have any allergies it might not be the best activity
Admire the architecture of the New Medina
The New Medina of Casablanca is a must-see for any architecture lover. This area of Casablanca was built in the 1920s and 1930s by the French and is home to a number of beautiful art deco buildings.
The best way to explore the new side of Casablanca is on foot, and there are a number of tours available that will take you around to see the best of the area’s architecture.
Explore Casablanca on the Tramway
The Casablanca Tramway is a great way to get around the city, especially if you’re not comfortable driving in Morocco. The tramway is modern, clean, and efficient.
There are two lines that run through the city, and each line has 30 stops. The tramway is a great way to see some of Casablanca’s different neighborhoods.
To use the tramway you can easily purchase a disposable ticket at 2 dirhams (can be used two times only) from a machine at any tramway stop. And you can also purchase the rechargeable card at 15 dirhams from a tramway office.
A single ride costs 6 dirhams (about $0.60), and you can also purchase a 10-ride card for 50 dirhams (about $5).
In the Casatramway website, you can find a map with all the tramway stops, schedules, as well as a list of their offices and resellers in the city
Marvel at the Architecture of Mahkama du Pacha
The Mahkama du Pacha is a beautiful Architectural landmark that was constructed during the French colonialism of Morocco in 1925 by a French architect called Auguste Cadet.
Today, the Mahkama du Pacha is still used as a government building. The bad news is that it’s extremely hard to go in for most tourists if they are not with a guided tour group.
I highly recommend booking a Casablanca city tour that has Mahkama du Pacha on the itinerary because it’s one of the most work art buildings in the city that one must see!
Take a day trip to Rabat
Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, is just a short drive from Casablanca and makes for a great day trip. Highlights include exploring the 12th-century Rabat walls, visiting the impressive Hassan Tower, and strolling through the beautiful Andalusian Gardens.
Rabat is also home to a number of museums, including the Museum of Moroccan Arts and the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Even though Rabat is just a short drive from Casablanca, it has quite a different vibe to it, and is well worth a visit. You can either drive or take the train, which takes around an hour and a half.
Related: 14 Best Things To Do & See In Rabat Morocco
Relax on a Casablanca beach
With its Mediterranean climate, there are plenty of beach options to choose from near Casablanca. To be honest they are not the best beaches in Morocco but they are the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy the sunshine.
If you’re looking for a beach that’s a bit more popular, head to the public beach, Ain Diab. This beach is packed with restaurants, and cafes, also are the perfect place to people-watch. For a more private experience, check out Playa del Mar beach club in the Tamaris neighborhood for the tranquil atmosphere.
See the Casablanca cathedral
The Casablanca cathedral also known as the Church of the Sacred Heart is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The cathedral was built in the 1930s by the French and is a beautiful example of art deco architecture.
The cathedral is no longer used as an active church since Morocco gained independence from France, but it is still protected and looked after as an important cultural site in Casablanca.
I never had the chance to go inside the cathedral, and it’s apparently closed for renovations (2022), but it’s still worth seeing the architecture from the outside.
Stroll the Streets of the Habous Quarter
The Habous Quarter is one of the best places to go for a stroll in Casablanca. This area is home to a number of mosques and madrasas, as well as a large traditional souk. The buildings here are all very ornate, and the atmosphere is lively and vibrant.
Located in the Casablanca Royal Palace, the Habous quarter is considered a cultural and religious center in Casablanca. The architecture in this area is quite ornate with a mix of Moroccan and French colonial Art Deco styles.
If you’re looking to do some authentic shopping while in Casablanca, the Habous Quarter is the place to go. The souk here is one of the largest in Casablanca and sells everything from spices to traditional clothing.
Take a cooking class
Moroccan food is delicious and there’s no better way to learn how to cook it than to take a cooking class in Morocco. There are a few different options when choosing a cooking class in Casablanca.
My recommended options are this 6 hours private market tour and cooking class. The classes are private, and you will go on a shopping experience to pick up fresh produce to cook traditional Moroccan dish.
You can either choose dinner or a lunch option. Taking a cooking class in Casablanca is a great way to learn about the local cuisine and culture.
Dine-in at Rick’s Cafe
Fans of the classic film Casablanca will want to visit Rick’s Cafe Americain, a replica of the bar made famous in the movie. Located in the old medina. While it’s not the same cafe that was featured in the movie, it is an excellent replica and is a great place to enjoy a meal.
Visit Morocco Mall
Are you in for some shopping? Then you have to check out Morocco Mall, the largest shopping mall in Africa!
The mall has over 350 stores, a cinema, an aquarium, a roller coaster, and much more. It’s a great place to spend a day if you’re looking for some air conditioning and want to escape the heat.
To get to Morocco Mall, you can take the tramway or a taxi. The mall is located about 10 kilometers from the city center.
Have a romantic dinner with a view
There are a few cool places by the beach where you can have dinner and enjoy the views of the water and the city skyline.
One of the most popular places for an awesome night date dinner is Le Cabestan. The restaurant is located in a well-put place by the beach, even their bathrooms come with a stunning beach view.
The food is just marvelous, they have a little bit of everything on their menu and the service is outstanding.
To have dinner at Le Cabestan, I recommend making a reservation in advance because it’s a very popular place and gets crowded, especially on the weekends. Don’t forget to ask for a table with a beach view, they run our very fast.
Price-wise, it’s a bit on the expensive side but definitely worth it for a special occasion or date night.
Take a glimpse of Casablanca Royal Palace exteriors
The Casablanca Royal Palace is one of the many palaces that the Moroccan royal family owns.
The palace is located in the Habous area of Casablanca. The palace is not the official residence of the King of Morocco, and unfortunately, it’s not open to the public.
The only way to see the inside is to get invited by the royal family which is very unlikely to happen.
But the outside of the palace is still worth seeing, and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Casablanca.
Casablanca Morocco Map
Best time to visit Casablanca
It’s safe to say that Casablanca is a year-round destination to visit. It’s a coastal city where the weather is considered to be normal. From June to September, the average temperature is 18C-26C and from October to May, the weather is slightly colder with temperatures ranging between 9C to 22C.
Casablanca is a high-season destination in Summer, with thousands of tourists making it a stop before heading to Marrakech. if you are looking for low crowds on the Souks and a short wait line on tourist attractions consider visiting Casablanca during the low season, between November to February.
Is it safe to visit Casablanca?
Is Casablanca safe to visit? Absolutely! In fact, Casablanca is much safer than Cairo and many other famous countries in Africa.
Casablanca is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations in Morocco, with millions of travelers visiting the city annually. So, again the short answer to the question “Is it Safe to Visit Casablanca?” is a straightforward yes, as millions visit each year.
Casablanca has a bit of a reputation for bag snatching, and pickpocketing but if you are extra careful, you can definitely avoid being in these unfortunate situations. Apart from that, you don’t have to worry too much about your safety in Casablanca.
However, there are still some areas of Casablanca to be aware of at night time, for example, the Old Medina. Like most places in the world. Head there in the daytime.
Is Casablanca worth Visiting
Very often Casablanca is overlooked as a travel destination even though it’s one of the most famous cities in Morocco. Instead, tourists prefer Fez and Marrakech for their trips.
Casablanca is home to Mohammed V Airport, the biggest airport in Morocco. Therefore, there is a high chance you will end up in Casablanca.
Instead of immediately hopping on a train to Marrakech, just give the city a chance by spending a day or two. After all, Casablanca is home to some of Morocco’s iconic attractions that are worth checking out.
How to get to Casablanca
Flying to Casablanca seems the easy way if you are coming from abroad. The biggest airport in Morocco, Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is located in Casablanca. You can find very affordable flights with Royal Air Maroc airlines or other international airlines.
Morocco has a pretty developed railway (ONCF) that’s connecting most big cities. So, if you are anywhere in Morocco and want to get to Casablanca just look for the nearest train station.
How to get around Casablanca
Casablanca tramway
The Casablanca Tramway is a great way to get around the city, especially if you’re not comfortable driving in Morocco. The tramway is modern, clean, and efficient.
There are two lines that run through the city, and each line has 30 stops. The tramway is a great way to see some of Casablanca’s different neighborhoods.
Casablanca Taxis
There are two types of Taxis in Casablanca, big white ones and small red ones. The white taxis are usually shared by 6 people and have a set itinerary. Small taxis in red are the ones to go for when getting around Casablanca.
Uber and Careem are available in Casablanca. Just make sure to book early because it takes time to find one.
Where to Stay in Casablanca
Casablanca is the largest and busiest city in Morocco with around 20 different neighborhoods. Therefore, choosing the best place to stay when you visit Casablanca is very important.
I’m sure you don’t want to spend two hours on public transport to get to Hassan II mosque. Here, I’ve created a detailed guide about the best neighborhoods and hotels in Casablanca to be in when you visit. Make sure to check that out.
Conclusion
When I first visited Casablanca, many years ago, I thought that the whole city needed some serious restoration, starting with a well-deserved paint job.
As I learned my way around, I began to appreciate the good and bad about Casablanca. After all, it is the soul of Morocco. It is the biggest and most important city.
While Marrakech and Fez are just for tourists mostly, Casablanca is the real Morocco. It may not be pretty but it is what it is, take it or leave it. I’ll take it with open arms.
