Things to Visit in Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque, Art Deco, and Coastline
See the best of Casablanca from the towering Hassan II Mosque and Art Deco architecture to its Atlantic coastline and Moroccan food scene. Covers landmarks, neighborhoods, food, shopping, and day trips.
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Landmarks
Tour the Hassan II Mosque
The third-largest mosque in the world sits dramatically on the Atlantic coast with a 210-meter minaret visible from across the city. Non-Muslim visitors can enter on guided tours offered several times daily in multiple languages. Tours cost 130 MAD and last about 1 hour. The retractable roof and glass floor over the ocean are engineering marvels.
Walk the Corniche Atlantic waterfront
This 3-km coastal promenade runs from the Hassan II Mosque to the Ain Diab beach district. Beach clubs, restaurants, and cafes line the boardwalk. The rocky coastline below is dramatic during high tide when waves crash against the sea wall. The walk is best in the late afternoon when the heat eases.
See the Art Deco architecture in the city center
Casablanca has one of the world's largest collections of Art Deco and Modernist buildings, built during the French colonial period in the 1920s-1940s. The area around Place Mohammed V, Boulevard Mohammed V, and the Central Market has the finest examples. A walking tour takes 2-3 hours. The Cinema Rialto facade is a standout.
Visit the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
This former Catholic cathedral from 1930 is a stunning example of Neo-Gothic and Art Deco fusion. No longer used for worship, it now hosts cultural events and exhibitions. The white concrete exterior and stained glass windows are impressive. Free to view from outside. Interior access depends on current exhibitions.
Old Medina and Markets
Explore the Old Medina behind the port
Casablanca's medina is smaller and less touristic than those in Fez or Marrakech, but its authenticity is the appeal. Narrow alleys sell spices, household goods, fabrics, and street food to a primarily local clientele. The pace is less aggressive than other Moroccan medinas, making it easier to browse.
Shop at the Marche Central for seafood
This indoor market in the city center is packed with fishmongers, spice vendors, flower sellers, and olive stalls. The seafood section has the freshest catch in the city. Several small restaurants inside the market grill your chosen fish for 30-60 MAD including sides.
Visit the Habous Quarter, the new medina
Built by the French in the 1920s as a European interpretation of a Moroccan medina, this neighborhood has organized streets of craft shops, a royal palace, and the Mahkama du Pacha courthouse with its 64 rooms of decorative tilework. The pastry shops here sell the best Moroccan sweets in the city for 5-15 MAD per piece.
Neighborhoods
Explore the Maarif neighborhood for shopping and dining
Casablanca's most cosmopolitan neighborhood has French-style cafes, international restaurants, and the Morocco Mall. The Twin Center towers are the tallest in Morocco. Boulevard Al Massira Al Khadra is the main shopping street. Restaurant mains cost 60-120 MAD at mid-range spots.
Walk through the Anfa district
This upscale hillside neighborhood has Art Deco and Modernist villas, quiet tree-lined streets, and ocean views. The Anfa Hotel was the site of the 1943 Casablanca Conference between Allied leaders during World War II. The area gives a glimpse of Casablanca's affluent residential character.
Visit Rick's Cafe for a movie-inspired evening
Inspired by the classic 1942 film, this bar and restaurant recreates the atmosphere of the fictional nightclub with a pianist, arched doorways, and period decor. The food is Moroccan-French fusion with mains at 120-200 MAD. The film was actually shot entirely in Hollywood, not in Casablanca.
Food Experiences
Eat tagine at a traditional restaurant
The slow-cooked clay pot stew is Morocco's signature dish, available in lamb with prunes, chicken with preserved lemon and olives, or vegetable versions. A tagine at a mid-range restaurant costs 50-90 MAD. The long, slow cooking produces tender meat that falls apart. Fresh bread is always served alongside.
Try fresh seafood at the port restaurants
The fishing port near the Old Medina has a row of informal restaurants where the catch of the day is grilled to order. Point at the fish you want, negotiate the weight and price, and it arrives minutes later with salad and bread. A full grilled fish meal costs 60-100 MAD per person.
Drink mint tea at a traditional cafe
Moroccan mint tea, poured from height into small glasses, is a social ritual. The tea is a blend of Chinese gunpowder green tea, fresh mint, and generous sugar. A glass costs 10-15 MAD at cafes. The cafe terraces along Boulevard Mohammed V are ideal for people-watching over afternoon tea.
Eat a msemen flatbread breakfast
This flaky, pan-fried semolina bread is Morocco's street breakfast staple, sold at corner bakeries for 2-5 MAD each. It is served plain with honey and butter or stuffed with onion and herbs. Pair it with a glass of fresh orange juice for 5-10 MAD. Early morning bakeries have the freshest batches.
Day Trips
Day trip to Rabat, the capital city
Morocco's administrative capital is 1 hour north by train and has the Hassan Tower, Chellah ruins, and the Kasbah of the Udayas overlooking the Atlantic. Train tickets cost 70-110 MAD each way. The medina in Rabat is quieter and easier to navigate than Casablanca's or Fez's.
Visit the coastal town of El Jadida
This former Portuguese fort town 100 km south has a UNESCO-listed citadel with an underground cistern of stunning arched columns reflected in shallow water. The drive takes about 90 minutes. The cistern entry costs 10 MAD. The beach outside the medina walls is popular with local families.
Explore Azemmour, the quiet artist town
This small whitewashed town 80 km south of Casablanca sits where the Oum Er-Rbia river meets the Atlantic. Portuguese-era walls surround a medina that has attracted artists and muralists. The town sees very few tourists and offers an authentic glimpse of small-town Moroccan life. No entry fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Casablanca?
Two to four days covers the main sights and food experiences. Spend one day at the Hassan II Mosque, Art Deco center, and Old Medina, one day at the Corniche and Habous Quarter, and extra days for day trips to Rabat or El Jadida. Many travelers pass through Casablanca quickly, but the city rewards a longer stay.
What is the best time to visit Casablanca?
March through May and September through November offer the most pleasant weather at 18-25 degrees Celsius. Summer from June through August is warm at 25-30 degrees Celsius but moderated by Atlantic breezes. Winter from December through February is mild but can be rainy. The ocean influence keeps temperatures moderate year-round compared to inland Morocco.
Is Casablanca worth visiting?
Casablanca is often overshadowed by Marrakech and Fez, but the Hassan II Mosque alone justifies a visit. The Art Deco architecture, authentic medina without tourist pressure, excellent seafood, and cosmopolitan dining scene offer a different side of Morocco. The city works well as a 2-3 day stop combined with Rabat or as a gateway to the rest of the country.
How do you get around Casablanca?
The tramway runs through the city center with tickets at 6 MAD per ride. Petit taxis are red and metered, with most trips costing 15-30 MAD. Ride-hailing apps work throughout the city. The city center is walkable between the main landmarks, with the Art Deco district, Old Medina, and Habous Quarter all reachable on foot from Place Mohammed V.