Practical information verified on October 2, 2026.
Visiting Casablanca: The Complete Guide to Discovering the City
Casablanca is not a city you can understand through a few photographs.
At first glance, you see a vast metropolis facing the Atlantic, busy boulevards, white buildings, cafés, cars and constant activity. Then, after walking just a few streets, the atmosphere changes completely.
A doorway opens onto a narrow alley in the old medina. A few kilometres away, the arcades of the Habous district recall traditional Moroccan architecture. In the city centre, Art Deco façades tell another chapter of the city's history. And when you reach the Corniche, Casablanca reconnects with its natural horizon: the Atlantic Ocean.
Facing the sea stands one of its most impressive landmarks: the Hassan II Mosque.
But Casablanca is much more than this monument.
The city has many faces: an old medina near the port, the Habous district and its arcades, a city centre shaped by Art Deco architecture, residential neighbourhoods such as Anfa, the Corniche and Ain Diab, beaches, museums, galleries, markets and a food scene that also deserves to be explored.
This guide is designed to help you understand Casablanca before visiting, and then build a trip that actually matches your pace.
You will find the main places to visit, experiences worth considering, how many days to spend, where to stay, how to arrive and get around, as well as ideas for excursions.
If you would first like to understand how the city evolved from ancient Anfa into modern Casablanca, read our article about the history and heritage of Casablanca.
Why visit Casablanca?
Casablanca is Morocco's economic capital, but that definition only tells part of the story.
It is not a museum city like some Moroccan destinations. It does not try to preserve the same atmosphere everywhere.
Casablanca is a city of contrasts.
You can start your morning in an old medina, walk a few minutes later among Art Deco buildings, have lunch in the city centre, discover Moroccan craftsmanship in Habous and finish the day facing the ocean.
That combination is precisely what gives Casablanca its character.
Moroccan architecture stands alongside European influences. Traditional souks coexist with modern shopping centres. Small neighbourhood shops are never far from major boulevards.
And above all, the city remains deeply alive.
For some travellers, Casablanca is simply a stop between the airport and another destination. For others, it deserves a full day or two.
If you give it some time, you will discover a city that is far more diverse than the simple image of an economic capital that you may have before arriving.
Casablanca is also a convenient place to start or finish a trip to Morocco thanks to its international airport and railway connections.
Casablanca at a glance
| Top places to see | Hassan II Mosque, Old Medina, Art Deco city centre, Habous, Corniche |
| Recommended stay | 1 to 2 days (see below) |
| Getting there | Mohammed V Airport, train (Casa-Voyageurs and Casa-Port stations) |
| Getting around | Walking in the centre, taxis, tramway and Casabusway |
| Best for | Architecture, food, ocean, stopovers, starting point for excursions |
What to visit in Casablanca?
For a first visit, there is no need to fill your day with dozens of places.
The most interesting approach is to understand how the different neighbourhoods connect with one another.
Here are the places we recommend prioritising on your itinerary.
1. Hassan II Mosque: Casablanca's great symbol
It is difficult to imagine a first visit to Casablanca without seeing the Hassan II Mosque.
Built on the Atlantic coast, it dominates the shoreline with its enormous minaret and impressive proportions.
But what may be most striking is its location.
Here, the architecture and the ocean seem to form a single landscape.
Inside, the richness of the decoration reveals another dimension of the monument: Moroccan craftsmanship, zellige, carved wood, marble and numerous architectural details.
Non-Muslim visitors can access the interior as part of guided visits organised according to the conditions set by the Hassan II Mosque Foundation.
Before travelling there, always check visiting hours, prices and access conditions.
Prices, opening hours, dress requirements and practical advice are detailed in our guide to visiting Hassan II Mosque.
Tip: if you want to visit the interior, make the mosque the first stop of your day. Its visiting schedule can determine how you organise the rest of your itinerary.
2. The Old Medina: a completely different atmosphere
After the vast open space around Hassan II Mosque, entering the Old Medina feels almost like stepping into another city.
The spaces become smaller.
The streets become narrower.
The wide perspectives disappear behind façades and doorways.
Near the port, the Old Medina offers another image of Casablanca: narrow streets, small shops, doors, stalls and everyday life.
It was rebuilt from the 1770s onwards after the 1755 earthquake and combines elements of Arab-Muslim architecture with European influences.
But you do not need a long list of monuments to discover it.
Simply walk.
Look at the shopfronts, watch residents doing their shopping, stop in front of a doorway or a small shop.
The appeal of the medina is often found in these details rather than in one particular landmark.
Take your time and leave some room for spontaneous discoveries.
3. Sqala: between the medina and the ocean
Close to the medina and port, the Sqala is an 18th-century fortified bastion.
It reveals another side of Casablanca: a city historically connected to the sea, trade and the defence of its coastline.
The walls and cannons still give an impression of the strategic importance of this part of the city.
The Sqala fits easily into a walk through the medina area.
There is therefore no need to spend half a day here.
A few dozen minutes can be enough to explore the site, take some photographs and continue your walk.
Access conditions and opening hours may vary, so check them before travelling there.
4. The city centre and Art Deco: the Casablanca you may not expect
To understand Casablanca, you need to leave the medina.
The city centre reveals another essential part of its identity.
Large avenues replace narrow streets. The façades change. Buildings become larger, and the architecture tells the story of the city's development during the 20th century.
The architecture developed during the Protectorate combines Art Deco, neo-Moorish architecture, European influences and modern architecture.
The Place Mohammed V is an excellent starting point for exploring this part of Casablanca.
But do not only look at the major landmarks.
The pleasure often comes from walking from one street to another and looking up.
Balconies, geometric façades, old signs, decorative elements and architectural details reveal a different Casablanca from the one you see in the medina.
Our Casablanca Art Deco route allows you to explore this architecture over several hours.
Tip: allow time to walk. The city centre is better discovered on foot than by trying to see everything from a car.
5. Habous district: another idea of a medina
The Habous district, also known as the New Medina, offers yet another face of Casablanca.
Built between 1918 and 1955 during the Protectorate, the district combines modern urban planning with strong references to traditional Moroccan architecture.
The result is distinctive: arcades, small squares, narrow streets, craft shops, bookshops, bakeries, souks and religious sites are arranged in an environment that is much more structured than the Old Medina.
Habous is also an interesting place to discover Moroccan craftsmanship.
You will find, among other things:
- carpets;
- leather goods;
- copperwork;
- ceramics;
- carved wood;
- traditional clothing.
The Mahkama du Pacha is also nearby.
Visiting conditions for this building should be checked before your trip.
If you enjoy crafts, take your time comparing products.
The first shop you enter is not necessarily the best one.
Look at the materials, the finishing and the techniques, then walk a little further before deciding.
Our guide to the Habous district covers the main places to discover.
6. The Corniche and Ain Diab: end the day facing the Atlantic
After the medina, markets and architecture of the city centre, Casablanca offers one final surprise: its seaside side.
The Corniche in Ain Diab completely changes the rhythm of the city.
This is where people come to walk, have a coffee, eat, enjoy the beach or simply watch the ocean.
The cafés and restaurants along the coast create a much more relaxed atmosphere than the city centre.
That is why the Corniche is particularly pleasant at the end of the day, after several hours of sightseeing.
You can simply walk without having a specific destination.
Or sit for a few minutes facing the ocean.
Or wait for sunset.
There is no need to fill every minute of your trip.
Sometimes the best moment of a day of discovery is simply the moment when you stop.
The urban beaches are also known for surfing, with facilities offering lessons and equipment rental.
What to do in Casablanca?
Visiting Casablanca does not mean moving from one monument to another all day long.
The city becomes much more interesting when you combine sightseeing, walking, food and free time.
Take a guided tour
If you have limited time, a guided tour can be an excellent way to discover several neighbourhoods without having to organise every journey yourself.
A tour can combine Hassan II Mosque, the Old Medina, the city centre, Art Deco architecture, Habous and the Corniche.
The advantage is not only saving time.
A guide can also help explain why Casablanca has such contrasting neighbourhoods.
Check the half-day guided tour of Casablanca or compare the available tours and experiences on MoroccoMuseum.
Walk
Some parts of Casablanca are particularly enjoyable on foot.
In the Old Medina, you can discover small streets and local shops.
In the city centre, you can follow an architectural route between Place Mohammed V and the Art Deco neighbourhoods.
In Habous, the walk becomes more focused on crafts, souks and bakeries.
And after all these discoveries, the Corniche offers a completely different setting for the end of the day.
Discover Moroccan craftsmanship
Habous and the Old Medina are two good places to observe local craftsmanship and compare different styles.
Carpets, leather, copper, ceramics, wood and traditional clothing: take the time to look before buying.
Shopping can become a genuine part of the cultural experience.
Discover the local food
Casablanca is also a city where you should take the time to eat.
Its proximity to the Atlantic naturally gives fish and seafood an important place.
But you will also find the great classics of Moroccan cuisine:
- tagines;
- couscous;
- pastilla;
- pastries;
- mint tea;
- market-style food.
The Central Market is particularly interesting for discovering the food culture of the city centre.
Our guide to what to eat in Casablanca covers dishes, neighbourhoods and food experiences.
Visit museums and galleries
Casablanca also has an art scene that deserves a place in your itinerary.
Among the places to consider:
- the Villa des Arts;
- the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum.
The official Visit Casablanca website also offers several thematic routes:
- Habous ;
- city centre ;
- art ;
- galleries ;
- museums.
Experience the cultural scene
Casablanca is not only a heritage destination.
It also hosts concerts, festivals and cultural events.
Among them, Jazzablanca is generally held in early July.
Dates and programmes may change, so check the calendar corresponding to your travel dates on the Visit Casablanca website.
Go shopping
For traditional crafts, head towards Habous and the Old Medina.
For a more contemporary shopping experience, Morocco Mall, located along the coast, offers a completely different approach to shopping in Casablanca.
The two experiences could hardly be more different.
And that, once again, is what makes Casablanca so interesting.
Which neighbourhood should you stay in Casablanca?
There is no single “best” neighbourhood.
It depends on how you want to experience the city.
| Neighbourhood | Best for | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Old Medina | History, narrow streets, shops, heritage | Popular, lively |
| City centre | Architecture, Art Deco, boulevards, squares, cafés | Urban, convenient |
| Habous | Crafts, souks, pastries, walking | Traditional |
| Ain Diab and Corniche | Ocean, beach, restaurants, evening | Seaside |
| Anfa | Another side of the city | Residential, quieter |
How many days do you need to visit Casablanca?
The right amount of time depends mainly on your travel style.
If you like moving quickly and seeing a city's main symbols, one day can be enough.
If you prefer walking, stopping at cafés, visiting a museum or taking your time over meals, two days will be much more comfortable.
A few hours
Focus on one area.
Hassan II Mosque can be your main stop, provided the visiting time fits your schedule.
Then add the Corniche or part of the Old Medina rather than trying to cross the entire city.
1 day
It is possible to combine:
Hassan II Mosque → Old Medina → city centre and Art Deco → Habous or Corniche.
The order mainly depends on the mosque's visiting schedule and travel times.
See Casablanca in 1 day.
2 days
With two days, you can slow down.
You will have more time for Habous, museums, food, the city centre and the Corniche.
See Casablanca in 2 days.
3 days or more
With three days or more, you can take your time and add an excursion outside the city.
For a simple stopover, one day can be enough.
To really get a feel for Casablanca, two days are more comfortable.
How to get to Casablanca
By plane
Mohammed V International Airport is Casablanca's main international gateway.
A railway station located at the airport is served by trains to Casa-Voyageurs and Casa-Port.
Check ONCF for current schedules and fares.
Are you stopping over in Casablanca?
In that case, do not consider all the time between your flights as freely available.
You need to allow time for:
- leaving the airport;
- travelling into Casablanca;
- sightseeing;
- returning to the airport;
- security checks;
- a safety buffer.
Your next flight should always remain the priority.
Our guide to Mohammed V Airport, transfers and stopovers explains the different options.
By train
Casablanca is connected to Morocco's national railway network, notably through Casa-Voyageurs and Casa-Port stations.
From Rabat, the train is particularly convenient.
The Al Boraq high-speed train connects Casablanca with Rabat and Tangier.
From Marrakech, the journey generally takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Always check current schedules and fares on the ONCF website before travelling.
How to get around Casablanca
Casablanca is a large city.
The best way to get around therefore depends greatly on the distance between the places you want to visit.
On foot
Walking is ideal in:
- the city centre;
- the Old Medina;
- Habous.
It is often the best way to feel the atmosphere of a neighbourhood.
Taxi
Taxis are convenient for travelling between neighbourhoods.
Before leaving, agree on the fare or make sure the meter is being used.
Tramway
The network has four lines, from T1 to T4.
Line T2 serves Aïn Diab, while line T3 starts from Casa-Port station.
Casabusway
Two dedicated busway lines have been operating since March 2024.
Private driver or guided tour
If you have limited time and want to combine several places, a private driver or organised tour can make the day much easier.
The best habit: think in zones
For a sightseeing day, avoid crossing Casablanca several times.
For example:
Old Medina + city centre + Art Deco
form a logical group.
Meanwhile:
Hassan II Mosque + Corniche + Ain Diab
can form another.
This simple approach can save you a surprising amount of time.
What budget should you plan for Casablanca?
There is no single budget for visiting Casablanca.
Your spending will mainly depend on accommodation, restaurants, transport, visits, shopping and excursions.
A traveller using local transport and choosing budget accommodation will obviously spend very differently from someone staying in a luxury hotel with a private driver and private tours.
| Expense | Reference |
|---|---|
| Hassan II Mosque visit (foreign adult) | 140 MAD, Foundation price checked on October 1, 2026 |
| Tramway or Casabusway ticket | Check the current fare with the operator |
For paid monuments and activities, always check official prices or the prices displayed at the time of booking.
For hotels, compare prices corresponding exactly to your travel dates.
When is the best time to visit Casablanca?
Casablanca can be visited throughout the year.
Spring is particularly pleasant for sightseeing and walking.
Summer is interesting if you want to spend more time along the coast and at the beaches.
Autumn can be a good time to combine city sightseeing with excursions around the region.
Winter can bring cooler or wetter days, which is normal for a city exposed to the Atlantic climate.
If your trip is organised around a festival or event, check the calendar corresponding to your dates.
Where to stay in Casablanca?
The best area depends on what you want to do during your stay.
City centre
Convenient for a first visit and for accessing several major sights.
Casa-Port
Interesting for travellers arriving by train or wanting to stay close to the centre.
Gauthier and Maarif
Central, lively neighbourhoods with shops, restaurants and cafés.
Habous
A good choice if you want a more traditional atmosphere.
Ain Diab
Ideal if your priority is the coast and the Corniche.
Anfa
A more residential and quieter option.
To compare the different neighbourhoods according to your trip, see our guide to where to stay in Casablanca.
Casablanca depending on your type of trip
Travelling with children
Casablanca can work very well for families, as long as you do not turn the day into a cultural marathon.
Alternate heritage with more relaxed moments:
- Hassan II Mosque;
- Corniche;
- beach;
- parks.
A full day of historical sightseeing can be tiring for younger travellers.
Plan several breaks.
Couples
A day can begin with a cultural visit, continue with lunch and end along the Corniche.
For a more traditional atmosphere, consider:
Habous → crafts → pastries → evening walk.
During a stopover
The rule is simple: do not overload your itinerary.
For a short stopover, choose one area.
For a longer stopover, an organised tour can help you manage travel time and make better use of the hours available.
Which excursions can you take from Casablanca?
Casablanca is also a useful base for exploring parts of the surrounding region.
Visit Casablanca highlights El Jadida, Azemmour and Oualidia among destinations accessible from the city.
Rabat
Morocco's capital is a natural cultural excursion.
El Jadida
An Atlantic city known for its coastal heritage.
Azemmour
A historic town in the region, ideal for experiencing a completely different pace.
Oualidia
A destination more focused on the coast and relaxation.
Marrakech
A possible excursion, but the distance requires a very different type of planning from a nearby destination.
Before booking an excursion, compare:
- travel time;
- the amount of time actually spent at the destination;
- transport;
- itinerary;
- group size;
- whether meals are included;
- cancellation conditions.
Our guide to excursions from Casablanca can help you choose.
Casablanca beyond Hassan II Mosque
Hassan II Mosque is undoubtedly the best-known image of Casablanca.
But if you leave the city after simply photographing it, you will have seen only one part of its identity.
Casablanca is best discovered through its contrasts.
An old medina beside wide modern boulevards.
Traditional craftsmanship a few kilometres from shopping centres.
Art Deco façades next to older Moroccan architecture.
A huge metropolis that remains deeply connected to the ocean.
Busy markets, followed a few hours later by the relative calm of the Corniche.
That succession of atmospheres is what deserves your attention.
For a first trip, start with the major highlights.
Then, if your schedule allows, step slightly outside the classic route.
Choose a less touristy neighbourhood.
Walk into a café.
Take the time to eat.
Look at the architecture.
Or simply sit facing the Atlantic.
Casablanca becomes more interesting when you stop trying simply to visit it and start taking the time to observe it.
To go further, add a guided tour, a food experience or an excursion.
Discover the tours, tickets and experiences available in Casablanca on MoroccoMuseum.
FAQ — Visiting Casablanca
Is Casablanca worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want to discover another side of Morocco: heritage, architecture, ocean, food, shopping and urban life.
Casablanca does not offer the same experience as an imperial city, and that is precisely what makes it interesting.
What should you visit first in Casablanca?
For a first visit, prioritise:
Hassan II Mosque, the Old Medina, the Art Deco city centre, Habous and the Corniche.
How many days do you need to visit Casablanca?
One day is enough to see the major highlights.
Two days allow you to explore the city at a more relaxed pace and add food, cultural or architectural experiences.
What can you do in Casablanca at night?
You can choose between restaurants, cafés, the Corniche, cultural events or nightlife, depending on the season and your interests.
Where should you stay in Casablanca?
The city centre, Casa-Port, Gauthier, Maarif, Habous, Anfa and Ain Diab all offer different atmospheres.
The best choice depends on your budget and itinerary.
Is Casablanca suitable for a family trip?
Yes.
Simply combine heritage, beaches, parks, shopping and leisure activities, and make sure you allow enough breaks.
Can you visit Casablanca in one day from Marrakech?
Yes, it is possible.
The train generally takes around 2.5 to 3 hours each way.
The day will, however, be very structured.
Spending one night in Casablanca is more comfortable if your goal is genuinely to discover the city.
Can you visit Casablanca during a stopover?
Yes, in some cases.
It depends on the length of your stopover and the time required to leave the airport, reach the city, explore and return early enough for your next flight.
Which is the best area to discover Casablanca?
There is no single answer.
The city centre is well suited to a first visit.
Habous is interesting for crafts and its traditional atmosphere.
Ain Diab and the Corniche are best for the coast.
What is the best time to visit Casablanca?
Casablanca can be visited all year round.
The best time mainly depends on the activities you want to do, your tolerance for the Atlantic climate and the events taking place during your dates.
Preparing your trip to Casablanca
Casablanca deserves more than a simple stopover.
In one day, you can discover some of its most important landmarks.
In two days, you can begin to understand its neighbourhoods, architecture, food and relationship with the ocean.
Start with Hassan II Mosque.
Then make your way towards the Old Medina and the Art Deco city centre.
Take time to explore Habous.
And when the day begins to slow down, head towards the Corniche.
You will discover another Casablanca.
A city made not only of monuments, but also of streets, cafés, markets, conversations, architecture and ocean.
To go further, add a guided tour, a food experience or an excursion.
Discover the tours, tickets and experiences available in Casablanca on MoroccoMuseum.
Opening hours, prices, access conditions and availability may change. Check official information and booking conditions when planning your trip.
