Habous Quarter in Casablanca: a guide to the New Medina

*Practical information verified on October 2, 2026. Shop opening hours and access conditions may change: check them before your visit.*

# Habous District in Casablanca: Discover the New Medina

There is a Casablanca that most visitors associate with Art Deco facades, wide avenues, the Hassan II Mosque and the Atlantic Ocean.

And then there is another Casablanca, more intimate.

A Casablanca of **small streets, arcades, carved doors, zellige tiles, artisan shops and Moroccan pastries**.

This is the Habous District.

Also known as the **New Medina**, Habous is precisely what makes the neighborhood interesting: despite its traditional appearance, it is not an old medina. Its urban design was developed during the 20th century, as part of the growth of modern Casablanca.

Today, Habous is one of the most pleasant places in Casablanca to take your time, walk around, admire architectural details, discover Moroccan craftsmanship and stop for pastries and mint tea.

It is not necessarily a neighborhood to visit by rushing from one monument to another.

**Habous is best discovered on foot.**

---

## Why Visit the Habous District?

If you have already explored the Hassan II Mosque, the city center and the main Art Deco buildings, Habous allows you to discover another side of Casablanca.

The experience is different here.

You walk through an arcade and enter a small shopping street. A shop displays babouches. A little farther on, you see copper objects, carpets or ceramics. The smell of Moroccan pastries sometimes mixes with that of fresh mint tea.

The charm of the neighborhood lies precisely in this succession of small details.

Habous allows you to combine several experiences in a single walk:

- discovering architecture inspired by traditional medinas;
- admiring arcades, doors and facades;
- exploring the souks;
- discovering Moroccan handicrafts;
- tasting traditional pastries;
- shopping for souvenirs;
- seeing or admiring historic buildings;
- observing part of everyday life in the neighborhood.

And most importantly, **you do not need a complicated itinerary to enjoy it**.

---

# Where Is the Habous District?

The Habous District is located a few kilometers from Casablanca city center.

It is also known as:

- **Habous District**;
- **Habbous**;
- **New Medina**.

It can easily be included in a day dedicated to Casablanca, particularly together with the city center, Art Deco heritage or the Hassan II Mosque.

From another part of the city, a taxi is generally the simplest option.

Once you arrive, however, the best way to explore the neighborhood is simply **on foot**.

The area is particularly well suited to walking.

---

# Habous or the Old Medina: What Is the Difference?

This is a fairly common confusion among visitors.

Casablanca has an **Old Medina**, located near the port, and a **New Medina**, the Habous District.

The two do not tell exactly the same story.

The [Old Medina](/sites/ancienne-medina-casablanca) is a historic neighborhood that developed over time.

Habous, on the other hand, was designed and developed during the 20th century.

| | Old Medina | Habous |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Historic neighborhood | 20th-century New Medina |
| Atmosphere | More organic | More structured |
| Location | Near the port | A few kilometers from the center |
| Architecture | Historic narrow streets | Arcades and small squares |
| Main interest | Historical discovery | Traditional architecture reinterpreted, handicrafts |

The distinction is important, but it does not mean you have to choose between the two.

**If your schedule allows, visit both.**

You will experience two very different visions of Casablanca's urban history.

![A narrow street in an old Casablanca neighborhood, with an arch](/images/articles/casablanca/ruelle-vieux-quartier-casablanca-arche.webp)

---

# What to See in the Habous District

The best way to begin your visit is actually quite simple:

**walk without trying to see everything immediately.**

Take the time to look at the details.

The arcades, white facades, doors, zellige tiles, woodwork and small squares give the neighborhood a very distinctive identity.

The official [Habous circuit by Visit Casablanca](https://visitcasablanca.ma/en/circuits/circuit-habous/) highlights several places and points of interest.

---

## The Grande Place

The Grande Place is one of the neighborhood's main landmarks.

It is a good place to start getting your bearings before deliberately getting lost in the smaller surrounding streets.

Do not simply cross the square, however.

The real interest of Habous appears when you begin exploring the side streets and looking closely at the architectural details.

---

## Al Mohammadi Mosque

Al Mohammadi Mosque is one of the district's emblematic buildings.

It can be admired from the outside.

For non-Muslim visitors, however, it is important to distinguish between places of worship that welcome visitors and those that do not: **the Hassan II Mosque is Casablanca's mosque that is open to non-Muslim visitors through organized tours.**

If you wish to visit the Hassan II Mosque, plan that visit separately as part of your itinerary.

---

## The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is also one of the points of interest associated with the neighborhood.

It is a place to **admire from the outside**.

As with any royal or administrative site, do not plan on entering unless you have checked the current access conditions beforehand.

---

# The Habous Souks: A Good Introduction to Moroccan Craftsmanship

For many visitors, this is where the walk becomes particularly interesting.

Under the arcades, shops display different types of Moroccan handicrafts.

You may find:

- carpets;
- copperware;
- ceramics;
- carved wooden objects;
- leather goods;
- textiles;
- babouches;
- traditional clothing;
- decorative objects.

[Visit Casablanca](https://visitcasablanca.ma/en/circuits/circuit-habous/) specifically mentions the **Kissaria of handicrafts**, with textile merchants and leather craftsmen.

Habous has one advantage for first-time visitors:

**the neighborhood is more compact and easier to explore than the huge souks of Marrakech.**

You can therefore take your time looking at products without feeling that you have to navigate an endless maze.

### A Good Way to Shop in Habous

Do not rush into the first shop you see.

Look around first.

Compare materials, craftsmanship, dimensions and prices.

If you really like an item, ask:

- where it was made;
- what material was used;
- whether it is handmade;
- how it can be packaged;
- how it could be shipped if it is bulky.

And above all, remember that a handmade object is not defined solely by its price.

**Behind a genuinely handmade piece are time, technique and craftsmanship.**

Negotiation is part of the shopping experience for some products, but it does not need to turn the purchase into a confrontation.

---

# Mahkama du Pacha: One of the Architectural Gems of the Neighborhood

If there is one building architecture lovers should particularly look out for in Habous, it is the **Mahkama du Pacha**.

It is one of the district's most remarkable buildings.

Designed by architect **Auguste Cadet**, it was built between **1941 and 1952**.

Formerly a courthouse and reception venue for the Pasha, it now houses the headquarters of the El Mechouar prefecture.

Its architecture combines several elements characteristic of Moroccan craftsmanship:

- zellige tiles;
- carved cedar wood;
- stucco;
- Arab-Andalusian motifs.

You can consult the [Mahkama du Pacha page](/sites/mahkamat-al-pacha-casablanca).

### Can You Visit the Interior of Mahkama du Pacha?

This is an important point to understand before your visit.

Mahkama du Pacha is now an **administrative building**.

Access to the interior may therefore depend on the day, an organized visit or specific authorization.

There is no reliable permanent schedule that guarantees interior access.

**Do not build your entire itinerary around the assumption that you will definitely be able to enter.**

If access happens to be possible when you visit, consider it an additional bonus.

---

# Moroccan Pastries: The Sweet Break in Habous

After exploring the souks and streets of the neighborhood, a sweet break feels almost inevitable.

Habous is particularly known for its Moroccan pastries.

Depending on the shops, you may find specialties such as:

- gazelle horns;
- ghriba;
- briouates;
- chebakia;
- almond pastries.

**Pâtisserie Bennis** is one of the neighborhood's best-known addresses and is presented by Visit Casablanca as one of the oldest and most renowned.

You can simply buy a few pastries to take away or use your visit as an opportunity to enjoy a proper break.

A glass of mint tea is, of course, the perfect companion.

---

# Dar El Ala and Musical Culture

The neighborhood is not limited to shopping.

**Dar El Ala** is dedicated to Andalusian music and is one of the cultural venues associated with Habous.

It is an interesting reminder that behind the shops and souks, the New Medina also has a cultural dimension.

If music and Moroccan heritage interest you, check for any activities or visitor conditions before going.

---

# The Olive Market

Another point highlighted by the official Habous circuit is **the olive market**.

Places like this reveal a more everyday side of the neighborhood.

Habous is not simply a succession of monuments to photograph.

It remains a neighborhood where people come to shop and where commercial activity is an integral part of the experience.

---

# How Much Time Should You Spend in Habous?

The ideal duration depends mainly on what you want to do.

| Format | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Quick visit | About 1 hour | Seeing the main streets |
| Standard visit | About 1.5 to 2 hours | Architecture, souks and some shopping |
| In-depth visit | 2.5 to 3 hours or more | Shopping, pastries, lunch and photography |

If you simply want to see the neighborhood, one hour may be enough.

But if you enjoy taking photos, talking with shopkeepers, comparing products or stopping for food, **plan for two hours or more**.

Habous is exactly the kind of place where rushing can make you miss much of its atmosphere.

---

# When Is the Best Time to Visit Habous?

Habous is mainly visited during the daytime.

Morning can be particularly pleasant if your goal is to:

- photograph the streets;
- browse the shops at a relaxed pace;
- do your shopping;
- avoid the busiest periods.

Afternoon also works very well, especially if you start your day with the Hassan II Mosque and the city center.

In that case, Habous can become a quieter stop before continuing with your evening in Casablanca.

### Morning

A good time to take your time looking around the shops and photographing architectural details.

### Afternoon

Convenient for including Habous in a broader Casablanca itinerary.

### Late Afternoon

If shopping is your main goal, do not arrive too late: shops have their own opening hours and may close before restaurants.

During religious holidays or special periods, opening hours may also change.

**Always check the opening hours of the specific shop or site you want to visit.**

---

# What Should You Buy in Habous?

Habous can be a good place to buy a Moroccan souvenir, especially if you are looking for something beyond a generic tourist object.

### For Your Home

- trays;
- ceramics;
- copperware;
- wooden objects;
- textiles;
- carpets.

### To Wear

- babouches;
- bags;
- belts;
- traditional clothing.

### As Gifts

- small handmade pieces;
- pastries;
- cultural objects;
- small Moroccan souvenirs.

### Before You Buy

Take a few minutes to compare.

Quality can vary significantly from one shop to another.

Look at:

- the material;
- the finish;
- the details;
- durability;
- origin;
- craftsmanship.

For bulky objects, also ask about suitable packaging and shipping options.

And carry some cash: smaller shops may not necessarily accept cards.

---

# Habous with Children

Habous can be a very enjoyable family visit.

Children may enjoy:

- the small streets;
- the colors;
- the shops;
- handmade objects;
- Moroccan pastries.

The main precaution concerns the busiest shopping streets.

Keep children close to you and take your time.

There is no need to turn the visit into a strict sightseeing route: let them look at the shop windows and discover the objects at their own pace.

---

# How to Get to Habous

From another part of Casablanca, a **taxi** is generally one of the simplest options.

If you use the tramway, check the route from your starting point.

Travel time depends on traffic and your location.

Once you arrive, walking becomes the best way to explore the neighborhood.

### What to Bring

- comfortable shoes;
- water;
- a charged phone for photos and navigation;
- cash for smaller shops.

And most importantly, do not limit yourself to the main streets.

**The smaller streets and passages are often where the neighborhood reveals its true character.**

---

# Do You Need a Guide in Habous?

You can easily visit Habous on your own.

For a simple walk or some shopping, you do not necessarily need a guide.

But a guided tour changes the way you understand the neighborhood.

A guide can explain:

- why Habous was created;
- how the New Medina fits into Casablanca's urban history;
- the characteristics of its architecture;
- the history of Mahkama du Pacha;
- traditional crafts;
- the difference between Habous and the Old Medina.

In other words:

**without a guide, you discover the neighborhood; with a good guide, you understand more of what you are looking at.**

Among the experiences available through MoroccoMuseum, the [Casablanca Highlights: Medina, Habous & Rick's Café Photo Stop](/activites/casablanca-highlights-medina-habous-rick-s-cafe-photo-stop-casablanca) combines Habous with the Old Medina.

The [Casablanca Half-day guided tour](/activites/casablanca-half-day-guided-tour-casablanca) also includes Habous in its itinerary.

Check the exact content, duration and conditions of each experience with the provider before booking.

---

# How to Include Habous in Your Casablanca Itinerary

One of the great advantages of Habous is how easily it can be combined with other parts of the city.

## Habous in One Day in Casablanca

If you only have one day, Habous can be an excellent afternoon stop.

You could spend part of the day at the Hassan II Mosque and in the city center, then head to Habous before continuing into the evening.

See our guide [Casablanca in 1 Day](/guides-inspirations/casablanca-1-jour).

---

## Habous and Art Deco

This is a particularly interesting combination.

The city center allows you to discover a modern Casablanca shaped by Art Deco and Neo-Moorish architecture.

Habous offers a different architectural experience, inspired by traditional medina forms but organized according to 20th-century urban planning.

Together, the two neighborhoods reveal **two complementary faces of Casablanca**.

Discover our [Art Deco route](/guides-inspirations/casablanca-art-deco).

---

## Habous in Two Days

With two days, you can slow down.

Habous can take up a morning or part of an afternoon without forcing you to rush toward the next attraction.

See [Casablanca in 2 Days](/guides-inspirations/casablanca-2-jours).

---

## Habous and the Hassan II Mosque

If you want to visit the Hassan II Mosque, start by checking the available tour times.

Guided visits follow specific schedules.

Plan this activity first, then build the rest of your day around it.

See our guide to [visiting the Hassan II Mosque](/guides-inspirations/visite-mosquee-hassan-ii-casablanca).

---

## Habous as Part of Your First Casablanca Visit

For a broader overview of the city, see our [Complete Casablanca Guide](/guides-inspirations/casablanca-guide-complet).

And if you are particularly interested in the city's history, discover [Casablanca's history and heritage](/guides-inspirations/casablanca-histoire-patrimoine-guide-complet).

---

# Where to Eat in Habous

Habous can easily be included in a food-focused day.

In and around the neighborhood, you can find places to eat or stop for Moroccan specialties such as:

- tagines;
- couscous;
- grilled meats;
- pastries;
- mint tea.

If your stay in Casablanca is also an opportunity to explore Moroccan cuisine, see our guide [What to Eat in Casablanca?](/guides-inspirations/gastronomie-casablanca).

But when visiting Habous, save some room for dessert.

**A walk through the New Medina without tasting at least one Moroccan pastry would almost be a shame.**

---

# 7 Tips for Making the Most of Habous

### 1. Do Not Rush

Habous is best discovered slowly.

### 2. Look Above the Shops

The facades and architectural details are an important part of the neighborhood.

### 3. Compare Before Buying

Two shops may sell seemingly similar products with significant differences in quality.

### 4. Ask About the Origin

If you are looking for genuine handicrafts, ask how and where the object was made.

### 5. Carry Cash

Some smaller shops may not accept cards.

### 6. Protect Your Purchases

For ceramics, glass or fragile objects, ask for suitable packaging.

### 7. Do Not Plan an Interior Visit to Mahkama du Pacha Without Checking

Access conditions may vary.

---

# FAQ — Habous District in Casablanca

## Where is the Habous District in Casablanca?

Habous is located a few kilometers from Casablanca city center. It is also known as the **New Medina**.

## Why visit Habous?

To discover New Medina architecture, explore the souks, discover Moroccan craftsmanship, taste traditional pastries and see remarkable buildings such as Mahkama du Pacha.

## What is the difference between Habous and the Old Medina?

The Old Medina is a historic district of Casablanca.

Habous is a New Medina developed during the 20th century.

The two therefore offer complementary experiences.

## What can you buy in Habous?

You can find carpets, leather goods, babouches, copperware, ceramics, carved wood, textiles, traditional clothing and various souvenirs.

## How long does it take to visit Habous?

Allow around **1.5 to 2.5 hours** for a comfortable visit.

If you enjoy shopping, eating, taking photos and taking your time, allow longer.

## Can you visit Mahkama du Pacha?

Interior access conditions may vary.

It is now an administrative building, and there is no reliable permanent schedule guaranteeing interior visits.

Check the conditions before your visit.

## Is Habous open on Sundays?

Habous is a lively urban neighborhood, but shop and site opening hours may vary.

If you have a specific shop or place in mind, check its opening hours directly.

## Is Habous suitable for children?

Yes.

The streets, shops, handmade objects and pastries can be interesting for children.

In busy areas, however, keep them close to you.

## Is Habous touristy?

Yes, Habous is well known to visitors, particularly for its crafts and architecture.

But it is not simply a tourist setting: the neighborhood is also used by local residents and retains an active everyday commercial life.

## Do you need a guide to visit Habous?

No.

You can easily explore the neighborhood independently.

A guide becomes particularly useful if you want to understand the history of the New Medina, its architecture, Mahkama du Pacha and Moroccan craftsmanship.

---

# Habous: Take the Time to Look

Habous is not necessarily the Casablanca neighborhood you visit to tick off a long list of monuments.

And that is precisely part of its charm.

You come here to **walk**.

To look at a carved wooden door.

To stop in front of a shop window.

To compare two carpets.

To watch artisans at work.

To taste a pastry.

To take a few photos beneath the arcades.

And sometimes simply to sit down for a few minutes with a glass of mint tea.

Habous tells another story of Casablanca: that of a modern city that sought to integrate Moroccan architectural forms, references and craftsmanship into 20th-century urban planning.

It is **neither the Old Medina, nor the Art Deco city center, nor the Corniche**.

It is something different.

A New Medina where architecture, commerce and everyday life come together.

If you are planning your stay, discover the [visits, experiences and excursions available in Casablanca](/activites) on MoroccoMuseum.

*Opening hours, prices, access conditions and availability may change. Check the information with shops, sites and providers before your visit.*