Things to do in Casablanca Morocco

Casablanca is not just a film city. With almost 5 million inhabitants, Casablanca is the economic capital of Morocco and one of the most modern cities in Africa. But don’t be fooled, the city still retains its charm and a style of its own that combines Arab heritage with colonial influence, as it was a former French protectorate. You’ll definitely have no shortage of things to see in Casablanca, one of the most visited places in the country for its history, cultural richness and gastronomy.

In this post, we give you many reasons why you should include Casablanca in your travel itinerary, as well as everything to see and many other tips that will help you plan your stay. Discover with us the best accommodation and restaurants, how to get around the city and what to see in the surrounding area. Are you ready to start your trip? Then let’s get started!

The things you must do on your trip to Casablanca

1. The Clock Tower

Designed by the French captain Dessigny in 1911 and rebuilt in 1993, the Clock Tower is probably the most characteristic place in the city and a must-see photo for tourists. It is located at the entrance to the Medina, on the United Nations Square. This square is not exactly known for its beauty; it is always full of tourists and souvenir shops, but it is worth going to see the tower.

2. King Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

You can’t miss the Hassan II Mosque on your trip to Morocco. At 30,000 square metres and with a capacity for more than 90,000 people, the mosque is the second largest in the world after Mecca.

It is highly recommended to book a guided tour to see inside the mosque and learn more about its history. Guided tours last 1 hour 30 minutes and cost 120 dirhams per person (€12). You can book in advance and arrange to be picked up from your hotel. Times are Saturday to Thursday at 9am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm (in summer) and during Ramadan at 9am and 11am.

3. New Medina

The charm of Casablanca’s Medina lies in its contrast to the modernity of the city. While it is not one of the most spectacular in Morocco because of its reduced size due to an earthquake in 1755, it is still interesting to stroll through its irregular, narrow alleys.

4. Mohammed V Square

It is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places to see in Casablanca. The square is surrounded by spectacular buildings in the Mudéjar architectural style with French and Moroccan influences. Moreover, it is not as crowded as the United Nations Square. The square is located in the Art-deco quarter, which is famous for the style of its facades.

5. Arabian League Park

We recommend a visit to the Arab League Park to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Its avenues of palm trees and water lily pond make the park a unique place. There you will also find the Sacred Heart Church, which now serves as a cultural centre.

6. Mahkama of the Pasha Palace

It’s one of the jewels of the city, with its Arab designs and tiled courtyards. However, it’s not easy to see inside as it now houses government offices.

Access is from 9am to 4pm and only on weekdays. Admission is free, but there is a guide’s fee to pay.

7. Boulevard de la Corniche in Casablanca

The boulevard de Corniche is Casablanca’s seafront promenade, where the most exclusive hotels and shops are located. At the end of the boulevard is the Morocco Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Africa and a good place to shop for souvenirs. Strolling along the boulevard is very pleasant with views of the Atlantic Sea and the mosque, and you can even go for a swim at the beach. It’s best to go early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.

8. Rick’s café

This café is an exact reconstruction of the main set of the legendary film Casablanca. It was built in response to the lure of tourists travelling to Casablanca in search of references to the film, which, unfortunately, was shot in Hollywood. Inside you can enjoy its international food and piano music.

9. Quartier Habous

Quartier Habous is a neighbourhood built by the French at the beginning of the 20th century and known as the New Medina. Unlike the Old Medina, it is a neighbourhood with a more regular and orderly layout. It is a pleasant place to stroll and have a cup of tea on one of its terraces.

10. Sidi Aberraman Sanctuary

This small shrine is located on a small island off the Corniche boulevard. It is only accessible to Muslims, but everyone else can enjoy the small Medina that surrounds it. It’s worth a visit if only for the incredible views of the Atlantic Sea.

11. Parc Isesco (Murdokh Garden)

Parc Isesco is one of the best-preserved parks in the city, where tourists and locals alike come in search of peace and quiet. The park, recently restored, is a set of winding paths of lush vegetation where palm trees, ficus, lilacs and marigolds stand out among many other plant species.

In addition, this beautiful park, located in the heart of the city, also features sculptures and modern structures that contrast with the gardens and give the environment a particular charm.

Visiting hours: from 6:00h to 20:00h.

12. The Sacré-Cœur Church

The Sacré-Cœur church, built in the early 20th century, is characterised by its imposing neo-romantic design that rises majestically on the skyline, offering incredible panoramic views of the city. The interior is a haven of serenity where light filters through the stained-glass windows, creating a magical atmosphere.

13. Ain Diab, the beach to see in Casablanca

This is Casablanca’s main urban beach, an ideal place for sunbathing, surfing or strolling along the coast. This dreamy spot on the shores of the Atlantic is cleaner than other beaches in the vicinity, although due to the wind and current, litter sometimes accumulates on the shore.

The beach is free to access and has facilities such as public toilets, showers and equipment rental agencies for surfing and other water sports. In the area you will also find resorts with swimming pools and numerous bars where you can enjoy a drink at sunset.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What things to do around Casablanca?

1. Rabat

It’s only an hour by train from the country’s capital. It is not one of the most touristy cities in Morocco, but it has plenty of points of interest, such as the Kasbah of the Udayas or the Necropolis of Chellah. If you want to know more about Rabat, we recommend you to have a look at this post where we tell you everything you can see: Things to do in Rabat, Morocco?

2. Marrakech

This former imperial city is two hours from Casablanca. It is worth a visit for its well-preserved walled Medina, its markets and its labyrinthine streets. There you can visit the souk and numerous historic buildings and points of interest such as the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque and the Majorell Gardens.

If you want to know more about Marrakech, visit this post: Things to do and see in Marrakech, Morocco

3. Sahara Desert Excursions

From Casablanca, you can book camel treks in the Sahara Desert. There are excursions that last a few hours and others that can take several days and involve spending the night in a tent. We highly recommend you this experience. Prices vary depending on the company and the number of days, but two days can cost around €80 per person.

What things to do in Casablanca in 1 day?

Despite its size, from a tourist’s perspective, the city can be visited in a day. Because there are so many cities of interest together, such as Marrakesh, Rabat and Fez, trips to Morocco are often organised so that you can see them all.

In Casablanca, one day is enough. It’s best to start your day early on the Corniche boulevard before it gets too crowded and hot. From there you can walk to the Sidi Aberraman Sanctuary. To get to the other tourist attractions you will need to take public transport as they are about 20 minutes away. Then you can visit the Hassan II Mosque and from there go directly to the Mahkama of the Pacha Palace. These are the furthest points, and where you will have to hire guided tours.

For lunch and to spend the afternoon it is best to go to the Arab League Park, and in that area you will also find the New and Old Medina and the Clock Tower. Once there, you can walk from one point to the other.

Where to stay in Casablanca, Morocco?

Accommodation in Casablanca, unlike other Moroccan cities, is somewhat expensive, comparable to any European city. However, the city offers alternatives in terms of price and comfort.

The city centre is the most convenient area to stay in, so you’ll have all the things to see in Casablanca close at hand. Most of the luxury hotels are in this area, but there are also more affordable accommodations if you book in advance. A night’s stay in this neighbourhood is around €80.

Some of the hotels are:

• Kenzi Basma:Hotel with a privileged location and a restaurant specialising in Moroccan cuisine.
• Odyssee Center Hotel: this hotel offers all kinds of amenities plus free parking.
• Hyatt Regency Casablanca: luxury hotel with swimming pool, spa and restaurants in the heart of the centre.

More affordable neighbourhoods are Bourgogne and Gauthier, as they are not in the centre. They cost around €75 per night and are very pleasant neighbourhoods.

• Barceló Casablanca: is a hotel perfectly suited for business travel. It is located in the heart of the business district and has conference rooms.
• Melliber Appart Hotel: 200 metres from the Hassan II Mosque and you can book rooms with incredible views of the city.
• Gray Boutique Hotel and Spa: hotel with all the amenities. It also includes airport transfer.

You can also find cheaper alternatives between €16 and €40. We are talking about hostels, guesthouses or Airbnb.

• Medina Guest house: hostel located 2 km from the mosque with concierge service and express check-in and check-out.
• Youth Hostel Casablanca International: 2.2 km from the mosque and has shared spaces such as lounge and garden. A very welcoming place, especially for backpackers.

Gastronomy in Casablanca

In Casablanca we can delight our senses with its magnificent Moroccan gastronomy. There may be a lot to see in Casablanca, but without a doubt its cuisine is a must. The most popular dishes of Moroccan cuisine are tajin and couscous, and Casablanca is also famous for its fish and seafood dishes due to its coastal location. Here is a list of the best restaurants, patisseries and other places famous for their produce.

• Olive souk: This is a market specialising in olives. It is in the Quartier Habous and is worth a visit for its originality.
• Bennis Habous pâtisserie: this is one of the most famous pâtisseries in the city. There you can enjoy a wide variety of typical sweets.
• Sky 28: located on the 28th floor of the Twin Center, this bar is the best place to have a cocktail overlooking the whole city.
• Ostréa on the Port de Peche: located on the port, this restaurant is one of the best places to eat fish, seafood and oysters. The price is a little high compared to other restaurants in the area, but it is commensurate with the quality of the food.
• Dar Beida: is located in the Hyatt Regency Hotel and serves Moroccan food. It also offers belly dancing shows. Prices range from around €40 per person.
• There are also many street stalls in the city offering Moroccan snacks and other delicacies.

How to get to Casablanca, Morocco?

Casablanca is the economic capital of Morocco, so it is very well-connected. These are all the options you have to get to Casablanca:

• Plane: this is the fastest option. It takes less than 2 hours from Spain and there are frequent flights.
• Train and bus: if you are going to visit several cities in Morocco, you can opt for the bus or train. There are several lines that connect the main cities at a very economical price.
• Car: another option is to rent a car or take your own. There is a car ferry from Tarifa which takes 4 hours and costs between €40 and €120. It’s easy to get around Morocco by car, and gives you more freedom than relying on other means of transport. To take your car to Morocco you will need to bring your passport, driving licence, and the green card, which is a document that gives you free car insurance to be covered in the country.
• Boat: From Tarifa you can take the ferry to Tangier for €40 and then hire a car or take the train.

Travel tips to Casablanca

• Have your hotel reservation or the address where you’ll be staying with you.
• Carry cash, not all shops have credit card facilities.
• Moroccan currency is the Moroccan dirham. We recommend that you change money before you start your trip because currency at airports is more expensive.
• The best time to visit Casablanca Morocco is between March and May. The temperature is pleasant and it doesn’t rain as much.
• Beware of unlabelled products in street stalls.
• To visit Morocco as a Spanish citizen you only need a passport, no visa is required.
• It is advisable to take out travel insurance for medical emergencies or luggage theft.
• Be careful with your personal belongings, especially in the more touristy areas. As in most cities, there is a risk of pickpocketing.
• There is no rooming in Morocco, so disconnect data roaming or check with your operator.

Organise your trip to Casablanca

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
• Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post)
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travellers what to see in Casablanca.

Frequently asked questions about Casablanca