Is Casablanca worth visiting?
Yes — even on a tight Morocco itinerary, Casablanca earns a day. It is the only place in the country where you can step inside a working mosque (the Hassan II), it has Morocco's most striking modern architecture, a breezy Atlantic seafront, and it's where almost every long-haul flight lands. Think of it as a polished, cosmopolitan introduction to Morocco before the medinas of Fes and Marrakech.
The 12 best things to do in Casablanca
1. Tour the Hassan II Mosque
The undisputed number-one attraction. The second-largest mosque in Africa, with a 210-metre minaret and a glass floor over the Atlantic. Crucially, it's the only mosque in Morocco that admits non-Muslim visitors — on guided tours several times a day. Book the morning slot to beat the heat and the crowds.
2. Stroll the Corniche of Aïn Diab
Casablanca's seafront promenade: beach clubs, ice-cream terraces, joggers and Atlantic sunsets. Great for a relaxed late-afternoon walk and dinner with sea views.
3. Wander the Old Medina
Smaller and less touristy than Fes or Marrakech, the walled old town near the port is an easy, authentic browse — spices, slippers, and the Sqala sea bastion.
4. Shop the Habous (New Medina)
A 1930s French-built "new medina" that blends Moroccan craft souks with elegant arcades — the best place in the city for olives, pastries, babouches and brassware without the hard sell.
5. Admire Mohammed V Square
The grand civic heart of the city, ringed by Mauresque-Art-Déco administrative palaces and a musical fountain that lights up after dark.
6. Have a drink at Rick's Café
The restaurant-bar that recreates the 1942 film Casablanca, set inside a restored riad with a pianist — touristy, yes, but genuinely atmospheric for dinner.
7. Explore the Art-Déco downtown
Boulevard Mohammed V and the surrounding streets hold one of the world's great concentrations of 1920s–30s Art-Déco and Mauresque façades. A self-guided architecture walk is free and fascinating.
8. Visit the Mahkama du Pacha
A stunning former courthouse and reception palace with dozens of carved-cedar and zellij-tiled rooms — one of the city's hidden interiors.
9. See Notre-Dame de Lourdes
A 1950s church famous for its vast stained-glass walls — a quiet, surprising stop a few minutes from downtown.
10. Browse the Central Market
The Marché Central is the city's freshest produce, flower and seafood market — pick a stall for a no-fuss grilled-fish lunch.
11. Relax at Morocco Mall & Anfa
One of Africa's largest malls (with an indoor aquarium), at the smart Anfa end of the Corniche — handy on a hot afternoon or with kids.
12. Watch the sunset at the lighthouse (El Hank)
The El Hank lighthouse marks the western end of the Corniche and frames the best sunset photo in the city, with the mosque minaret in the distance.
The perfect 1-day Casablanca itinerary
- Morning: Hassan II Mosque guided tour, then the Old Medina & Sqala.
- Midday: Grilled-fish lunch at the Central Market, then the Art-Déco downtown & Mohammed V Square.
- Afternoon: Habous quarter for shopping, optional Mahkama du Pacha.
- Evening: Sunset on the Corniche (El Hank), dinner at Rick's Café or an Aïn Diab terrace.
Want this done door-to-door with a driver-guide who handles parking, timing and mosque tickets? See our private Casablanca city tour.
Best day trips from Casablanca
- Rabat (1 h) — the relaxed capital: Kasbah des Oudayas, Hassan Tower. See the Casablanca → Rabat transfer or the Rabat day trip.
- El Jadida (1 h 15) — the UNESCO Portuguese cistern and ramparts.
- Marrakech (2 h 30) — the Red City; many guests transfer on via our Casablanca → Marrakech transfer.
- Chefchaouen (the Blue City) — a longer day or overnight; see the Chefchaouen day trip.
Getting around Casablanca & from the airport
The sights are spread out, summers are hot, and taxis can mean meter haggling. The easy option is a private chauffeur: arrive at Mohammed V (CMN) and you're at your hotel in 35–45 minutes for a fixed, all-inclusive fare — see the published grid on our Casablanca airport transfer page. For sightseeing, a half- or full-day city tour covers everything above at your own pace. Browse all Morocco tours & excursions for more.
Practical tips
- How long: 1 day for the highlights, 2 days for a relaxed pace plus a day trip.
- Dress code: modest clothing for the mosque tour (shoulders & knees covered).
- Best time: spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) for mild Atlantic weather.
- Money: carry some dirham for the medina & market; cards work in malls and hotels.
Frequently asked questions
Is Casablanca worth visiting?
Yes — for the Hassan II Mosque alone, plus the Corniche, Habous quarter and Art-Déco downtown. One full day suits most travellers, and it's where nearly every flight lands (CMN).
How many days do you need in Casablanca?
One day covers the main sights comfortably. Two days lets you add a relaxed Corniche evening, Morocco Mall and a day trip to Rabat or El Jadida.
What is the number-one thing to do in Casablanca?
Tour the Hassan II Mosque — the second-largest in Africa and the only mosque in Morocco that admits non-Muslim visitors on guided tours.
How do I get from Casablanca airport to the city?
A private chauffeur from Mohammed V (CMN) reaches central Casablanca in about 35–45 minutes for a fixed, all-inclusive price — see our Casablanca airport transfer page for the published tariff.