Things To Do In Casablanca | Morocco’s Cosmopolitan Soul

This post covers the top things to see and do in Casablanca, Morroco’s cosmopolitan soul. A city that provides a different perspective on Morocco than its more popular, more exotic, sister cities of Marrakesh and Fez. Casablanca, Morroco’s economic and business center, offers a more authentic insight into modern Moroccan life. It’s full of beautiful and diverse architecture, global cuisine, and fewer tourists. A place to learn about its history while experiencing present day life.

Casablanca’s highlight is stunning Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, built partly over the sea and detailed by 6,000 artisans. It even has a retractable roof, opening to the sky for worshipers! But there’s also the Old Medina, which showcases everyday Moroccan life, much as it was prior to French rule. The New Medina, or Quartier Habous, another top site, built during French rule, showcases its French architectural flair.

And, of course, there’s the nostalgia of the movie Casablanca, featuring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart, which was filmed when this city was a French protectorate. Rick’s Cafe, located near the Old Medina, celebrates this nostalgia, a great place to stop and soak up the atmosphere of the movie.

Brief History Of Casablanca

With its strategic port location, Casablanca has been desired by, and ruled by, many, including the Berbers, Romans, Arabs, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. Each leaving impressions on its culture. In fact the Portuguese called this Casa Branca, which means “White House”. This later became Casablanca when the Spanish took over.

Casablanca finally regained its independence in the mid-1900’s. Today, it’s the largest city in Morocco and a global financial center.

Top Things To Do In Casablanca

Hassan II Mosque

A visit to this spectacular mosque, commissioned by King Hassan II in the 1980’s, is the top thing to do in Casablanca. It’s the largest mosque in Morocco, and 7th largest in the world. It’s also one of the few Mosques that opens its doors for non-Muslims.

Its seaside location makes its grand architecture and artistic details even more dazzling. Built on a promontory, worshippers can pray directly over the sea. My guide explained that this was done as the Quran states God’s throne is on the water.

It’s also very modern, with a retractable roof that opens up to the sky during service (below left), massive titanium doors that slide open (below right), and lasers at the top of its minaret pointing to Mecca. The roof and doors only open during service, but it must be a spectacular sight!

And as if that isn’t impressive enough, 6,000 artisans spent 5 years on the design details, including the impressive zellige tiles located throughout the Mosque!

Tours: Tours are offered in several languages, including English, so check the tour times for your language preference in advance. Purchase tickets at the Musee de la Mosque Hassan II, the museum near the mosque.

The tour lasts around an hour, but expect to spend another hour exploring the mosque’s exterior on your own.

The museum where you buy the tickets is small, but also interesting, so I recommend arriving a few minutes early to explore this as well.

Dress Code: Dress requirements for women means covering shoulders and legs with loose fitting clothing. Long Pants and a nice shirt for men. You also need to remove your shoes. I was given a small plastic bag to carry mine during the tour.

Location: Hassan II Mosque is located on Boulevard de la Corniche, it’s about a 20-minute walk northwest of the Old Medina.

La Corniche

La Corniche, near the Mosque, is a beachside promenade with a strip of modern high rise dwellings, restaurants, and nightclubs on the Atlantic Coast. It covers several kilometers from near Hassan II Mosque to near the Moroccan Mall.

Once the most glamorous part of the city, it’s still popular with a fashionable crowd of sunbathers and surfers. You’ll find a variety of cocktail lounges, restaurants, and cafes, from casual to fine French dining. Many with premiere spots overlooking the sea.

It’s located on the coast just east of Hassan II Mosque.

Old Medina

The ancient walled city near the port, the Old Medina, is another must-visit in Casablanca. It may not have the same medieval magic as the medinas of Marrakesh or Fez, as it’s not as old, but it’s a great place to see Moroccan life, mostly untouched by tourism. An interesting glimpse into what life was like here before French rule (which was established in 1912).

Originally built in the 15th century, the Old Medina was destroyed by the same earthquake that destroyed Lisbon in 1755. The Portuguese abandoned Casabalanca shortly thereafter and the median was rebuilt by Morocco with assistance from the Spaniards.

Today, much of its center is a bazaar with handcrafted goods. You can barter with locals for leather crafts, spices, local foods, linens, and more.

As you walk, you’ll see Ettedgui Synagogue, el-Hamra Mosque, San Buenaventura church, shrines, local businesses, and many cafes. Yet it’s also home to many, the type of place where you can see locals doing ordinary things, like picking their children up from school or attending services.

How To Get To The Old Medina

The Old Medina is located across from the Port.

Rick’s Cafe

Set against the walls of the Old Medina is Rick’s Cafe, another one of the top things to do in Casablanca. The cafe was built by Kathy Kriger, a former American diplomat that wanted to create the bar from the famous movie Casablanca.

It took a year to modify an old riad into the gin-joint of the movie, complete with a grand piano which is played regularly.

How To Get To Rick’s Cafe

Located at 248 Boulevard Sour Jdid Place du Jardin, Rick’s Cafe is at the northeastern corner of the Medina.

La SQALA, Cafe Maure

Near the Old Medina you’ll see the remains of an old fort bastion from the 18th century overlooking the ocean.

Tucked inside is Cafe Maure, serving magnificent Moroccan food in a great atmosphere. A lovely place with brightly colored furniture, and delicious food served on colorful Moroccan plates. You can dine in the beautiful garden, al fresco, or sit inside. After dinner, spend a little time exploring the old fort.

How To Get To La Sqala

Located on Boulevard des Almohades, La Sqala is just a few minutes walk south of Rick’s Cafe.

Quartier Habous

The Habous Quarter, or New Medina, built during the period of the French Protectorate in the 1930’s, is another top attraction in Casablanca.

The goal was to create a modernized Medina, mixing Moroccan design with a French flair. The architectural style of Quartier Habous is Art Deco. The results are still charming today, making it a must-visit to wander its streets.

Mahkamat al-Pasha

Mahkamat al-Pasha, the courthouse built by French architect August Cadet in the 1940’s, is also located in Quartier Habous (Mahkama du Pacha in French). This elegant, moorish-style building has served as a courthouse, a jail, and the residence of the governor. As this building is usually in use, you cannot enter.

Royal Palace of Casablanca

One of the King’s four Royal Palaces is also in the Quartier Habous (the others are in Fez, Marrakech, and Rabat), although it is not open to the public. You can take pictures of the palace, but not of the guards.

Dar El Ala

If you’re into music, visit Dar El Ala, the Museum of Moroccan Andalusian music, located a 5-minute walk from the courthouse.

Habous Markets

South of the Palace and Mahkamat al-Pasha, you’ll find the Habous Market. It’s not as elaborate as the souks of Marrakech or Fez, but you’re welcome to look without any pressure, which is extremely refreshing. The architecture is also fascinating.

And while you’re in the market of Quartier Habous, make sure to visit the glorious Olive Market!

Find time to explore the charm some of the smaller side streets of Quartier Habous too. I adored walking around and admiring the architecture and local life. There are also many restaurants in the area, so it’s a great spot to spend and afternoon, including lunch.

How To Get To Quartier Habous

The Habous quarter is a 30-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride south of the Port.

Cathédrale Sacre Couer

The beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral, Sacre Couer, or Sacred Heart, built Art Deco style by architect Paul Tournon in the 1930’s, is one of the largest Catholic Churches in Morocco.

It never was technically a cathedral, as it was never a seat of a bishop. Religious functions here stopped after Morroco’s independence from France. It now functions as cultural center, often hosting art exhibits.

How To Get Cathédrale Sacre Couer

Located at Angle rue d’Alger et Boulevard Rachdi, it’s a 20-minute walk or 2-minute taxi ride from the Port.

How To Get To Casablanca

Flying Into Casablanca

The airport in Casablanca is Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), named after the late Sultan Mohammed V of Morocco. It’s located about 18 miles (30 km) southeast of the city.

The least expensive way to get to the Casablanca port area from the airport is by train to the Casa-Port Station, which is close to the port, less than a mile from the Medina and Rick’s Cafe. The ride is about 45-minutes.

A taxi is the fastest and easiest way to get to Casablanca from the the airport, but will cost more. The ride is about 40-minutes. Uber does not operate in Morocco, but the ride sharing app Careem does operate in Casablanca.

Arriving From Marrakech

If arriving from Marrakech, the best options are to fly into CMN (above) or take the ONCF train. Flights are around 1 hour and the train ride is about 2 1/2 hours. There are usually several of each daily. The train from Marrakech arrives at Casa-Port Railway Station.

Self-driving is also an option. Self-driving is relatively safe, but traffic in the big cities can be very congested. Moroccans also love to honk, a lot, so if you do drive, don’t let that frazzle you. Sometimes it’s just a hello, sometimes it’s a warning they are passing. In Morroco, they drive on the right hand side of the road. An International Driving Permit is not required, but always a good idea.

Safety In Casablanca

In general, Casablanca is a safe city to visit, but you always need to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Don’t carry too much cash. Bring only what you need for that specific trip. Warnings are posted online on walking the Medina area alone at night, so avoid that.

I personally felt safe walking solo. Although stuck to main streets walking home from dinner in the early evening (and my hotel was in the Old Medina).

Dress Code For Casablanca

Morocco is a Muslim country, with conservative dress codes. As a visitor, it’s important to respect these dress codes. It’s best to dress modestly, covering arms and legs with loose fitting clothing. Crop tops, strapless tank tops, and short shorts are not appropriate. Even for men, shorts are not considered appropriate.

Where Did I Stay?

I stayed near the Port, inside the ancient walls of the Old Medina, in a charming, but affordable, old hotel called Hôtel Central. It is the perfect location, a short distance from Hassan II Mosque, the Old Medina, and the train station. The hotel is built French colonial style, while the rooms are designed with a Moroccan flair.

The rooftop terrace has a panoramic view of the port, while the front door opens to a courtyard full of locals going about their lives, along with the many cats that live here. A fascinating look at life in Casablanca.

Want More of Morocco?

Morroco is a fascinating place and there’s much to explore, with each city offering a different facet into its colorful kaleidoscope.

Marrakesh is the most popular tourist destination. With its chaotic, but cultural Jmaa-el Fnaa Square, intriguing souks, and beautiful ancient palaces and madrasas, it can’t be missed.

Fez offers a completely unique cultural experience as walking into its ancient walls is like walking back into the Middle Ages. It’s also full of ancient treasures with the world’s oldest university, several stunning madrasas, and of course it’s souks.

If you’re looking for something more relaxing, the beaches in Essaouira are a popular spot. Or if you’re into surfing, the uber charming town of Taghazout is world-renowned for its waves and also has great yoga.

To learn more about visiting these cities, as well as information on how to get around, logistics, scams, safety, and more, see my Travel Guide to Morocco.