Away With The Steiners

8 Cool and cultured things to do in Casablanca, Morocco.

Sarah Steiner

Casablanca in Morocco is often overlooked as a tourist destination as travellers bypass Morocco’s largest city and head on to Marrakech, Fes or Chefchaouen.  However, there are some great things to do in Casablanca that make it well worth a stop.

About Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and the economic and business centre of the country.  It isn’t a secret that Casablanca doesn’t have quite the same medieval charm of the imperial Moroccan cities.  

Casa (as locals call it) isn’t too touristy.  So, it is a fair search to question whether there are enough things to do in Casablanca to make it worth a stop. But it is the most cosmopolitan and Western-feeling city in Morocco.  

I would describe Casablanca as one of the misunderstood cities of Morocco.  The modern side of the city’s appearance means it is often bypassed by travellers as it seemingly lacks the romantic and historic allure of the Morocco we imagine.   

But it is a fascinating and busy – and welcoming – city destination. 

It is home to the incredibly beautiful Hassan II Mosque that sits jutted out over the Atlantic coast.  And it does have a bustling and lively old(ish) Medina in the heart of the city awaiting to be explored.

A welcome introduction at the iconic Hassan II Mosque.

History of Casablanca 

Morocco is a country with a tremendously rich history.  Many of the imperial cities of Morocco are treasures of time past.  Though Casablanca differs as one whose past is more recent than other cities in the country.  Much of the city’s growth is linked to the 19th and 20th centuries.

However, Casablanca was founded in the 10th century by the Amazigh (Berber) people who called it Anfa.  It served as a small but strategic port and trading centre as Anfa for centuries.

In modern times the town was occupied by the French in 1907 and became the chief port of Morocco.  

As a major port and the capital of French-administered Morocco, the city attracted European professionals, merchants and settlers to settle in Casablanca.

How long do you need for the things to do in Casablanca? 

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city.  But with one or two days, there’s time to cover the highlights and make the most of the beautiful Atlantic coast.  

If you are short on time with your Moroccan itinerary, most of the things to do in Casablanca listed below can be seen in one day. 

Entrance to the old Medina and welcome to Casablanca, Morocco by the way.

What is the best time of year to visit Casablanca, Morocco? 

The best time to visit Casablanca is in the shoulder seasons of the weather and of tourism elsewhere in Morocco from March to May or September to November.  This time of year is beautifully warm and sunny but without being too hot during the day.  

The winter in Morocco is typically December to February.  Although the daytime temperature can still be lovely at this time of year, the days are much shorter.  (Sometimes the sunrise is not until nearly 8:00am during winter in Morocco!). 

Is Casablanca safe? 

Casablanca is considered safe for travellers.  It is the country’s largest city so the same precautions can be taken as for any large city in the world.  

Keep an eye out in crowds.  And it is worth noting to also take care using your phone map while walking as there have been known to be motorbike mobile theft.

As the economic capital of Morocco, many companies have their headquarters in Casablanca.  So, the security and police presence is greater here than in any other Moroccan cities.

Casablanca has a great large city vibe.  I’d say the most frustrating and concerning thing about driving in Casablanca is the far-too-close for comfort traffic! 

Friendly – and a little fishy – in the old Medina of Casablanca.

Things to do in Casablanca

In no particular order, here are 8 things to do in Casablanca that we reckon make it absolutely worth a stop! 

1. Hassan II Mosque – Things to do in Casablanca 

Contrary to the other imperial cities of Morocco like Marrakech and Fes, Casablanca is unashamedly devoid of comparable historic sites.  But by far the most recognisable and most famous of things to do in Casablanca is to visit the Hassan II Mosque. 

This is one of the only mosques in Morocco that is open to non-Muslims to visit. 

The mosque was opened in 1993 as both a place of worship and to showcase the finest Moroccan artisanship to the world. 

If you haven’t yet visited a mosque, taking a tour at Hassan II Mosque is the ultimate way to learn more about the history and Islamic culture of Morocco. 

A winter afternoon following prayer time at Hassan II Mosque.

2. Place Mohammed V / Mohammed V Square 

Place Mohammed V is a public square located in central Casablanca.  

It is perpetually busy with the overflowing bustle of the city and local kids playing football and chasing the pigeons.  But more so it is an iconic central public space in Casablanca surrounded with striking public buildings, such as the Wilaya and its clock tower and the Courts of Justice.

The square was designed at the beginning of the 20th century to become the heart of the ‘European City’ envisaged by the French Protectorate.  

The surrounding buildings are a blend of tradition and modernity.  Albeit without the tourist flocks of the main squares in Marrakech or Fes. 

Young boys in Place Mohammed V enjoying a game of football.

3. Casablanca Old Medina

Unlike the souks in Marrakech and Fes that primarily cater to tourists, the relatively newer medina of Casablanca doesn’t have quite the same medieval charm.  But the same hustle and bustle of the compact Casablanca medina is there and makes it well worth a wander.  

The shops in the Old Medina of Casablanca sell anything and everything for locals and tourists alike.  It is essentially a large bazaar right in the heart of the city. Craftsmen and merchants offer clothing and leather goods, shoes, linen, spices, and antiques, among many other things.  

There are narrow lanes leading off to residential areas and the iconic tangle of pedestrian streets akin to the more historic Morocco cities. 

We found a small tea shop (of many) and joined locals for a lowkey but delicious Moroccan mint tea. 

Mid-medina wanderings and the perfect spot for a sweet Moroccan mint tea.
The narrow pedestrian lanes of the Medina are wonderful to explore and wander.

4. Casablanca Central Market / Marche Centrale

If you have been following some of our eight months of travel in Morocco (or world wanderings over the last six years!) you will know how much we love a good market. 

The Central Market in Casablanca is a great experience as a visitor.  It somehow combines a genuinely local atmosphere coupled with the opportunity for a glimpse of tradition in Morocco’s largest city. 

The market was completed in 1917 while the city was expanded with desires to match European urban design.  Though somehow it still has a gloriously North African and culturally Moroccan feel (no offense to the European designers intended!).  

In the octagonal centre cupola, there is a seafood market with different kinds of fresh seafood, fish and shellfish. Otherwise take a wander and admire the architecture and assortment of fruits, vegetables and everything else. 

Friendly vendors and bananas galore not far from the Central Market.

5. Hassan II Mosque Hammam – Things to do in Casablanca

Not only is Casablanca famous for the incredible Hassan II Mosque.  But within the famous mosque is also the most luxurious hammam in Morocco.  

If you haven’t yet tried a Moroccan hammam during your travels in Morocco, then planning the experience at the Hassan II Mosque is a great addition to your itinerary.  

We’ve tried Moroccan hammams literally all over the country.   (We made it a weekly part of our eight months of travel in Morocco!).  Though I would describe the Hassan II Mosque Hammam as the Rolls Royce of Moroccan hammams! 

It is a fantastic experience and hands down one of the best things to do in Casablanca.  

The amazing interior of Hassan II Mosque.

6. Casablanca Corniche

Many of the Moroccan Atlantic cities have a corniche running along the coast.  The corniche in Casablanca is a huge seafront promenade with spectacular views along its entire length.  

You can start from the Hassan II Mosque end and walk all the way along the corniche towards the huge Morocco Mall. 

It’s a great way to finish a day of exploring and join locals strolling by the Atlantic coast as the sun sets.  You’ll see local kids playing football on the beach and likely be offered a horse ride (for a cost of course).  

It is a beautiful way to finish the day. 

Trees, sea breeze and so much space along La Corniche.

7. Habous Quarter (New Town)

The Quartier Habous of Casablanca or Nouvelle Medina (New Medina) was developed during the French Protectorate in the 1920s and 1930s.  It was built by the French to solve a housing crisis as the population outgrew the old medina.  Its purpose was to house many traders and their families from other parts of Morocco that brough business to the growing city of Casablanca. 

Today it is one of Casablancas most picturesque quarters.  Albeit it is not like the historic quarters of Fes or Marrakech.  But rather this part of Casablanca is a charming mix of Moroccan and European architectural styles.  

There are tourist-centric souks, tea shops, cafes and restaurants amongst tree-lined squares and neat alleyways.  It is another great place in Casablanca for a wander (and a recommended coffee stop at Patisserie Bennis!). 

Friendly vendors somewhere in the Habous Quartier.
A baker making Chebakiyya in the new city.

8. Morocco Mall – Things to do in Casablanca

Albeit shopping malls aren’t normally something we’d add to a city itinerary in Morocco.  But the Morocco Mall in Casablanca is the largest shopping mall in Africa!  That is a pretty epic claim to fame for the entire continent, right? 

The mall has over 590000m² of floor space with a giant multistorey aquarium right in the centre of the complex.  It is like any big shopping centre in Morocco filled with high end brands like Rolex, Fendi, Dior and Emporio Armani.  Plus, a mix of general brands and franchise chain fashion and homeware stores.  

There is a large supermarket and plenty of parking.  Or try the food court and cafes inside. 

The verdict? 

Casablanca is a big city with an unlikely modern atmosphere in otherwise traditional Morocco. 

But if you take the time to discover it there are plenty of great things to do in Casablanca that make it well worth a visit.

Other things to do in Casablanca

There are plenty of other historic, cultural and food-things to do in Casablanca if you have more time. 

Or continue onwards towards Marrakech or in the other direction to Mohammedia and Rabat. 

Friendly vendors in the Medina.

Other things to do in Casablanca with kids 

Being a modern city there are a few fun parks and amusement activities and things to do in Casablanca with kids.  

Though I’m pretty sure our boys would rate the public parks and squares surrounding the Hassan II Mosque and corniche area filled with families as the top attraction for kids! 

It is a fabulously metropolitan city with lots to do for kids.

Getting around in Casablanca

Most of the things to do in Casablanca are centered around the old city, corniche and medina.  It is relatively easy to walk and explore these areas on foot. 

Casablanca has two options for taxis.  Grand Taxis are for longer trips and Petit Taxis are for getting around the inner city.  

The Petit Taxis are generally red in Casablanca and the cars are very small. You can hail a Petit Taxi from anywhere but note they can only take three passengers.  (This makes it seriously tricky trying to get a taxi in the city as a family of four!). 

If you do have two children a Petit Taxi may take; though don’t be offended if they don’t.  They know it is commonplace to be pulled over by the police and fined if carrying more than the legal number. 

Otherwise, there are public buses and a tramway in the city.  

It is a very easy city to get around in by taxi (bar the gridlocked traffic during rush hours).

Getting there by air

The Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) about30 kilometres from the city centre.  Several airlines operate domestic flights and international flights connecting Casablanca with Europe, Middle East and North America. 

From the airport you can easily take a taxi or a private transfer in Casa.  It takes around 45 minutes and should cost you approximately 250 MAD (25 EUR). 

Getting there by road

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and is easily accessible by road.  There are regular buses connecting Casablanca with Tangier, Rabat, Marrakesh and other cities. 

If you are exploring Morocco by rental car, it is easy to find guarded and paid parking in Casablanca. The road from Tangier south along the coast is a pleasant drive. 

Somewhere on the beautiful Atlantic coast drive south from Casa towards El Jadida and Oulidia.

Getting there by train 

It is convenient to get the train between Casablanca and Marrakech, Rabat or Tangier. 

You can look online on the ONCF website for the timetable of the trains going between the cities. 

Where to eat / Cafes and restaurants in Casablanca

Casablanca is known for being Morocco’s largest city.  In terms of cuisine, it is a justly melting pot of cultures serving a range of traditional Moroccan to Arab food, Spanish and French flavours. 

We seem to gravitate to the smaller eateries and enjoy the street food and pastries in the medina area.  But there are many great caffes and restaurants to try in Casablanca too. 

Lined up for M’smen and pastries on our way into the old Medina of Casablanca.

Where to stay in Casablanca 

There is a good choice and range of accommodation in Casablanca from backpacking hostels to affordable traditional Riads and luxury hotels. 

Staying in this area close to the medina and mosque is a great location to explore the city from. 

Motorhome parking in Casablanca

There is a large overnight motorhome parking near Morocco Mall in Casablanca. 

Or the best daytime parking in walking distance to the other things to do in Casablanca is in guarded parking outside the Hassan II Mosque.

Boulevard de l’Ocean Atlantique

About: Mixed parking on a flat gravelled carpark monitored day and night.  Basic toilets and small kiosk shop open sporadically in the evenings.  There is the possibility (sometimes) of discharging grey and black water and refilling fresh water.  

We have stayed here many times in Casablanca.  It is a safe and ideal parking lot close to Morocco Mall and the Corniche and to visit the Hassan II Mosque. 

Boulevard Moulay Youssef by Hassan II Mosque

About: Basic guarded parking but friendly guardians and a safe spot to stay overnight and visit Hassan II Mosque.  Close to the beautiful corniche and in walking distance to the medina.  

Parking right outside the Hassan II Mosque.

More about planning for travel in Morocco and beyond

These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel. 

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