Complete tourist guide to Casablanca

Complete Tourist Guide to Casablanca

Casablanca — nicknamed "Casa" by its residents — is Morocco's largest city and its economic capital. With over 4 million inhabitants, it is a dynamic metropolis blending French colonial architecture, contemporary modernity and authentic Moroccan life. Contrary to popular belief, Casablanca is a fully-fledged tourist destination, with many monuments, neighbourhoods and gastronomic experiences to discover.

Must-See Monuments

Hassan II Mosque

Completed in 1993, Hassan II Mosque is Casablanca's most iconic monument and one of the world's largest mosques. Built partly over the Atlantic, with a 210-metre minaret and capacity for 25,000 worshippers, it is a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship. Guided tours for non-Muslims are organised every morning Saturday to Thursday.

The Art Deco District

Casablanca city centre is an open-air architecture museum. French architects of the Protectorate gave the city magnificent Art Deco buildings in the 1920s–1940s. Place Mohammed V, Avenue des FAR and adjacent streets are lined with ornate facades, decorated balconies and unique mosaics.

The Medina and Habous Quarter

Casablanca's medina, smaller than those of Fez and Marrakech, is a lively maze of spices, fabrics and crafts. The Habous quarter (New Medina), built in the 1930s, features remarkably well-preserved traditional architecture.

Neighbourhoods to Explore

• Corniche / Ain Diab: The seafront promenade with restaurants, cafes and beach clubs
• Maarif: The trendy district for shopping and gastronomy
• Bourgogne: Smart residential neighbourhood with cafes and good restaurants
• Anfa: Villas, embassies and upmarket restaurants
• Sidi Maarouf: Modern business district with shopping centres

Gastronomy: Where to Eat in Casablanca

• La Sqala: Moroccan cuisine in an 18th-century fortress — an unmissable experience
• Rick's Cafe: Tribute to the film Casablanca, unique atmosphere and international cuisine
• Corniche restaurants: Fresh fish and seafood with Atlantic views
• Traditional cafes: Mint tea, msemen flatbreads and authentic local atmosphere

Day Trips from Casablanca

Casablanca is an excellent base for day trips:

• Rabat (90 km): Royal capital with its historic monuments
• El Jadida (100 km): UNESCO-listed Portuguese fortified city
• Azemmour (80 km): Little-known white village on the Oum Er-Rbia river
• Marrakech (240 km): The ochre city, by private transfer for the day

Getting Around Casablanca

The tram (lines T1 and T2) serves the main districts. Red petit taxis with meters suit short journeys. For airport links and excursions, Welcomorocco offers private transfers with driver, door-to-door, at a fixed price.

Practical Info

• Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD) — 1 EUR ≈ 11 DH
• Language: Arabic and French are the main languages
• Time zone: UTC+1 (Morocco time)
• Best time to visit: April–June and September–November

Casablanca is a city that always surprises those who take the time to discover it. Start your exploration with a private transfer from the airport and let yourself be charmed by Morocco's greatest metropolis.