Complete guide to Casablanca for tourists

Complete Guide to Casablanca for Tourists

Casablanca, nicknamed "Casa" by its residents, is Morocco's economic and commercial capital. With over 4 million inhabitants in the city and more than 7 million in the wider metropolitan area, it is the largest metropolis in the Maghreb. Unlike Marrakech or Fez, Casablanca does not have a traditional tourist profile, but it is packed with architectural, gastronomic and cultural treasures that reward a thorough visit. This complete guide helps you plan your stay.

Must-See Monuments

Hassan II Mosque

This is Casablanca's centrepiece. Completed in 1993 under the orders of King Hassan II, it is Africa's largest mosque and the third largest in the world. It can hold 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 in the exterior courtyard. Its 210-metre minaret is visible from across the city. Guided tours for non-Muslims run in the morning, Saturday to Thursday. Book in advance.

The Art Deco District

Casablanca city centre is a genuine museum of Art Deco architecture, a legacy of the French Protectorate period (1912–1956). French architects designed buildings with ornate facades, decorative balconies and ceramic tiling. A walk around Place Mohammed V reveals architectural gems unique in Africa.

The Medina and Habous Quarter

Casablanca's medina, smaller than those of Fez or Marrakech, is a maze of lively lanes with stalls selling spices, fabric and crafts. The Habous quarter (or "New Medina"), built in the 1930s, combines traditional Moroccan architecture with French urban planning.

Neighbourhoods to Explore

• Ain Diab / Corniche: The seafront promenade with restaurants, cafes and beaches
• Maarif: The busy, trendy commercial district with shops and restaurants
• Bourgogne: Smart residential district with pleasant cafes
• Anfa: Villas and luxury residences, quiet atmosphere
• City centre: Colonial architecture, government buildings, shops

Where to Eat in Casablanca

Casablanca has one of Morocco's richest food scenes:

• La Sqala: Traditional Moroccan cuisine in an 18th-century Portuguese fortress
• Paul et Marie: Quality French bakery and patisserie
• Corniche restaurants: Fresh fish and seafood
• Medina street food: Msemen (flatbreads), harira (soup), brochettes
• Avenue des FAR cafes: Local atmosphere, mint tea

Getting Around Casablanca

Casablanca has several transport options:

• Tram: Two lines (T1 and T2) serving the main districts
• Petit taxis: Red metered taxis for in-city journeys
• Bus: Extensive network but complex for tourists
• Private transfer: Recommended for airport links and excursions

Day Trips from Casablanca

From Casablanca, you can easily organise day trips to:

• Rabat (90 km): royal capital and its monuments
• El Jadida (100 km): UNESCO-listed Portuguese fortified city
• Azemmour (80 km): little-known white village on the Oum Er-Rbia river

Casablanca is a city that reveals itself gradually to those who take the time to discover it. With a private transfer from the airport, you begin your exploration in the best possible way.