Discovering...
Self-Guided Tour
Casablanca Self-Guided Walking Tour
Hassan II Mosque, Art Deco treasures, the old medina, and the Atlantic Corniche — discover Morocco's largest city on foot.
5–7 hours ~8 km walking + taxis ~435 MAD ($44) total
The Route: 10 Stops
1
Hassan II Mosque
9:00 AM · 1.5 hours Start here (taxi from centre) 130 MAD ($13)
The third-largest mosque in the world, built on a promontory over the Atlantic Ocean. The minaret is 210 metres tall — the tallest religious structure on Earth. The interior holds 25,000 worshippers and features a retractable roof, laser beams pointing toward Mecca, heated floors, and stunning zellige, carved plaster, and cedar woodwork. One of the only mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims.
Third-largest mosque in the world210m minaret — tallest religious structure on EarthRetractable roof over the prayer hallBuilt over the Atlantic Ocean
Tip: Book the 9 AM tour to beat crowds. Dress modestly (women: cover shoulders and knees). The exterior esplanade is free to visit — the paid tour gets you inside. Remove shoes before entering.
2
Mosque Esplanade & Ocean Views
10:30 AM · 20 min Outside the mosque Free
After the tour, walk around the massive esplanade. The mosque sits on the ocean — waves crash against the rocks below. The scale is astonishing: the esplanade alone holds 80,000 people. Walk to the edge for views down the coast and back at the minaret rising above the Atlantic.
Waves crashing beneath the mosqueEsplanade holds 80,000 peopleDramatic ocean setting
Tip: The best photo of the mosque is from the southwest corner of the esplanade, where you can capture the minaret with the ocean in the foreground.
3
Old Medina
10:50 AM · 30 min 15 min walk Free
Casablanca's old medina is small and unassuming compared to Fes or Marrakech, but it has a gritty charm. The walled quarter dates to the 18th century and is home to markets, mosques, and everyday Casablanca life. It is surrounded by the modern city, creating an interesting contrast.
18th-century walled quarterLocal markets and everyday lifeContrast with modern cityLess touristy than other medinas
Tip: This medina is not a major attraction — spend 20-30 minutes walking through rather than hours exploring. The charm is in seeing ordinary Casablanca life.
4
Place Mohammed V
11:20 AM · 20 min 10 min walk Free
The grand civic square surrounded by some of Casablanca's finest Art Deco and Mauresque buildings — the Wilaya (prefecture), the Palais de Justice, and the French Consulate. The square represents Casablanca's colonial-era ambition: a modern Arab city blending French urban planning with Islamic architectural motifs.
Grand civic squareArt Deco and Mauresque architecturePalais de JusticeFrench colonial urban planning
Tip: Look up — the details are in the upper stories. The mix of Islamic geometric patterns with Art Deco streamlining is unique to Casablanca.
5
Art Deco Walking District
11:40 AM · 30 min 5 min walk Free
Casablanca has one of the world's greatest collections of Art Deco architecture — built during the French protectorate (1912–1956). Walk along Boulevard Mohammed V and the surrounding streets to see buildings that rival Miami and Buenos Aires. Look for the Cinema Rialto, Hôtel Lincoln, and the former Marché Central area.
World-class Art Deco collectionBoulevard Mohammed VCinema RialtoMauresque-Deco hybrid style unique to Casablanca
Tip: Pick up a map from the tourist office or search for "Casablanca Art Deco walking tour" — there are 500+ Art Deco buildings, and the best are easy to miss without knowing where to look.
6
Central Market Area
12:10 PM · 20 min 5 min walk Free
The area around the former Marché Central (now redeveloped) still buzzes with food vendors, flower sellers, and local shops. It is the best spot in Casablanca to see everyday commerce. The surrounding streets have excellent restaurants — this is where Casablancais eat, not where tourists go.
Local food vendors and marketsBest restaurant neighbourhoodEveryday Casablanca atmosphere
Tip: This area has some of Casablanca's best restaurants. La Sqala, in the medina walls nearby, serves excellent Moroccan food in a beautiful garden setting.
7
Lunch at La Sqala
12:30 PM · 1 hour 10 min walk 80–150 MAD ($8–15)
Set in a restored 18th-century fortification with a stunning garden courtyard, La Sqala is Casablanca's most atmospheric restaurant. The menu covers traditional Moroccan classics — pastilla, tagines, couscous — in generous portions. The garden, with its fountain and bougainvillea, is an oasis in the concrete city.
Restored 18th-century fortificationBeautiful garden courtyardBest traditional Moroccan food in Casablanca
Tip: Arrive before 12:30 PM or after 2 PM — it fills up with business lunchers midday. The breakfast here is also legendary (served until 11 AM).
8
Quartier Habous (New Medina)
1:30 PM · 30 min 15 min walk or 15 MAD taxi Free
The Habous quarter is a "new medina" built by the French in the 1930s — traditional Moroccan architecture designed with modern urban planning. The result is charming: narrow lanes, covered markets, and artisan shops, but with wider streets and better light than a real medina. Excellent for souvenir shopping at fair prices.
French-designed "ideal" medinaBest souvenir shopping in CasablancaOlive and spice marketRoyal Palace exterior nearby
Tip: The olive market here is superb — vendors offer dozens of varieties with samples. Prices are fixed and fair, unlike the old medina.
9
Morocco Mall or Ain Diab Corniche
2:00 PM · 1 hour 15 min taxi Free
The coastal Corniche stretches west from the city, lined with beach clubs, restaurants, and the massive Morocco Mall (Africa's second-largest shopping centre, with an aquarium inside). Walk along the seafront promenade for ocean views and modern Casablanca life. The beach clubs are popular in summer.
Ocean-side promenadeBeach clubs and restaurantsMorocco Mall with aquariumModern Casablanca lifestyle
Tip: Skip the mall unless you genuinely want to shop. The Corniche promenade itself is the attraction — walk as far as the lighthouse for the best views back at the city.
10
Rick's Café
7:00 PM · 1 hour Near the old medina Free (drinks 80–150 MAD)
End your day at Rick's Café, inspired by the 1942 film Casablanca (which was actually filmed entirely in Hollywood). Opened in 2004 in a restored riad, it recreates the movie's atmosphere with a pianist, arched doorways, and Art Deco interiors. The food is expensive but the atmosphere is unbeatable for film fans.
Inspired by the 1942 filmLive piano music nightlyArt Deco riad interiorCasablanca's most famous bar
Tip: Reserve for dinner — it fills up every night. If you just want a drink, arrive before 7:30 PM for a seat at the bar. Smart casual dress code.
Budget Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hassan II Mosque tour | 130 MAD |
| Morning coffee | 25 MAD |
| Lunch at La Sqala | 120 MAD |
| Afternoon tea | 20 MAD |
| Taxi (2 rides) | 40 MAD |
| Dinner | 100 MAD |
| Total | ≈ 435 MAD ($44) |
Casablanca vs Other Moroccan Cities
Casablanca is different from every other Moroccan city. It is modern, cosmopolitan, and business-focused. Don't expect the romance of Marrakech or the medieval charm of Fes. Instead, appreciate Casa for what it is: Morocco's economic powerhouse, with world-class architecture, the greatest mosque in Africa, and the best restaurant scene in the country.
Come to Casa for...
- Hassan II Mosque
- Art Deco architecture
- Modern dining scene
- World Cup 2030 matches
Skip Casa if...
- You only want medina magic
- You have limited time
- Desert/mountains are your goal
- You dislike big cities
Combine Casa with...
- Rabat (1h train)
- Marrakech (2.5h train)
- Fes (3.5h train)
- Essaouira (5h bus)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casablanca worth visiting?
Yes, but with realistic expectations. Casablanca is not a picture-postcard medina city — it is Morocco's business capital and largest city. The Hassan II Mosque is genuinely world-class, the Art Deco architecture is remarkable, and the food scene is excellent. Plan 1–2 days, not a full week.
How long do you need in Casablanca?
One full day is enough to see the main sights. Two days lets you explore the Art Deco quarter properly, visit the Corniche, and eat at Casablanca's excellent restaurants. Most visitors use Casablanca as a gateway — arriving at the airport then heading to Marrakech, Fes, or Rabat.
Can you visit Hassan II Mosque inside?
Yes — Hassan II Mosque is one of the only mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Guided tours run at set times (9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, and 2 PM, Saturday–Thursday). Entry is 130 MAD ($13). Tours last about 1 hour. Dress modestly — women should cover shoulders and knees.
Is Casablanca safe?
Yes, generally safe for tourists. Standard city precautions apply — be aware of pickpockets in crowded markets and the old medina. The new town, mosque area, and Corniche are perfectly safe. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. Casablanca feels more like a European city than other Moroccan destinations.