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Things to Do in Casablanca (2026)
The Hassan II Mosque is Casablanca's crown jewel and one of the largest mosques in the world. Guided tours run daily at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00, except durin… 🕌 Start at the Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque is Casablanca's crown jewel and one of the largest mosques in the world. Guided tours run daily at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00, except during prayer times. Entry costs 130 MAD for adults, and you'll see intricate zellij tilework and the retractable roof. Arrive early to walk the oceanfront esplanade for stunning views of the Atlantic.
🏛️ Explore the Old Medina
Unlike the labyrinthine medinas of Marrakech or Fes, Casablanca's Old Medina is compact and easy to navigate. Wander the narrow streets near Place des Nations Unies for authentic souks selling leather, spices, and textiles. Stop by the Mahkama du Pacha, a former courthouse with ornate Andalusian architecture, though interior access may be limited. It's a great spot for photography without the intense crowds.
🍽️ Eat Like a Local
Head to Rick's Cafe (248 Boulevard Sour Jdid) for a taste of Casablanca's cinematic history, but book weeks ahead for dinner. For authentic street food, try a merguez sandwich from a stall near the Central Market (Marche Central). For a sit-down meal, La Sqala (Boulevard des Almohades) serves traditional Moroccan dishes in a beautiful garden setting, with mains around 120-200 MAD.
🎨 Discover Art Deco Architecture
Casablanca boasts one of the world's finest collections of Art Deco buildings, a legacy of the French colonial period. Take a self-guided walking tour along Boulevard Mohammed V and Avenue Hassan II to see landmarks like the Cinema Rialto and the Wilaya Building. The Abderrahman Slaoui Museum (12 Rue du Parc) offers a curated look at Art Deco objects and paintings, with entry at 50 MAD.
🚋 Getting Around the City
Casablanca's tramway system (Line 1 and Line 2) is efficient and covers major areas like the city center, Ain Diab, and the Hassan II Mosque. A single ticket costs 6 MAD, and you can buy rechargeable cards at stations. Taxis are plentiful but always insist on the meter or agree on a price beforehand. For a scenic ride, take the tram to the beachfront Corniche in Ain Diab.
🌊 Relax at the Corniche
The Corniche is Casablanca's seaside promenade, stretching along the Ain Diab neighborhood. It's perfect for a sunset stroll, with cafes, restaurants, and the occasional street performer. For a swim, head to Lalla Meryem Beach (free public access) or pay 50-100 MAD for a private beach club like Tahiti Beach Club. The area comes alive at night with shisha lounges and live music.
🛍️ Shop at Morocco Mall
Morocco Mall, located on the Corniche (Route de l'Oasis), is one of Africa's largest shopping centers. Beyond international brands, it features an indoor aquarium, an ice skating rink, and a food court with local and global options. It's open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, with extended hours on weekends. For a more local experience, visit the Central Market for fresh seafood and produce.
🌃 Experience Nightlife in Gauthier
The Gauthier neighborhood is Casablanca's nightlife hub, with a mix of chic bars and lounges. Try Le Petit Rocher (13 Rue El Bouhtouri) for craft cocktails in a cozy setting, or Sky 28 at the Kenzi Tower Hotel for panoramic city views. Most venues open around 18:00 and stay lively until late, with a dress code that leans smart-casual. Cover charges are rare, but drinks cost 80-150 MAD.
One thing the guide doesn't mention is the Jewish heritage in Casablanca. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism at 81 Rue Chasseur Jules Gros is the only museum of its kind in the Arab world, and it's a fascinating look at a community that's been here for centuries. It's about 40 MAD to get in and takes an hour or two to go through, with beautiful ceremonial objects and old photos of the mellah.
On the food front, if you want something a bit lighter than the heavy tagines, look for a place selling bissara. It's a fava bean soup with olive oil and cumin, usually served for breakfast at stalls near the Central Market for around 5 MAD. It's the best hangover cure in the city and locals swear by it.
Also worth adding that the tram can get absurdly crowded during rush hour, around 8:00 to 9:00 and 17:00 to 19:00. If you're trying to get from the mosque to the city center during those times, you're better off walking or grabbing a petit taxi for about 20 MAD.
the art deco walk is honestly underrated, but if you're into it don't miss the interior of the Cinema Rialto when it's open for a screening. tickets are like 40 MAD and you get to see the original 1930s decor with the balconies and stained glass, way better than just staring at the facade from the street
also a quick note on the corniche, the public beach at lalla meryem gets packed on weekends so go early or just grab a mint tea at one of the cafe terraces instead. the people-watching there is top tier and you don't have to deal with the sand
your guide covers the main spots well, especially mentioning la sqala which is a solid pick for a relaxed dinner
solid guide, covers the big stuff. if you're around the central market for lunch, skip the touristy stalls and find the fish grills tucked in the back. you pick your catch from the ice, they char it right there, and it comes with bread and salad for like 50 MAD. way fresher than any sit-down spot
Where to Stay in Casablanca (2026)
The city center around Place Mohammed V is ideal for first-time visitors who want to be near major landmarks like the Hassan II Mosque and the Old Medina. Hotels here range from… 🏙️ City Center Hub
The city center around Place Mohammed V is ideal for first-time visitors who want to be near major landmarks like the Hassan II Mosque and the Old Medina. Hotels here range from mid-range options like Hotel Astrid (around $80 per night) to upscale stays at the Kenzi Basma. It's a busy area with easy access to trams and taxis, but noise can be a factor.
🌊 Ain Diab Beachfront
Ain Diab is Casablanca's coastal strip, perfect for travelers seeking a resort vibe with ocean views. The area is home to high-end hotels like the Four Seasons Casablanca and the Hyatt Regency, with nightly rates starting at $200. It's quieter than the center, with a long promenade for walks and several beach clubs.
🎭 Gauthier Nightlife Zone
Gauthier is the epicenter of Casablanca's nightlife, packed with bars, clubs, and trendy restaurants. Boutique hotels like the Art Deco-style Hotel Gauthier offer rooms from $100 per night. This area suits solo travelers and groups looking to party, but it can be loud late into the night.
☕ Maarif for Families
Maarif is a residential neighborhood with wide streets, parks, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Mid-range hotels like the Ibis Casablanca City Center (around $60 per night) are common, and there are plenty of cafes and playgrounds. It's well-connected by tram and close to the Morocco Mall for shopping.
💻 Digital Nomad Spots
Digital nomads should consider the Racine district, which has co-working spaces like Coworking Casablanca and reliable Wi-Fi in cafes. Budget-friendly apartments on Airbnb cost $40-$70 per night, and the area is safe for walking. The nearby Boulevard d'Anfa has fast internet and a mix of local and international eateries.
💰 Budget-Friendly Options
For budget travelers, the Old Medina offers hostels like the Casablanca Hostel (dorm beds from $15) and cheap guesthouses. The area is chaotic but authentic, with street food and markets. Be cautious with valuables and negotiate taxi fares upfront, as prices can vary.
🚋 Getting Around Tips
Casablanca's tramway network is efficient and covers key areas like the city center, Maarif, and Ain Diab. A single ride costs 6 MAD (about $0.60). Taxis are plentiful but use the meter or agree on a price before starting. Renting a car is not recommended due to traffic and parking challenges.
🌙 Best Evening Spots
For a relaxed evening, head to the Corniche in Ain Diab for sunset drinks at Le Cabestan or the Sky 28 bar at the Kenzi Tower. In Gauthier, the Rick's Cafe (inspired by the film) offers live music and a classy dinner. Most areas are safe after dark, but stick to well-lit streets.
this is a solid breakdown, covers the main spots well. one thing i'd add is that derb ghallef is worth a wander if you're into electronics or just want to see the chaotic souk vibe, it's near the city center and feels more local than the old medina. also, for the maârif suggestion, the tram stop at la gironde is super handy for grabbing a quick ride to the beach or the mall, and there's a great hole-in-the-wall place called patisserie bennis for cheap pastries and mint tea that families love
The guide nails the main areas, but I'd flag that the Hassan II Mosque really deserves its own timing strategy. Go just before sunset and hang around for the call to prayer echoing off the water, it's the most memorable thing in the city. Also, for the Ain Diab beachfront suggestion, skip the hotel restaurants and walk five minutes inland to La Bodega for a really good Spanish-Moroccan fusion meal, the grilled sardines there are better than anything on the Corniche and it's half the price.
honestly this is a really good guide, covers the main zones well. i'd say for first-timers who want that city center hub vibe but with a bit less noise, the area around boulevard de paris is a nice sweet spot - you're a 5 min walk from place mohammed v but the streets are wider and you get better cafes like cafe la cigale which has been there since the 1950s. also worth noting that the old medina hostels can be hit or miss with cleanliness, i've had friends who loved them and others who left after one night, so read recent reviews carefully. one thing i'd add is that the tram is honestly your best bet for getting around, it's cheap and reliable, but watch out for pickpockets during rush hour on the line between the city center and ain diab.