- Travel Enthusiast
- Apr 19
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
THE 7 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CASABLANCA - MOROCCO
Casablanca might not fit the dreamy Moroccan image you have in mind, but give it a chance, and you’ll see – it’s got a rhythm of its own. Morocco’s biggest city isn’t about medina maze wanderings or desert escapes. Instead, Casablanca is all about contrast: French-colonial facades and bold street art, the call to prayer echoing across business districts, and locals sipping mint tea in Art Deco cafés next to bustling tram lines.
Here are the 7 best things to do in Casablanca, Morocco to make the most of your visit to this one-of-a-kind city.
Want to make your time in the city even easier? We’ve created a step-by-step Casablanca itinerary that covers all the highlights – worth checking out before you go.
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STEP INSIDE THE HASSAN II MOSQUE
You’ll hear about it before you see it – the sound of the Atlantic and the towering minaret calling from nearly every corner of the city. The Hassan II Mosque is not just the most iconic building in Casablanca, but one of the most remarkable religious sites in the world. Built partially over the ocean, it feels like it rises out of the water itself.
It’s one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, and guided tours are available multiple times a day. You’ll walk across intricate marble floors, marvel at carved cedarwood ceilings, and gaze up at a retractable roof that opens to the sky. The craftsmanship is astounding – hand-carved and hand-painted work from artisans across the country.
Tip: Dress modestly (knees and shoulders covered), and wear socks since you’ll need to remove your shoes inside.
WANDER THROUGH QUARTIER HABOUS
Also called the New Medina, Quartier Habous is where Moroccan tradition meets French urban planning. Built in the 1930s, the neighborhood was designed to look and feel like a medina, but with a more organized layout – wide alleys, neat arcades, and tiled archways.
You’ll find everything from calligraphy-covered bookshops and tiny teahouses to spice stalls and artisans selling handcrafted leather goods. It’s a quieter, more manageable place to shop than the medinas of Fes or Marrakech. And it’s home to one of Casablanca’s best olive markets – an explosion of color and aroma that’s worth a stop even if you’re not buying.
Address: Rue Ahmed El Figuigui, Quartier Habous, Casablanca – near the Mahkama du Pacha and south of the Royal Palace.
Tip: Try a fresh almond milk or grab some kaab el ghzal (gazelle horn cookies) from the local bakeries.
ENJOY TRADITIONAL MOROCCAN CUISINE AT LA SQALA
Located inside an old Portuguese fort near the city’s medina walls, La Sqala is one of those places that surprises you. You pass through a stone gate and suddenly find yourself in a courtyard café surrounded by lush greenery, birdsong, and the sound of bubbling fountains.
The menu includes traditional Moroccan fare – tagines, couscous, msemen, and juices – served in a relaxed garden setting. It’s perfect for a slow breakfast, a mint tea stop, or a light lunch between sightseeing. The location is just as special as the food.
Address: Boulevard des Almohades, next to the Sqala bastion.
Tip: Go early in the day for a quieter, more peaceful experience – and don’t skip the homemade pastries.
DINE IN NOSTALGIA AT RICK'S CAFÉ
Even if you haven’t seen the movie Casablanca, stepping into Rick’s Café is like entering a cinematic dream. Created as a tribute to the film, the restaurant-bar recreates the romantic, moody atmosphere of the movie with a touch of elegance: stained-glass windows, carved arches, candlelit tables, and live piano in the evenings.
It’s a mix of Moroccan and international cuisine – think lamb tagine, pastilla, grilled fish – and the service is top-notch. It’s not just a novelty. It’s a well-run, atmospheric place that’s great for a date night or special evening out.
Address: 248 Boulevard Sour Jdid, near the old medina.
Tip: Make a reservation in advance, especially for dinner. Ask for a table by the piano for the full effect.
VISIT THE SACRÉ COEUR CATHEDRAL (CATHÉDRALE DU SACRÉ-CŒUR)
For something a little unexpected in Morocco, head to the Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur, an impressive white structure blending Art Deco and neo-Gothic design. Though no longer used for religious services, the building is a striking reminder of Casablanca’s colonial past and architectural mix. It’s currently used for cultural events and exhibitions, and while the interior is not always open, the façade alone is worth a look.
The real highlight? Climbing to the top of the towers – if they're open during your visit, the view over Casablanca’s cityscape is stunning. Just keep in mind that access isn’t always guaranteed, so it’s a bit of a lucky draw.
Address: Rue d’Alger, near Parc de la Ligue Arabe.
Tip: Pair this stop with a walk through Parc de la Ligue Arabe, just next door. It's especially pleasant in the late afternoon.
TAKE A BREAK AT LA CORNICHE
Sometimes, the best way to get a feel for a city is to walk along the sea – and La Corniche is made for that. This seafront stretch along the Atlantic offers everything from luxury hotels and beach clubs to quiet coastal viewpoints where locals gather at sunset.
It’s the ideal place to take a breather from the city buzz. Walk west from the El Hank Lighthouse toward Ain Diab Beach, and you’ll pass scenic spots, open-air cafés, and beachside restaurants. On warm days, you’ll see joggers, families, and locals enjoying the sea breeze.
Address: Just west of the Hassan II Mosque – take a short taxi or tram ride.
Tip: Sunset is the best time to go – consider staying for dinner or mint tea at a seaside terrace.
GET A TASTE OF THE ART DECO DOWNTOWN
Casablanca’s downtown core isn’t filled with ancient ruins or ornate palaces – but it is an open-air museum of Art Deco architecture. The city was a blank canvas for French architects during the Protectorate era, and they left behind bold, beautiful buildings you won’t find anywhere else in Morocco.
Walk down Boulevard Mohammed V, and you’ll spot rounded balconies, ironwork railings, and pastel-hued facades — all hallmarks of Casablanca’s Art Deco charm. Look out for Cinema Rialto, still operating since the 1930s, and old bank buildings with high arches and mosaic details.
Tip: Stop for coffee at one of the classic cafés (like Café de France or the old-school Lincoln Café) and people-watch like a local.
START YOUR ADVENTURE
These 7 best things to do in Casablanca, Morocco offer a great introduction to a city that often surprises those who take the time to explore it. From the breathtaking beauty of the Hassan II Mosque to the peaceful corners of the Habous Quarter and the cinematic charm of Rick’s Café, Casablanca blends tradition and modern life in unexpected ways. Let this guide help you experience the city’s unique rhythm and make the most of your visit to Morocco’s vibrant economic capital.
