Casablanca Travel Guide
Best neighborhoods, things to do, and when to visit
Casablanca, Morocco
Morocco's business capital pairs white Art Deco facades from the 1930s with the Hassan II Mosque rising above the Atlantic surf. Mornings bring sardines to the Central Market, while evenings fill the seaside Corniche and the cafés of Boulevard Mohammed V.
Art Deco architecture · Seaside corniche · Market browsing
Airport
Mohammed V International Airport, just outside the city to the south
Language
Arabic, with French widely spoken in daily business
Currency
Moroccan dirham (MAD); cards common, cash for small shops
Ideal trip length
Two to three days, longer with coastal day trips
Best time to visit Casablanca
September – November
Average temperature
55-79°F (13-26°C), Warm, sunny early autumn with ocean breezes, turning cooler and wetter by November.
Crowd Level
Moderate
Reason To Visit
Early autumn keeps the Atlantic air mild near 79°F (26°C) with little rain, so long walks along the corniche feel easy. Crowds thin after summer, and concert season fills the evenings.
Fall eventMarathon International de Casablanca
Hassan II Mosque
Things to do
Walk the Ain Diab corniche at sunset, tour the Hassan II Mosque grounds, then browse the Habous quarter for pastries, leather, and books before an evening concert.
Popular events
Spring
Labour Day, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr
Summer
Jazzablanca Festival, Throne Day
Fall
Marathon International de Casablanca, Green March Anniversary, Independence Day
Winter
Independence Manifesto Day, Amazigh New Year
Where to stay in Casablanca
Six Casablanca neighborhoods, from Atlantic seafront to leafy cafe streets and shopping blocks.
Gauthier
Shaded streets with cafes, small galleries, and shops, a short walk from the city center.
Known for
Cafe terraces and galleries near the center
Things to do nearby
Villa des Arts, Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Cathédrale du Sacré Coeur
Nearby neighborhoods
Maarif, Racine, Bourgogne
Ain Diab
A seafront strip on the Corniche where Atlantic views and beach walks set the pace.
Known for
Corniche promenade and Atlantic beaches
Things to do nearby
Hassan II Mosque, Morocco Mall, El Hank Lighthouse
Nearby neighborhoods
ANFA, Oasis, Racine
Maarif
A central district of shop-lined blocks, easy for evening strolls and quick errands.
Known for
Shopping streets and everyday city life
Things to do nearby
Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Twin Center
Nearby neighborhoods
GAUTHIER, Racine, Bourgogne
Racine
A quiet residential pocket of low-rise buildings between the center and the coast.
Known for
Calm streets close to central Casablanca
Things to do nearby
Twin Center, Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Villa des Arts
Nearby neighborhoods
GAUTHIER, Maarif, ANFA
ANFA
Wide avenues and garden villas stretch toward the ocean on the city's western side.
Known for
Villa-lined avenues near the Atlantic
Things to do nearby
Hassan II Mosque, Morocco Mall, Anfa Place
Nearby neighborhoods
Ain Diab, Racine, Maarif
Bourgogne
A settled neighborhood of apartment blocks and corner bakeries north of the center.
Known for
Neighborhood bakeries and residential calm
Things to do nearby
Hassan II Mosque, El Hank Lighthouse, Parc de la Ligue Arabe
Nearby neighborhoods
GAUTHIER, Maarif, ANFA
Must see places in Casablanca
Ocean-facing minarets, art deco landmarks and green squares across Morocco's largest city
Hassan II Mosque
The world's second tallest minaret rises above the Atlantic, with guided tours inside.
Neighborhood
Sidi Belyout
Things to do nearby
El Hank Lighthouse
Time needed
1-2 hours
Mahkama du Pacha
Andalusian and Moorish design meet in ornate courtyards full of carved detail.
Neighborhood
Oulad Abbou
Things to do nearby
Mohammed VI mosque
Time needed
45 minutes
Square Of Mohammed V
Colonial-era facades ring a fountain where cultural events and evening crowds gather.
Neighborhood
Sidi Belyout
Things to do nearby
Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Cinéma Rialto
Time needed
30-45 minutes
Cathédrale du Sacré Coeur
A former neo-gothic and art deco church, now a cultural space lit by stained glass.
Neighborhood
مرس السلطان
Things to do nearby
Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Square Of Mohammed V
Time needed
30-45 minutes
Parc de la Ligue Arabe
Wide walking paths and shade trees make this the city's easiest green pause.
Neighborhood
مرس السلطان
Things to do nearby
Cathédrale du Sacré Coeur, Square Of Mohammed V
Time needed
1 hour
Museum of Moroccan Judaism
Objects and photographs trace the long history of Moroccan Jewish life.
Neighborhood
Oasis
Things to do nearby
Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Mahkama du Pacha
Time needed
1 hour
Eglise Notre Dame de Lourdes
Gabriel Loire's stained glass fills this modernist church with deep color.
Neighborhood
Bourgogne
Things to do nearby
Twin Center, Villa des Arts
Time needed
30 minutes
Villa des Arts
A 1934 art deco villa hosting Moroccan and international contemporary art.
Neighborhood
ANFA
Things to do nearby
Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Twin Center
Time needed
1 hour
Local recommendations by Airbnb hosts in Casablanca
The spots Casablanca hosts send guests to - and the tips they pass along
Hassan II Mosque
- Join a guided tour to admire intricate tilework, wood carvings, and learn about this major spiritual and cultural landmark.
- Plan to visit outside prayer times unless you’re Muslim; guided visiting hours are offered for non-Muslim visitors.
- Arrive about 20 minutes before sunset to hear the call to prayer and watch the mosque lights come on over the ocean.
- Dress modestly, expect to remove shoes during tours, and maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor in this active place of worship.
- Head to the nearby Ain Diab Corniche after your visit to enjoy coastal views and cafés along the oceanfront.
Rick's Café
- Visit this Casablanca restaurant housed in a restored 1930s mansion beside the Old Medina for a cinematic atmosphere.
- Enjoy Moroccan and international dishes in a nostalgic setting inspired by the classic film Casablanca.
- Reserve a dinner table in advance, as this popular, somewhat pricey restaurant can be very busy.
La Sqala
- Arrive early for breakfast or lunch to enjoy the tranquil gardens and traditional décor before the restaurant gets busy.
- Try a traditional Moroccan breakfast, then stay for mint tea and pastries for a fuller taste of the ambiance.
- Consider visiting once it opens in the morning, as La Sqala serves Moroccan cuisine from 8am.
Places to eat and drink in Casablanca
Burgers and breakfast across Casablanca.
La Sqala
Moroccan cooking served inside an 18th-century bastion, with breakfast pastries and tagines.
Highlights
Garden seating, Moroccan breakfast platters
Why do locals love it
Orange trees and old stone walls make the traffic outside disappear.
Pâtisserie Bennis Habous
A tiny Habous shop selling kaab el ghzal, chebakia, and almond ghriba from the 1930s.
Highlights
Almond kaab el ghzal
Why do locals love it
Sweets are weighed by the kilo and wrapped in paper while you wait.
Le Cabestan
Clifftop seafood dining above the Atlantic beside the El Hank lighthouse in Anfa.
Highlights
Ocean views
Why do locals love it
Waves break below the terrace while the lighthouse beam sweeps past.
La Grillardière
A grill house for straightforward plates and unhurried meals.
Highlights
Grilled meats
Why do locals love it
A simple table for a slow lunch between errands
Famagusta
A relaxed café for espresso, tea and a seat near the street.
Highlights
Pizzas
Why do locals love it
Quiet corner tables for reading or catching up with friends
Blend Gourmet Burger
A burger kitchen in Casablanca with a menu built around stacked, made-to-order sandwiches.
Highlights
Big Foody burger
Why do locals love it
Named burgers arrive hot and easy to share at a casual table.
Laiterie AL MANARA
A Casablanca dairy bar serving breakfast, lunch and brunch through the day.
Highlights
Breakfast service, brunch menu
Why do locals love it
Morning plates run late enough for a slow start to the day.
Café la Manga
A local coffee shop where mornings stretch over small cups and conversation.
Highlights
Panoramic terrace
Why do locals love it
Easy to linger over one coffee without watching the clock.
Explore Casablanca: The best travel itineraries
Three routes through Casablanca, from a single day along the coast to a week of art deco streets, mosques and seafood tables.
Experienced Airbnb hosts in Casablanca
5,400+
Places to stay in Casablanca
9,310+
Things to do in Casablanca
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Verified guest reviews in Casablanca
209,440+
1 Day trip
One day linking the Atlantic shoreline to the downtown squares, with a bastion courtyard for dinner under fig and orange trees.
Morning
Mosque by the water
Guided visits run at set hours, so check the day's schedule on arrival.
Afternoon
Downtown squares and stained glass
Wear comfortable shoes; the two stops sit within an easy stroll of each other.
Evening
Dinner in a bastion
Ask for a courtyard table when you book.
3 Day trip
Three days moving between the mosque and lighthouse coast, the art deco center and the Habous quarter's arcades.
Morning
Minaret and sea wall
Morning light on the western facade is the best for photos.
Afternoon
Lighthouse point
The rocky edge gets windy, so bring a layer.
Evening
Catch of the day above the cliffs
Reserve a window table for sunset over the water.
Morning
Park paths
Benches under the trees make a good pause before the museums.
Afternoon
Contemporary art in a 1934 villa
Exhibitions rotate, so check what is currently hanging.
Evening
A film downtown
Programs are posted at the entrance and change through the week.
Morning
Ornate courtyards
Interior access can vary, so ask at the entrance.
Afternoon
Pastries under the arcades
Go early in the afternoon before the trays empty.
Evening
Windows by Gabriel Loire
Late afternoon light brings out the color in the glass.
5-7 Day trip
Five days across Casablanca: the Atlantic corniche, the art deco downtown, Habous, Jewish heritage in Oasis and a beach club afternoon.
Morning
Mosque on the Atlantic
Non-Muslim visitors enter on guided tours only.
Afternoon
Sea wall and lighthouse
The walk along the rocks is exposed, so bring water.
Evening
Fish above the surf
Sunset seating fills quickly; book ahead.
Morning
Colonial-era square
Come before midday for shade around the fountain.
Afternoon
Neo-gothic to art deco
Pair the church with a park walk to break up the afternoon.
Evening
Courtyard table in the old bastion
Ask to sit under the orange trees.
Morning
Carved courtyards
Start early, when the courtyards are quiet.
Afternoon
Sweets and arcades
Buy pastries by weight to share later.
Evening
Coffee and a stained glass finale
Visit the church before the light fades.
Morning
Moroccan Jewish life
The museum is compact; an hour or two is enough.
Afternoon
Towers and galleries
The towers hold shops if you need a break from the heat.
Evening
Slow dinner grilled over coals
Portions run generous, so order to share.
Morning
Pools by the ocean
Day passes are limited in summer, so arrive early.
Afternoon
Corniche pause
Sit outside for the sea breeze.
Evening
Last night on the coast
Watch the light change over the water before you order.
Family travel
Sandy time at Ain Diab beach, animals at Ain Sebaa Zoo, and open space in Parc de la Ligue Arabe suit all ages.
Couple travel
Stroll the Corniche in Ain Diab at sunset, dine on grilled fish, then wander the Old Medina lanes together.
Solo travel
Walk the Hassan II Mosque esplanade, then browse Art Deco facades downtown and mint tea at a Habous Quarter cafe.
How to get around Casablanca
Metro and train
Casablanca uses trams rather than a metro, plus trains from Casa-Voyageurs toward Rabat. Confirm routes and tickets with the official operator.
Bus
Buses reach outer neighbourhoods the tram lines skip. Confirm routes and ticketing with the operator, and allow extra time in peak traffic.
Rental car
A car helps for coastal day trips. Downtown traffic is dense, so arrange parking and keep your licence and rental papers with you.
Walking
Walking suits the old medina, Habous, and the Corniche. Bring sun cover on days near 86°F (30°C), and cross at marked signals.
Generated with AI and may contain mistakes. Sources include third-party travel data and Airbnb data from listings, hosts, and host guidebooks. Updated September 2026.
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