Top 10 Things to Do in Casablanca, Morocco❤️
Casablanca is a city that rarely tries to impress — and that is exactly why it leaves a mark. For many first-time visitors, it feels raw, busy, and unapologetically real. This guide to the things to do in Casablanca is written from years of walking its streets with travelers, helping them move past expectations and discover what truly makes this city meaningful.
Casablanca is not about ticking monuments off a list. It is about understanding modern Morocco, observing daily life, and feeling the Atlantic wind mix with the sound of traffic, prayer calls, and café conversations. If you approach it with curiosity rather than comparison, Casablanca rewards you.
When to Visit Casablanca
The best time to explore Casablanca is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is mild, the ocean breeze is refreshing, and walking the city becomes enjoyable. Summers can be humid, though the Atlantic helps, while winters are mild but occasionally windy.
Getting Around Casablanca
Casablanca is large and spread out. Planning your movements saves time and energy.
- Tramway: Reliable, clean, and the easiest way to move between major areas
- Petit taxis: Red taxis for short distances; insist on the meter
- Walking: Ideal in central neighborhoods during the day
Traffic can be heavy. Locals plan their days around it — you should too.
Top 10 Things to Do in Casablanca
1. Visit the Hassan II Mosque
This is Casablanca’s spiritual and architectural heart. Standing partly over the Atlantic, the mosque is one of the largest in the world and one of the few in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors.
Visit in the morning when the light reflects off the marble. Guided tours explain craftsmanship, symbolism, and religious meaning with clarity and respect.
2. Walk Along the Corniche
The Corniche is where Casablanca breathes. Families stroll, joggers pass by, and fishermen cast lines from rocky edges.
Come near sunset. The light softens the city, and the Atlantic reminds you why Casablanca feels different from anywhere else in Morocco.
3. Explore the Old Medina
Casablanca’s old medina is not polished or preserved for tourists — and that is its value. Small workshops, spice sellers, and daily life coexist in tight alleys.
Visit during the day, walk confidently, and observe rather than rush. This is not a shopping destination; it is a glimpse into local routine.
4. Discover Art Deco Architecture
Casablanca holds one of the largest Art Deco collections outside Europe. Many buildings show wear, but their elegance is undeniable.
Walk through the city center and look up. Balconies, façades, and entrances tell the story of a city shaped by global influences.
5. Experience Habous Quarter
Built in the 1930s, Habous blends traditional Moroccan design with French urban planning. It feels calm, organized, and human-scaled.
Bookshops, bakeries, and small artisan shops make it ideal for a slow afternoon walk.
6. Eat Fresh Seafood Near the Port
Casablanca’s relationship with the ocean is best tasted. Simple seafood spots near the port serve fish that was swimming hours earlier.
Follow locals. If the place looks modest and busy, you are in the right spot.
7. Sit in a Traditional Café
Casablanca cafés are social spaces, not attractions. Order coffee or mint tea and watch life unfold.
These moments often become travelers’ strongest memories.
8. Visit the Central Market
The Central Market reveals Casablanca’s daily pulse. Fishmongers shout prices, herbs perfume the air, and locals negotiate with ease.
Go in the morning. Observe before interacting.
9. Relax in a Hammam or Spa
After busy streets, a hammam restores balance. Traditional neighborhood hammams offer authenticity, while modern spas provide comfort with Moroccan rituals.
Ask your hotel which option suits you best.
10. Wander Without a Plan
Some of the best things to do in Casablanca are unplanned. Walk residential streets, notice laundry hanging from balconies, listen to conversations.
Casablanca reveals itself quietly.
Cultural Tips Foreigners Should Know
- Greet people before asking questions
- Dress modestly away from beaches
- Friday afternoons are slower due to prayer
Respect is returned quickly in Casablanca.
Do’s and Don’ts in Casablanca
Do
- Carry small bills for taxis
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Observe local habits before acting
Don’t
- Compare Casablanca constantly to other cities
- Rush your visit
- Expect a tourist-focused experience
What to Expect as a First-Time Visitor
Casablanca can feel intense at first. Noise, traffic, and scale surprise many travelers. Give it time. The city does not perform — it functions.
This honesty is what makes Casablanca essential to understanding Morocco.
Final Thoughts on Casablanca Attractions
The main Casablanca attractions are not only landmarks. They are moments: ocean air, café conversations, everyday rituals.
In conclusion, the true things to do in Casablanca involve observing, listening, and allowing the city to be what it is — modern, complex, and deeply human.
Casablanca does not ask for admiration. It asks for attention. If you give it that, it stays with you long after you leave.
