20 Things To Do In Casablanca

Casablanca conjures the romance of a past era, thanks to the eponymous Humphrey Bogart film set in this Moroccan city. Although the focus of the movie was not about the city, there are plenty of things in Casablanca to make it a worthwhile destination to visit. Home to more than 4 million people, Morocco’s largest city is on the western coast, right on the Atlantic Ocean. You can see the bright blue waters and golden sands from many of the city’s main buildings.

I first visited Casablanca in 2020 and was immediately captivated by the mosaic of religion and culture. Jewish, Islamic and Catholic religions meld with Berber, Portuguese, French and British influences. There’s a lot of architecture, history and culture to discover around every corner. The food is delicious and the Moroccan people are very friendly.

Casablanca is a city that you should have at the top of your to-visit list. As it’s one of the main cities in Morocco and right next door to the capital city of Rabat, it’s a central hub for flights in and out of the country, so this is an easy place to put onto your travel itinerary. These are the things to do in Casablanca that I love.

Casablanca, Morocco

20 Things To Do In Casablanca

1- Visit The Hassan II Mosque

One of the top things to do in Casablanca is to visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest active mosque in Africa.

This mosque is an impressive sight with a minaret over 200 meters (656 feet) tall and the capacity to hold over 100,000 worshippers.

The decorative tiling and carvings inside and outside of the mosque alone are worth taking the time to admire.

The Hassan II Mosque is on the waterfront not far from the harbour, and right beside the Atlantic Ocean.

You can see the towering minaret from many other places in the city, so it also serves as an excellent navigational beacon.

It’s open to the public and, as a tourist, you can respectfully visit the Mosque, and marvel at its impressive architecture and history.

The Hassan II Mosque at Boulevard de la Corniche, Casablanca, 20000, Morocco.

Skip the line and book your tickets and tour here. 

2- Wander The Old Medina

Not far from the mosque is Casablanca’s old Medina, which is hundreds of years old and an interesting place to wander the streets or perhaps do some shopping.

The souks (stalls) sell fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, grains and spices, clothing and accessories.

The city has changed hands a lot over the decade, and so now it represents a real mix of Berber, French, Arabic, and Portuguese influence.

These changes are reflected in the architecture and construction of the Medina, so see if you can spot them.

The medina is full of winding alleyways, and it can be overwhelming at times, so make sure that you don’t get lost.

The Old Medina is near the centre of the city, Casablanca 20250, Morocco. 

Recommended tour: Casablanca Shopping Hidden Souks : Private guided Tour

3- Visit Quartier Habous

The Quartier Habous or the “New Medina” is newer than most other medinas in Morocco, having been constructed in only 1923.

What this medium lacks in age, it makes up for in culture.

It’s a bustling, exciting place and it’s just as popular for shopping as the old Medina.

You’ll find it to the southeast of the city and full alleyways, cafes and shops.

To get to Quartier Habous, go to 10 Rue Sidi Oqba, Casablanca 20490, Morocco.

Casablanca: Guided City Tour with Hotel Transfers

4- Relax In Mohammed V Square

Mohammed V Square is another fairly new feature of Casablanca worth checking out.

It was created in 1916, and since that time it has served as a historic and symbolically significant site.

A number of military buildings surround a central courtyard, with a large sculpture and fountain at either end.

The square has been renovated several times and is home to thousands of local pigeons.

Mohammed V Square is at Avenue Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco.

5- Have A Drink At Rick’s Cafe

While the Rick’s Cafe from the Casablanca movie didn’t really exist at the time the movie was released, it exists now.

The cafe is near the waterfront and has been recreated to look exactly like the famous bar in the movie.

There’s great attention to detail here, with impressive Moroccan artwork and carvings lining the walls.

You’ll also find a great selection of food and drink here, including fresh seafood and cheesecakes.

Whether you’re a fan of the movie or not, this is a fun place to soak up the atmospheric, rest your feet and while away some time. 

You’ll find Rick’s Cafe at Place du Jardin Public, 248 Boulevard Sour Jdid, Casablanca 20250, Morocco.

Recommended tour: Casablanca: Street Private Guided Food Tour with Tastings

6- Shop At The Morocco Mall

Morocco Mall is a shopper’s paradise and the largest mall in Africa.

It has a floorplan of more than 590,000 meters squared (1.9 million square feet) and has won many awards.

One feature of the mall is it’s home to an aquarium that is big enough to scuba dive in.

If you prefer shopping to scuba diving, there’s plenty for you here too.

With a mixture of luxury brands, standard stores and local stores, you’re sure to find something to buy at the Morocco Mall.

Morocco Mall is at Angle Boulevard Sidi Abdurrahim’d, Boulevard de Biarritz, Casablanca, Morocco. 

7- Stroll Along The Corniche

Boulevard de la Corniche, known simply as “the Corniche”, is a promenade running for several kilometres beside the Atlantic Ocean.

Strolling along the Corniche is an excellent way to spend an afternoon and watch the waves crashing onto the shore.

Because it’s an upmarket area, this is different to some of the other parts of Casablanca that you’ll explore.

It’s well-maintained and well-lit, so it’s an accessible walk for all people.

There are also many shops and cafes along the Corniche to stop and get a coffee, enjoy the view or people watch.

The address for the Corniche is Boulevard de la Corniche, Casablanca, 20000, Morocco.

Recommended tour: Casablanca City Night Tour and Traditional Moroccan Dinner

8- Explore The Port

Trading ships have been coming in and out of Casablanca for centuries, and the Port of Casablanca has been operating since the 18th century.

The port is still very active today, and although it has changed a lot over the years, alongside the large cargo ships you’re still able to find fishermen bringing in fresh fish or shellfish.

The busy industrial area continues to be renovated and has been improved in the last 10 years.

The port is at Boulevard Al Monades, Porte Number 5, Zone de Chantier Navals, Port, Casablanca 20100, Morocco. 

9- See the Stained Glass At Notre Dame De Lourdes

While Morocco is predominantly an Islamic country, there is a strong Catholic population here and a number of impressive churches. 

Notre Dame De Lourdes is a modern church in the centre of the city constructed in the mid-1900s.

It has a very modern exterior and inside, the main feature of this church is an incredible stained-glass window created by Gabriel Loire, a well-known French artist famous for his glasswork.

It won’t take you long to visit this church, but it’s certainly worth having a look at the beautiful stained glass window. 

The address of the Notre Dame de Lourdes is Rue d’Ariege, Casablanca 20250, Morocco.

10- See The Sacred Heart Cathedral

Another beautiful catholic building in Casablanca is the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

This towering white building isn’t as impressive as the Hassan II Mosque, but it has its own style of beauty.

It was designed by a French architect and created in 1930.

Although it’s called a cathedral, the building has never technically been used as one.

It’s now a cultural centre, where different exhibitions are held.

With a stark white exterior and an art deco design style, this is an interesting building to visit, and if you time your trip right, you can enjoy one of the exhibitions too.

The Sacred Heart Cathedral is at Angle Rue d’Alger et Boulevard Rachdi, Quartier Guatier, Casablanca, Morocco. 

11- Shop At Marche Central

Marche Central, also called the Central Market, is near the centre of the city, and a wonderful place to shop or simply to wander around.

The Marche was constructed in the early 20th century and, since then, it has been an important marketplace in Casablanca.

Here you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and other food items.

You’ll also find handcrafted baskets, clothing, and jewellery, along with other souvenirs and interesting items.

Marche Central is at Boulevard Mohammed V, Casablanca 20250, Morocco. 

Recommended tour: Casablanca: Central Market Food Tour with Tastings and Lunch

12- See The El Hank Lighthouse

On the coastline by Casablanca, you’ll find the El Hank Lighthouse standing at 51 meters high (167 feet) making it the tallest lighthouse in Morocco.

It was created in 1920, and it is still in use today.

If you watch it at night, you can see the light on top flashing every 15 seconds.

This lighthouse is certainly worth a visit, and to get an even better view out across the ocean, you can climb the 250 stairs to the top viewing platform.

You’ll find the El Hank Lighthouse at Phare d’El Hank 90, Casablanca 20000, Morocco.

13- Visit The Museum Of Moroccan Judaism

Casablanca is a melting pot of different cultures and religions, and alongside the Islamic and Christian religions, there is also a Jewish population.

The Museum of Moroccan Judaism is a must-visit landmark in Casablanca, and it’s unlike anything else you’ll find in the world: this is the only Jewish Museum in an Arabic country.

It’s a large Museum, with many artefacts on display that tell stories of Jewish life in North Africa, including jewelry, clothing, books and art.

There are also reconstructed synagogues which you can walk through.

The Museum of Moroccan Judaism is at 81 Rue de Chasseur Jules Gros, Casablanca, Morocco. 

Recommended tour: Casablanca: Private Religions of Morocco Tour with a Local

14- Admire The Collections At Villa Des Arts

If you enjoy the Art Deco style of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, then you should visit Villa des Arts, another Art Deco creation in Casablanca.

Villa des Arts is a renovated villa, with a classic white exterior with eye-catching features everywhere you look.

While it was once lived in, today it is used as a gallery, and here you’ll find interesting exhibitions by Moroccan artists.

The gallery is run by a non-profit organization and is a hub of art and culture for adults and children alike.

Find Villa des Arts at 30 Boulevard Brahim Roudani, Rue Abou El Kacem Chabi, Casablanca 20000, Morocco. 

Recommended tour: Casablanca’s Art Scene: A Private Guided Tour

15- See The Royal Palace

The Moroccan royal family has residences throughout Morocco but the main one is the royal palace in Casablanca.

Built in the 1920s, the palace was designed by French architects and has been refurbished over the years. 

Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public and you can’t walk through it but it’s worth catching a glimpse of the ornate building from the outside and dream about what life is like as a Moroccan royal. 

The Royal Palace is at 19 Rue de Rome, Casablanca 20250, Morocco.

Live like a royal and book this Casablanca Spa and Private Hammam Package.

16- Walk Through Parc de la Ligue Arabe

Parc de la Ligue Arabe, or Arab League Park, is in the centre of the city, and it stretches across 30 acres of land.

The park has undergone several transformations, and at one point there was even an amusement park in the centre.

It was renovated in the late 2010s, and now it’s simply a relaxing place to take a walk, or perhaps have a picnic lunch.

Because it’s so large, you could spend most of the day there, and you’ll still find new corners to explore.

To access the Arab League Park, you can go to Casablncaise, Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca 20250, Morocco.

17- Visit The Abderrahman Slaoui Museum

The Abderrahman Slaoui Museum is another highlight in Casablanca and something that you shouldn’t miss while you’re here.

It was named after a Moroccan Art collector, and now the foundation with the same name manages this museum.

Here, you’ll find an incredible collection of Moroccan art and cultural objects, including paintings, crystals and jewellery.

As well as the permanent collections, there are also temporary exhibits that come and go, so depending on when you visit you may get to see something completely different.

You’ll find the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum at 12 Rue Du Parc, Casablanca 20070, Morocco.

18- See The Mahkama du Pacha

Because Casablanca is a key political centre for Morocco, there are several large administrative buildings here of significance. 

The Mahkama du Pacha is one of these buildings, and includes a courthouse, a parliamentary hall and a jail.

The building has an interesting architectural and ornate decoration style unlike anything else you’ll see.

It’s still used as an administrative building today, so it’s not always easy to access but if you do make it inside, you’ll be glad you made the effort. 

Mahkma du Pacha is at 12 Rue Moulay Ismail, Casablanca 20550, Morocco.

19- Hike In Foret De Bouskoura

If you’re looking for tranquility away from the city of Casablanca, then one of my favourite places to go is the Bouskara Forest.

This forested park is approximately 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) out of the city, and once you’re there it feels like a different world.

In the Foret de Bouskara, you’ll find running, walking and hiking trails taking you in every direction.

Choose from short walks or spend the day exploring different paths around the park.

20- Swim at Plage Ain Diab

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the heat and the bustle of Casablanca, then there’s no better way to relax than by heading to the beach.

Plage Ain Diab is the main beach in Casablanca and the perfect spot to spend some time. 

This golden sandy beach is a safe place to swim in the Atlantic Ocean.

Once you’ve finished cooling off, you’ll find plenty of sun loungers to stretch out on, or cafes and bars to explore as well.

Plage Ain Diab is at Boulevard de l’Ocean Atlantique, Casablanca 20000, Morocco.