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Best Things to Do in Casablanca: A Complete Guide

10 Best Things to Do in Casablanca

Looking for what to do in Casablanca? Morocco’s largest city is a fascinating blend of tradition, modernity and coastal atmosphere — where grand boulevards meet bustling souks, Art Deco façades stand beside Islamic architecture, and the Atlantic Ocean shapes local life. As the country’s commercial capital, Casablanca is often fast-paced and contemporary, yet it also offers serene mosques, historic districts, cultural museums and elegant neighbourhoods that reveal its rich heritage. It’s a city that rewards exploration, from seaside promenades to hidden architectural gems.

Whether you’re interested in monumental landmarks, oceanfront relaxation, vibrant neighbourhoods or unique cultural sites, Casablanca offers a dynamic mix of experiences. Here are the 10 best things to do in Casablanca to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Visit the Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque is Casablanca’s most iconic landmark and one of the most spectacular religious structures in the world. Built partially over the Atlantic Ocean, it features a massive prayer hall, intricate wood carvings, hand-cut marble, glittering mosaics and a stunning retractable roof. Its 210-metre minaret — the tallest in the world — can be seen from across the city and is beautifully illuminated at night. The mosque showcases Morocco’s finest craftsmanship and artistic traditions on an extraordinary scale.

Guided tours allow non-Muslim visitors to admire the interior’s vast columns, chandeliers and ocean-facing glass walls, as well as the underground hammam and ablution halls. Standing on the esplanade, with waves crashing below, you experience both the spiritual grandeur of the mosque and its dramatic coastal setting. It’s a must-visit site that captures the essence of modern Moroccan architectural brilliance.

2. Stroll the Casablanca Corniche

The Casablanca Corniche, stretching along the Ain Diab coastline, is one of the city’s most scenic and relaxing areas. Palm-lined walkways run parallel to the Atlantic, offering jogging paths, viewpoints, cafés, beach clubs and restaurants with sweeping ocean views. Locals gather here for evening strolls, seaside relaxation and family outings, making it one of Casablanca’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods.

As the sun sets, the Corniche becomes particularly beautiful. The sky glows warm shades of gold and orange, waves crash gently onto the rocks, and the silhouette of the Hassan II Mosque stands proudly in the distance. With upscale lounges, beach resorts and lively nightlife nearby, the Corniche offers both tranquillity and entertainment in one of the city’s most beloved districts.

3. Explore the Old Medina

Casablanca’s Old Medina offers a more intimate and approachable experience than the sprawling, maze-like medinas of Marrakech or Fez. Here, narrow alleys wind past stalls selling spices, textiles, leather goods, fresh produce, traditional clothing and handmade crafts. It’s a vibrant place where locals shop, socialise and go about their daily routines, giving visitors a glimpse of authentic Casablancan life.

Wandering through the medina reveals small squares, historic doorways and colourful market scenes. It’s a great spot for finding affordable souvenirs, sampling street snacks or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere. Despite being modest in size, the Old Medina remains an important cultural centre within the modern city.

4. Visit the Royal Palace & Mahkama du Pacha

The Royal Palace of Casablanca is an imposing architectural complex surrounded by ornate gates, lush gardens and beautifully tiled courtyards. Although the interior is not open to the public, visitors can admire its grand façades, impressive gateways and traditional design elements that reflect Morocco’s royal aesthetic. The surrounding neighbourhood contains administrative and ceremonial buildings in similarly striking architectural styles.

Nearby, the Mahkama du Pacha is one of Casablanca’s hidden gems. This parliamentary and administrative building contains more than 60 stunning rooms decorated with carved cedarwood, colourful zellij tilework, marble columns and intricate stucco patterns. Access is sometimes restricted, but guided visits can often be arranged — and the building’s craftsmanship makes it well worth the effort.

5. Explore the Art Deco architecture of Downtown

Casablanca boasts one of the world’s finest collections of Art Deco architecture, a legacy of the French colonial period in the early 20th century. Entire boulevards — particularly Boulevard Mohammed V and Place Mohammed V — are lined with elegant façades featuring geometric motifs, curved balconies, decorative ironwork and vintage storefronts. Architecture lovers will find endless details to admire, from retro theatres to ornate apartment buildings.

Cafés and cultural venues in restored Art Deco buildings add to the district’s nostalgic charm. Many walking tours explore this architectural heritage, highlighting Casablanca’s unique role as a hub of modernism in North Africa. For travellers with an eye for design, Downtown Casablanca is a treasure trove of visual inspiration.

6. Visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism

The Museum of Moroccan Judaism is a unique cultural institution — the only museum in the Arab world dedicated to Jewish heritage. It highlights the long and deeply rooted presence of Jewish communities in Morocco, showcasing Torah scrolls, traditional clothing, ceremonial objects, photographs, musical instruments and personal stories that span centuries.

The museum provides an eye-opening perspective on Morocco’s diverse and harmonious past, offering insight into religious traditions, community life and the shared cultural elements that shaped modern Morocco. It’s a quiet, reflective and beautifully curated space that enriches any visit to Casablanca.

7. Shop & dine at Morocco Mall

Morocco Mall is one of Africa’s largest and most impressive shopping centres, combining global brands, Moroccan boutiques, family entertainment zones and gourmet dining. Its sleek design includes an indoor aquarium, a musical fountain show and panoramic sea views from the outdoor terrace. Whether you’re shopping, dining or simply escaping the midday heat, the mall offers a comfortable and modern experience.

Families especially enjoy the cinema, ice-skating rink and children’s play areas, while food lovers will find both international and Moroccan restaurants to explore. Morocco Mall showcases Casablanca’s modern cosmopolitan side and offers a welcome break from the bustling streets downtown.

8. Walk around Habous Quarter (New Medina)

The Habous Quarter, also known as the New Medina, is one of Casablanca’s most charming neighbourhoods. Built in the 20th century, it blends traditional Moroccan architectural elements with organised, European-style urban planning. Its clean streets, arched passageways, craft shops, bookshops and bakeries create a relaxed, village-like atmosphere that contrasts with the city’s busy centre.

Habous is particularly famous for its pastry shops, where you can sample almond cookies, kaab el ghzal, honey-soaked treats and other Moroccan delicacies. It’s also a great place to buy artisanal goods such as leatherwork, ceramics and handcrafted lanterns. With its cultural charm and laid-back vibe, Habous is a must-visit area for those wanting to experience Casablanca’s everyday life.

9. Explore the Arab League Park

Arab League Park is one of Casablanca’s largest and most beautifully landscaped green spaces. Recently renovated, it features wide walking paths, fountains, shaded benches, palm-lined avenues and open lawns perfect for picnics or leisurely strolls. The park offers a refreshing escape from the urban bustle and is popular with joggers, families and students.

The surrounding architecture includes notable Art Deco buildings, providing a scenic backdrop to the park’s calm environment. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning walk or relaxing in the afternoon sun, Arab League Park adds a peaceful and scenic break to your Casablanca itinerary.

10. Experience Casablanca’s café culture, seafood & nightlife

Casablanca’s Atlantic location means the city boasts some of Morocco’s best seafood — from grilled fish and calamari to seafood tagines and mezze platters. Beachfront restaurants along Ain Diab and the Corniche offer fresh catches with unbeatable views, while downtown cafés serve French-inspired pastries, strong coffee and light meals in stylish settings. The café culture is vibrant, social and central to daily life in the city.

After dark, Casablanca becomes one of North Africa’s most cosmopolitan cities. Rooftop lounges, seaside clubs, live music venues and chic bars draw both locals and travellers. Whether you want a quiet drink overlooking the ocean or a lively night out, Casablanca’s nightlife scene reflects the city’s modern, youthful and globally connected spirit.