A mixture of Spanish, French, and African influences make Casablanca — Morocco’s commerce capital — an interesting contrast between old and new. While most travelers move on after visiting the Hassan II Mosque, this comprehensive Casablanca travel guide covers a few more ways to explore the city.
Below, we break down what to see with one, two, or three days in the city, plus practical advice on when to visit, getting from the airport, and where to eat, stay, and unwind at the beach clubs of Ain Diab — along with the private tours that make the best use of a Casablanca stopover.
How Many Days Do You Need in Casablanca?
Casablanca is an ideal stopover on your way to other Moroccan cities like Fes or Marrakech. Whether you have 12 hours or three days to explore, you’ll experience winding side streets, a symphony of honking horns, and the smell of fresh spices wafting through the city.
One Day in Casablanca
If you only have one day in Casablanca, hit the Hassan II Mosque first. This brilliantly tiled green and white mosque is a show-stopper. It’s the biggest in Morocco, so you could literally spend a full day exploring. With just a few hours, though, use your time wisely and take a short walk to Rick’s Café for lunch. Here you can sip on some tea in the recreated fictitious café that Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman frequented on screen. Afterward, walk to the Old Medina to pick up some silk, spices, and knick-knacks before your next flight.
Two Days in Casablanca
With two days, you’ll be able to see the city at a more leisurely pace. Instead of taking metered taxis everywhere, walk from attraction to attraction to peek into small businesses and experience life like a local (ask your concierge which areas, if any, you should avoid). Hitting the Hassan II Mosque and the historic district on day one makes the most logistical sense.
On your second day, visit the Habous, or “New Medina,” another charming part of the city for souvenirs, souks, and local eateries. Treat yourself to a traditional hammam and get rid of the city grit — Hammam Ziani is a clean, well-priced spa and hammam that caters to tourists in need of some pampering. Bring a bathing suit if you’re not comfortable being nude around strangers.
Three Days or More in Casablanca
If you have three days or more, hit all the must-see spots below and take a trip to the beach. Ain Diab is where the who’s who of Casablanca come to swim and bask in the strong Moroccan sun. Stay at one of the chic hotels nearby and walk to swimming clubs like Tahiti Beach Club or Piscine Miami, where you can grab a lounge chair or cabana and sip cocktails until sunset. Visit during the summer, since most restaurants and beach clubs close in winter.
Casablanca is the perfect way to start or end a trip through Morocco — get used to the jet lag before you head off to the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara Desert, and recharge here once you’re done. If you’d rather not plan the logistics yourself, our Full Day Trip in Casablanca covers the city’s highlights with a private guide and driver.
Casablanca’s Top Sights
Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca’s premier attraction. The largest mosque in Morocco sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and includes a museum, baths, Koranic school, library, and prayer room capable of holding 25,000 people. Its ornate design, beautiful green hues, and mosaic tiles make it a picturesque spot for visitors of every faith. At night, it glows orange on the water as the entire building is illuminated. The mosque is open seven days a week and costs around 12 euros to enter. Because it’s a religious site, cover your shoulders, wear long pants or a skirt, and bring a scarf for your head.
Mahkama du Pasha (Palace of the Pasha)
On the inside, this is a building used for government purposes, but on the outside, its staggeringly elaborate design and architecture make it a work of art — a perfect stop for a photo beneath an embellished doorway or arch. It’s difficult to get inside because it still serves as a court of justice, but if you’re lucky enough to be allowed entrance, you’ll see some of the city’s finest furnishings, marble columns, wooden ceilings, and mosaics.
Musée Abderrahman Slaoui — This small museum in the heart of Casablanca’s historic district may look unassuming, but it’s not to be missed. Inside this 1940s home is wealthy Moroccan businessman Abderrahman Slaoui’s private collection of antique jewelry, art, posters, and crystal, impeccably preserved and displayed across three floors. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.
Old Medina
One of the city’s remaining historic districts. Here you can wander narrow, winding alleys, see remnants of ancient city walls, barter with a local shopkeeper, and browse the unusual and often practical wares at the bazaar. Just a short walk from the Hassan II Mosque, there are dozens of quaint shops to stop for a mint tea or coffee as you watch locals bargain for fresh produce.
When to Go
Thanks to its location on the Atlantic, Casablanca has a temperate climate similar to much of the United States. Summer months from May to September are the best time to visit, thanks to warm weather and little rain. Head there in July to catch the Festival de Casablanca and Feast of the Throne.
Getting to Casablanca
Most international travelers coming from the United States fly into Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport first, making it the natural way to start or end a Morocco trip. There are numerous international flights to Mohammed V Airport from major cities in the United States and Europe — it’s just over eight hours from JFK and about three hours from London. Our Morocco Airport Transfer Services can arrange a private pickup so your trip starts smoothly.
The airport is located about 20 miles south of the city center. You can take a 30-minute train ride to Casa Voyageurs Station for less than $4 USD, but if you’re traveling with heavy luggage, a taxi is easiest. Make sure to get into a red cab — these are metered private taxis. Never get into an unmetered taxi; it’s one of the oldest tourist scams in the book.
Where to Stay
Moroccan hotels are known for their mosaic tiles, warm service, and opulent decor, and Casablanca is no exception despite its modern reputation. Moroccan House Hotel lets you lounge by a large outdoor pool under the Moroccan sun. The Idou Anfa Hotel & Spa, in the business district, has a more modern feel with bright pops of color, plus incredible views of the ocean and the Hassan II Mosque, making it one of the city’s premier places to stay.
Where to Eat
There’s no better place to try Moroccan food than in the country’s largest city. Known for its spices, couscous, and Mediterranean ingredients, this beloved cuisine isn’t for those averse to bold flavors. Inside Al Mounia, a real Moroccan salon with tiled floors and a calming garden, you’ll find some of the city’s best food — order couscous, tagine, and “pigeon pastilla” (these days usually made with chicken or beef instead of pigeon). For a moment straight out of the classic film Casablanca, visit the touristy Rick’s Café, designed to look just like it did on screen. Or try the city’s best seafood at La Mer — open since 1918, offering ocean views, fresh fish, and French cuisine.
Tips for Your Visit
If the Moroccan heat is getting the best of you, ride the air-conditioned Casablanca Tramway to get where you’re going for cheap.
Morocco is a Muslim country. To avoid unwanted stares and comments, dress modestly when out on the streets, and especially in places of worship.
Interested in visiting the (very) popular Rick’s Café? Stay one step ahead of the crowd by making a reservation ahead of time.
As Morocco’s largest city, traffic in Casablanca can be an issue, so plan strategically around where you’re staying and the places you’d like to visit to make the most of your time.
Best Tours From Casablanca
Since most international flights land here, Casablanca is the natural starting point for a wider Morocco itinerary. Here are the private tours our travelers book most from this city:
A Full Day Trip in Casablanca — a private, guided day covering the Hassan II Mosque, Old Medina, and the city’s other highlights, ideal for a stopover.
Casablanca, Chefchaouen & Fes – 4 Days — a short loop through northern Morocco’s top cities, starting and ending in Casablanca.
Luxury Morocco: Casablanca to Marrakech via the Desert – 8 Days — an all-encompassing route from Casablanca through the Sahara to Marrakech.
Morocco Small Group Tour from Casablanca — a guided small-group departure for travelers who’d rather join a set itinerary than go fully private.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casablanca worth visiting?
Yes, especially as a stopover. The Hassan II Mosque alone is worth the visit, and the Old Medina, Ain Diab beach clubs, and local food scene give you a real taste of Morocco’s largest city before heading on to Marrakech, Fes, or the Sahara.
How many days do you need in Casablanca?
A single day is enough to see the Hassan II Mosque and Old Medina. Two days lets you add the Habous district and a hammam visit, and three or more days gives you time to relax at the Ain Diab beach clubs as well.
Is Casablanca a good place to start or end a Morocco trip?
Yes — most international flights land at Mohammed V Airport, so Casablanca naturally works as a first or last stop. It pairs well with onward routes to Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, or the Sahara Desert.
What should I wear at the Hassan II Mosque?
Since it’s an active religious site, cover your shoulders and knees, wear long pants or a skirt, and bring a scarf to cover your head if needed.
Start Your Morocco Trip in Casablanca
Whether you have half a day between flights or a few days to explore, Casablanca is an easy, rewarding way to open or close a Morocco itinerary. Our team can arrange a private city tour, airport transfer, or a full multi-city route starting right from Casablanca.