What to Do in Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque, Corniche, Art Deco 2026
Casablanca is Morocco's economic capital: urban, modern, cosmopolitan. Less "Moroccan" in the traditional sense than Marrakech or Fes, it wins you over with its spectacular Hassan II Mosque, its rich architectural heritage (art deco, Moorish, modernist) and its nightlife. The city is quick and easy to visit, in 1 to 2 days.
In Casablanca over 1-2 days: a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque (fixed slots), an art deco architecture walk around the Central Market, the Habous quarter, the Aïn Diab corniche, Morocco Mall and the old medina. For the traditional Moroccan side, extend to Rabat or El Jadida.
1. The must-sees
Hassan II Mosque
The world's 3rd-largest mosque, completed in 1993. A 210 m minaret (the tallest in the world for a mosque), a prayer hall for 25,000 worshippers, partly built over the ocean with a glass floor in places. It's the must-see monument of Casablanca, one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims.
Visit: guided only, 45 min, slots 9am/10am/11am/2pm (except Friday morning). Ticket ~130 MAD. Modest dress recommended. Book or arrive early in high season.
Guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque· GetYourGuide
Habous quarter (the new medina)
Built by the French in the 1930s, this quarter recreates the spirit of a Moroccan medina with orderly, aligned streets. Traditional market, famous pastries (gazelle horns, chebakia), Arabic bookshops, crafts. A peaceful, authentic atmosphere.
Mohammed V Square
The administrative heart of Casablanca, surrounded by Moorish-art deco buildings: courthouse, prefecture, Bank Al-Maghrib, a large fountain. One of the finest architectural ensembles of the protectorate era.
Sacré-Cœur Cathedral
A deconsecrated Catholic church (1930), a magnificent example of neo-Gothic and art deco in white concrete. No longer used for worship but worth visiting for its architecture.
2. The seafront
Aïn Diab corniche
3 km of seafront with urban beaches, restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs. Lively day and night, especially on weekends. The favorite outing spot for Casablanca locals. Several private beaches and beach clubs.
Morocco Mall
One of the largest malls in Africa: a giant aquarium with a tunnel, a large musical fountain, international brands, restaurants, cinema. At the western end of the corniche.
El Hank Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse (1916) with a fine panorama over the Atlantic and the Casablanca coast. Close to the corniche.
3. Heritage and culture
Art deco walk
Casablanca has one of the richest art deco heritages in the world, from the 1920s-1940s:
- Central Market: a lively art deco hall (fish, fruit, flowers)
- Rialto Cinema (1930): an iconic art deco theater still in use
- Hotel Lincoln: an art deco façade under restoration
- Wilaya (prefecture): a Moorish clock tower
- Villa des Arts: a contemporary cultural center in an art deco villa
A guided architecture tour (2-3h) helps you grasp this little-known heritage.
Museum of Moroccan Judaism
Unique in the Arab world: the only museum dedicated to Moroccan Jewish history and culture. A collection of ritual objects, costumes, photographs. A testament to Morocco's rich Jewish history.
The old medina
More modest than those of Fes or Marrakech, Casablanca's old medina keeps an authentic, working-class character near the port and the United Nations Square.
4. Experiences
- Fine dining: Casablanca has Morocco's most international culinary scene (Rick's Café inspired by the film, La Sqala in a fortress, corniche seafood restaurants)
- Nightlife: the liveliest in Morocco (bars, Aïn Diab clubs)
- Cooking class or food tour: street food, pastries, Central Market
- Shopping: Morocco Mall, Anfa Place, Maârif
Food tour or guided visit of Casablanca· GetYourGuide
Day trips from Casablanca
- Rabat (1h by Al Boraq train): the capital, Kasbah of the Oudayas, Hassan Tower, Chellah
- El Jadida (1h15 by train): UNESCO Portuguese city, beach
- Azemmour (1h): a white medina above the Oum Er-Rbia
Which program for your profile?
Indicative daily budget
- Hassan II Mosque: ~130 MAD (€12)
- Guided architecture tour: €25-50 (to split)
- Restaurants: €8 (street food) to €60 (fine dining)
- City transport: €5-15/day (tram + taxis)
- Morocco Mall / shopping: variable
Average activities budget: €40-90/day/person.
Practical tips
- Dress: relaxed in the city (Casablanca is cosmopolitan), but modest for the Hassan II Mosque.
- Tram: handy and cheap for downtown, Maârif, Aïn Diab.
- Friday: mosque visits are disrupted in the morning (prayer) — check the times.
- Safety: a safe city in tourist areas; pickpocket vigilance and avoid far-flung districts at night.
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Mistakes to avoid
FAQ — What to do in Casablanca
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In summary
Casablanca is quick and rewarding to visit. Absolute priority: the Hassan II Mosque on a guided tour. Round it out with the Habous quarter, the Aïn Diab corniche and an art deco walk. 1-2 nights are enough — it's an urban, modern stop, ideal at the start or end of a trip, or for a transit.
My 3 key tips:
- Book or arrive early for the Hassan II Mosque (limited slots).
- Don't miss the art deco — a unique, little-known heritage.
- Enjoy the culinary and nightlife scene, the most international in Morocco.
