Casablanca itinerary — 3 days
Day 1 — Casablanca
7 stops · ≈ 7 h 1 minUnited Nations Square is the energetic hub of Casablanca, linking the centuries-old medina with the modern city center's Art Deco boulevards. Planned in the early 20th century by French urbanist Henri Prost, the plaza is dominated by the futuristic "Kora Ardia" geodesic dome designed by architect Jean-François Zevaco. Ringed by towering palm trees, sleek tram lines, and the historic clock tower, it offers a vibrant snapshot of city life.
The traditional market within Casablanca's Old Medina is a lively maze of pedestrian alleys tucked behind 18th-century defensive ramparts. Here, daily local life unfolds among artisan workshops offering handmade leather babouches, woven carpets, brassware, argan oil, and aromatic spices. Far less touristy than markets in Fes or Marrakech, this historic quarter preserves an authentic Moroccan soul that is a delight to explore.
Beside the historic Bab Marrakech gate on the southern edge of Casablanca's Old Medina, this bustling market provides a vibrant glimpse into local commerce. Its narrow alleys are lined with authentic Moroccan handicrafts, from supple leather babouche slippers and pierced brass lamps to ceramics, carpets, and vintage curiosities. It is an ideal spot for hunting down one-of-a-kind treasures while practicing the local art of friendly bargaining.
La Sqala is a renowned restaurant and cultural landmark set within an 18th-century fortified bastion on the edge of Casablanca's old medina. Commissioned in 1769 by Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah to protect the Atlantic coastline, the stone fortress still displays authentic brass cannons. Behind the defensive ramparts lies an Andalusian garden patio with lush greenery and fountains, offering traditional Moroccan cuisine.
A restaurant-bar in a 1930s villa near the Casablanca medina, opened in 2004 by American Kathy Kriger as a tribute to the film Casablanca. The interior recreates the Hollywood set: white arches, potted palms, brass lamps and a piano playing As Time Goes By every evening. The movie was never shot here — the cafe only brings its atmosphere to life. The menu mixes Moroccan and international dishes; book a table ahead for evenings.
Dramatically perched on a rocky outcrop above the Atlantic Ocean waves, this monumental mosque was completed in 1993 as a showcase of Moroccan craftsmanship. Its 210-meter minaret is equipped with a laser beaming toward Mecca. The cavernous prayer hall accommodates 25,000 worshippers, featuring a retractable roof and glass floor overlooking the seabed. It is one of the few Moroccan mosques open to non-Muslim visitors.
A legendary seafood restaurant on the Corniche boulevard by the El Hank lighthouse, trading since 1927. The terrace hangs over the Atlantic — waves crash against the rocks below the railings, and sunset here is Casablanca at its most atmospheric. The menu features oysters, the day's catch and Moroccan dishes with an ocean accent; book ahead, especially for evenings and weekends.
Reserve
15If you have time left — worth it too.
Landmark art deco design movie theater, events & performance venue.
Museum housing a privately collected assortment of paintings, posters, jewelry & other objects.
Jewish synagogue featuring modern stained-glass windows & ornate decor in white & gold tones.
Cultural center in a 1934 art deco villa, presenting contemporary art exhibitions & events.
Also known as New Medina, Habbous is packed with open-air markets or souks where shoppers bargain for clothes, fabrics, and Moroccan staples like olives and dried fruits. Traditional patisseries sell almond pastries and stuffed dates. Open for guided tours, Mahkama du Pacha is a Moorish-style government building with mosaics, courtyards, and carved cedar ceilings. Jogging paths skirt flower beds in Parc Murdoch.
The bustling Central Market is one of the best places in Casablanca to watch locals do their shopping and pick up a variety of traditional goods and souvenirs. Colorful babouches (traditional leather slippers) and clothing hang in front of the stalls. Women buy spices and fresh produce. At Casablanca's Central Market, sights and smells come first! It's one of the must-visit places if you're passing through the city. Located not far from the Medina, this temple of simple pleasures brings together Casablanca's residents from all walks of life from 11 o'clock.
The lively Central Market is one of the best places in Casablanca to see how locals shop and to pick up an array of traditional goods and souvenirs. Colourful babouches (traditional leather slippers) and clothes hang in front of stalls. Women shop for spices and fresh produce. To meet locals and try fresh Moroccan food, visit the nearby Central Market in Casablanca. It is an open-air market selling meat, fish, and vegetables, popular with both locals and tourists. Don't miss the seafood section, where the stalls are stocked with everything from freshly caught oysters and sardines to shrimp, lobster, and swordfish.
Casablanca has the advantage of having the sea, and a stroll along the Corniche is one of the best things to do as the day starts drawing to a close. You can also photograph the Hassan II Mosque from there, as you'll have a wonderful panoramic view. The Ain Diab Corniche road is a place full of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. In the evening, there are many luxury cars here, as the country's young wealthy people come looking for entertainment. Several private clubs with seawater pools are available year-round for 6 euros.
Home to the fashionable stretch of coastline known as La Corniche, Ain Diab is a vibrant, affluent part of town. Creperies, shawarma cafes, and posh French restaurants are among the dining options, while trendy nightclubs keep the party going until dawn. Alongside a cluster of upmarket beach clubs, Plage Lalla Meryem and Plage Ain Diab are long expanses of sand backed by snack bars and ice cream parlors.
Known for its string of glamorous Atlantic beach clubs, La Corniche, part of the Ain Diab neighborhood, is popular with a fashionable crowd of sunbathers and surfers. After dark, the action moves to the area’s trendy nightclubs, cocktail lounges, and sea-facing bar terraces. Dining options along Boulevard de la Corniche range from simple counter-serve joints to fancy French restaurants.
A more unusual thing to do when in Casablanca is to visit the Sidi Abderrahman shrine, whose history seems to be straight out of One Thousand and One Nights. Sidi Abderrahman, considered a saint by some Muslims, came from Baghdad in the nineteenth century and settled on the islet. The marabout lived there until the end of his days and it is nowadays a pilgrimage site. The Sidi Abderrahman shrine, located on a rocky islet off the coast of Casablanca, is a revered site dedicated to the nineteenth-century Muslim saint Sidi Abderrahman. Accessible only at low tide, it attracts pilgrims seeking blessings and spiritual solace, combining spiritual heritage with the mesmerizing beauty of its coastal setting.
Roomy swimming beach with a nearby promenade offering access to a shopping center.
Small, unique museum featuring exhibits on Morocco's Jewish history, including artifacts.
The coastline in the Ain Diab suburb, known for its promenade, features many luxury apartments and restaurants. Take a stroll along the promenade and relax on the public sandy beach. Recommended by Sarah Williams. The area is divided into public, closed, and private beaches. The level of service is high: all amenities are available, along with rental of everything you might need. Cafes and bars are located near the beach.
Lighthouse constructed in 1916 & towering 167 ft., with an inner spiral staircase.
- Negotiate taxi fares before starting your ride.
- Try local street food for an authentic dining experience.
- Keep some cash handy, as not all places accept cards.