Casablanca itinerary — 3 days
Day 1 — Casablanca
7 stops · ≈ 7 h 1 minUnited Nations Square, located at the heart of Casablanca, is a bustling urban center where modernity and tradition converge. Originally a marketplace, it now serves as a vibrant meeting point connecting the old Medina with the new city. The square is surrounded by numerous shops, restaurants, offices, and traditional cafes. It also features iconic buildings such as the BMCI building from the mid-twentieth century and the classic Excelsior Hotel built in neo-Moorish style.
The Medina Market in Casablanca, Morocco, may not be as bustling as those in Marrakesh or Fes, but it still offers a glimpse into traditional Moroccan medina life. While some parts of the neighborhood are rundown residential buildings, the market features a variety of shops selling fresh produce, fish and meat, clothing stores, and a more touristy area known as the Old Medina Market.
Bab Marrakech Flea Market is a historical marketplace featuring narrow streets and friendly vendors. Accompanied by a Moroccan friend who understands the art of negotiation, one can explore shops offering high-quality leather goods such as purses, backpacks, briefcases, and wallets. The market also showcases exquisite jewelry at reasonable prices. Bargain hunters can put their haggling skills to the test in this clean and vibrant setting. Additionally, there is an abundance of inexpensive counterfeit items available.
La Sqala is a charming restaurant located within the walls of an old Portuguese fortress, offering a unique dining experience that blends Moroccan hospitality with rich history. The eatery features traditional Moroccan decor and serves authentic cuisine such as tagines, couscous, and freshly baked bread in a tranquil courtyard setting surrounded by lush gardens and shaded seating.
Rick's Café is a charming and romantic eatery that draws inspiration from the iconic café in the 1942 film "Casablanca." Located in an old courtyard-style mansion against the walls of the Old Medina of Casablanca, this restaurant and piano bar exudes nostalgia with its architectural and decorative details reminiscent of the classic movie.
The Hassan II Mosque, completed in 1993, is a grand oceanfront mosque located in Casablanca. It is the second-largest mosque in Africa and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshipers. The mosque offers guided tours for non-Muslims and features a unique glass floor that allows Muslims to pray directly over the sea.
Perched on La Corniche, Le Cabestan has been a go-to spot since 1927, offering unparalleled Atlantic views and a chic atmosphere. Following a 2011 renovation, the restaurant remains popular with its stylish crowd. The modern Mediterranean dishes and exclusive club draw guests in, but it's the exceptional ocean views that truly captivate visitors.
Reserve
15If you have time left — worth it too.
Cinema Rialto is a historic movie theater and performance venue located in Casablanca, known for its landmark art deco design. The building reflects the Parisian Art Deco style with ornate wrought-iron balconies, carved facades, and rounded exterior corners. With 1,300 seats inside, it continues to be a popular spot for watching movies in stylish surroundings.
The Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum, named after the late Moroccan businessman and art collector, is a cultural museum founded in 2012. It houses a privately collected assortment of paintings, posters, jewelry, and other objects that showcase Morocco's artistic traditions. The museum's extensive collection reflects Slaoui's lifelong passion for preserving the country's heritage. Visitors can explore diverse artifacts including figurative paintings by renowned Moroccan artists and ornate gold jewelry.
Beth-El Temple, located in the heart of Casablanca's White City, is a prominent Jewish synagogue known for its modern stained-glass windows and ornate white and gold decor. As the largest among over 30 synagogues in the city, it can accommodate up to 500 worshippers and serves as a vital center for spiritual events within the Jewish community.
The Villa of Arts is a cultural center housed in a stunning 1934 Art Deco villa, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions and events. Renovated by Casamemoire President Rachid Andaloussi, the venue features both permanent and temporary exhibits of contemporary art. One transformed villa on Rue du Parc now houses the private art collection of businessman Abderrahman Slaoui at Le Musee de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui.
Habbous, also known as New Medina, is a bustling district filled with open-air markets where visitors can haggle for clothing, fabrics, olives, and dried fruits. The area is also home to traditional patisseries offering almond pastries and stuffed dates.
When exploring the vibrant city, a visit to Central Market on Mohammed V Boulevard is a must for any culinary enthusiast. This bustling hub is brimming with an array of fresh ingredients, from colorful produce and aromatic spices to rich honey and high-quality oils. You’ll also find an impressive selection of meats and seafood that reflect the city's coastal charm. Beyond the market, delightful cafes dot the landscape—some even offering stunning beach views—alongside charming pastry shops and numerous spots serving up delectable seafood dishes.
Casablanca's Central Market, located at the heart of the city, is a bustling hub where locals gather to buy and sell groceries, vegetables, and various goods. The vibrant market offers a glimpse into local culture as people come to shop for produce, shoes, jewelry, and carpets while engaging in lively haggling sessions.
Corniche, also known as Ain Diab, is a vibrant coastal boulevard in Casablanca. It's lined with beach cafes, lounges, and ocean-view restaurants reminiscent of the French Riviera. One must-visit spot is Le Cabestan, offering stunning Atlantic views and serving classic French cuisine since 1927. The road is bustling with pedestrians enjoying scenic strolls along the water and offers some of the best photo opportunities in the city.
Ain Diab is a lively and upscale area in Casablanca, featuring the fashionable La Corniche coastline. It offers a variety of dining options, from creperies to posh French restaurants, as well as trendy nightclubs that keep the party going until dawn. The long sandy beaches of Plage Lalla Meryem and Plage Ain Diab are lined with snack bars and ice cream parlors.
La Corniche, located in the Ain Diab neighborhood, is a popular spot for sunbathers and surfers during the day. As night falls, the area comes alive with trendy nightclubs, cocktail lounges, and sea-facing bar terraces. Along Boulevard de la Corniche, visitors can find a variety of dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale French restaurants.
If you're looking for a unique experience in Casablanca, consider visiting the Sidi Abderrahman Mausoleum. This shrine has a fascinating history that dates back to the nineteenth century when Sidi Abderrahman, a revered Muslim saint from Baghdad, settled on the islet. The mausoleum is built on a rock by the sea and can only be accessed at low tide.
Plage Lalla Meryem is a spacious beach with a nearby promenade that leads to a shopping center. It offers unique experiences such as horse and camel rides along the soft sand. While not ideal for inexperienced swimmers, it's perfect for surfing, with a year-round surf school available. The beach provides a serene setting to relax and enjoy stunning sunsets, although swimming may be challenging due to rocks.
The Museum of Moroccan Judaism in Casablanca is a small yet unique museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich Jewish history of Morocco. Housed in a beautifully restored villa, which was once an orphanage, the museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts including religious items, traditional clothing, and historic documents.
Ain Diab Beach in Casablanca is a top destination for families, offering great beaches, surf clubs, and a variety of dining and shopping options. The area also features the popular Phare del Hank lighthouse, an iconic landmark with stunning views from its 51-meter height. Visitors can escape the city's hustle by taking a scenic bus ride along the ocean to Morocco Mall and then enjoy a leisurely walk back along the coast.
El Hank Lighthouse, a stunning structure built in 1916, stands tall at 167 feet along Boulevard de la Corniche. This iconic lighthouse features an inner spiral staircase that leads you up 256 steps to breathtaking panoramic views of Casablanca and the shimmering sea. Known for its striking white stone tower, it flashes a guiding light every 15 seconds, marking it as the tallest traditional lighthouse in Morocco and a vital landmark for sailors approaching the city.
- 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.