Casablanca itinerary — 4 days
Day 1 — Casablanca
6 stops · ≈ 5 h 52 minMuseum housing a privately collected assortment of paintings, posters, jewelry & other objects.
Built in 1930 during the French protectorate, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is a striking Casablanca landmark. Designed by architect Paul Tournon, its reinforced-concrete structure fuses French Neo-Gothic design with sleek Art Deco geometry and Moroccan motifs. Set alongside Arab League Park, the deconsecrated former church now serves as a vibrant cultural center hosting art exhibitions and events.
One of Casablanca's oldest parks, planned in the 1910s by the French landscape designer Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier. Kilometre-long avenues under palms and ficus trees, fountains and chess tables make it a favourite weekend retreat for locals. The park stretches along Boulevard Mohammed V not far from Casa-Voyageurs station, with the Mohammed V Theatre nearby.
United 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.
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17If you have time left — worth it too.
The Old Medina, or Old Town, also known as "Bab Marrakech," is a comprehensive area that combines its proximity to the city's port and the nearest railway station. Visitors can shop in stores offering traditional goods and crafts, as well as visit historic buildings. The area is located in a beautiful and old spot at United Nations Square and is easily accessible by tram. Unlike the souks in Marrakech and Fes, which are mainly geared toward tourists, Casablanca's relatively new medina lacks that same medieval charm. But the same hustle and bustle of Casablanca's compact medina is present and makes the walk worthwhile. The shops in Casablanca's Old Medina sell everything and anything for locals and tourists alike.
Restaurants, the Al-Maghrib Bank, a post office, and a police station are built around it. The Arab League Park and a public garden adjoin the square. Boulevards radiate out in different directions – a great place for strolls. Mohammed V Square is a public square named after King Mohammed V, who played an important role in turning Morocco into one of the safest destinations in the Middle East. Surrounded by some of the city's most important landmarks, including the Royal Court, the Al-Maghrib Bank Museum, and the Governor's Office, the square is a popular venue for events and celebrations, especially during national holidays and festivals. One of the square's most notable features is its architecture, which combines traditional Moroccan and French colonial styles.
In Casablanca, the Old Fiat building stands as a testament to the city's remarkable growth during the French Protectorate era. General Lyautey's strategic economic development plan gave rise to stunning boulevards and a unique architectural style that fuses Art Deco with traditional Moroccan elements such as zellige tiles, inner courtyards, and climate-appropriate design.
The Clock Tower, a striking landmark in Casablanca, was originally constructed in 1911 by French captain Dessigny to symbolize the shift towards an industrialized lifestyle. Although the original structure was demolished in 1948 due to its deteriorating condition, a replica was erected in 1993. Located at United Nations Square—previously known as Place de France—the tower stands proudly amidst one of the city's grand plazas.
Landmark art deco design movie theater, events & performance venue.
The Royal Palace of Casablanca, an official residence of Morocco's king.
The former slaughterhouses of Casablanca, now a vibrant cultural center.
A local market in Casablanca offering a taste of Moroccan traditions.
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.
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.
Small, unique museum featuring exhibits on Morocco's Jewish history, including artifacts.
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.
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 historic building in Casablanca, notable for its architecture.
Immerse yourself in the amazing sights of Casablanca, Morocco, and its beautiful graffiti on buildings and walls. These works of art are also a bold challenge to the decoration of urban civilization and an effective means of communication. Strolling through the streets, you can observe numerous decorations and various styles, as well as their ideas. Street art is always an eye strain, whether you are an artistic expert or not. Stroll through the streets of Casablanca and enjoy the masterpieces created under the veil of the night.
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.
- 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.