Casablanca: 10 Unmissable Experiences in Morocco's Largest City

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Introduction

After staying for a few weeks in Rabat for a house-sit, we couldn’t resist the pull of nearby Casablanca. The name itself carries a kind of cinematic weight, evoking images of history, trade, and timeless stories. We were curious if the city lived up to its reputation, and in the end we were so glad we added it to our Morocco journey.

Casablanca isn’t just Morocco’s largest city. It’s the country’s beating heart: home to one of the biggest ports in Africa, a hub of commerce and culture, and even one of the places where the King of Morocco has a palace. What struck us most was the contrast...its rich past blending with an ever-evolving present.

In this post, we’ll take you through the Top Things to Do in Casablanca, from must-see sights to unique experiences that give this city its special rhythm.

Where to Stay in Casablanca

Where we Stayed: Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche

We chose to stay at the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche, and it couldn’t have been more convenient. It’s literally a two-minute walk from Casa Port station (you can spot it as soon as you step outside), which made arriving with our luggage super easy. From here, we were able to walk to most of the places we wanted to see: the fish market, the old medina, and even the Corniche with just a bit more time.

The hotel itself is five-star luxury with a French–Moroccan style: elegant rooms, big windows with views over the medina and the Atlantic, and all the comforts you’d expect. After full days of exploring the busy streets, we loved coming back to the calm of the rooftop bar, and one evening we treated ourselves to the SO Spa and a swim in the indoor pool.

It felt like the perfect balance...in the middle of everything, but still a relaxing escape at the end of the day.

Other Casablanca Hotel Recommendations

Novotel Casablanca City Center

Just a short walk from the train station and the marina shopping mall, this modern 4-star is super convenient. Novotel Casablanca City Center is clean, comfortable, and offers sea views.

Royal Mansour Casablanca

The latest big-name luxury in town—housed in a restored Art Deco tower. Opened in 2024, Royal Mansour Casablanca’s already hailed as Casablanca’s most extravagant hotel. Think sweeping city views from the rooftop, decadent Moroccan design, and a spa that redefines indulgence. A destination unto itself.

How to Get To Casablanca

Casablanca is Morocco’s main international gateway, so reaching it is straightforward. The Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) handles frequent flights from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. From the airport, you can reach the city center in about 45 minutes by taxi or by train directly to Casa Voyageurs station.

If you’re traveling within Morocco, ONCF trains run regularly between Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakesh, and Tangier. Casa Voyageurs is the main hub for high-speed Al Boraq trains, while Casa Port is closer to downtown. Buses and shared taxis are also options, but the train is usually faster and more comfortable. Drivers will also find Casablanca well-connected to the rest of the country via the A3 and A5 highways.

How to Get Around Casablanca

Once you’re in the city, getting around Casablanca is fairly straightforward. The city has an efficient tramway system that links most major districts, including Casa Port, Ain Diab (Corniche), and Sidi Bernoussi. Tickets are inexpensive, and you can pay at the machines using cash or card.

Taxis are everywhere: the small red petit taxis are best for short trips inside the city, while the white grand taxis cover longer distances or can be shared between passengers.

Walking is also an option in certain neighborhoods, especially the city center, the Art Deco quarters, and along the Corniche. However, distances can be long. Casablanca is a very spread-out city, so you’ll often combine walking with tram or taxi.

For day trips, trains from Casa Voyageurs station make it easy to visit Rabat, El Jadida, Marrakesh, and even Tangier.

Tip: Always settle on the price before starting your taxi ride, or ask the driver to use the meter (“le compteur”). Most speak French, and a few speak English.

Top Things to Do in Casablanca – Must-See Sights & Experiences

1. Discover Casablanca’s Art Deco Facades

Casablanca experienced its biggest urban growth during the French Protectorate, and you can still feel it in the city’s architecture. Many Art Deco buildings blend with Moroccan and Islamic motifs, creating a style that’s both elegant and unique. Sadly, some facades are abandoned, but there’s a growing effort to restore them, for example, the future Lincoln Casablanca.

We loved wandering the streets just to hunt for these hidden gems. Honestly, it was the thing we enjoyed most in Casablanca.

2. Hassan II Mosque, the Corniche & Phare El Hank

The Hassan II Mosque is not only the largest in Morocco, with the tallest minaret in the world, but also the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Whether you go inside or just admire it from outside (like we did), it’s breathtaking. We were amazed by its scale, the biggest mosque we’ve ever seen (and we've seen a lot of huge mosques, like the Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan in Kuala Lumpur).

From the mosque, you can follow the ocean promenade known as the Corniche, where many luxury buildings are rising. If you feel like walking further, continue on to the Phare El Hank Lighthouse, another iconic spot on the coast.

3. The Old Medina of Casablanca

The Old Medina is chaotic, noisy, and alive...definitely not for the faint of heart. We went on a Friday night, and it was buzzing with scooters, food stalls, merchants, and crowds. The walls are covered in graffiti of Casablanca’s football team (Wydad AC), a powerful reminder of independence and national pride. The vibe reminded us of the Quartieri Spagnoli in Naples, but with an African twist.

4. Quartier Habous – The New Medina and The King’s Palace

Built during the French era, Quartier Habous is often called the “new medina.” It’s cleaner and more organized than the old one, but still full of markets, shops, and restaurants where you can taste Moroccan cuisine. A good place if you want the medina atmosphere without the chaos.

Casablanca is also home to one of the royal palaces of Morocco, but visiting is tricky...you need a reservation, and it’s not always open to the public. Even from outside, the walls and gates give you a sense of Morocco’s royal heritage.

5. Sacred Heart Cathedral & Notre Dame de Lourdes Church

For a different kind of architecture, check out Casablanca’s churches. The Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of the jewels of the city’s Art Deco heritage. Today, it’s mostly used for events (it allegedly even hosted a techno party, ehemm take note, Berlin). If you’re missing church during your trip, there’s also the Church of Notre Dame de Lourdes (كاتدرائية سيدة لورد), still active and worth a visit.

6. Arab League Park (Parc de la Ligue Arabe)

Arab League Park is the largest urban park in Casablanca and a great escape from the traffic. When we visited, it was hosting Sur la Route de la Coupe – Village: “This Is Africa”, a festival full of color and energy. The park is also next to Place Yasmin, where locals gather for events and open-air activities.

7. Place Mohammed V & United Nations Square

At the heart of Casablanca is Place Mohammed V, surrounded by impressive colonial-era buildings like the courthouse and the Wilaya (regional government). There’s also a fountain that lights up beautifully at night. A short walk away is United Nations Square, a lively meeting point that blends modern Casablanca with its colonial past.

8. Rick’s Café – Casablanca’s Movie Legend

If you’re a fan of the classic movie Casablanca, then a stop at Rick’s Café is unmissable. An American woman had the brilliant idea to recreate the bar from the film in the exact spot where it was meant to be. Inside, you feel transported back to the world of spies and wartime intrigue.

That said, we didn’t eat there, because of the dress code. They require formal wear (like a shirt), and honestly, we didn't bring anything formal on this trip. Still, it’s worth checking out if you love the movie.

9. Don’t Miss Trying Moroccan Food (Start with Tagine!)

One of the best things about being in Casablanca is definitely the food. If you haven’t yet, you must sit down for a proper tagine...it’s the dish you’ll find everywhere in Morocco, and each place has its own twist.

Here are some of the classics we enjoyed in Casablanca (and yes, you’ll spot them in other parts of the country too):

• Tagine: Slow-cooked and full of flavor, usually with chicken, lamb, or veggies. Often comes with preserved lemon or olives, my favorite combo.

• Couscous: Traditionally served on Fridays. Fluffy semolina topped with meat, veggies, and broth.

• Rfissa: A real comfort food—flatbread soaked in spiced broth, with chicken and lentils.

• Pastilla: This one surprised us...a pastry pie that mixes sweet and savory, usually chicken or pigeon, almonds, and cinnamon.

• Harira: A warming tomato and lentil soup, especially loved during Ramadan.

• Mint Tea: You’ll be served this everywhere. Sweet, fresh, and very Moroccan.

For quick bites, go for msemen (flatbread cooked on a pan), briouats (crispy pastries with savory fillings), or a fresh-squeezed orange juice from the market stalls. Perfect for a snack while wandering around.

10. Marina Shopping Mall & Ocean Bridge

Right on the waterfront, the Marina Mall is a modern shopping center with a massive food court. From here, you can cross a pedestrian bridge that connects directly to the Corniche, making it a perfect stop if you’re exploring the coastline. After Rick’s Café, we wandered here for a bite and enjoyed the view of the ocean mixed with city lights.

Day Trips from Casablanca Worth Making

We didn’t need to plan a day trip from Casablanca because we came straight from Rabat, and were heading to Marrakech next, but honestly, we’d love to go back and explore more around the area. If you have time, here are some fantastic single-day excursions to consider:

Rabat

A blend of imperial history, modern streets, and the calm of the capital. If you want to read more about what to do there, check out our post on the best things to do in Rabat.

Fez

Morocco’s spiritual city...its vast medina and ancient architecture are stunning.

Chefchaouen

“The Blue City” in the Rif mountains is so peaceful and photogenic. Vogue has a beautiful article titled "8 Reasons to Put the Blue City on Your Bucket List", which will convince you.

Oualidia

Coastal escapes where the pace slows, fresh seafood rules, and the breeze is a gift.

Conclusions

Casablanca surprised us, and we think it will surprise you too. Whether you’re here for a day trip or a longer stay, this city is more than just Morocco’s business hub, it’s a mix of culture, food, and stories waiting to be explored.