Casablanca, also known as Dar al-Bayda, is a coastal city in Morocco, located approximately a 35-minute drive from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport. If you’re planning a visit to this distinctive city, make sure to include the following list of the best things to do in Casablanca.
Best Things to Do in Casablanca
Aside from being renowned as the largest coastal city in Morocco, Casablanca is also celebrated for its seamless fusion of history and modernity, rendering it abundant in cultural and artistic allure.
Furthermore, Casablanca presents captivating activities for both local inhabitants and international visitors. These encompass exploring historical edifices, coastal vistas, and more.
What to Do in Casablanca
Below are enjoyable activities to do with family or friends as the best things to do in Casablanca.
1. Embark on a Tranquil Journey Through the Magnificent Hassan II Mosque
Hassan Mosque Casablanca stands as one of the city’s iconic landmarks. As one of Morocco’s notable Islamic structures, it offers public tours.
Upon entering the mosque, visitors are required to remove their shoes. Guided tours typically last less than 60 minutes and are available in French, English, Spanish, and German. This place is one of the best things to do in Casablanca that you should visit.
Location: Boulevard de la Corniche, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
Opening hours:
- 9 AM – 12 PM & 3 PM – 4 PM (Saturday-Thursday)
- 9 AM – 10 AM & 3 PM – 4 PM (Friday)
Tickets:
- MAD 130 (USD 12.96) for foreigners (adults)
- MAD 2200 (USD 219.41) for VIP visits
- MAD 65 (USD 6.48) for Moroccans & foreign students
- Free for children aged six years old and below
2. Experience Coastal Elegance With a Stroll Along the Corniche as The Best Things to Do in Casablanca
La Corniche Casablanca is approximately an 18-minute drive from downtown. At this tourist attraction, you can savor seafood dishes while admiring the sea view at dusk and the distant sight of the Hassan II Mosque.
On weekends or during the summer, you’ll often find numerous individuals taking leisurely strolls or jogging. As evening descends, nearby bars and nightclubs begin to come alive, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the area.
Location: Casablanca, Morocco
Opening hours: 24-hours daily
Tickets: free
3. Step Into Casablanca’s Past With a Stroll Through the Enchanting Old Medina
Wandering through Old Medina is among the options available to tourists seeking free things to do in Casablanca. This tourist attraction, steeped in traditional Moroccan charm, is a bustling market complex teeming with numerous shops and cafes.
Location: Old Medina (Old City), Casablanca 20250, Morocco
Opening hours: 24 hours daily (merchants open start from 7 AM – 9 PM)
Tickets: free
4. Dive Into a Shopping Extravaganza at Marocco Mall
Lack of ideas for fun things to do in Casablanca? Immerse yourself in shopping at Morocco Mall, just a 20-minute drive from downtown.
If you choose to reach the mall by metro bus, you’ll need to transfer from bus line L020 to bus L301 at Ista Boulevard, Afghanistan. Upon reaching Rond-point Morocco Mall, a brief 13-minute walk will lead you to the mall entrance.
Spanning three stories, this mall hosts over 350 shops offering a wide array of items, including food, clothing, toys, gadgets, and more.
Location: Angle Boulevard Sidi Abderrahmane, Bd de Biarritz, Casablanca
Opening hours: 10 AM – 9 PM
Tickets: free (parking fees MAD 5 (USD 0.50) per hour)
Website
5. Immerse Yourself in the Lively Ambiance of Casablanca at Mohammed V Square
Mohammed V Square is a 10-minute drive from downtown or a 32-minute drive from Mohammed V International Airport. In the center of the square, there are water fountains surrounded by various buildings that blend Moroccan and French styles.
Visiting Pigeon Square is one of the top things to do in Casablanca at night. Here, you’ll witness the fountain illuminated in golden light, complemented by the twinkling lights of its surrounding buildings.
Location: Mohammed V Square, Casablanca 20250, Morocco
Opening hours: 24-hours daily
Tickets: free
6. Marvel at the Regal Elegance of the Royal Palace of Casablanca
The Royal Palace is approximately an 8-minute drive from downtown. The building serves as one of the official residences of the Moroccan king and showcases Islamic-style architecture.
Unfortunately, this location is not accessible to the public. Nevertheless, visitors can still capture photos in front of the fortress or catch a glimpse of the interior when the guards open the gate for entry or exit.
Location: 19 Rue de Rome, Casablanca 20250, Morocco
Opening hours: accessible 24 hours daily
Entry Tickets: free
7. Explore the Coastal Charms of Mohammedia
The Mohammedia Coast is one of the popular outdoor attractions in Casablanca. It’s approximately a 24-minute drive from downtown. Along the coast, you can enjoy stunning coastal views and capture beautiful sunset photos.
Location: Mohammédia, Marocco
Opening hours: 24-hours daily
Entry Tickets: free
8. Step into the Tranquil Elegance of the Sacré-Coeur Cathedral
Apart from its numerous mosque buildings, Casablanca also boasts a Roman church, namely the Sacré-Coeur Cathedral, located approximately an 11-minute drive from downtown.
Designed by the French architect Paul Tournon, this church showcases an impressive Neo-Gothic architectural style. Additionally, it serves as a venue for cultural fairs and exhibitions. Visitors are also encouraged to ascend the tower for a captivating panoramic view of the city of Casablanca.
Location: Angle rue d’Alger et boulevard Rachdi, quartier Gautier, Casablanca 20250, Morocco
Opening hours: 24-hours daily
Entry Tickets: free, MAD 10 (USD 1.0) donation for the climbing tower
Casablanca Traveling Tips
To ensure a pleasant and memorable holiday in Casablanca, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:
- Dress conservatively in comfortable attire, as Moroccan Muslim culture typically favors modest clothing that does not reveal too much skin, such as shorts.
- Plan your visit for spring or fall to benefit from more affordable prices and fewer crowds.
- Opt for a summer visit for the best weather. However, be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds at popular attractions.
- Consider utilizing trams or taxis for transportation around the city, as they are both convenient and affordable.
- Learn some basic French phrases, such as “merci” and “bonjour,” as many Moroccans are proficient in Tamazight, Arabic, and French, although English is also widely understood.
Finally, that concludes our list of recommended best things to do in Casablanca, which you can consider including in your itinerary. Visit Airpaz to find the best deals on flight tickets and hotels for your trip to Casablanca.