Top attractions in Casablanca span one of the world’s most spectacular mosques, an extraordinary Art Deco architectural heritage, vibrant markets, a legendary film-inspired café, and a dramatic Atlantic seafront that gives Morocco’s largest city a character all its own. While many travelers skip Casablanca in favor of more traditional destinations, those who take the time to explore discover a modern, cosmopolitan metropolis with genuine depth and beauty.

This guide covers every must-see site in Casablanca, organized by area and interest, with practical visiting tips and the best ways to experience each attraction.

Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque is not just Casablanca’s top attraction — it is one of the most magnificent buildings in the entire Islamic world. Completed in 1993, this architectural masterpiece sits on a promontory over the Atlantic Ocean with the world’s tallest minaret soaring 210 meters into the sky. The interior is equally breathtaking: 78 marble columns, a retractable roof that opens to the sky, heated floors, and room for 25,000 worshippers. Guided tours are available for non-Muslim visitors and run approximately one hour — book early during peak season.

Art Deco Architecture

Casablanca contains one of the world’s richest concentrations of Art Deco buildings, built primarily during the French protectorate era (1912–1956). The downtown area around Boulevard Mohammed V, Place Mohammed V, and the surrounding streets features hundreds of buildings with ornate facades blending European modernism, Moorish geometric patterns, and tropical motifs. Highlights include the Central Post Office, Cinema Rialto, and the Wilaya building. The full-day highlights private tour includes walking through the best Art Deco streets with architectural context from your guide.

Old Medina

Casablanca’s old medina, located near the port, is smaller and less touristic than the medinas of Marrakech or Fes, but has genuine local character. The narrow streets are home to traditional shops selling fabrics, spices, household goods, and street food. It is a working neighborhood rather than a tourist attraction, which gives it an authenticity that more famous medinas sometimes lack. The sqala (sea bastion) on the medina’s ocean edge offers great views over the port.

Habous Quarter (New Medina)

Built in the 1930s by the French as a “model medina,” the Habous Quarter is a fascinating blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and modern urban planning. The clean, well-organized streets are lined with shops selling Morocco’s best olives, dried fruits, traditional pastries, and leather goods — all at prices lower than tourist-oriented medinas. The Royal Palace entrance and the Mahkama du Pacha (a stunning Hispano-Moorish courthouse) are architectural highlights.

Rick’s Café

Inspired by the 1942 classic film Casablanca, Rick’s Café recreates the romantic atmosphere of the movie with a beautiful Art Deco interior, central courtyard, piano bar, and excellent Moroccan-international cuisine. While the film was never actually shot in Casablanca, this lovingly designed restaurant has become a genuine landmark. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially during tourist season.

The Corniche and Ain Diab

The Corniche seafront stretches along the Atlantic coast from the Hassan II Mosque westward to the Ain Diab beach district. This is where Casablancais come to walk, jog, dine, and socialize, especially in the evening. Beach clubs, restaurants, and cafés line the oceanfront, and the Morocco Mall at the western end is one of the largest shopping centers in Africa, complete with an aquarium and ice rink.

Central Market (Marché Central)

This bustling covered market in the city center is the best place to experience Casablanca’s daily commercial life. Fresh fish, meat, vegetables, flowers, and spices fill the stalls, and several small restaurants at the market’s edge serve freshly grilled seafood at excellent prices. The market is particularly lively in the morning hours.

Morocco Mall and Shopping

For modern shopping, the Morocco Mall is a spectacular destination in itself — housing over 600 stores, an IMAX cinema, a musical fountain, and a massive aquarium with sharks and rays. The city also has excellent boutique shopping in the Gauthier and Maarif neighborhoods, where Moroccan designers sell contemporary fashion, homeware, and accessories.

How to See All the Attractions

The most efficient way to cover Casablanca’s spread-out attractions is with a guided tour. The full-day highlights private tour covers all the major sites in one organized day. For cruise passengers, the shore excursion cultural tour is specifically designed for port schedules. And for a wellness break between sightseeing, the private hammam experience adds a luxurious Moroccan touch to your visit.