Is Casablanca Worth a Stop? What to See

Morocco’s modern metropolis

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and its undisputed economic heart, a modern, cosmopolitan metropolis on the Atlantic Ocean. At Esplora il Marocco we are often asked whether it is worth including in a trip, and the question deserves an honest answer, because Casablanca is very different from the romantic imperial cities.

Unlike Marrakech or Fes, Casablanca does not have a great historic medina at the centre of a visit; instead it shows a much more modern, urban side of Morocco, with striking architecture, wide boulevards and an unmistakably metropolitan feel. It does, however, have a few gems that are well worth seeing, starting with its famous mosque. In this guide we help you decide whether and how to include it. If your trip starts in Casablanca, see our tours from Casablanca.

The Hassan II Mosque

Casablanca’s undisputed jewel, and one of the main reasons to visit, is the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Completed in 1993, it is one of the largest mosques in the world, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship, built partly over the ocean, with a minaret of about 210 metres towering over the city and the sea.

The mosque is open to guided tours for non-Muslims too, a rare opportunity in Morocco, letting you admire its lavish interiors, fine marble, mosaics and decorations of extraordinary skill. Seeing it, especially at sunset with the ocean behind it, is on its own enough to justify a visit to the city, even for a few hours. The more traditional Morocco of maze-like medinas and bustling souks is found mainly in Marrakech and Fes.

The seafront and the Corniche

Casablanca has an attractive seafront, the famous Corniche, a modern and lively area on the ocean full of stylish cafés, restaurants, hotels and trendy venues. It is the perfect place for a long walk, to enjoy the Atlantic breeze and to feel the modern, sociable atmosphere of Morocco’s biggest city.

From here you also get a wide view of the imposing Hassan II Mosque and the ocean. The Corniche shows the contemporary, relaxed face of Casablanca, where Moroccans themselves come to unwind. Our 8-day Morocco itinerary starts in Casablanca.

Architecture and the city centre

Casablanca has a surprising architectural heritage, especially Art Deco and neo-Moorish buildings from the last century that still define the city centre. Walking through its main streets, past lively squares, elegant façades and wide tree-lined avenues, gives you an interesting look at a different, urban and cosmopolitan Morocco.

The city also has a smaller, authentic and far less touristy medina than the imperial cities, as well as lively markets and working-class neighbourhoods that show everyday life in a big, modern African metropolis. If you enjoy architecture and city atmospheres, Casablanca holds some interesting and unexpected discoveries.

Is it worth visiting?

The honest answer is that Casablanca is worth a short stop rather than a long stay, above all for the Hassan II Mosque, which alone justifies the visit. If you are looking for the traditional Morocco of medinas and souks, you will find it more in Marrakech or Fes, while Casablanca offers its modern, metropolitan side.

Casablanca is very often the main gateway to the country, as it is home to Morocco’s largest international airport, Mohammed V, which makes it a natural stop at the start or end of a trip. Spending a full or half day there is usually the most sensible choice: you see the best of the city without taking time away from more traditional destinations.

How to fit it into your itinerary

Thanks to its strategic location and large international airport, Casablanca fits easily at the start or end of an itinerary, or as a stop on the way to other cities such as Rabat and Fes. It is a convenient, logical and well-connected stop that adds Morocco’s modern face to your trip without taking too much time.

A full or half day is usually enough to visit the Hassan II Mosque, stroll along the Corniche and get a feel for the city before heading on to more traditional places. An experienced operator will place it at the right point in your trip. Our tours from Casablanca start right here.

Discover Casablanca with Esplora il Marocco

Casablanca, Morocco’s great modern and cosmopolitan metropolis on the Atlantic, is worth a short stop above all for the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world and open to non-Muslim visitors. It also offers the lively Corniche seafront, interesting Art Deco and neo-Moorish architecture and the country’s contemporary face, very different from the imperial cities.

The Esplora il Marocco team fits Casablanca into your trip in the most sensible way, often at the start or end thanks to its large international airport, so you can discover modern Morocco too. To visit Casablanca, contact us using the button below.