Are you planning a 3-day visit to Casablanca? As Morocco’s economic hub, the “White City” blends Art Deco colonial heritage with traditional neighborhoods like the Habous and the majestic Hassan II Mosque, which overlooks the Atlantic. We were charmed by this cosmopolitan metropolis, where the past blends with a bustling present, featuring iconic monuments, lively markets, and the long Corniche. Three days give you enough time to take in the city’s highlights at a comfortable pace, without rushing.
With our itineraries, we’ll guide you through Casablanca in 3 days. Make the most of your trip and form your own opinion of this destination with our practical tips and plenty of photos!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Visiting Casablanca in 3 Days: Practical Tips
What can you see in Casablanca in 3 days? Is that long enough?
Three days are enough to see the highlights: the Hassan II Mosque, Habous, the Central Market, the Corniche, and a museum of your choice. Check out all of Casablanca’s attractions in our article.
Map of must-see attractions
To help you follow along as you read our itinerary below, here is our map of Casablanca’s main tourist attractions:
Getting Around Casablanca Without a Car
Casablanca has a network of four tram lines (CasaTramway) that serve most of the sites on our itinerary: Line T1 connects Place Mohammed V, Avenue Hassan II, and the Central Market, while Line T3 takes you to Les Habous. The city bus network complements this system; for example, the L005 line serves the Hassan II Mosque and the Aïn Diab area. We also recommend the little red taxi—the official color of Casablanca taxis—or ride-hailing apps for longer trips, such as the one to the El Hank Lighthouse. Three days without a car are entirely feasible using this network. Visit the official website for more information here.
Where to Stay in Casablanca
WHERE TO STAY IN Casablanca
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Corniche / Aïn Diab –
Four Seasons Hotel – see prices, photos and availability
Gauthier / Sidi Belyout –
Hôtel Le DOGE Relais & Châteaux – see prices, photos and availability
Our Ideal Itinerary: 3 Days in Casablanca
We wanted to strike a balance during this short trip between religious sites, working-class neighborhoods, colonial heritage, and the seaside, without having to travel around too much.
Day 1 – Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.: Hassan II Mosque
To kick off this trip, head to the Hassan II Mosque, located between the port and the El Hank Lighthouse. A masterpiece built between 1987 and 1993, it boasts one of the tallest minarets in the world, rising to 210 meters. We were impressed by the monumentality of the site and the meticulous craftsmanship: Agadir marble, Atlas cedar wood, traditional tadelakt, and zellige adorn every corner. Did you know that this is one of the few mosques in the world that allows non-Muslims to visit? The guided tour lasts one hour, followed by a walk through the esplanade and the media library. Book your ticket now!
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2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.: Corniche and Aïn Diab Beach
In the afternoon, head to the Corniche, an 8-kilometer-long promenade lined with palm trees along the Atlantic Ocean Boulevard. We enjoyed the colors of the sunset and the scent of the ocean that accompanied our walk. The long Aïn Diab Beach is, of course, the most iconic on the Casablanca coastline: we keep coming back for its lively, down-to-earth atmosphere, filled with strollers, families, and soccer games on the sand. It’s not the quietest beach, but it really captures the city’s seaside vibe. You can also take advantage of the bike path that runs along the waterfront for a more active outing, or try horseback riding, which is available on-site.
Day 2 – Habous, Delicacies, and Art Deco Architecture
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Habous District
Head to the Habous neighborhood, built in the early20th century and conceived as a “New Medina” by French architects Henri Prost and Albert Laprade. You’ll immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere of Morocco, among narrow streets lined with arcades, artisan shops, and peaceful inner courtyards. We love this neighborhood for its colors and authenticity, a far cry from the labyrinthine layout of the old medinas. As you stroll through the neighborhood, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Al-Mohammadi Mosque, whose carved minaret is inspired by the Koutoubia in Marrakech, as well as the Dar Al Ala Museum, dedicated to Moorish-Andalucian music. Plan your visit for the morning: some shops are closed on Fridays and Sundays.
Before leaving the neighborhood, stop by Pâtisserie Maison Bennis, founded in 1930, which has been carrying on the art of Moroccan pastry-making for four generations. We stop by every time we’re in the area! There, you can enjoy gazelle horns, sesame crisps, almond macarons, or the famous Ghriyba Bahla, a melt-in-your-mouth Moroccan cake. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Central Market and Art Deco District in downtown
In the afternoon, we headed to the Central Market. Built between 1918 and 1919 by architect Pierre Bousquet, it combines functionality with Moorish charm in its elegant arcades. We were captivated by the lively atmosphere in the aisles, among the stalls selling fruit, flowers, and fresh fish, and you can explore the central rotunda reserved for fishmongers. Let yourself be tempted by a culinary tour of the market with tastings and lunch!
Next, continue on to Mohammed V Square, built in 1920 and known for its pigeon fountain—a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture, just like the Post Office and the Palace of Justice, built in 1925. We were also captivated by the Rialto Cinema, designed in 1930, whose dome rises 14 meters high.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN MOROCCO
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Not too wide
- A good engine
- For more choice, book early.
Day 3 – Museums, Arab League Park, and the waterfront
10 a.m.–1 p.m.: Abderrahman Slaoui Museum and Arab League Park
Treat yourself to an immersion in Moroccan art and crafts at the Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum, located across from the former Sacré-Cœur Church. We were captivated by the richness of its private collection: paintings, posters from the colonial period, jewelry, and ceramics. Finish your visit with a break at the café on the top floor, surrounded by vintage posters and offering a beautiful view of the former church.
Nearby, the Arab League Park—a 30-hectare green oasis that has been completely restored and is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Morocco—is the perfect place for a stroll under the palm trees or a family outing.
2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.: El Hank Lighthouse and Lalla Meryem Beach
To round out this trip, overlooking the Atlantic coast, the El Hank Lighthouse was restored by architect Albert Laprade in 1916. We were surprised to learn that it played a crucial role in the city’s economic development by ensuring safe access to the port. For the more adventurous, you can climb the 256 steps leading to the upper platform. Continue on foot to Lalla Meryem Beach, whose golden sand stretches for several kilometers along a waterfront free of dense development. We were struck by how well-preserved this area is—a rarity so close to a major metropolis. The beach is family-friendly thanks to its comprehensive facilities: showers, restrooms, changing rooms, and lifeguards during peak season.
Alternative 1: with more museums
If you’re passionate about culture, replace half a day of our itinerary with a visit to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the first museum of its kind to open in the Arab world in 1997. We loved the diversity of the exhibits, ranging from traditional religious artifacts to life-size bridal gowns. Add to that the Villa des Arts Museum, a contemporary art exhibition housed in a 1934 Art Deco villa; the Dar Al Ala Museum, dedicated to Moorish-Andalucian music; or the Myriem Himmich Gallery and the galleries in the Maarif neighborhood for a glimpse of Morocco’s current art scene. Read our article on the best museums in Casablanca here
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
Alternative 2: with excursions
If you have an extra day, we think Rabat is the top day trip to consider from Casablanca: it’s close by, rich in heritage, and a pleasure to explore. There, you’ll discover the Kasbah of the Oudayas, founded by the Almoravids in the12th century, as well as the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. The trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car or 1 hour by train. Book your guided tour to Rabat from Casablanca! El Jadida, a 1-hour-and-15-minute drive away, also charms visitors with its UNESCO-listed Portuguese quarter and its16th-century ramparts. Book your private tour to El Jadida from Casablanca!
Option 3: With children
Several activities on our itinerary are already family-friendly: the Hassan II Mosque offers a guided tour suitable for children ages 4–5 and up. To make the most of your stay, we suggest adding Anfa Park—a 50-hectare green space with playgrounds and fun workshops—or Sindibad Park, near the Corniche, which offers a variety of attractions for all ages. The Tamaris Bowling and Aquaparc in Dar Bouazza is a great way to round out a fun-filled day. AMUZEUM Park and the Bouskoura Forest, on the way to the airport, offer nature-based activities and educational games. The Arab League Park is also a great option, with its Yasmina playground, lookout points, and picnic areas!
Option 4: A relaxing day at the beach
If relaxing is your priority, there are several beaches worth visiting outside the city’s Corniche. Tamaris Beach, for example, in the southwest, won us over with its long stretches of sand and restaurants where you can dine with your feet in the sand. Dar Bouazza Beach, about a 40-minute drive away, is one of the best-equipped in the region, with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and restaurants overlooking the ocean. For a more rugged setting, Madame Choual Beach—unsupervised and undeveloped—is popular with surfers and joggers. We recommend that you always check the swimming conditions before heading there, as the waves can be strong depending on the day.
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What You Need to Know for Your Stay in Casablanca
Where to eat in Casablanca
Did you know that Casablanca’s culinary scene is rich and varied? In the mood for a gourmet meal? Head to Table III, a wonderful restaurant run by Chef Fayçal Bettioui. If you prefer a more historic setting, we highly recommend Rick’s Café, which offers high-end cuisine in a legendary setting inspired by the 1940s American film *Casablanca*, and Gare aux Gorilles, featuring an innovative bistronomic menu in a colorful setting.
For traditional Moroccan cuisine in the heart of the Old City’s ramparts, head to the Maure La Sqala Restaurant and Café. We also enjoy the Papers Club Cultural Café, located across from Mohammed V Stadium, a welcoming space for socializing and workshops. On the Corniche, the Cabestan Ocean View Restaurant, which specializes in seafood and fish, as well as La Ola Restaurant and Le Basmane Restaurant, are the perfect way to round out a day spent in the Aïn Diab area.
The Weather in Casablanca
In winter, Casablanca enjoys a generally mild climate, with daytime temperatures rarely falling below 59°F or exceeding 22°C (71.6°F). We enjoyed exploring the sights without the summer heat, even though there can be a few rainy days. The city can be a bit humid and sometimes windy due to its coastal location, but the sun still shines during the day. As for swimming, the season generally runs from June to September, when the ocean is at its most pleasant and the beaches are patrolled.
The Crowds in Casablanca
Beaches like Tamaris and Dar Bouazza are very popular in the summer, especially with families from the nearby residential neighborhoods. We recommend arriving early on weekends and during school breaks to take advantage of the parking spots along the waterfront, which fill up quickly. Outside of the summer season, the atmosphere remains calmer along the entire coastline.
Adjusting Your Itinerary When It Rains
Rainy days in Casablanca are rare, but they offer a chance to go shopping at malls such as the Twin Center, Anfa Place, or the Morocco Mall. The Megarama Cinema near the Corniche also features a wide variety of movies and shows throughout the year. If you prefer cultural events, the Mohammed VI Theater, the Studio des Arts Vivants, the Rif Cinema, and the French Institute of Casablanca host them very regularly. Traditional markets like the Habous or the Central Market are often covered, as are the city’s museums, which are easy to visit while staying out of the sun.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Top Destinations
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
