Casablanca is where Morocco meets the 21st century. Art Deco boulevards, a sleek waterfront corniche, and the Hassan II Mosque — the only mosque in the country non-Muslims can enter, its minaret rising 210 metres over the Atlantic.
Most travellers pass through on the way to Marrakech or Fes. Give it a night. Dinner at Rick's Café (yes, that Rick's), a walk along the Corniche at golden hour, and you'll understand why Moroccans are quietly proud of their biggest city.
“People rush through Casablanca. Slow down for a night — the corniche at golden hour will surprise you.”
Hassan II MosqueArt DecoAtlantic corniche
Casablanca — frequently asked
- Is Casablanca worth visiting?
- For one night, yes — mainly for the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche at sunset. It is not worth a multi-day stop unless you are in Morocco for business or have already visited Marrakech and Fes.
- Can non-Muslims enter the Hassan II Mosque?
- Yes. It is one of the very few active mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors, via timed guided tours. The minaret stands 210 metres tall — the second-tallest religious structure in the world.
- Is Rick's Café the one from the 1942 film?
- No. The 1942 film was shot entirely on Warner Bros. sound stages in Los Angeles. Today's Rick's Café in Casablanca is a very well-done tribute reconstruction, opened in 2004 in a restored 1930s mansion.
- How far is the airport from Casablanca centre?
- Mohammed V International (CMN) is about 30 km south of the city. There is a direct train (Al Boraq) from the airport to Casa-Voyageurs station in roughly 40 minutes.
