Best Things to Do in Casablanca (2026 Guide)

Casablanca’s Old Medina sits in the city’s northeastern quarter, a warren of narrow lanes and covered markets that predates the French colonial grid by centuries. The sound inside changes quickly as you move from the broad colonial boulevard — the noise of motorbikes and car horns gives way to the calls of vendors, the clatter of metalworking shops, and the smell of fresh bread from neighborhood ovens.

The medina is smaller and less elaborate than those of Fes or Marrakech, which tends to make it less crowded with tour groups and more oriented toward daily Moroccan commerce. Stalls sell household goods, spices, textiles, electronics, and food alongside the craft items aimed at visitors. The architecture is a mixture of traditional North African urban forms — whitewashed walls, tiled fountains, arched gateways — with more recent construction filling gaps in the historic fabric.

Late morning and early afternoon are the most active times in the medina markets, before many shops close for the midday break. The area is most lively on weekday mornings when residents shop for daily necessities. Navigating the medina’s lanes without a clear mental map takes some adjustment; allowing time to wander without a fixed itinerary tends to produce better discoveries than trying to follow a route. The medina is accessible on foot from the Hassan II Mosque area.

Casablanca is not primarily a medina city — its identity is rooted in its twentieth-century commercial and industrial role, and the French colonial architecture of the city center defines the urban experience more than the medina does. But the old quarter provides genuine continuity with the pre-colonial city and a different register of Moroccan urban life than the modernist boulevards surrounding it.

Quartier Habous was built by the French colonial administration in the 1930s as a deliberate experiment in urban planning — a new neighborhood designed in traditional Moroccan architectural style to house a growing urban population while maintaining cultural continuity. The result is a district that reads as a medina but is laid out with a French administrator’s sense of order, its lanes slightly wider and its geometry slightly more legible than the genuinely organic medinas of older Moroccan cities.

The quarter’s streets are lined with shops selling traditional crafts — leatherwork, brassware, ceramics, textiles — alongside bakeries and neighborhood services. The architecture of the buildings combines Moorish arched gateways, tiled fountains, and whitewashed facades with the structural regularity of a planned district. The Royal Palace of Casablanca borders the quarter, and a French-era courthouse adds another architectural register to the mix. The concentration of craft shops makes it a more curated shopping experience than the central medina.

The quarter is most pleasant to visit in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are moderate. It tends to be quieter than Marrakech’s souks, with less pressure on visitors from vendors. Weekend mornings bring local residents shopping alongside visitors. The area is compact enough to explore thoroughly in one to two hours. It is most easily reached by taxi from the city center.

Habous occupies a unique position in Moroccan urban history as an early example of what later generations would call heritage urbanism — the deliberate construction of traditional forms for contemporary purposes. It is neither purely historic nor purely modern, which gives it a character distinct from both the old medina and the colonial boulevards, and makes it a genuinely interesting piece of twentieth-century Moroccan urban design.

La Corniche traces the Atlantic coastline of Aïn Diab, Casablanca’s beach district, in a promenade that stretches several kilometers along a rocky shore punctuated by beach clubs, seafood restaurants, and the rhythmic arrival of Atlantic swells. The smell of salt and the sound of surf carry inland for blocks, and in the late afternoon the waterfront fills with Casablancans walking, cycling, and occupying the terrace cafes that line the boulevard.

The corniche is lined with private beach clubs that control access to the shore itself, a model common to Moroccan Atlantic cities where the rocky coastline has been organized by commercial operators who provide changing facilities, pools, and food service. The restaurants along the strip specialize in Atlantic seafood — fresh catches from local fishing boats prepared simply and served with ocean views. Several of these establishments have been fixtures of Casablanca social life for decades and have a clientele that spans the city’s social spectrum.

Weekday evenings and weekend afternoons are the most social times along the corniche, when the promenade fills with the full range of Casablanca’s population. Summer draws the largest crowds; spring and autumn offer more temperate conditions for walking. The beach clubs are most active from late morning through late afternoon. The corniche is reachable by taxi from the city center and is walkable between its various sections, though the full length is best explored by car or bicycle.

La Corniche represents Casablanca in a register that neither the commercial downtown nor the medina captures — it is the city at leisure, the face Casablancans present to each other on weekends and evenings. In a city better known for commerce and industry than for relaxation, the waterfront promenade provides the social space that most Moroccan cities find in their medinas or public squares.

At the confluence of Casablanca’s major arteries, Place des Nations Unies anchors the city’s downtown with an open expanse of stone and fountains ringed by the layered facades of French Protectorate architecture. The square hums at almost every hour — taxi horns, the clatter of cafe chairs, the rhythmic calls from nearby street vendors — a civic space that functions less as a monument than as a working hub through which much of urban Casablanca flows.

Historically called Place de France and later renamed after independence, the square marks the meeting point between the old medina and the colonial-era nouvelle ville, making it a useful orientation point for exploring both. Several of the city’s most significant streets radiate outward from here, including the central axis leading toward the Hassan II Mosque on the waterfront. The architecture surrounding the square — including several notable early twentieth-century buildings — reflects the particular aesthetic synthesis of French modernism with North African decorative motifs that defines much of central Casablanca.

The square is accessible at all hours and serves as a starting point for walking tours of the city center. Morning visits offer quieter conditions for examining the surrounding architecture, while midday and evening bring the characteristic energy of Casablanca’s working commercial district. The square itself requires only a brief stop but repays a slower walk around its perimeter for those interested in the city’s architectural heritage.

Casablanca occupies an unusual position in Moroccan tourism — often bypassed in favor of Fez, Marrakech, or the coast — but the city’s early twentieth-century urban planning represents a distinct chapter in North African history. Place des Nations Unies sits at the center of this story, connecting the city’s colonial-era ambitions with its post-independence identity as Morocco’s economic capital.

The Casablanca Valley is Chile's premier cool-climate wine region, located in the coastal hills of the Valparaíso Region roughly midway between Santiago and the port city of Valparaíso. Influenced by the cold Humboldt Current sweeping northward from Antarctica, the valley's maritime climate produces consistently elegant Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay with pronounced acidity and expressive aromatics that have earned global acclaim since the 1980s. Casablanca was a pioneer among Chilean wine regions in harnessing cool-climate viticulture, challenging the dominance of the warmer Maipo and Colchagua valleys that had previously defined Chilean wine internationally. Today, dozens of wineries welcome visitors for tastings, cellar tours, and vineyard lunches set against rolling hillsides blanketed in neatly trellised vines. Notable producers including Viña Casas del Bosque, William Cole, and Emiliana offer sophisticated tasting programs throughout the year. Pinot Noir has increasingly emerged as a Casablanca strength alongside the white varieties, adding further depth to the valley's portfolio. The region is easily visited as a day trip from Santiago or en route between the capital and Valparaíso, making it an ideal stop for any wine-focused Chile itinerary.

Casas del Bosque Vineyard, known formally as Viña Casas del Bosque, is one of the Casablanca Valley's most distinguished wineries, producing cool-climate wines that have earned consistent recognition among South America's finest estates. Established in 1993 on a former forest clearing in the coastal hills of Valparaíso Region, the vineyard quickly developed a reputation for benchmark Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay shaped by maritime influence and carefully managed yields. The winery's tasting room sits surrounded by 200 hectares of vines and offers structured tour-and-tasting experiences that walk visitors through the Casablanca Valley's distinctive terroir and winemaking philosophy. Premium selections under the Gran Reserva and Pequeñas Producciones labels demonstrate particular depth and complexity, drawing wine enthusiasts from across South America and beyond. An excellent on-site restaurant — Tanino — elevates the visitor experience further, pairing seasonal local ingredients with the vineyard's own wines in a setting overlooking the vine rows. Casas del Bosque is easily reached from both Santiago and Valparaíso, making it a natural anchor for a Casablanca wine day out. The estate welcomes visitors year-round with advance reservations recommended for restaurant dining.

Estancia El Cuadro exemplifies the legendary estancia culture of Chilean Patagonia, offering visitors an immersive experience in rural ranch life, horse culture, and pristine wilderness. Located in the Casablanca wine region of Valparaíso, this working estancia preserves traditional livestock ranching practices while welcoming travelers seeking authentic Patagonian adventure and connection with the land.

Guests participate in horseback riding across expansive pastures, help with ranch operations, observe working cowboys managing herds, and enjoy traditional Chilean asados (outdoor grilled meat feasts) featuring ranch-raised livestock. The property overlooks the Andes and Pacific coastal valleys, offering dramatic mountain scenery and opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation in protected natural areas.

• Tickets: All-inclusive packages; day visit approx. CLP 80,000–100,000 (\$9–12 USD); overnight stays available
• Hours: Open year-round; tours typically 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Duration: Full day (6–8 hours) recommended
• Getting there: 14 km via La Vinilla road from Casablanca; accessible by organized tour or car rental

Book in advance, especially for overnight stays and horseback riding. Wear sturdy boots and layers—weather changes rapidly in Patagonia. Spring and early autumn offer the best conditions for ranch activities and mountain exploration.

Dominating the skyline of Rabat, Hassan Tower stands as an enduring testament to a magnificent, unfinished dream. This colossal minaret, intended to be the tallest in the world, was part of a grand mosque commissioned by Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour in the 12th century. Though construction ceased abruptly after the Sultan’s death, its impressive scale and the striking red sandstone architecture continue to captivate, offering a powerful glimpse into Almohad imperial ambition and sophisticated design.

Visitors are immediately struck by the sheer presence of the tower, rising proudly amidst hundreds of partially excavated columns from the mosqueu2019s original prayer hall. Walking through the vast, open space, one can almost visualize the monumental structure that was meant to stand here. The intricate geometric patterns adorning the toweru2019s facades, though weathered by centuries, still reveal the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic prowess of the era, truly a highlight for any admirer of Islamic art and history.

To truly appreciate the grandeur and subtle beauty of Hassan Tower, consider visiting during the late afternoon. The setting sun casts long shadows across the ancient ruins and bathes the red sandstone in a warm, golden glow, creating an incredibly atmospheric experience perfect for photography and quiet contemplation. Avoid midday if possible, as the harsh sun can diminish the site’s evocative power.

Leaving Hassan Tower, visitors carry more than just photographs; they take away a profound sense of history, an appreciation for architectural ambition, and the poignant beauty of an unfinished masterpiece. Itu2019s a place that whispers tales of sultans and grand visions, a powerful reminder of Morocco’s rich cultural tapestry that resonates long after you depart, cementing its place as an unforgettable landmark.

Step into a living fortress where history breathes through every blue-washed wall and winding alley. The Kasbah of the Udayas, perched majestically at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, is far more than a historical site; it’s a vibrant, ancient village frozen in time. Originally built in the 12th century by the Almohad dynasty, its strategic location and stunning architecture tell tales of sultans, corsairs, and a rich cultural tapestry that defines Rabat.

The true highlight of a visit is undoubtedly wandering through the serene Andalusian Gardens, a verdant oasis offering respite and breathtaking views over the river and Salu00e9. Beyond the gardens, the Bab Oudaia gate, an imposing Almohad masterpiece, leads into the labyrinthine residential quarter. Here, the distinctive blue and white houses, adorned with vibrant flowerpots, create an incredibly photogenic and tranquil atmosphere, inviting quiet exploration away from the city’s bustle.

To truly savor the Kasbah, plan your visit for late afternoon. The golden hour light bathes the blue walls in a magical glow, perfect for photography, and the heat of the day subsides. Avoid midday crowds by arriving either early or later. Don’t rush; allow ample time to simply get lost in the alleys and perhaps enjoy a refreshing mint tea at the Cafu00e9 Maure, offering unparalleled views of the Atlantic.

Leaving the Kasbah, visitors carry more than just photographs; they take with them the lingering sense of timeless beauty and profound peace. Itu2019s an immersion into an authentic Moroccan experience, a place where history feels tangible and the spirit of ancient Rabat truly comes alive. The unique blend of architectural grandeur, natural beauty, and local charm ensures the Kasbah of the Udayas remains a cherished memory.

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V rises at the end of the Hassan II Avenue in Rabat, its white Carrara marble and green tiled roof visible from the river and the lower medina. The building was completed in 1971 to house the tomb of King Mohammed V, who led Morocco to independence in 1956, and it stands as one of the finest examples of contemporary Moroccan craftsmanship — a deliberate synthesis of traditional architectural forms deployed at monumental scale.

The interior is richly decorated with hand-carved stucco, zellij tilework, and painted cedarwood ceilings, the work of Moroccan artisans whose techniques descend from centuries of royal patronage. The central chamber holds the white onyx sarcophagus of Mohammed V, with the tombs of King Hassan II and Prince Moulay Abdallah nearby. Guards in traditional ceremonial dress stand watch inside. The adjacent Hassan Tower — the unfinished minaret of a twelfth-century mosque — and the field of column remnants surrounding it form a single historical complex.

The mausoleum is open to non-Muslim visitors, which distinguishes it from many significant Islamic sites in Morocco. Modest dress is expected and generally enforced at the entrance. Morning visits are typically less crowded than afternoon, particularly during peak tourist season. The site is easily walkable from Rabat’s medina and the Kasbah des Oudaias, and combining all three into a single itinerary is the most efficient approach to the historic city.

Within Morocco’s considerable inventory of royal monuments, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V holds a particular emotional significance — it marks the final resting place of the king who navigated independence and is closely linked to modern Moroccan national identity. The quality of the craftsmanship makes it one of the best examples of twentieth-century Moroccan decorative arts anywhere in the country.

Taghazout sits on a rocky promontory north of Agadir where the Atlantic arrives with consistent force, the swell lines visible from the village streets as they organize themselves before breaking on the point and beach breaks that have made this stretch of Moroccan coastline famous among surfers since the 1970s. The village retains something of the fishing settlement it originally was, its white buildings stacked on the hillside above the water.

The surf breaks around Taghazout attract riders of varying levels: the point breaks to the north and south of the village handle larger swells and suit more experienced surfers, while the beach break closer to the village is accessible to intermediates. Several established surf camps and schools operate in and around Taghazout, making it a realistic destination for those who want to learn or improve. Beyond surfing, the beach itself is wide, sandy, and relatively uncrowded compared to the resort beaches further south near Agadir.

October through April is the prime surf season, when Atlantic swells are most consistent and temperatures remain comfortable — warm enough for daytime swimming but cool enough to make the beach pleasant without the summer heat. The village has grown considerably as a surf destination in recent years, with accommodation ranging from basic surf hostels to more comfortable guesthouses. Agadir is roughly thirty minutes south by road, making day trips in either direction straightforward.

Taghazout holds a position in Atlantic Morocco’s surf culture comparable to what certain spots in Portugal or the Canaries hold in European surfing — a reliable destination with character that developed before the surf tourism infrastructure arrived, and which has retained enough of its original identity to feel distinct from purpose-built surf resorts. Its proximity to Agadir gives it accessibility without compromising the essential quality of the experience.