Most visitors overlook Casablanca, but Morocco's economic capital has a lot more to offer than the famous movie bar. Here's how to explore it with a rental car.
Casablanca Travel Guide: Beyond Rick Cafe
Most visitors to Morocco skip Casablanca or use it only as an arrival and departure point. That is a mistake. Morocco economic capital and largest city is a dynamic, modern metropolis with world-class architecture, excellent seafood, and a distinctive character that differs markedly from the imperial cities of the interior. Here is what to see and do in Casablanca.
Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque is one of the most extraordinary buildings in the world. Completed in 1993, it stands on a promontory over the Atlantic Ocean and can accommodate 105,000 worshippers — making it the third largest mosque on Earth. The minaret rises to 210 metres, with a laser beam pointing toward Mecca that is visible 30 kilometres out to sea at night. Non-Muslims can visit on guided tours (approximately 120 MAD), which include the vast prayer hall and the hammam and library beneath it.
Art Deco Architecture
Casablanca has one of the finest collections of Art Deco buildings outside of Miami Beach. Built during the French Protectorate era (1912–1956), the downtown Quartier des Habous and the central Place des Nations Unies area are packed with ornate facades, geometric ironwork, and flowing curves. The Hyatt Regency and the Excelsior Hotel are particularly impressive examples. Guided walking tours depart from the tourist office.
The Corniche (Ain Diab)
The Ain Diab Corniche stretches along the Atlantic coast west of the city centre, lined with beach clubs, restaurants, and cafes. It is the social heart of modern Casablanca — busy on weekends with families, joggers, and couples. Several beach clubs offer day passes that include use of a pool and sunbed, a welcome retreat in summer. The seafood restaurants along the Corniche serve some of the freshest Atlantic fish and shellfish in the country.
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Rick Cafe
Yes, it exists, though the original film was shot entirely in Hollywood. The atmospheric bar and restaurant near the medina is a loving recreation of the film set, complete with a pianist playing classic film scores. It is a tourist experience, but a charming one — the cocktails are good and the setting is undeniably romantic. Reserve in advance for dinner.
Day Trips from Casablanca by Car
- Rabat (90 km): Morocco capital, with a beautiful medina, the Kasbah of the Udayas, and the Hassan Tower
- El Jadida (100 km): a Portuguese fortified city on the Atlantic, with a stunning underground cistern
- Asilah (340 km north): a whitewashed Atlantic port town with international art murals
Casablanca connects to Marrakech (240 km) and Fes (300 km) via excellent motorways. Read our Fes medina guide and complete Morocco travel guide for more inspiration. Book your rental car at OunizZ Cars to explore at your own pace.
Practical Tips
- Getting around: Casablanca has a tram network (T1 and T2 lines) that covers much of the city centre, and taxis are plentiful and inexpensive.
- Eating: The Quartier des Habous has excellent traditional restaurants; La Sqala serves Moroccan classics in a beautiful setting near the medina walls.
- Airport: Mohammed V International Airport is 30 km southeast of the city centre. The train (Al Bidaoui express) connects in 35 minutes.
