How to Spend One Day in Casablanca: Complete Casablanca Itinerary
Planning to visit Morocco and have only 24 hours in Casablanca? Don’t worry, I have prepared a complete itinerary for one day in Casablanca to maximize your time and make the most of your trip.
Casablanca is the biggest city in Morocco and it hosts the second-biggest port in Africa. When it comes to tourism, Casablanca is famous for The Hassan II Mosque, however, it has much more to offer whether you are a history or art lover. Or a foodie curious to try the flavors of Morrocan cuisine.
In this one-day itinerary for Casablanca, we will cover the main attractions, authentic experiences, and some of the best hidden gems in Casablanca. Together with restaurant and hotel suggestions, you will find other useful tips.
*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Is it worth staying in Casablanca?
First of all, Casablanca hosts one of the most beautiful places in Morocco – Hassan II Mosque. It is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslim visitors.
And while Casablanca is considered the financial capital of Morocco, it offers some real treats to its visitors. In this Casablanca itinerary, we will cover everything that is worth visiting and take you beyond Hassan II Mosque.
Is one day enough for Casablanca?
Casablanca is a huge and busy city, nevertheless, 24 hours in Casablanca will be enough for you to cover the essentials of the city. One day in Casablanca will give you the chance to see one of the most impressive mosques in the world, dive into colorful markets, explore old streets, taste exotic food, and even find some hidden gems in Casablanca.
So wondering how to spend one day in Casablanca? Keep on reading! But be prepared to wake up early and do a lot of exploring to make the most of your Casablanca itinerary.
Where to stay in Casablanca for one night?
Choosing the right hotel in Casablanca is essential. You should always pay extra attention to the ratings and reviews of other guests. Also, location is important as well. I have prepared a list of the best hotels in Casablanca for every budget, so take a look.
LUXURY: Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca
If you are looking for a luxurious experience, Four Seasons Hotels are always a good idea. What makes this hotel so special? The fantastic modern design collides perfectly with the Moroccan style and all the comforts and attention to detail that Four Season Hotels can give.
Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this luxury hotel in Casablanca.
UNIQUE: Art Palace Suites & Spa
If you are looking for more traditional accommodation, Art Palace Suites and Spa offers themed suites. It boasts a Spa with a Moroccan hammam and a heated indoor swimming pool. Moreover, hotel guests have free access to the swimming pool and sauna.
Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this unique hotel in Casablanca.
MID-RANGE: Idou Anfa Hôtel & Spa
Idou Anfa Hôtel & Spa is one of the best hotels in Casablanca thanks to its modern design, the spa, the swimming pool, and many other facilities you can find in the hotel. It benefits from one of the best locations in the city, close to the city center and it hosts a wonderful view over the Hassan II Mosque.
Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this mid-range hotel in Casablanca.
AFFORDABLE: Hotel Moroccan House
If you are more on a budget, Hotel Moroccan House is a great choice for you. Set in the city center, the hotel features a very typical Moroccan setting. It offers a central patio with a fountain, a sauna, and even a hammam. The rooms are also traditionally decorated and will make you feel some authentic Moroccan vibes.
Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this affordable hotel in Casablanca.
Overview of the one-day itinerary for Casablanca
- Morning: Hassan II Mosque, Old Medina Market, United Nations Square, and Mohammed V Square.
- Lunch: Le Cuisto Traditionnel.
- Afternoon: Habbous, Mahkama du Pacha.
- Evening: Corniche.
Morning of your Casablanca itinerary
Hassan II Mosque
Your day should start by catching the sunrise at the Hassan II Mosque – the main attraction in Casablanca. And not just from the outside, it is essential you visit it inside and learn more about this beautiful mosque. Also, if you think that mosque looks impressive from the outside, wait until you get inside.
The only way non-Muslims can visit Mosque is with a guided tour. You can either find tours online or purchase it at the ticket office. The entrance fee is 120 MAD (10.80 EUR). Plus, you get a guided tour in English, French, German or Spanish. Keep in mind that visiting times depend on the season, so make sure you check in advance.
What do you wear to a Hassan II Mosque? To my surprise, there is not a strict dress code, however, it is advised to cover your shoulders and knees. This would be a great excuse to bring an extra maxi dress for this trip. Also, you will have to remove your shoes.
Old Medina Market
Morning is the perfect time of the day to explore the Old Medina Market. This is one of the top things to do in Casablanca. Here you can find a lot of different products, from food to clothes, from home decor to beauty products. So be prepared to bargain and shop.
Old Medina is fun but it can get a bit overwhelming, If this is your first time in Morocco I highly recommend exploring this area of Casablanca with a local guide. I personally can recommend this tour.
If you feel that all that shopping will make you feel tired, just sit down in a cafe and indulge in the busy rhythm of the locals.
United Nations Square and Mohammed V Square
Just outside the Old Medina, you will find two of the top sights in Casablanca – the United Nations Square, and Mohammed V Square.
The United Nations Square is a wide modern square, surrounded by cafes and charming palaces. Here you can have a view of the Old Clock Tower.
While Mohammed V Square shows more of the distinctive characteristics of French-Colonial architecture with a real Moroccan twist. The impressive Palais de Justice dominates the square and it is one of the most beautiful places in Casablanca.
Le Cuisto Traditionnel
Lunch will be at Le Cuisto Traditionnel. It is one of the best restaurants in Casablanca, which is located a short walking distance from Mohammed V Square.
Here you can taste delicious homemade dishes and experience the best service ever. The owner of the restaurant will welcome you, introduce you to local cuisine and share some stories about Casablanca.
A special mention to the design of the restaurant; not only the dishes are served in beautiful crockery, the whole restaurant is built in a traditional Moroccan style. Simply a must-try for your 1-day itinerary for Casablanca.
RELATED: 15 Best Photo Spots in Fes, Morocco
The afternoon of your one day in Casablanca
Habous Market
After a nice traditional lunch, it is time to explore a hidden gem in Casablanca – the Habbous also known as New Medina. Compared to the Old Medina, it is certainly more chill yet it feels still very traditional and it’s packed with souks. And it is one best places to visit in Casablanca even without a guide.
Inside Habous market, you will find a real treat and the best bakery in Casablanca: Pâtisserie Bennis Habous. While Pâtisserie Bennis Habous is well known by the locals, tourists tend to miss the place as it is not located in the central area.
Grab the sweets and heat for Moroccan tea at Imperial مقهى الملكية located in the porticos nearby. You can order a drink and enjoy your pastries there – all locals do it.
However, plan to walk around the market for a couple of hours and don’t miss Royal Palace. The access is very limited, but you can still see it from the outside. It is one of the best free things to do in Casablanca.
Mahkama du Pacha
Mahkama du Pacha is another architectural masterpiece and one of the most beautiful places in Casablanca. Considering that this is a court of justice, it is hard to visit and it is considered a hidden gem in Casablanca.
I visited this place with a local friend who was able to get us in. I would suggest you speak with the guards and see if it is a good time to visit. And you might have to pay a small fee. If not, you can still have a sneak peek at the entrance.
The evening of 24 hours in Casablanca
Corniche
After some authentic Moroccan vibes, take a taxi and head to the modern side of Casablanca.
Corniche is known as the Miami of Africa, and if you have one night in Casablanca this is the place to be. Come here for the best sunset and visit some of the best restaurants in Casablanca.
The list of restaurants is endless, but I can recommend Le Basmane for dinner. This is the place to be if you want to experience Moroccan hospitality, traditional design, and delicious food served in a beautiful setting. And the cherry on the cake is the belly dancing shows organized by the restaurant.
There are a lot of things to do in Casablanca in one day, but to finish your trip, you could visit one of the several beach clubs for a drink.
Further reading for one day in Casablanca itinerary
Or read more about: Fes | Casablanca | Chefchaouen | Morocco
Other useful tips for visiting Morocco
🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda
💃 How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide and Viator
🚗 Considering renting a car in Morocco? Use Rentalcars
🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo
In conclusion…
This is the end of the one-day itinerary for Casablanca and I am sure that you are impatient to hit the road. One day might be a few time, but I believe this Casablanca itinerary will help you make the most of it and discover the real charm of Casablanca.
I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.
Wow! This is really the best itinerary for Casablanca! All the essential and more are covered! Nice job! Loved to see the photos