Casablanca is Morocco’s economic engine. It moves faster than Marrakech and feels more modern than Fes. While many travelers use it only as a transit point, staying for 72 hours allows you to see the blend of French Art Deco architecture and traditional Maghreb style. This 3 day Casablanca itinerary maximizes your time by focusing on the city’s complex history and coastal charm. You will visit the towering Hassan II Mosque, the historic Habous Quarter, and the coastal Corniche. Expect a city of white facades, intense traffic, and some of the best seafood in North Africa.
Day 1: Modern Icons and Art Deco Streets
Start your first day by engaging with the city’s architectural identity. Casablanca was a laboratory for French urban planners in the early 20th century, resulting in a unique "Mauresque" style that blends European and Moroccan design.
Morning
The Hassan II Mosque is your first stop. It is the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims and it sits directly over the Atlantic Ocean. Arrive by 9:00 AM to beat the tour bus crowds. You must join a guided tour to enter. The mosque features a retractable roof, heated floors, and a minaret that stands 210 meters tall. Afterward, walk south along the pedestrian sea wall toward the Rick’s Café. While it is a recreation of the movie set, the 1930s riad architecture is impressive. It’s a 15-minute walk from the mosque.
Afternoon
Head to Place Mohammed V, the city’s administrative core. This square is surrounded by grand buildings like the Wilaya and the Palace of Justice. From here, walk down Boulevard Mohammed V. This stretch contains the highest concentration of Art Deco and Neo-Moorish buildings in the city. Look up at the balconies and facades of the Hotel Lincoln and surrounding apartments. For lunch, find a spot near the Marché Central. This is a functional marketplace where locals shop. You can buy fresh fish at the stalls and pay a nearby grill to cook it for you.
Evening
Spend your evening in the Gauthier neighborhood. This is where Casablanca’s professionals live and socialize. It’s walkable and safer than the medina at night. Visit Parc de la Ligue Arabe, which recently underwent a massive renovation. It is the city's largest green space, lined with massive palm trees. For dinner, choose one of the many bistros on Rue Moussa Ibn Noussair. Use a "Petit Taxi" (the small red cars) to get around; ensure they turn on the meter before you leave.
Day 2: Old Traditions and New Windows
Day two focuses on the contrast between the historic living quarters and the city’s upscale shopping and dining districts.
Morning
Start in the Quartier Habous (the New Medina). Built by the French in the 1920s to look like a traditional Moroccan city, it is cleaner and quieter than most ancient medinas. Visit the Mahkama du Pacha, a courthouse featuring exquisite tilework (Zellij) and carved cedar wood. You often need a local guide or a bit of luck to get inside, as it is still a working government building. Afterward, stop at Pâtisserie Bennis Habous for traditional almond cookies and Moroccan tea. It is arguably the best bakery in the city.
Afternoon
Take a 10-minute taxi ride to the Old Medina. Unlike the souks of Marrakech, this is a working-class neighborhood. Enter through the Bab Marrakech gate. It is gritty and authentic. Navigate the narrow alleys until you reach the Sqala, a 18th-century fortified bastion. It has been converted into a restaurant with a garden. It’s the perfect place to hide from the city’s noise for an hour. To get from Habous to the Old Medina, a taxi should cost no more than 20-30 MAD.
Evening
Head to the Corniche in Ain Diab. This is Casablanca's beach-front district. It is a stark contrast to the afternoon's medina visit. Walk the promenade as the sun sets. If you want to see how the city's elite spend their time, visit Morocco Mall, one of the largest in Africa, which features a massive indoor aquarium. End the night at a seafood restaurant along the water. Le Cabestan offers some of the best views of the lighthouse and the crashing Atlantic waves.
Day 3: History, Art, and Local Life
On the final day of your 3 day Casablanca itinerary, look deeper into the city's culture and its role as a cross-cultural hub.
Morning
Visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism. It is the only museum of its kind in the Arab world and highlights the long history of the Jewish community in Morocco. It is located in the Oasis neighborhood, a quiet residential area. You will need a Petit Taxi to get there, as it is about 15-20 minutes from the city center. The exhibits include traditional clothing, tools, and refurbished synagogues. It provides essential context for the "white city's" multicultural roots.
Afternoon
Head back toward the center to visit the Villa des Arts. This is a contemporary art gallery housed in a stunning 1930s Art Deco villa. The exhibitions change frequently and showcase modern Moroccan artists. The entrance is usually free. From here, walk to the Cathedrale du Sacre Coeur. While it is no longer used for religious services, the white concrete architecture is massive and imposing. The surrounding park is a popular spot for local students and families to gather.
Evening
Finish your trip with a visit to the Sky 28 bar at the Kenzi Tower Hotel. It offers a 360-degree view of Casablanca. You can see the Hassan II Mosque lit up against the ocean and the grid-like sprawl of the city. It’s the best way to visualize the geography of where you’ve spent the last three days. For your final dinner, find a traditional Moroccan restaurant in the Maarif district. Maarif is a busy shopping area that stays active late into the night. It's the best place to pick up any last-minute leather goods or spices without the "tourist tax" found in other cities.
Where to stay for this itinerary
Book a hotel in the Gauthier or Maarif neighborhoods. These areas are central, safe, and filled with dining options. You’ll be within walking distance of the Art Deco district and a short taxi ride from the Hassan II Mosque. Avoid staying deep inside the Old Medina; Casablanca’s modern hotels offer better amenities and easier transport access for a short stay.
Add a day if you have time
If you have a fourth day, take the Al Boraq high-speed train to Rabat. It’s a 45-minute trip from Casa Voyageurs station. Morocco’s capital is much calmer than Casablanca. You can tour the Kasbah of the Udayas, see the Hassan Tower, and walk through the Chellah necropolis. It’s an easy day trip that allows you to see a different side of Moroccan urban life before returning to Casablanca for your flight.