Casablanca

Morocco's largest city and economic capital — the Hassan II Mosque and French-era art deco streets.

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and its commercial and economic centre — not the political capital, which is Rabat, but the country's most cosmopolitan address. The Hassan II Mosque is the centrepiece: inaugurated in 1993 on a platform built out into the Atlantic, its 210-metre minaret is one of the tallest religious structures in the world, built over seven years by thousands of Moroccan master craftsmen. Away from the mosque, the Ville Nouvelle's art deco streets date from the French protectorate era of the 1920s and 1930s, when planners laid wide boulevards alongside the old medina. The Corniche waterfront, Rick's Café (inspired by the 1942 film, which was in fact shot entirely in Hollywood), and a fast-modernising skyline round out a city most travellers pass through rather than linger in — Casablanca works well as an arrival or departure point for a wider Morocco itinerary.

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Casablanca in Pictures

Woman standing before the giant ornate bronze door and mosaic wall of the Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
A visitor stands dwarfed by the giant ornate bronze door of the Hassan II Mosque.
The tall minaret of the Hassan II Mosque rising above Casablanca, Morocco
The minaret of the Hassan II Mosque rises above the city.
Colonnaded interior of the Hassan II Mosque with carved arches, Casablanca, Morocco
Carved arches line the interior of the Hassan II Mosque.

Casablanca through our lens

The Hassan II Mosque rising above the ocean front in Casablanca
Hassan II Mosque, built partly over the Atlantic in Casablanca.
Ornate pointed-arch doorway of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca — carved marble arabesques, geometric metalwork doors and zellige tilework
Carved doorway detail, Hassan II Mosque.

Taste of Casablanca

Moroccan mezze spread with dips, couscous and tagine dishes on a wooden table
A mezze spread with couscous and tagine.

Things to do in Morocco

Private tours from Casablanca

4 tours