2-Day Itinerary in Casablanca: History, Food & Culture

2-Day Itinerary in Casablanca: History, Food & Culture

Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub, is often overlooked by travelers rushing to Marrakech, Fes, or the Sahara. Yet, this vibrant coastal city offers a perfect mix of history, architecture, food, and modern culture. With Your Morocco Holidays, you can enjoy a carefully designed 2-day itinerary in Casablanca that balances the old and new, allowing you to dive into Morocco’s charm without feeling rushed.

Whether you’re starting your Morocco vacation with a Casablanca city tour or ending a 7 days tour from Casablanca, these two days will leave you with lasting memories.

Day 1: Discovering Casablanca’s Heritage and Landmarks

Morning: The Hassan II Mosque

Your journey begins with one of the most iconic landmarks not only in Casablanca but in all of Morocco — the Hassan II Mosque.

  • It is the largest mosque in Morocco and one of the largest in the world, with space for more than 100,000 worshippers.

  • The mosque’s minaret, standing at 210 meters, is the tallest in the world.

  • Built partly on the Atlantic Ocean, its glass floor gives the feeling of praying directly above the water.

Guided tours are available (except during prayer times) and are offered in multiple languages. A visit here offers insights into Islamic architecture, Moroccan craftsmanship, and religious traditions.

2-Day Itinerary in Casablanca: History, Food & Culture

Late Morning: Casablanca Medina

Unlike Marrakech or Fes, the Casablanca Medina is smaller and less crowded, making it perfect for families and first-time visitors. Here, you can explore:

  • Narrow streets lined with artisans, spice shops, and traditional clothing.

  • Souvenirs such as leather goods, carpets, and ceramics.

  • Local cafés where you can stop for mint tea and pastries.

 If you book with Your Morocco Holidays, our local guides can turn this into a Casablanca guided tour, helping you navigate hidden gems without the hassle.

Lunch: A Taste of Moroccan Cuisine

For lunch, enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal:

  • Couscous (often served on Fridays, considered the national dish).

  • Tagine (slow-cooked stew with chicken, lamb, or vegetables).

  • Fresh seafood — Casablanca’s coastal location makes it a paradise for seafood lovers.

Recommended restaurants:

  • La Sqala: A restored fortress offering Moroccan classics in a garden setting.

  • Rick’s Café: Inspired by the movie Casablanca, it blends Hollywood nostalgia with Moroccan flavors.

Afternoon: The Habous Quarter (New Medina)

The Habous Quarter, built in the 1930s by the French, combines European town planning with traditional Moroccan design.

  • Visit bookshops selling Arabic and French literature.

  • Explore artisan shops offering brassware, pottery, and babouches (Moroccan slippers).

  • Stop at bakeries for Moroccan almond cookies and chebakia (honey-coated pastries).

 This area is less chaotic than older medinas and is perfect for travelers with children or those on a relaxed schedule.

Evening: Corniche Ain Diab

End your first day by heading to the Corniche Ain Diab, Casablanca’s lively waterfront district.

  • Stroll along the Atlantic Ocean promenade.

  • Watch the sunset over the beach.

  • Enjoy dinner at one of the many seaside restaurants offering both Moroccan and international cuisine.

Popular dishes: fresh grilled fish, seafood tagine, or a simple plate of sardines — one of Morocco’s specialties.

Day 2: Culture, Food, and Modern Casablanca

Morning: The Royal Palace & Mahkama du Pacha

While the Royal Palace of Casablanca is not open to the public, you can admire its grand exteriors and nearby gardens. Close by is the Mahkama du Pacha, an administrative building famous for its Andalusian architecture, featuring carved wooden ceilings, zellij (tiles), and wrought-iron details.

 With a private guide from Your Morocco Holidays, you can learn how French colonial influences blended with Moroccan craftsmanship here.

Late Morning: Casablanca Museums

Casablanca is more than commerce; it is also a city of culture.

  • Villa des Arts: A modern art museum with Moroccan and international works.

  • Musée Abderrahman Slaoui: A private collection of Moroccan jewelry, vintage posters, and traditional art.

These stops provide a cultural depth that complements the historical visits from Day 1.

Lunch: Street Food Exploration

Casablanca’s street food scene is underrated but delicious. Try:

  • Briouats: Savory pastries stuffed with meat or cheese.

  • Harira: Traditional Moroccan soup, especially during Ramadan.

  • Freshly grilled sardines or fried calamari from market stalls.

 For a unique experience, we recommend a Casablanca food tour where families can safely explore flavors without worrying about where to eat.

Afternoon: Modern Casablanca

Casablanca is also Morocco’s modern face. Explore:

  • Boulevard Mohammed V: Known for its Art Deco buildings.

  • United Nations Square: A hub connecting old and new Casablanca.

  • Twin Center Towers: Iconic skyscrapers with shopping malls and panoramic views.

This contrast between tradition and modernity makes Casablanca unique among Moroccan cities.

Evening: Cultural Night Out

End your second day with a cultural evening:

  • Attend a gnawa music performance (traditional Moroccan spiritual music).

  • Visit a modern café with live Moroccan jazz or fusion music.

  • Or enjoy a final dinner at Rick’s Café for a cinematic goodbye to Casablanca.

Practical Tips for a 2-Day Casablanca Itinerary

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October) for pleasant weather.

  • Transport: Taxis are affordable, but for comfort, Private Tours from Casablanca with Your Morocco Holidays are recommended.

  • Family-Friendly: Casablanca is less intense than Marrakech, making it a great introduction to Morocco for families.

  • What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sun protection, and a light jacket for evenings.

Extend Your Trip: From Casablanca to the Rest of Morocco

Casablanca is an excellent starting point for longer journeys:

  • 7 Days Tour from Casablanca: Cover Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara Desert, and Marrakech.

  • Casablanca to Sahara Desert Tour: A once-in-a-lifetime journey combining urban energy with desert calm.

  • Day Trips from Casablanca: Easy excursions to Rabat, El Jadida, or Azemmour.

FAQs : 

Is 2 days in Casablanca enough to see the main attractions ?

Yes. With a well-planned 2-day itinerary in Casablanca, you can visit the Hassan II Mosque, the Medina, Habous Quarter, Art Deco boulevards, and enjoy the Corniche. It’s the ideal amount of time to balance history, culture, and food without feeling rushed.

What food is Casablanca known for ?

Casablanca is famous for its fresh seafood, including sardines and calamari, as well as Moroccan classics like couscous and tagine. For a unique experience, visit Rick’s Café or enjoy local flavors at La Sqala. Don’t miss street food snacks like briouats and harira soup.

Is Casablanca safe for tourists and families ?

Yes, Casablanca is considered one of Morocco’s safer cities for visitors. Like any big city, take normal precautions in crowded areas and markets. Booking guided experiences such as a Casablanca city tour with Your Morocco Holidays ensures extra comfort and peace of mind.

Can I take day trips from Casablanca?

Absolutely! Popular day trips from Casablanca include Rabat (the capital city), El Jadida (a UNESCO-listed Portuguese port), and Azemmour (a charming riverside town). For longer journeys, you can book Private Tours from Casablanca to Marrakech or even the Sahara Desert.

Conclusion: Why Casablanca Deserves 2 Days

Often underestimated, Casablanca is more than just Morocco’s economic capital. With its stunning mosque, vibrant markets, Art Deco charm, and Atlantic coastline, it offers a rich introduction to Moroccan culture. By following this 2-day itinerary in Casablanca with Your Morocco Holidays, you’ll experience the perfect balance of history, food, and culture — all in just 48 hours.

 Ready to plan your journey? Discover our Morocco holiday packages and Private Morocco Tours starting from Casablanca today.

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