Casablanca It has long been a stereotype that business is all and play is none. Amine Hannaoui is the vice president of Alouane Bladi, an arts nonprofit. “Ten years ago, we had no tourism, but now the city has a story,” he said, while showing me several dozen of the city’s dynamic street murals.
A pleasant climate all year, a thriving arts and cultural scene, shopping that is always enticing, and a brand new hotel are just some of the reasons to visit the Moroccan There has never before been a city that is more deserving to be a longer stopover when you are on your way. Marrakesh You can also find out more about Tangier. Here’s how to spend a perfect day in “Casa,” as the locals call it.
Al Makane Courtesy
Eat Breakfast at 9 A.M.
Start the day with sweets. Patisserie Bennis, In the Habous neighbourhood, locals purchase sweet and savory treats in kilo quantities. Next, walk over to Habous Olive Market. Situated around what’s possibly the most fragrant courtyard in the city, this government-regulated marché has a rainbow of olive options, plus spices, harissa, argan oil, soaps, and body scrubs.
11 a.m. Visit an Oceanside Icon
Open to non-Muslims every day but Friday, the monumental, unmissable Hassan II Mosque—which has a magnificent design that extends out into the Atlantic Ocean—was completed in 1993 at a rumored cost of $1 billion.
1 p.m. Take a leisurely lunch
Consider CabestanYou can also visit, an oceanfront restaurant famous for its seafood and people watching. Le MarlyThe Anfa district is home to a variety of international brunch spots.
From left: Martin Bertrand/Hans Lucas/Redux, Chris Wallace
3 p.m. Take an Art Break
Check out the impressive street-art in Casablanca. Arab League Park, The area is a green escape, with two of the most acclaimed murals and a skatepark. Or visit the nearby Institut Français, This museum has murals that are permanently displayed and hosts other events, such as talks.
You can also catch a film at Cinema Rif, a classic movie house that puts on other cultural programming, often in French. You can also visit Al Makane, a refurbished riad in the medina that’s been transformed into a start-up incubator and is also a venue for concerts and talks, with a café that serves classic mint tea and espresso drinks.
7 p.m. Dine at the City’s Hottest Hotel
This former hotel from the 1950s is now a boutique hotel. Royal Mansour Casablanca The hotel reopened after a complete renovation last year and became the most glamorous in the city. It features 149 rooms and suites including a three-floor Royal Suite, which costs $35,000 a night. There are also four excellent restaurants—Moroccan, French, Japanese, and a rooftop Mediterranean spot. It’s all anchored by a gracious, can-do staff who coordinate seamless tours around town, whether you’re looking for history, shopping, or even surfing.
A version of this story first appeared in the June 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure Here’s Looking at You, Casablanca.”
