Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque Tour & Medina Walk with Café Stop

Summary

From the mosque’s cool marble to medina alleys and old café stories

You’ll feel Casablanca come alive as you step onto cool mosque tiles, weave through medina markets scented with spices, and pause for tea at Rick’s Café where old stories linger. With skip-the-line entry and a local guide leading each twist and turn, it’s more than just sightseeing—it’s being part of the city’s rhythm for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out in Casablanca was the salt in the air—some mix of sea and city, you know? We’d barely settled into the van (A/C humming, Wi-Fi working—my partner was relieved) before our guide, Youssef, waved us out at the Hassan II Mosque. I’d seen photos but nothing really prepares you for that scale. The marble felt cool under my hands and there was this hush inside, like everyone was holding their breath together. Youssef pointed out tiny details in the tilework; he said it took thousands of artisans years to finish. I tried to imagine that kind of patience.

Afterwards we drifted through the Old Medina. The alleys twisted so much I lost track of direction—at one point a kid zipped past with a basket of bread and nearly knocked me over (he grinned back). The market smells hit me hard: cumin, leather, something sweet I couldn’t place. Youssef stopped to chat with a spice vendor who handed us a pinch of ras el hanout to smell—my fingers held onto that scent for hours. We practiced a few words in Darija; I botched every one but got a laugh from an old woman selling olives.

We ended up at Rick’s Café just as the light started to fade, which felt right somehow. It’s all movie nostalgia inside—velvet chairs, jazz on low volume—but honestly it’s just a nice spot for mint tea after all that walking. Our group sat quietly for a bit, watching waiters glide around like they’d done it forever. Someone asked if Bogart ever came here (he didn’t), but it didn’t matter—the place had its own story now. Walking back to the van past Mohamed V square, pigeons everywhere and people feeding them crumbs, I realized how much life fits into half a day here. Still thinking about that tilework sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Casablanca city highlights tour

• Visit Hassan II Mosque
• Walk Old Medina alleys
• Explore traditional souks
• See Habbous Square
• Visit Sacred Heart Cathedral
• Relax in urban park
• Visit Mohamed V Square
• Enjoy Rick's Café atmosphere

Top questions

How long does the Casablanca half-day guided tour last?

The total duration includes travel time to and from locations; plan for several hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this Casablanca tour?

Yes, your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi.

Do we get skip-the-line access at Hassan II Mosque?

Yes, entrance fees are included and you can skip the line at Hassan II Mosque.

Will we visit Rick’s Café during this tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Rick’s Café where you can enjoy Moroccan tea.

Are guides multilingual on this tour?

Your driver-guide speaks multiple languages during the tour.

Is bottled water provided during the day trip?

Bottled mineral water is included throughout your Casablanca tour.

Are infant seats available in the vehicle?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for families traveling with young children.

Which neighborhoods do we explore on foot?

You’ll walk through both Quartier Habous (New Medina) and Old Medina of Casablanca.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned car or van with Wi-Fi and bottled water provided throughout. Skip-the-line entrance fees for Hassan II Mosque are covered, plus time with a multilingual local guide who’ll lead you through Casablanca’s medinas and markets before dropping you back at your starting point.