Casablanca: Walking Tour, Medina & Hassan II Mosque Entry

Summary

Casablanca’s medina alleys, mosque interiors, and street life

You’ll start your day tasting local breakfast favorites before winding through Casablanca’s lively Old Medina with a licensed guide. Explore hidden mosques and bustling markets, then enter the grand Hassan II Mosque—the city’s heart—before strolling La Corniche by the sea. You’ll leave with more than photos: maybe a new taste or two stuck in your memory.

What’s the experience like?

We were halfway through a plate of msemen—those flaky Moroccan pancakes—when our guide, Youssef, grinned at my clumsy attempt to order mint tea. I think I said “atay nana” all wrong because the café owner just laughed and poured me an extra glass. The place was already humming by 9am, sunlight bouncing off the tiled floor, that sharp mix of bread baking and traffic drifting in from Mohammed V Square. It felt like Casablanca was already wide awake before I’d even finished my first bite.

Walking through the Old Medina was a bit like stepping sideways in time. The alleys twisted around us—sometimes too narrow for two people—and every few steps someone called out in French or Arabic. Youssef pointed out the Ould el-Hamra Mosque tucked behind a fruit stall (I’d have missed it), and we paused at Bab Marrakech just to watch kids weaving between carts piled high with oranges. There’s something about the way people gesture here, big open hands and quick smiles, that made me feel less like an outsider than I expected.

The real hush hit us at the Hassan II Mosque. Even outside prayer hours, there’s this low echo under the arches—sandals on marble, faint sea air sneaking in from La Corniche nearby. Youssef explained how the minaret is the tallest in Africa (he seemed proud), but honestly I was still thinking about that cool tile under my palms when we sat for a minute inside. Maybe it’s strange to say, but I felt small in a good way there. Afterward we wandered down to the waterfront; salty breeze, kids playing football on the sand, city noise fading behind us. Didn’t expect Casablanca to feel so layered—busy and soft at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Casablanca city and mosque tour

• Enjoy traditional breakfast
• Visit Arab League Park
• Explore Mohammed V Square
• See Art Deco Apart
• Walk through Marché Central
• Pass Bab Marrakech gate
• Discover Old Medina streets
• Visit Ould el-Hamra Mosque
• Explore Casa Port district
• Tour Hassan II Mosque interior
• Relax at La Corniche

Top questions

Is entry to Hassan II Mosque included on this Casablanca walking tour?

Yes, visitors are allowed inside Hassan II Mosque outside of prayer hours as part of this tour.

Does this tour include traditional Moroccan food?

Yes, you start with a traditional breakfast at a local spot featuring typical Moroccan food.

Are bottled water and refreshments provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included for guests during the tour.

How long do we spend in the Old Medina of Casablanca?

You’ll spend part of your morning exploring the Old Medina’s alleys and markets with your guide.

Is this walking tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during this tour.

Are public transportation options available near the starting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for convenience before or after your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout the walk and starts with a traditional Moroccan breakfast at a local spot. You’ll be guided by a licensed local expert through Casablanca’s main sites—including entry to Hassan II Mosque—and end near La Corniche by the sea.