Ultimate Guide to Casablanca: Best Things to Do for Students & Young Travelers

When planning the ultimate Moroccan adventure, many student groups and backpackers naturally look toward the red walls of Marrakech or the golden dunes of the Sahara. But if you skip Casablanca, you’re missing out on the beating heart of modern Morocco.

As the country’s largest economic and cultural hub, Casablanca (or simply “Casa” to the locals) is a fascinating blend of Parisian-style Art Deco architecture, traditional Moroccan culture, and a thriving Atlantic beach vibe. For young travelers and students studying abroad, Casablanca offers an energetic look into Morocco’s future, incredible street food, and iconic landmarks that you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether you are stopping by for a weekend or starting your grand Moroccan tour here, here is your ultimate, budget-friendly guide on What to do in Casablanca.

1. Marvel at the Hassan II Mosque (The Iconic Landmark)

You cannot visit Casablanca without seeing the Hassan II Mosque. It is not just one of the most beautiful mosques in the world; it is an absolute architectural masterpiece. Built right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, half of the mosque actually sits over the water, offering dramatic views that are perfect for your Instagram feed.

Why it’s great for students: It is one of the few active mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims via guided tours. Standing beside its 210-meter-high minaret (the second tallest in the world) gives you a profound look into Moroccan craftsmanship, featuring hand-carved marble, vibrant zellij tiles, and wood carvings.
Budget Tip: If you don’t want to pay for the indoor tour, walking around the massive outdoor plaza at sunset is completely free and offers an incredible atmosphere.

2. Soak Up the Vibe at the Corniche & Ain Diab Beach

Want to see where Casablanca’s youth hang out? Head straight to The Corniche in the Ain Diab neighborhood. This scenic beachside boardwalk is lined with cafes, juice bars, surf schools, and ocean-view restaurants.

What to do: Rent a surfboard for a few hours, join a beach football game with local students, or simply grab an affordable traditional Moroccan mint tea at a seaside cafe.
The Vibe: At night, the Corniche comes alive with music and lights, making it the perfect spot for young travelers to experience Morocco’s modern coastal nightlife.

3. Step Back in Time in the Old Medina

While it is smaller and less maze-like than the famous souks of Marrakech or Fes, Casablanca’s Old Medina (the historic walled city) offers a much more authentic, everyday local experience.

What to do: Enter through the iconic Bab Marrakech clock tower and wander the narrow alleys. Here, you can practice your bargaining skills for leather goods, spices, and traditional clothing without the intense pressure of larger tourist cities.
Don’t Miss: Look for local street food stalls serving Msemen (flaky Moroccan pancakes) or fresh Harira soup for just a couple of dirhams.

4. Admire the Art Deco Architecture in Downtown

If you love history, photography, or urban design, you will fall in love with Casablanca’s Art Deco District (centered around Place Mohammed V and Boulevard Mohammed V).

Built during the French protectorate era in the early 20th century, these historic buildings blend European Art Deco lines with traditional Moroccan geometric art—a style known as Mauresque.

Top Spots to Photograph: The Casablanca Cathedral (Sacré-Cœur), the Wilaya (City Hall), and the old Cinema Rialto.

5. Explore Habous: The “New Medina”

Built by the French in the 1920s to look like a traditional Moroccan market, the Habous Quarter (also known as the New Medina) is one of the most charming and peaceful parts of Casablanca. It features beautiful stone archways, clean streets, and fantastic artisan shops.

The Ultimate Food Stop: You cannot leave Habous without visiting Pâtisserie Bennis Habous. It is legendary for baking the best traditional Moroccan pastries in the city, like Corne de Gazelle (Gazelle Horns). It’s incredibly cheap and perfect for fueling your walking tour!

6. Catch a Movie or Snap a Photo at Rick’s Café

Film students and pop-culture lovers will instantly recognize the name. While the classic 1942 Hollywood movie Casablanca wasn’t actually filmed in Morocco, Rick’s Café was meticulously built to bring the movie’s fictional gin joint to life.

Traveler Tip: Dining here can be a bit pricey for a student budget, but you can always stop by the beautiful exterior for a quick photo, or head inside during the afternoon for a drink at the bar to soak up the 1940s jazz ambiance.

Strategic Insider Tips for Student Groups in Casablanca

Getting Around on a Budget: Casablanca has a fantastic, modern tramway system that connects the main train stations to the city center and the beach. It costs less than $1 per ride, making it the safest and cheapest way for student groups to travel.
Language Practice: Casa is a multilingual melting pot. It’s the perfect place to practice your French or Moroccan Arabic (Darija) with local university students who are usually very friendly and eager to chat.
Connecting Your Trip: Casablanca is the perfect transit hub. It is home to the international airport (CMN) and connected to Marrakech, Rabat, and Tangier via Africa’s fastest high-speed train (Al Boraq).

Best Morocco Tours from Casablanca :

Ready to Explore the Real Morocco?

At Marrakech Student Trips, we specialize in creating unforgettable, budget-friendly adventures for student groups, backpackers, and young travelers. From the bustling streets of Casablanca and the vibrant souks of Marrakech to camping under the stars in the Sahara Desert—we handle the local transport, expert local guides, and authentic experiences so you can focus on making memories.

📥 Contact us today to plan your custom Moroccan student itinerary!

What to do in Casablanca