Chefchaouen is a centuries-old Moroccan mountain town celebrated for its striking blue medina, Andalusian-Berber heritage, cool mountain air, and a welcoming, unhurried atmosphere that sets it apart from Morocco's busier imperial cities.
Morocco: – Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque
🕌 Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
Azdine met us after breakfast, cheerful and ready to go, and we set off northwards towards Chefchaouen. It was going to be a full day — several stops planned, a long drive ahead, and the kind of itinerary that looks perfectly manageable on paper and considerably less so once you are actually living it.
Before we left Casablanca behind entirely, Azdine dropped us at the Hassan II Mosque, which is really the city’s great landmark and the one thing you absolutely cannot leave without seeing. It sits right at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean — not near it, not overlooking it from a respectable distance, but actually perched on the waterfront, with the sea visible from within the complex itself. The effect is rather extraordinary. You stand there looking at this vast, ornate structure and behind it, quite matter-of-factly, is the ocean.
The minaret is 210 metres tall. This is, officially, the tallest minaret in the world, a fact that the guides mention early and with justifiable satisfaction. To put that in perspective, it is taller than the Eiffel Tower by a comfortable margin, and considerably more decorative. The whole building is on a scale that takes a moment to properly absorb. You keep looking at it and adjusting your sense of proportion, the way you do with very large mountains or very small hotel rooms.
The mosque was commissioned by King Hassan II, who ruled Morocco for 38 years and was, by all accounts, a man who thought in large numbers. He wanted a mosque that would represent the spiritual heart of the nation and stand as a permanent statement of Moroccan craftsmanship and ambition. Construction took several years and involved somewhere in the region of 35,000 workers and artisans, many of them drawn from every corner of the country, each bringing regional traditions and techniques to the project. It was completed in 1993, and by any measure it is a remarkable achievement — a building that manages to be both enormous and intricate at the same time, which is harder than it sounds.
What makes the Hassan II Mosque particularly notable for visitors like us is that it is one of the very few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims for guided tours. This is not something to be taken for granted. Most of Morocco’s great mosques are closed to non-Muslim visitors entirely, which is entirely reasonable but does mean you spend a lot of time admiring doorways from the outside. Here, however, we were able to go in, which felt like a genuine privilege.
The tour began with a brief introduction to the history and significance of the building before we were led inside. And then the main prayer hall opened up before us, and I ran out of sensible things to think for a moment. The ceiling soared overhead — hand-carved cedarwood on a scale that is genuinely difficult to describe without sounding like an estate agent — supported by rows of marble columns that stretched away in every direction. Stained glass windows sent coloured light across tiled floors, and every surface that could be decorated had been decorated, with what appeared to be no repetition anywhere. Hand-carved cedarwood. Zellij tilework — the intricate geometric mosaic work that Moroccan craftsmen have been perfecting for centuries. Painted stucco. All of it precise, all of it immaculate.
The floor, we were told, is partially heated — a detail that seemed almost comically practical in a building of this grandeur. In certain sections, the floor can actually be opened to reveal the sea below, though this was not demonstrated during our visit. I found myself briefly disappointed by this and then immediately questioned my own priorities.
Despite being large enough to hold 25,000 worshippers at a single prayer session — which, to give you some sense of scale, is roughly the capacity of a decent-sized football stadium — the interior had a genuinely quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The kind of quiet that large, serious buildings sometimes produce, where the architecture itself seems to be asking you to lower your voice.
We worked our way through the various sections of the mosque, including the ablution rooms in the lower level, where long stone fountains ran beneath soft lighting and the whole space had a calm, almost meditative quality. The guide mentioned that the mosque also contains a hammam, though it is not open to the public, and that the construction involved French engineers working alongside Moroccan artisans — a combination of titanium reinforcing rods and reinforced concrete beneath all that traditional decoration. Modern engineering dressed in centuries-old craftsmanship.
The visit lasted about an hour in total. We came out slightly dazed, in the best possible way, before rejoining Azdine to continue the journey north.
💭 Reflections
The Hassan II Mosque was, without question, the highlight of the day. It is one of those places that justifies the journey entirely on its own. The scale, the craftsmanship, the setting on the water — all of it was genuinely impressive, and the chance to go inside made it more memorable still.
Most visitors to Casablanca tend to treat the city as a transit stop — somewhere you pass through on the way to Marrakech or Fes — and by and large that is a perfectly reasonable approach. Casablanca is not, if we are being honest, the most immediately charming city in Morocco. But the mosque changes the calculation entirely. If you are here for even half a day and you do not visit, you have made a mistake you will not easily forgive yourself for.
It is the kind of place that reminds you why you bother travelling in the first place
Planning your visit to Casablanca and Rabat
📍 Location
Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and economic capital, situated on the Atlantic coast of western Morocco. It is a bustling, modern metropolis that blends contemporary urban life with traditional Moroccan culture.
Rabat lies approximately 90 kilometres north-east of Casablanca and serves as Morocco’s political capital and seat of government. It sits at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, and has a more relaxed, refined character than Casablanca.
🚗 Getting There
By Car
The two cities are connected by the A3 motorway (also signed as the A1 in parts), a well-maintained toll road that makes the journey straightforward. The drive takes around one hour under normal traffic conditions, though the approach into Casablanca can be congested during peak hours. Toll booths operate along the route, so it is worth keeping Moroccan dirhams to hand. Petrol stations are plentiful along the motorway corridor.
If you are driving from further afield within Morocco, the road network connecting major cities is generally of a good standard. From Marrakech, Casablanca is roughly a 2.5-hour drive via the A7 motorway. From Tangier in the north, Rabat can be reached in approximately two hours via the A1.
Parking in central Casablanca can be challenging. Guarded car parks and roadside parking attendants (known as gardiens) are common. It is customary to tip the gardien a few dirhams when you collect your vehicle. Rabat’s city centre is more manageable, though parking near the medina and government quarter requires patience.
🚌 Getting Around
Casablanca
Casablanca has a modern tram network (tramway) with two lines that cover a significant portion of the city, including the city centre, the Maarif district, and outlying neighbourhoods. Trams are affordable, air-conditioned, and a comfortable way to move around without the stress of driving in city traffic.
Petits taxis — small, metered taxis typically in red — operate within the city limits and are widely available. Always ensure the driver uses the meter, or agree a fare before setting off. Grand taxis cover longer distances and typically run fixed routes between major points.
Ride-hailing apps such as Careem are also widely used and provide a convenient alternative, with fares agreed in advance.
Rabat
Rabat similarly operates a tramway system, which connects the city centre, the Hassan district, and the Salé side of the river via the Bou Regreg bridge. It is an efficient and inexpensive way to navigate.
Petits taxis in Rabat are blue and follow the same metered system as in Casablanca. The city is also reasonably walkable between major attractions in the historic core, including the medina, the Kasbah of the Udayas, and the Hassan Tower area.
🕌 Things to See and Do
Casablanca
The Hassan II Mosque is the undisputed centrepiece of the city and one of the largest mosques in the world. Its minaret soars over 200 metres and the building itself extends over the Atlantic, with a retractable glass floor above the sea. Guided tours for non-Muslim visitors are available and offer a rare opportunity to enter one of Morocco’s great religious buildings.
The medina of Casablanca is modest by Moroccan standards but offers a quieter, more authentic alternative to the modern city. The souks here sell spices, fabrics, and traditional crafts.
The Corniche is a lively seafront promenade stretching along the Atlantic coast, lined with cafés, restaurants, and beach clubs. It is a popular spot for an evening stroll.
The Art Deco architecture of the city centre, particularly around the Place Mohammed V, is a distinctive feature of Casablanca and reflects the city’s French colonial heritage. A wander through these streets reveals ornate façades and grand civic buildings.
The Villa des Arts is a cultural centre housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco mansion, hosting contemporary Moroccan and international art exhibitions.
Rabat
The Hassan Tower is an incomplete twelfth-century minaret that stands alongside the mausoleum of Mohammed V, the revered former king of Morocco. The mausoleum is an exquisite example of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and is open to visitors of all faiths.
The Kasbah of the Udayas is a fortified medina perched at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river. Its blue-and-white painted streets are peaceful and picturesque, and the Andalusian garden within its walls is a serene retreat.
The Chellah is a walled necropolis on the southern edge of the city, built over the ruins of a Roman settlement. It is a hauntingly atmospheric site, with storks nesting on the ancient towers and wild vegetation threading through the ruins.
The Rabat Archaeological Museum holds one of Morocco’s finest collections of Roman-era artefacts, including remarkable bronze sculptures found at the nearby site of Volubilis.
The medina of Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pleasure to explore. It is less overwhelming than the medinas of Fez or Marrakech and well suited to a relaxed afternoon of browsing.
⚠️ Things to Be Aware Of
Culture and Customs
Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country and Islamic culture shapes daily life in both cities. Visitors are expected to dress modestly, particularly when entering mosques, medinas, and more traditional neighbourhoods. Shoulders and knees should be covered as a matter of respect, and women may feel more comfortable with a scarf to hand.
Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, significantly affects the rhythm of daily life. During this period, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is considered deeply disrespectful to those who are fasting, and in some contexts may attract unwanted attention. Many restaurants close during the day but open in the evening, and the atmosphere after sunset is festive and welcoming.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon and should be avoided in both cities.
Friday is the Islamic day of prayer. Many businesses, particularly in the medinas, may close or operate on reduced hours around midday on Fridays.
Language
The official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). French is very widely spoken, particularly in business, government, and tourism. In Casablanca especially, French is often the default language of communication. English is spoken in tourist areas but is less prevalent than in some other North African destinations. A few words of French or Arabic are always appreciated by locals.
Bargaining
Bargaining is standard practice in the souks and medinas. Prices quoted to tourists are typically a starting point for negotiation. Approach it as a friendly exchange rather than a confrontation, and be prepared to walk away if a price does not suit you.
Personal Safety
Both cities are generally safe for tourists, though standard urban precautions apply. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, particularly in the medinas and busy markets. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Unofficial guides or touts may approach you near tourist attractions, particularly around the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and the medinas. A polite but firm refusal is usually sufficient.
Local Laws
Moroccan law prohibits the possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs. Penalties are severe and apply equally to foreign nationals. Cannabis, though widely available in some areas, is illegal.
The consumption of alcohol is permitted in licensed venues such as hotels, certain restaurants, and bars, but public drinking is not acceptable and is illegal. Both cities have a reasonable selection of licenced establishments.
Photography of government buildings, military installations, palaces, and police officers is prohibited. It is also polite to ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly in the medinas.
LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalised under Moroccan law, and public displays of same-sex affection carry serious legal risks. Discretion is strongly advised.
Currency and Payments
The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). The dirham is a restricted currency, meaning it cannot be taken out of the country in significant quantities and cannot be purchased easily before arrival. ATMs are plentiful in both cities. Cash remains important, particularly in the medinas, smaller restaurants, and for tipping.
Tipping
Tipping is customary and appreciated. A small tip for restaurant staff, hotel porters, and parking attendants is standard practice. Even where a service charge is included, a small additional tip is welcomed.
The best time to visit Casablanca & Rabat
🌸 Spring (March to May) — The Sweet Spot
Spring is widely considered the finest time to visit both cities. Temperatures sit in a comfortable range of around 17–24°C, rainfall begins to taper off from March onwards, and the cities emerge green and lively. Casablanca’s Corniche walkway and Arab League Park are at their prettiest, with jacaranda trees in bloom and families filling the promenades. Rabat’s Kasbah of the Udayas and the rose gardens near the Royal Palace feel especially inviting under soft spring sunshine.
March can still bring some Atlantic weather fronts and occasional showers, so earlier in spring is a little more unpredictable. By April and May, days are largely dry and warm without the intensity of summer heat, making this a wonderful time for sightseeing, coastal walks, and exploring the medinas on foot. Crowds are moderate rather than overwhelming, and prices haven’t yet peaked.
What to pack: Lightweight trousers and breathable tops for the day, a light jacket or cardigan for evenings, a compact rain mac or fold-up umbrella for March showers, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and SPF 30+.
☀️ Summer (June to August) — Warm, Dry, and Breezy
Summer on the Atlantic coast is a different proposition to the brutal heat of inland Morocco. The Canary Current keeps Casablanca and Rabat noticeably cooler than cities like Marrakech or Fez, with average highs of around 23–28°C. Rainfall is almost nonexistent, and skies are predominantly clear — though morning sea mists can soften the early hours, particularly in June.
This is the peak season for beach-goers, with Casablanca’s Ain Diab coastline and Rabat’s Plage de Yasmina drawing local and international visitors in large numbers. Sea temperatures reach around 22–23°C by August, which is warm enough for comfortable swimming. The Festival de Casablanca — a massive celebration of music, cinema, and urban culture — typically takes place in July or August and is a highlight for culture lovers.
On the downside, accommodation and flights are at their most expensive, and popular sites can feel busy, particularly at weekends when Moroccan domestic tourism peaks.
What to pack: Loose, breathable linen or cotton clothing, a light layer for evenings and air-conditioned restaurants, swimwear, sandals, a hat with a wide brim, high-factor sunscreen (SPF 50 recommended), and a reusable water bottle.
🍂 Autumn (September to November) — Warm, Quieter, and Brilliant Value
Autumn is arguably the most underrated time to visit. September and October remain warm and largely dry — temperatures hover between 20–26°C — while the intensity of the summer crowds begins to ease. The sea is at its warmest in September and October, making this an excellent time for beach visits without the full crush of peak season.
By November, Atlantic weather fronts begin to return and rain becomes more frequent, but the temperatures remain very pleasant and visitor numbers are low. This is an ideal window for those wanting the best of both worlds: warm weather, affordable rates, and a more authentic, unhurried feel to both cities. Rabat in particular takes on a golden, relaxed character in autumn, perfect for long afternoon wanders through its historic districts.
What to pack: Light daytime clothing, a versatile mid-layer (a linen blazer or denim jacket works well), a waterproof layer for November, comfortable shoes suitable for walking on cobblestones, sunscreen, and a scarf for cooler evenings.
❄️ Winter (December to February) — Mild, Atmospheric, and Crowd-Free
Winter in Casablanca and Rabat is considerably milder than most European destinations, making it an appealing escape during the colder months. Daytime temperatures typically reach 17–20°C, though evenings can feel noticeably chilly, particularly in January and February when the thermometer can dip towards 8–10°C overnight. Rain is at its heaviest during this period, with November through January being the wettest stretch, but sunny intervals are common and extended downpours are rarely relentless.
This is the quietest and most budget-friendly time to visit. Museums, mosques, and historic sites are blissfully uncrowded, and the cooler conditions are ideal for extended walks through the medinas and Art Deco quarters. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and Rabat’s Mohammed V Mausoleum are both magnificent in the low winter light. Food markets and cafés are lively year-round — warming tagines and mint tea feel especially welcome in the cooler months.
What to pack: Layers are essential — jeans or chinos, warmer tops, a proper waterproof jacket, a scarf and light gloves for evenings, and a pair of waterproof shoes or ankle boots. An umbrella is a must.
| Season | Months | Temp | Rainfall | Crowds | Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring | Mar – May | 17–24°C | Moderate | Moderate | Mid | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ☀️ Summer | Jun – Aug | 23–28°C | Very Low | High | High | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🍂 Autumn | Sep – Nov | 17–26°C | Low–Mod | Low | Low–Mid | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ❄️ Winter | Dec – Feb | 13–20°C | Moderate | Low | Low | ⭐⭐⭐ |
🗓️ Overall Best Time to Visit
If you can only visit once, late September through to the end of October offers the most well-rounded experience in both Casablanca and Rabat. The summer heat has mellowed without surrendering to winter rains, the beaches are still warm enough for swimming, sightseeing is thoroughly comfortable, and the two cities take on a relaxed, crowd-free pace that lets you actually feel their character rather than simply tick off the highlights. Spring — particularly April and May — runs a very close second, with glorious weather and a fresh, vibrant energy. Whatever season you choose, this stretch of Morocco’s Atlantic coast rewards visitors with a gentler, breezier, and more cosmopolitan side of the country that most travellers never quite expect.
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