Habous Quarter, Casablanca - Image 1

Habous Quarter Casablanca

4.6
·491k reviews·Casablanca, Morocco

Discover the 'New Medina' of Casablanca, a charming quarter blending Moroccan and French colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and delicious street ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Habous Quarter, Casablanca - Image 1

Habous Quarter Casablanca

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the 'New Medina' of Casablanca, a charming quarter blending Moroccan and French colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and delicious street food.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A beautiful blend of Moorish, Andalusian, and French architecture, Habous Quarter is a photographer's dream and a shopper's paradise."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Haggle for Souvenirs

Embrace the local culture and negotiate prices for crafts and goods in the souks. :moneybag:

📸 Capture the Architecture

The intricate details of Moorish and French colonial styles make for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Habous Market

Habous Market

Central Habous Quarter

A vibrant hub for traditional Moroccan crafts, spices, olives, and souvenirs. Perfect for authentic finds.

Pacha Court

Pacha Court

Habous Quarter

Admire the stunning blend of Moorish, Andalusian, and French architecture, featuring intricate mosaics and gardens.

Al-Mohammadi Mosque

Al-Mohammadi Mosque

Habous Quarter

A significant religious landmark, showcasing beautiful Islamic architecture and a peaceful ambiance.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Medina Vibe

Habous Quarter offers a taste of traditional Moroccan life with its souks and architecture. Come prepared to haggle for souvenirs and enjoy the bustling atmosphere. It's a great spot for photography and experiencing local culture.

Cash is King Here

While some larger establishments might accept cards, most vendors in the Habous Quarter, especially in the markets, operate on a cash-only basis. Ensure you have enough Moroccan Dirhams on hand for purchases and street food.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for pics
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Cabano, quartier El Hank ( العنق ), près de la mosquée, Casablanca. 💰M'KILA FRUITS DE MER : 20 DH / 25 DH. 💰KHBIZA ROTAL ( POULPE ) : 15 DH. 💰KHBIZA CREVETTES : 17 DH.
@9ossos
39.4K likes • 1.2M views

🎯 Haggle for Souvenirs

Embrace the local culture and negotiate prices for crafts and goods in the souks. :moneybag:

📸 Capture the Architecture

The intricate details of Moorish and French colonial styles make for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:

مشينا عند مخترع ساندويتش پاناشي و البهجة مول بحم الراس في جولة أكل شوارع كازا 📍Moul panache, marche liberte Benjdia Casablanca 💰Prices: Sandwich panache 10dh 1kg zitoun panache 40dh 📍Chez bahja Av Meknassi Bourgogne Casablanca 💰Prices Casquetta 20dh #casablanca #streetfood #شهيوات_بلادي
@reda_food_review
30.4K likes • 880.3K views
Scrolling through the old quarter "L'Houbous" ✨ #hobous #الحبوس #habous #الدار_البيضاء #casablanca #casa #المغرب #morocco #maroc
ihssane.belkadi
110 likes • 1.9K views

💰 Carry Cash

Most vendors and small eateries are cash-only. :moneywithwings:

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of exploring on foot through charming alleys. :athletic_shoe:

اليوم الأول في كازابلانكا! ✨ الاقامة كانت في رويال منصور كازبلانكا وجولة ساحرة في حي الحبوس، بين الأزقة الضيقة والأسواق المغربية التقليدية، واختتمت اليوم بتجربة المأكولات المغربية في دار دادا . 🇲🇦💫 . @visit_morocco_ . Day 1 in Casablanca! ✨ Stayed at the Royal Mansour Casablanca, explored the charming Habous Quarter, wandered through its narrow alleys and traditional Moroccan souks, and ended...
mrm0o0ora
664 likes • 55K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Haggle for Souvenirs

Embrace the local culture and negotiate prices for crafts and goods in the souks. :moneybag:

📸 Capture the Architecture

The intricate details of Moorish and French colonial styles make for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:

💰 Carry Cash

Most vendors and small eateries are cash-only. :moneywithwings:

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of exploring on foot through charming alleys. :athletic_shoe:

🫒 Taste Local Delicacies

Don't miss out on the olive market and street food stalls for authentic flavors. :food_bowl:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Habous Quarter for its beautiful, well-preserved architecture and vibrant market atmosphere, offering a more organized and pleasant experience than traditional medinas. It's a great spot for shopping and photography, though some find it a bit too 'man-made' compared to older historical sites.

What People Like

Beautiful architecture
Vibrant market
Great for souvenirs

What People Dislike

Can feel a bit artificial

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Habous Quarter is easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services from most parts of Casablanca. It's also a pleasant walk from some central areas. Many visitors find taxis to be the most convenient option for reaching this historic district. Reddit

Yes, the Habous Quarter is very walkable. Its charm lies in exploring its narrow alleys and discovering hidden gems on foot. Wear comfortable shoes! Instagram

Taxis are abundant and relatively inexpensive for getting around Casablanca. Ride-sharing apps are also a good option. For a more local experience, consider using public buses, though they can be crowded. TikTok

Habous Quarter is relatively central and can be combined with visits to other key sites like the Hassan II Mosque. It's a good starting point for exploring the city's diverse offerings. InstagramReddit

While taxis and ride-sharing are most common, some bus routes do pass near the Habous Quarter. Check local bus maps for the most direct routes from your location. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Habous Quarter is a public neighborhood, and there are no entrance fees to wander through its streets and markets. Instagram

The Habous Quarter is always accessible, but individual shops and stalls typically operate during daylight hours, generally from morning until early evening. Instagram

While always vibrant, weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience for exploring and photography. Instagram

Entry to the Pacha Court itself is generally free, allowing visitors to admire its architecture. However, some areas might have specific access rules. Instagram

Yes, visitors are welcome to see the Al-Mohammadi Mosque. Modest dress is required, and it's best to visit outside of prayer times. Instagram

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

Habous Quarter is renowned for its traditional Moroccan crafts, including leather goods, ceramics, textiles, argan oil, spices, and intricate metalwork. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Bargaining is an expected part of the shopping experience in Moroccan souks. Start with a lower offer and negotiate respectfully. Reddit

The 'Le Grand Marche Des Olives du Habous' (The Great Habous Olive Market) is a must-visit for a wide variety of olives and related products. Instagram

Most stalls in the Habous Quarter do not have fixed prices, encouraging negotiation. However, some newer shops might display prices. Reddit

Shops generally open around 9 AM and close by 7 PM, with some staying open a bit later. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for the full market experience. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Look for traditional Moroccan street food, including tagines, couscous, grilled meats, and fresh pastries. The olive market also offers delicious local snacks. TikTokInstagram

Yes, you can find several local eateries and cafes offering authentic Moroccan cuisine. Many offer a charming ambiance within the quarter's architecture. Instagram

Street food is very affordable, with items like sandwiches costing around 10-20 DH. Restaurant prices can vary, but generally offer good value. TikTok+1

Many Moroccan dishes are naturally vegetarian or can be adapted. Look for vegetable tagines, couscous with vegetables, and various salads. TikTok

While Habous itself is more known for its markets, the El Hank area near the mosque offers seafood options. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Pacha Court with its mosaics, the intricate doorways, the bustling souks, and the unique architecture of the buildings are all fantastic for photos. Instagram+2

It's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially vendors. Respect their privacy. Instagram

Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light that enhances the colors and textures of the quarter. Weekday mornings are also good for fewer crowds. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, be mindful of private residences and religious sites like mosques, where specific rules may apply. Instagram

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide architectural shots and details. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Habous Quarter offers a relatively safe and engaging environment for families. The wider streets compared to older medinas make it easier to navigate with strollers. Kids will likely enjoy the vibrant market atmosphere, the colorful stalls, and the opportunity to see local crafts being made. Instagram

Look for opportunities to try local snacks and street food, which can be a fun adventure for children. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the general exploration of the quarter can be an exciting experience. Ensure children are supervised, especially in crowded market areas, and keep a close eye on belongings. TikTok

🛍️ Budget Travelers

Habous Quarter is a fantastic destination for budget travelers. Entry to the quarter and most of its attractions is free. The real savings come from shopping in the souks, where haggling is expected, allowing you to find great deals on souvenirs. Reddit

Food is also very affordable here. Street food vendors offer delicious and filling meals for just a few dirhams, and local cafes provide inexpensive refreshments. Carrying cash is essential, as it often leads to better prices than card transactions. TikTokInstagram+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Habous Quarter is a dream. The unique blend of Moorish, Andalusian, and French colonial architecture provides endless visual interest. Focus on the intricate details of doorways, tilework, and building facades. Instagram+2

The Pacha Court and the Al-Mohammadi Mosque are prime spots for capturing stunning architectural shots. The vibrant Habous Market offers opportunities for street photography, capturing the colors, textures, and daily life. The late afternoon 'golden hour' is particularly magical for lighting. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Charm of Habous

The Habous Quarter, also known as the 'New Medina,' was built in the 1930s by the French protectorate to offer a modern take on traditional Moroccan architecture. This intentional design creates a unique aesthetic that blends Moorish, Andalusian, and French colonial styles. You'll notice intricate tilework (zellige), ornate doorways, carved stucco, and charming courtyards throughout the quarter. Instagram+2

Key architectural highlights include the Pacha Court, a stunning building that served as a justice and event space, showcasing a beautiful fusion of styles with its mosaics and gardens. The Al-Mohammadi Mosque is another significant landmark, offering a glimpse into religious architecture. The overall layout of Habous, with its wider avenues compared to older medinas, makes it a more accessible and pleasant area to explore for architectural appreciation. Instagram+1

Photographers and architecture enthusiasts will find endless inspiration here. The careful detailing in every building, from the roofs to the window frames, tells a story of a deliberate effort to create a picturesque and functional urban space. It’s a testament to the era’s architectural vision, offering a distinct visual experience compared to other parts of Casablanca. Instagram+1

Shopping and Culinary Delights in Habous

Habous Quarter is a shopper's paradise, especially for those seeking authentic Moroccan crafts and souvenirs. The Habous Market is the heart of this activity, brimming with stalls selling everything from leather goods, ceramics, and textiles to spices, argan oil, and traditional clothing. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and mementos of your trip. Remember that bargaining is an integral part of the shopping experience here, so don't hesitate to negotiate prices respectfully. InstagramReddit+1

Beyond crafts, Habous is also a culinary destination. The Great Habous Olive Market is a sensory delight, offering a vast array of olives and related products. You can also find numerous street food vendors selling delicious and affordable Moroccan specialties like grilled meats, savory pastries, and fresh juices. For a more sit-down experience, several local restaurants within the quarter serve traditional dishes such as tagines and couscous, providing a taste of authentic Moroccan home cooking. TikTokInstagram+1

When exploring the culinary scene, be sure to have cash on hand, as most smaller vendors and eateries operate on a cash-only basis. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local economy and enjoy the authentic flavors that Habous has to offer. Instagram