Things to Do at Hassan II Mosque

Complete Guide to Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

About Hassan II Mosque

The 210-meter minaret rises from the Atlantic shore like a lighthouse of faith - the tallest in the world, with a laser beam on top that shoots toward Mecca at night. The Hassan II Mosque stands on a granite platform jutting into the ocean so that at high tide, waves crash against three sides and the prayer hall seems to float. At low tide, you can walk along the rocks beneath the walls and feel the scale from below. The retractable roof over the prayer hall opens to reveal the sky - one of the few mechanized mosque roofs in the world. Completed in 1993, the mosque cost an estimated USD 800 million and required 10,000 Moroccan artisans working six years. Every surface is handcrafted: 53 marble fountains, zellige tilework in 67 colors, carved cedar ceilings transported from the Middle Atlas, granite columns supporting a prayer hall that holds 25,000 worshippers with room for 80,000 more in the courtyard. This is one of the only mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, and the guided tour is the single best cultural experience in Casablanca.

What to See & Do

The Prayer Hall

The main hall can hold 25,000 worshippers and features a retractable roof that opens to the sky. The marble floors, carved cedar ceilings, and massive chandeliers create an atmosphere that's both grand and surprisingly serene.

The Minaret

At 210 meters, it's the world's tallest minaret. While you can't climb it, the laser beam that shoots toward Mecca at night is visible from 30 kilometers away and creates quite a spectacle.

Ocean-facing Terrace

The mosque's position right on the Atlantic creates this dramatic terrace where you can watch waves crash against the building's foundation - it's particularly impressive during rough weather.

Ablution Hall

The lower level houses ornate fountains and washrooms where worshippers perform ritual cleansing. The marble work and geometric tile patterns here are some of the finest examples of Moroccan craftsmanship.

The Courtyard

This massive space can accommodate another 80,000 people and offers great views of both the minaret and the ocean. The marble and granite work creates beautiful patterns that change with the light throughout the day.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Tours run Saturday to Thursday at 9am, 10am, 11am, 2pm, and 3pm. Friday tours are at 9am and 2pm only. The mosque is closed to tourists during prayer times and religious holidays.

Tickets & Pricing

130 MAD adults (about USD 13), 30 MAD children. Guided tours only - you cannot enter without a guide. Tours run Saturday-Thursday at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, and 2 PM (Friday 9 AM and 2 PM only). English, French, Arabic, and Spanish tours available. Arrive 15 minutes early. The tour lasts about 1 hour. Buy tickets at the entrance - online booking is sometimes available at ffrm.ma. Closed to tourists during prayer times and Ramadan hours may change.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon tours offer the best lighting for photos. The 9am slot tends to be less crowded, while afternoon visits might give you better ocean views if the weather's clear.

Suggested Duration

Guided tours last about 45 minutes, but you'll likely want to spend another 30 minutes walking around the exterior and taking in the ocean views.

Getting There

The mosque sits 7 kilometers from central Casablanca. Take a taxi-it costs 30-50 MAD from downtown and beats wrestling with public transport. Skip the complications. Staying in Ain Diab changes everything since you can walk there along the corniche in 20 minutes. The ocean views make it worthwhile. Tram Line 1 stops at Mosquée Hassan II station, but you'll walk another 10 minutes from there. Driving works if you time it right. Parking around the mosque is decent-until tourist crowds hit during peak hours. Then it's a mess.

Things to Do Nearby

Ain Diab Corniche
A pleasant waterfront promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and beach clubs. It's a nice place for a post-mosque stroll, especially in the evening when locals come out to walk.

Morocco Mall
One of Africa's largest shopping centers, complete with an aquarium and IMAX theater. It's very modern and air-conditioned - a stark contrast to the traditional medina experience.

Casablanca Cathedral
This Neo-Gothic cathedral from the French colonial period now serves as a cultural center. The architecture provides an interesting counterpoint to the mosque's Islamic design.

Old Medina of Casablanca
Much smaller and less overwhelming than Fez or Marrakech's medinas, but it gives you a taste of traditional Moroccan market life without the intense hustle.

Place Mohammed V
The city's main administrative square, surrounded by impressive colonial-era buildings. It's particularly nice in the evening when the buildings are lit up.

Tips & Advice

Dress conservatively - long pants and sleeves are required, and women need to cover their hair. They provide coverings at the entrance if you forget.

The ocean spray can be quite strong on windy days, so you might want to protect your camera and dress accordingly.

Tours fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so booking in advance online is worth the small convenience fee.

The best photos of the mosque are actually from the corniche road - you get the full dramatic effect of it rising from the sea.