The Quartier Habous, often called the New Medina, is Casablanca's most atmospheric quarter — a 1930s reinterpretation of a traditional Moroccan medina built during the French protectorate. Its arcaded lanes, craft shops, bookstalls and Moorish-style buildings make it the city's best place to browse, buy souvenirs and sense the old-Morocco feel that the modern downtown lacks. Here is what to see and how to explore it.
The best of Casablanca
What the Habous is
About. Laid out in the 1910s to 1930s as a planned 'new medina', the Habous district was designed by French architects to blend traditional Moroccan urban forms with the order of European town planning. The result is a calmer, more regular take on a medina — arcaded streets, low whitewashed buildings and a mosque at its heart — distinct from the genuinely old medinas of Fes or Marrakech.
Arcaded shopping lanes
Shopping. The covered arcades and small squares are lined with shops selling Moroccan crafts — brassware, leather, ceramics, carpets, babouche slippers, lanterns and traditional clothing. It is one of Casablanca's most pleasant places to browse and bargain, calmer and more orderly than a traditional souk.
Mahkama du Pacha
Landmark. This imposing 1940s building was a Pasha's courthouse and reception hall, richly decorated with carved cedar ceilings, zellij tilework, wrought iron and fountains across many rooms and courtyards. It is one of the quarter's architectural highlights; opening to visitors can be irregular, so check locally before planning a visit.
Moulay Youssef Mosque
Landmark. The handsome mosque at the heart of the Habous, with its green-tiled minaret, anchors the quarter and reflects the district's blend of Moroccan tradition and 20th-century planning. As an active mosque its interior is generally not open to non-Muslim visitors, but the exterior and surrounding square are worth seeing.
Olive and book stalls
Market. The Habous is known for its open-air stalls of olives, dried fruit and traditional sweets, and for a cluster of Arabic and French bookshops. Browsing the produce displays and bookstalls gives the quarter a working, lived-in feel alongside the souvenir trade.
Patisserie Bennis Habous
Food. A celebrated traditional patisserie in the quarter, long known for Moroccan sweets and pastries such as cornes de gazelle and almond-based treats. It is a popular stop for a taste of local confectionery; hours and stock vary, so go earlier in the day.
Royal Palace exterior
Landmark. The Casablanca Royal Palace sits beside the Habous, screened by ornate gates and walls. The palace itself is not open to the public, but the decorated gateways and surrounding walls are an easy add-on while exploring the quarter on foot.
Best time & how long
Practical. Allow roughly an hour or two to wander the arcades, shop and see the main buildings. Mornings and late afternoons are most pleasant; many shops keep traditional hours and some close around midday or on Fridays, so timing matters if you have specific stops in mind.
Combining with the city
Itinerary. The Habous pairs naturally with a wider Casablanca day — many visitors combine it with the Hassan II Mosque, the Art Deco downtown around Place Mohammed V and the Ain Diab corniche. It is a short taxi ride from the centre and works well as an afternoon stop for crafts and atmosphere.