How to Visit the Hassan II Mosque: Tips, History & Practical Info for Travelers
Looking to learn more about the Hassan II Mosque and how to visit it without feeling unsure or out of place?
I visited during my 12-day Morocco group trip with Gadventures in late September and early October, with Casablanca as our starting point. The Hassan II Mosque set the standard immediately. The scale. The craftsmanship. The quiet power of the place. It almost did not feel real.
This post walks you through how to visit the Hassan II Mosque step by step, from dress code and tickets to what the experience actually feels like once you are inside.
This Post Pairs Well With:
- 24 Hours in Casablanca Solo: A Realistic Itinerary for First-Time Visitors– If you’re fitting this into a short stay
- How to Get Around Casablanca: My top Tips and Tricks for navigating the City– If location and walkability matter to you
- Where to Stay in Casablanca for First-Timers (Best 3 Neighborhoods + Hotels)– If taxis and trams feel intimidating at first
Quick Facts: Hassan II Mosque
Location
Hassan II Mosque
Ticket Price
~140 MAD per adult
Price subject to change
Who Can Visit
Non-Muslims allowed via guided tours only
Tour Hours
Daily guided tours (except Fridays)
Morning and early afternoon time slots
Dress Code
Modest clothing required
Shoulders, chest, and knees covered
Bring a scarf to be safe. Tours last ~45 minutes
No interior access outside guided tours
Official Website
Check here for current tour times and prices
Book a Guided Tour
Hassan II Mosque Tours on Viator
Hassan II Mosque Tours on getyourguide
Where Is the Hassan II Mosque?
The Hassan II Mosque sits directly along the Atlantic Ocean in Casablanca, and when people ask “Where is the Hassan II Mosque?” the setting becomes part of the answer.
Architects built the mosque partially over the sea, with waves crashing below it. A Quranic verse describing God’s throne upon water inspired this design choice. Rather than hiding within the city, the mosque commands the coastline, its towering minaret visible from far beyond Casablanca.
From most central neighborhoods in Casablanca, it is easy to reach by taxi or tram, and it pairs naturally with a walk along the Corniche afterward.
Why the Hassan II Mosque Feels Different
There are many mosques across Morocco, but this one feels different the moment you step inside. Understanding the history and design makes the experience even richer.
What caught me completely off guard was not just the scale of the mosque, but how intimate parts of it felt. During the guided visit, our group walked down to the lower level where worshippers perform ritual washing before prayer.
The space felt quiet and almost meditative. Arched ceilings, flowing water, and finely etched marble details carried the same level of intention as the grand prayer hall above. One of the travelers in my group, who is Muslim, demonstrated the ritual washing while others practiced nearby. Watching this unfold in real time added depth to everything our guide, Mohammed, explained and grounded the experience in everyday faith rather than spectacle.
That moment shifted the visit for me. The mosque stopped feeling impressive on a surface level and started to feel meaningful, functioning not just as a monument, but as a living place of worship.
History and Vision
The mosque was commissioned by King Hassan II and completed in 1993. It was meant to be both a religious space and a national landmark, built to showcase Morocco’s artistic heritage at the highest level.
Thousands of artisans from across the country worked on it, using traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations. Nothing about the mosque feels rushed or mass-produced. Every surface tells you that time, skill, and intention mattered here.
Architecture That Stops You in Your Tracks
The minaret is the tallest in the world at about 210 meters, but what struck me more was what happened once we stepped inside.
The zellige tilework is everywhere, perfectly symmetrical, impossibly detailed, and genuinely hypnotic. The marble floors and etched marble columns reflect light in a way that makes the entire space feel alive. I remember standing there thinking that photos do not do this place justice, not even close.
One of the most memorable parts of the visit was being taken down to the lower level, where worshippers perform ritual washing before prayer. This space was stunning in a quieter, more intimate way. Arched ceilings, soft light, flowing water. It was beautiful and grounding, and it gave real insight into daily religious practice rather than just the spectacle above.
Facts About the Hassan II Mosque Worth Knowing
A few facts about Hassan II Mosque that help put it into perspective:
- It is one of the very few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims through guided visits.
- Part of the structure extends directly over the Atlantic Ocean.
- The prayer hall has a retractable roof that opens to the sky.
- More than six thousand artisans contributed to its construction.
Can Non Muslims Visit the Hassan II Mosque?
Yes, and this is one of the reasons the mosque feels so important from a cultural standpoint.
If you are wondering, “Can non-Muslims visit Hassan II Mosque?” the answer is absolutely yes, but only through guided tours. Most mosques in Morocco are closed to non-Muslims, so this openness is intentional and meaningful.
What I appreciated most was how educational the experience was. The guide explained religious practices, symbolism, and architecture in a way that felt welcoming, not watered down or performative. It felt like an invitation to learn about a subject that Western travelers often misunderstand or oversimplify.
That said, it is still an active place of worship. Modest dress, respectful behavior, and quiet voices are essential. You are a guest here, and the atmosphere reflects that balance beautifully.
If you are wondering if it’s easy for Solo Female Travelers to visit, As a solo female traveler, I felt comfortable and respected throughout the visit, especially within the structured, guided format.
How to Visit the Hassan II Mosque
Planning your visit? Here’s exactly what to expect on the day, from dress code to tickets.
Dress Code
The Hassan II Mosque dress code is strictly enforced.
Women should cover their shoulders, chest, and knees. Loose clothing is ideal, and I recommend bringing a scarf just in case.
Men should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. Shorts are not allowed inside.
If you arrive unprepared, there may be coverings available for rent, but it is far easier to dress appropriately ahead of time.
Best Times to Go
Guided tours run several times a day, except during Friday prayer times.
Mornings tend to feel calmer and less crowded. Midday tours can be busier, especially when large tour groups arrive. If you prefer a quieter experience where you can really absorb the space, earlier is better.
Tours Versus Visiting Solo
Non-Muslims cannot explore the interior on their own. All visits are guided.
This is actually a good thing. The guides provide essential context, answer questions, and help you understand what you are seeing. If you are debating whether to join a Casablanca mosque tour or visit independently, know that the guided format is mandatory and genuinely worthwhile.
Photography Rules
Photography is generally allowed in the courtyard and many interior areas. Flash is discouraged, and photography may be limited during prayer times.
I brought my fancy Sony Alpha II camera with me and was able to capture some beautiful pictures, and used my kit lens (28-70mm) as I only took one lens with me to Morocco. I then used my phone for video, but I respectfully took photos and video.
How to Buy Tickets for Hassan II Mosque
If you are researching how to buy tickets for Hassan II Mosque, you have two main options.
You can purchase tickets directly at the mosque shortly before the scheduled tour times. This works well if you arrive early.
Some organized Casablanca tours include mosque admission, which can simplify logistics if you prefer everything arranged in advance.
Ticket prices can change, so always double-check close to your visit.
Insider Tips From My Visit to Hassan II Mosque
A few things I learned from being there in person:
Arrive at least twenty minutes early to buy tickets and get settled.
You’ll be taking off your shoes and given a bag for them.
Do not feel awkward asking questions. The guides are used to welcome curious visitors and encourage learning.
After your visit, walk along the ocean side of the mosque. It is one of the most peaceful spots in Casablanca.
As a solo female traveler, I felt comfortable and respected throughout the experience. The structure of the visit made it easy to focus on learning rather than worrying about logistics.
Why the Hassan II Mosque Is Worth Making Time For
The Hassan II Mosque ended up being one of the most meaningful stops of my time in Casablanca, and honestly, of my entire Morocco trip. It is visually overwhelming in the best way, but what stayed with me was how open the experience felt. Being able to walk through, ask questions, and learn about Islam in a space that is still actively used felt rare and genuinely special.
This is not just a place you admire from the outside. It is a place that invites curiosity and rewards it. If you are someone who likes understanding the “why” behind what you see when you travel, this visit delivers.
If you are mapping out your time in Casablanca, visiting the mosque fits beautifully into a well-paced itinerary.
I share how to structure a short stay in 24 Hours in Casablanca Solo: A Realistic Itinerary for First-Time Visitors, dive deeper into smart neighborhood choices in Where to Stay in Casablanca for First-Timers (Best 3 Neighborhoods + Hotels), and explain the logistics inHow to Get Around Casablanca: My Top Tips and Tricks for Navigating the City.
This guide is part of a larger Morocco series built around traveling with context, curiosity, and confidence. If Morocco feels exciting but slightly intimidating, you are exactly who this content is for. Take your time, explore the rest of the series, and let the country unfold one experience at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Hassan II Mosque
Yes, non-Muslims can visit the Hassan II Mosque!
Most guided tours last approximately 45 minutes. This includes time inside the prayer hall and other areas open to visitors.
Guided tours are offered daily except during Friday prayer times. Morning and early afternoon tours are most common.
You can buy tickets on site shortly before tour times, but booking a tour in advance can be helpful during busy seasons or if you want transportation included.
