Quartier Habous Casablanca, also known as the New Medina, is a district shaped by Moroccan architectural traditions and modern urban planning. Built between 1918 and 1955, it brings together covered shopping arcades, craft markets and landmarks such as the Mohammed V Mosque and Mahkama du Pacha.
- Location: Casablanca’s New Medina.
- From Hotel Al Mamoun: about 2.3 km; the hotel’s Al Mamoun rooms in Casablanca are a starting point in the city.
- Shopping: Souks and covered arcades sell crafts including rugs, ceramics and leather goods.
- Transit: Tram line T3 runs between Casa-Port and Hay Al Wahda, and the network map marks Habous.
What makes Quartier Habous distinctive
Quartier Habous combines modern planning with traditional Moroccan styles and practices. French architects designed the New Medina to accommodate migrants arriving from across Morocco, and its streets and arcades reflect that blend.
The district’s narrow streets connect covered arcades, souks and public places. This layout makes the quarter feel distinct from a purely modern shopping district: craft stalls and historic buildings sit within a planned urban neighbourhood.
Souks and shopping streets
The Habous souks and covered arcades are lined with shops and stalls selling Moroccan handicrafts. You can browse rugs, hammered copper, ceramics, carved wood, leather goods and traditional clothing.
The Kissaria craft market is another part of the quarter’s shopping scene. Several souks are spread through the district, so you can follow the lanes and arcades as you browse rather than treating the area as a single market hall.
Landmarks and architecture
Quartier Habous has a central square, a traditional courthouse and a mosque among its landmarks. Grande Place des Habous is surrounded by historic buildings and shops, while the Mohammed V Mosque and the Kissaria are also within the quarter.
Mahkama du Pacha is a traditional Moroccan courthouse known for its arches and detailed decoration. The buildings and public spaces provide a closer look at how the district’s designers paired Moroccan forms with modern planning.
How do you get to Habous from central Casablanca?
Casablanca’s tram network map shows Habous and line T3, which runs between Casa-Port and Hay Al Wahda. You can use the official network map and journey-planning app to check how the line fits your route.
The official Casablanca tourism pages do not give regular opening hours for the souks or a visitor timetable for Mahkama du Pacha. Check the official Casatramway and Casabusway site before you go for current network maps, line and timetable information.
If you are planning a broader city visit, the Casablanca one-day itinerary covers a central-city day plan.
FAQs
Is Quartier Habous also called the New Medina?
Yes. Quartier Habous is also known as the New Medina of Casablanca.
What can you buy in the Habous souks?
Shops and stalls sell Moroccan crafts such as rugs, hammered copper, ceramics, carved wood, leather goods and traditional clothing.
How long should you plan to spend in Quartier Habous?
There is no official recommended visit duration. The quarter’s souks, arcades and landmarks offer several places to include in your visit.