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The Present Perspective

Should You Visit Casablanca, Morocco?

· our answer to this question, plus the best things to do in casablanca, safety in casablanca, and more. [updated november 2022] ·.

Hassan II Mosque sitting on the shore of Casablanca

Casablanca is the biggest city in Morocco, yet many people simply pass right by it when visiting this Northern African nation. This is because it is often referred to as nothing more than a concrete jungle, and many people opt to head directly to other cities like Marrakech , Rabat , and Fes. At most, visitors decide to fly into Casablanca, spend one night there, and head to another city the next day.

Is Casablanca just a concrete jungle or is there more to do?

While there are good reasons to do this, I think that this question deserves a little bit of looking into. Should you spend more than one day in Casablanca? Is Casablanca worth visiting? After all, Casablanca didn’t even make the top five on our list of the best cities to visit in Morocco . This post is going to dive into these questions, and provide a few reasons why there is more to Casablanca than just concrete. More specifically, this post is going to cover the best things to do in Casablanca, how to get there, how to get around, safety, and more. While this post won’t cover what to wear when visiting Casablanca, I did write a whole post on what to wear in Morocco that I recommend reading before your trip.

Couple dressed in black in front mosque in Casa Blanca

Is Casablanca Safe to Visit?

Morocco is usually the first country that westerners visit in the Arab World, and this is largely due to its level of familiarity. Morocco kind of bridges the gap between European and Middle Eastern culture and influence, and it truly does make for a great first Arab country to visit. In truth, Morocco is unique in and of itself, and while there are components of both European and Arab cultures in Morocco, it has developed a culture of its own over its 1000 years of existence. Personally, I think that Morocco’s culture is much more similar to the cultures of Middle Eastern countries, but it is still very unique in and of itself.

Regardless, my point is that if this is your first time visiting an Arab country, you are likely to be apprehensive. As an American, I heard plenty of stories of terrorism, violence, and crime associated with “the Middle East,” and even I was a bit apprehensive about visiting Morocco for the first time. Well, there are several things wrong with that fear, but I think the most important one to note is that Morocco isn’t even in the Middle East. Morocco is as far from the Middle East as New York City is from Mexico City, or London is from Istanbul. Italy and Greece are both closer.

Important note: Morocco isn’t even in the Middle East.

casablanca travel blog

Morocco is a very safe country to visit. There are few threats of violence here, and I would argue that there is no more threat of violence here than there is in Western Europe or the United States. While you want to take caution in any new place that you travel, there is no need for any different level of caution than you would have in Paris or Rome. Personally, in all of my experiences in the Arab World, I have felt just as safe as I would in Europe. This includes cities like Dubai , Abu Dhabi , and Muscat.

The most common crimes in Casablanca are pickpocketing and scamming.

Casablanca is not the safest city in Morocco. As it is the largest, it also has the most criminals. You’ll find this anywhere, though. There are very few threats of violent crime here, as the most common types of crime you could run into are pickpocketing and scamming. Pickpocketing is a real issue, and you should never keep things in your back pockets. Especially with the close nature of the markets, having a phone or wallet disappear is very easy if you aren’t careful. However, as long as you are careful and keep an eye on your things, there is very little threat to you in Casablanca.

Best Things to Do in Casablanca, Morocco

1. take a tour of the hassan ii mosque.

The Hassan II Mosque is the highlight of Casablanca, and I don’t think anything else is even close. This grand mosque is one of the biggest in the world, and is the second-biggest mosque in all of Africa. The architecture is an absolute marvel, and the interior decor is stunningly beautiful. Visitors can take a 45-minute guided tour for 130 dirhams, which is currently about $12 (November 2022). Note that if you want to enter the mosque, you do not need to be a practicing Muslim, but you do need to follow the mosque’s rules. These include no use of cell phones or video recording devices, as well as the mandatory covering of knees and arms. There is no need to wear a head-covering, and shoes must be left at the designated place near the entrance. For more information on tour times and current prices, be sure to visit the mosque’s website directly.

Couple dressed in black by Hassan II Mosque in casablanca

2. Visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism

Morocco is a majority Muslim country. The religious split between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism isn’t even close. In fact, the country is 99% Sunni Muslim. However, Morocco prides itself as being an extremely religiously tolerant nation, having proud Jewish and Christian populations scattered throughout the country. While Jews and Christians only comprise about 1% of Morocco’s population, they have still been allowed more or less to freely practice their faiths for over a millennium. In fact, many tour guides will point out the three ball design that traditionally tops mosque minarets in Morocco, as it symbolizes unity between the three major monotheistic faiths of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

silhouette photography of israel national flag of davids star

Jewish people have been living in these lands for over 2,000 years and have contributed significantly to what has become the modern country of Morocco. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism is a testament to that, and aims to preserve and share the history and role of Jewish people in Morocco. For more information on tickets and hours of operation, check out the Museum of Moroccan Judaism’s website.

3. Grab a Drink at Rick’s Cafe

Casablanca brand beer on a table in Morocco

While Casablanca is famous for more reasons than just one, the 1942 movie that shares its name definitely helped to put it on the map. This movie was a massive success, and it threw a lot of attention and publicity Morocco’s way. Nowadays, I think one of the best things to do in Casablanca is to visit Rick’s Cafe , which is very reminiscent of the cafe that the movie centers around.

While finding alcohol can be a hard task in Morocco, Rick’s Cafe is one place where you can definitely sit down and have a drink. There is also frequently live entertainment here, making an evening stop for a beer at Rick’s cafe one of the best things to do in Casablanca.

4. Go Shopping in the Markets of the Habous Quarter

Morocco is known around the world for its bustling markets. I mentioned in my Marrakech travel guide that the souks, or markets in the city are some of the best places to visit. The same is true in Casablanca, except that the vibe is a little different. While locals do go to the markets in both cities, Marrakech’s souks are very geared towards tourism. The merchants tend to speak very good English, and they are used to jacking up the prices for tourists.

fruit stand on casablanca market during daytime

I’m not saying that the merchants in Casablanca won’t do this, but they certainly deal more with locals than the souks of Marrakech do. The Habous Quarter, or the New Medina, is filled with local artisans of all kinds who are looking to peddle their wares. I bought a leather bag here, and it has held up for years. From Moroccan rugs to spices and perfumes, the Habous Quarter has it all. Just be sure to follow my tips for haggling in Morocco , as the first price is normally at least twice what you should pay.

Young male traveler with backpack standing in Marrakesh Souk

5. Spend an Evening in the Mohammed V Square

The Mohammed V Square, or Place Mohammed V in French, is the main square of Casablanca. This square is surrounded by administrative buildings, and is located right in the heart of the city. While there are people here all day long, I think that the best time to hang out here is in the evening when it really starts to get crowded. This place gets very lively in the evenings, and you’ll see all kinds of interesting things happening here depending on the day.

Car parked in front of government building in Muhammed v square casablanca at dusk

Going for a stroll through the park on a weekday evening is actually one of the best things to do in Casablanca.

From vendors setting up shop to people hanging out and playing games, this is a great place to go and witness Moroccan people just living their lives. This square is very close to the Arab League Park, which is the main green space of Casablanca. I think just sitting here for an hour or two and going for a stroll through the park on a weekday evening is actually one of the best things to do in Casablanca.

6. Admire the Cathedrale Sacre-Coeur

As I mentioned earlier, Morocco is 99% Sunni Muslim, but that doesn’t mean the city’s only beautiful places of worship are mosques ! The Cathedrale Sacre-Coeur is the Catholic cathedral of Casablanca, and it is stunning. While it has been more or less out of service since the Catholic French occupation ended in the 1950’s, it is still a sight to behold. The interior is beautiful, and the view of the city from the spires is what really makes visiting the Cathedrale Sacre-Coeur one of the best things to do in Casablanca. There is a fee to climb the stairs, but it is minimal and worth every dirham!

white Catholic Cathedral in Casablanca with palm trees

How to Get to Casablanca

Flying to casablanca.

Flying into Casablanca is extremely straightforward, as Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport (CMN) is the biggest and busiest in Morocco. I mention in my post on finding cheap airfare that typically, bigger airports offer better flight options. This is true for Casablanca! This airport usually has the best flight options of any airport in Morocco, meaning convenient flight routes and often cheaper airfare. There are even several direct flights from the United States to Casablanca. The airport is located about 40 minutes outside of the city center, and you can get from the airport to the city center by either taxi or train.

casablanca travel blog

– R E A D –

Airport to Hotel

If you ask me, the best way to get from the Casablanca airport to your hotel is by booking a private transfer with our partners at Welcome Pickups .

Welcome Pickups offers personalized, private, comfortable rides from the airport into the city for about the same price as a standard taxi. They monitor your flight status while you are in the air, and a driver will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it as soon as you arrive.

Otherwise, I highly recommend the train, as it is safe, efficient, and a fraction of the cost of a taxi. The taxis operate under a flat rate from the airport to the city center, which is currently between 250-300 dirhams, or around $30. The train departs every hour from the early morning until about 10:00pm, and the fare is 42 dirhams, or roughly $3. Tickets can be purchased directly in the airport station. If you want to go to the city center, it is usually best to get off at the Casa Port Station.

Ground Transportation to Casablanca

If you are coming from another city in Morocco, there are two main ways to get to Casablanca: again, taxis and trains . If you are taking a taxi, it will likely drop you off right at your accommodation. If you are taking a train, it will probably drop you off at the Casa Voyageurs Station, which is a bit outside of the city. From there, you can either taxi to your accommodation or take another train to Casa Port Station.

How to Get Around Casablanca

TRAM | TAXI | BUS | TRAIN | UBER

Casablanca has the best public transportation in Morocco by far.

The city is served by taxis, trams, trains, buses, and even Uber. I found that the most convenient ways to get around were by tram and Uber. I am often wary of taxis, but I did take a couple in Casablanca and found them to be safe and trustworthy. As with anywhere, be sure the driver either uses the meter or agrees to a price before your journey begins. I still prefer Uber, though, because I think it is one of the safest forms of car transportation that exists , due to its GPS tracking. For more information on getting around in Casablanca, check out this great and detailed post on TripSavvy.

casablanca travel blog

The Best Time to Visit Casablanca

Casablanca has surprisingly great weather all year. Despite being located in a country that houses part of the Sahara Desert, Casablanca’s weather is pretty beautiful for the majority of the year. The winter months see more rain than others, but temperatures tend to stay in the higher 50’s or lower 60’s. In the hottest months of the year, the temperatures normally cap out at 90 degrees, which is really tolerable all things considered. I think that the best time to visit Casablanca is in the spring, when the temperatures are beautiful, the rainier months have ended, and the crowds of tourists are still at home.

The weather is beautiful in Casablanca during the spring.

Another great time to visit Casablanca, if you want a more cultural experience, is during the holy month of Ramadan. This frequently occurs in the spring, which ties in beautifully with what I mentioned above. While Morocco has a very different feel during Ramadan than it does during other months, there is a lot of beauty on display during this month, which is the holiest month of the year for Muslims. If you are curious about visiting Morocco during Ramadan, be sure to read my post on traveling to Muslim countries during Ramadan to have a better understanding of what to expect.

people walking near minaret at Hassan II Mosque at night time

Is Casablanca Worth Visiting?

Now, the central question of this post: is Casablanca worth visiting? And if so, how long should you visit Casablanca? Let me unpack this a little bit. Firstly, Casablanca is absolutely worth visiting, and I would never recommend skipping it. To me, Casablanca is kind of like New York City, in that it is a metropolitan center with a lot of concrete and industrial areas, but that doesn’t make it a bad place to visit. Just like New York City has plenty of great things for tourists to do, so does Casablanca. You should absolutely visit Casablanca on any trip to Morocco.

I would never recommend skipping Casablanca.

With that being said, the amount of time that you should spend there varies. If you have the time, I recommend spending two or three days in Casablanca . While you could cycle through most of the top things to do in Casablanca in a day, I think that giving yourself a little bit of extra time is a good idea. There are beautiful areas by the beach that make for great day trips, and hustling through the city in just one day really doesn’t do it justice.

If you are operating on a tighter itinerary, I recommend that you allow at least one full day to explore Casablanca. If you are arriving at night, I recommend spending that night plus one more in Casablanca before leaving. If you are arriving in the morning, Maybe consider taking a later train or taxi to your next city the next day. Casablanca, in my opinion, should be a destination in and of itself on your itinerary and not just a place that you pass through on your way to Marrakech or Fes.

That’s all we have for you about Casablanca! Hopefully this post is helpful as you start planning your journey to Morocco’s biggest city. If you were wondering “Is Casablanca worth visiting?” I hope that this post has helped answer your questions!

casablanca travel blog

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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casablanca travel blog

Casablanca Travel Guide: How to Spend the Perfect Day

Casablanca was not love at first sight for us. And even after a day in the largest city in Morocco , we have to admit that, unfortunately, we just never warmed up to Casablanca. Of all the places we visited in Morocco, Casablanca is the one that we least liked.

Nevertheless, we do have to say that one of Morocco’s most impressive buildings is located in Casablanca: the Hassan II Mosque – its size is truly jaw dropping. Many travelers also come to Casablanca as the start or end point of their Morocco tour , because this is where the country’s most important airport is located.

So if you are planning a stay in Casablanca and are wondering what to expect, we’ll tell you all that in this blog article. You will also find our tips on what you can see and do in Casablanca, if you’re just passing through for a day.

1. Casablanca: Expectations vs Reality

2. travel guide: one day in casablanca – the best sights and tips, 3. modern hotel stay in casablanca.

Hoteltipp Casablanca

Honestly, we had completely contrasting ideas about Casablanca . Somehow we had been misled by its romantic sounding name. We were expecting nice coffee houses, authentic restaurants, pretty alleys, oriental flair. Our expectations, unfortunately, did not match reality at all.

The most important thing to know is that Casablanca is a financial city . Casablanca is the economic center and the largest city in Morocco. 3 million people live in Casablanca. The cityscape of Casablanca is characterized by gray skyscrapers rather than charming old buildings.

And unfortunately that also means an absence of the authentic oriental flair . There is a medina, but it is not even comparable to that in Marrakesh or Fez.

However, on the upside, there is a magnificent sight waiting for you in Casablanca: the Hassan II Mosque. We would say that a stopover in Casablanca is worthwhile just to see this gigantic building. The rest of Casablanca certainly did not win us over.

But as always, we are sharing our own personal experience . Just because Casablanca didn’t have us overly enthused, it doesn’t mean that it will be the same for everyone. In the end, the best thing is to make up your own mind.

Hassan II Mosque: The Largest Mosque in Africa

If you only have time to visit one attraction in Casablanca, then let it be the Hassan II Mosque. The sheer size of this mosque, which is located directly on the coast, is utterly incomprehensible.

Not only is it one of the largest mosques in the world , the minaret of the mosque is also the second tallest in the world. Once you stand in front of it, you can hardly believe your eyes, this building looks so gigantic. The Hassan II Mosque is one of only two mosques in Morocco that can be visited by non-Muslims.

Unfortunately, the interior of the mosque can only be visited on a guided tour . Guided tours take place every day at certain times in several languages. The downer: The groups are really big. We had an estimated 50 people in our group, which of course, did have an effect on our overall experience. 

Information about visiting the Hassan II Mosque

Entry: 130 Dirhams Guided tour: The mosque can only be visited as part of a guided tour. The respective times can be found on their website: Hassan II Mosque

Casablanca Tipps

Habous District: the New Medina

Probably the most beautiful district of Casablanca is called the Quartier Habous. This district was created in the 1920s under French colonial rule and is also known as the New Medina .

The Quartier Habous reminds us a little of a souk (i.e. a market) – but a very cozy one. You will find many different shops where you can buy spices, souvenirs and handicrafts. If you want to buy something: don’t forget a little barter! In Morocco, it is common to whittle the final agreed price down to less than 50 percent of the dealer’s starting bid!

Our tip: The very best Patisserie Casablanca, the Patisserie Bennis Habous , is also in this district. If you come here, you must either have a distaste for marzipan or practice discipline. Otherwise, you might end up leaving the store like us – with a huge box full of almond and marzipan cookies. So good!

The oriental palace – Mahkama du Pacha – is also worth a visit. If you are looking for oriental flair in Casablanca, you’ve come to the right place. Beautiful mosaics and carvings await you in this city palace – and makes for a wonderful photo opportunity. However, it seems there’s a little misunderstanding when it comes to access: many say that the palace can only be visited with a guide. But the security guard might just let you in, upon a little tip, so that you can take a few photos in peace.

Quartier Habous

Morocco Mall

The modern mall , aptly named Morocco Mall, is one of those places you wouldn’t expect in a country like Morocco. It feels like a collision of two different worlds here. In the Morocco Mall, Casablanca’s narrow, sometimes dirty streets suddenly feel very distant.

The shopping center could just as well be in any other metropolis. But, you can tell by the clothes of the people around you, that you’re definitely still in Morocco. Our verdict : you can visit if you want, but you don’t necessarily have to.

Morocco Mall

Unlike in other parts of Morocco, the hotel offerings in Casablanca are more geared towards business travelers . Therefore, you’re likely to find an extortionate number of large and rather impersonal hotels in Casablanca with very few really individual accommodations.

But we have a good tip for you : the Hotel Barcelo Anfa Casablanca . This modern city hotel comes very highly recommended. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and tastefully decorated – it feels nice and cozy. The beds are also very comfortable.

There is a very nice pool area and the breakfast buffet is also impressive. Conclusion: great value for money and a very good choice if you want to stay in Casablanca.

You can book the hotel here: Barcelo Anfa Casablanca

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This blog article contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, then we will receive a small commission. This will not change the prices for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you ever been to Casablanca? How did you like it? Were your expectations too high or did you experience Casablanca differently? We look forward to reading your comments with any additional tips!

You might also be interested in this

Morocco Travel Guide

Morocco Travel Guide: How to prepare and plan your Trip

Marrakesh Travel Guide

Marrakech Travel Guide: Travel Tips and our Honest Review

Fez Attractions

Fez Travel Guide: Best Sights and Tips for the Oldest Medina in Morocco

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How to Spend One Day in Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca was one of the cities that people told me not to bother with when I was planning my trip to Morocco. Of course, it’s also where I found the cheapest flight to. So, of course, I booked the cheapest flight and planned on just spending one day in Casablanca before moving on to a more exciting Moroccan city, Fez . After all that I had been told, I expected to hate Casablanca- but I didn’t.  I wouldn’t say I loved it- it’s not a very exciting city, but I’m not as adamant that people should skip it. After all, the Hassan II Mosque alone is one of the most beautiful sites in the country. So for those who, like me, are flying into Casablanca or are on the fence about it, here are my thoughts on how to spend one day in Casablanca, Morocco.

casablanca travel blog

Getting to Casablanca

If you are coming to Casablanca you are probably either flying in or taking the train. Casablanca airport is about 45 minutes outside of the city centre and you can either take a taxi or the train. The train will cost a quarter (or less!) the cost of the taxis, especially since taxis don’t typically turn on the meter and charge tourists significantly more than locals. With that in mind, I recommend taking the train which is what we did. I had read several articles online recommending that tourists take the first class train, we paid a little extra to do that. I don’t really think it matters on the train to and from the airport, but I do recommend it for other trains across the country as it is more comfortable and still affordable.

There are two main trains stations in Casablanca. The first, and biggest, is Casa Voyageurs. It’s in the middle of the city. The second is Casa Port which is, as you probably guessed, near the Port. I’d get off at whatever stop is closest to your hotel which, for us, was Casa Port. There are taxis waiting outside ( ask for the meter or agree on a rate ahead of time) or you may be able to walk. We ended up walking but quickly learned that there are very few actual sidewalks. Everyone just drove around us. 

If you are travelling as a group, it may be worth your while to pre-arrange an airport transfer which will be a fixed price. You can look into that here.

Note: If you are flying into Casablanca airport, expect it to be a slow process. It took us 2 hours after landing to get out.

Where to Stay in Casablanca

Hotel in Casablanca

Casablanca didn’t seem to have a big selection of accommodation options when we looked. We ended up finding a cheapish hotel ($60 CAD for the night between the 2 of us) near the Medina and about a 20-minute walk to the Hassan II Mosque. Location was great, staff was friendly, rooms were basic but clean. They had a decent breakfast too (poached egg, some orange, pastries and bread, and tea) for 30 dirham.  I would definitely recommend it, but know that it is very loud at night so light-sleepers (like me) be wary. It’s called Casablanca Central Hotel and you can book it here. 

If you’d like something a bit more upscale with a pool try Barcelo Anfa Casablanca or the Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca if you want high-end luxury. 

Getting Around Casablanca

Casablanca

As mentioned earlier, it’s really easy to get into Casablanca by train. There is a tram system in the city- I did not use this however I expect given how easy the trains were to use that the tram system is probably similar.

We made sure to stay close enough to the Grand Hassan Mosque to walk. Sidewalks were definitely lacking at parts, though this may be because there was a lot of construction when we visited. However, walking was easy- cars drove slowly around us and we didn’t have a problem.

You can also take taxis around- they are all over. The cars are small and red with taxi signs so just wave them down. In Casablanca, they don’t like to use the meter so my best recommendation is to ask your accommodation how much you should be paying to get to where you want to go, and negotiate before you get it. Be firm, but friendly when haggling.

What to See and Do with 1 Day in Casablanca

Casablanca doesn’t have a ton to see and do, but you can easily fill up a few hours.

The Hassan II Mosque

Hassan II Mosque

The number one must see is the Hassan II Mosque; it’s the main attraction and for good reason. It’s one of the few mosques that non-Muslims can actually go inside. You need to join a tour to do so. Tickets for tourists are 130 dirham and the tour lasts about 45 minutes. Photos are permitted inside, but no video. You will also have to take off your shoes so if you are not comfortable walking around barefoot, wear (or bring) socks.

You’ll probably want to spend another hour or so walking around the outside of the Mosque as well. It’s a stunning building with beautiful tile work and patterns that are very photogenic. We spent about 2 hours total at the Hassan II Mosque.

Consider Taking a Tour

Casablanca has a few more sites to see including the Kings Palace, Place Mohammed V, and the Cathedral du Sacre Coeur. However, they aren’t exactly very close to each other so if you want to see all the highlights with your one day in Casablanca then I recommend taking a guided tour. Taxi drivers will all tell you they will take you around but I suggest booking in advance to ensure that you are actually getting a proper guide and value for your money. Take a look at this full day tour or this half-day one. 

The Old Medina

Casablanca Medina

The Medina in Casablanca isn’t quite like those in Marrakech or Fez, but it’s worth a wander. The white-washed buildings with wooden doors are actually quite picturesque and there are a number of little shops and restaurants in this area. A lot of locals can be found here too- women shopping, kids playing soccer, etc. It’s very small but worth exploring.

La Corniche

If you have the time and have a nice, hot day it might be worth your while to check out La Corniche, which is a beach area close to the Hassan II Mosque. There are pools, beach access, and lots of restaurants. It’s more of a ‘vacation’ type spot that the rest of the city, but makes for a good place to relax. I didn’t visit during my one day in Casablanca, but it is one of the most recommended places to go in the city.

Where to Eat and Drink in Casablanca

Ricks's Cafe in Casablanca

We didn’t get a chance to really check out the food scene in Casablanca, but if you are only in Casablanca for 1 day then I can definitely recommend where we went for dinner.

The woman at our hotel told us to go to a café called La Sqala. We thought it would be more of a local spot since it was recommended, but it was definitely known to tourists. However, it was really cute, relaxing, and the food was delicious. Since it was our only meal of the day we didn’t mind spending more. We both got a tagine, water, and dessert (because, why not?) for 200 dirhams each. Bread, olives, and tip were also included in that price. The food was freshly prepared and delicious.

Casablanca also has a very well-known bar called Rick’s Café. If you have seen the movie Casablanca, you will recognize the name. Now, it’s not where the movie was actually filmed (that was Hollywood) but, it was built and designed to resemble the one from the movie. We didn’t end up going since it doesn’t open until 6:30pm but we did walk past it and it looked pretty cool so if you have more energy than I did after my overnight flight, I suggest checking it out.

I’ve also heard really good things about Sky 28 bar which, is said to be pricey, but offers beautiful evening views over Casablanca.

Is Casablanca Safe?

Hassan II Mosque

This is one of the questions I got a lot when sharing my one day in Casablanca on my Instagram stories. It’s also tough to answer. To start with, I was not alone. I travelled through Morocco with a fellow female travel blogger. Yes, we were two women in our twenties but I think having someone else with you still makes a difference than going solo. That being said, it wasn’t exactly a fantastic experience. 

We got cat called several times walking through the streets midday. Many men said hi or welcome to us and I noticed we both got looked up and down a few times. My most uncomfortable moment was being grabbed on the shoulder by a man on the street who tried to talk to me (I glared and kept walking). Taylor had two young men ask how old she was- she just kind of looked at them and they said ‘ok too far’ and backed off. So, were the men more forward and aggressive than I’m used to at home? Yes. However, I’ve heard and, to be honest, expected way worse. It wasn’t comfortable, but I wouldn’t say I felt unsafe in Casablanca either. That being said, we also didn’t go out after dark. 

I didn’t find the locals overly friendly but nobody was rude either. Those who worked in tourism were happy to help us when we had questions though, which made it easy to figure out where to go or what to do.

Final Thoughts on Casablanca  

So, was Casablanca my favourite place in Morocco? No, not at all. But I didn’t hate it as much as everyone told me I would. I wouldn’t recommend more than one day in Casablanca, but if you want to visit for that short amount of time I would say it’s worth it for sure. Even if it’s just for the Hassan II Mosque alone.

PS: for my experience backpacking as a woman in Morocco, read this post.

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Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance  here . If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend  SafetyWing . For Canadian readers, take a look at  SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend  booking.com  for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is  GetYourGuide . They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I’m a big fan of Airalo and have used their sim cards around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA. It’s really easy- you download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase. 

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my  travel essentials  and  camera gear  if you are looking for some ideas. 

Looking for a travel buddy?

Check out my group trips!

casablanca travel blog

Casablanca is a dream come true! I can’t understand people why it has a bad rep.

I didn’t love it, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised!

[…] danger from it. A couple of very sexual comments made me angry, and I did get grabbed on the arm in Casablanca which came as a shock, but nothing actually made me […]

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Two Sisters Abroad

Two sisters exploring the world while trying to get college degrees

Casablanca Itinerary for the Best Moroccan Vacation

Your Casablanca itinerary and travel guide for the best vacation.

Morocco is a country I could visit again and again. The food is delicious, the cities are vibrant and fun, and there is so much to do and see. When visiting Morocco, don’t skip the wonderful city of Casablanca. This coastal city is definitely a must-visit, even if it’s just for a couple days. In this post you will find a detailed Casablanca itinerary for the best Moroccan vacation!

Casablanca Itinerary and Travel Guide

Where to stay in casablanca.

When visiting other major Moroccan cities, like Marrakech and Fes, I definitely recommend staying in a riad. A read is traditional Moroccan guest house with an interior courtyard, and, in general, they are very beautiful!

In Casablanca, however, there are far fewer riads available. Instead, Casablanca is a great place to stay in a hotel. 

Casablanca is a budget friendly location. You can find very affordable 4 and 5 star hotels for a luxury stay without breaking the bank. 2 and 3 star hotels are highly affordable and there are many great options all throughout the city. 

When visiting Casablanca I recommend staying in one of the following neighborhoods: Anfa (near the beach), Habbous (a nice market neighborhood) and City Center (where most of the action is.)

Hotels in Anfa – a calm area near the beach! 

  • No alcohol is served on site due to the hotel’s close proximity to a mosque 
  • Pestana Casablanca, Seaside Suites & Residences ($$) 
  • Villa Blanca Urban Hotel ($$) 
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Niklas Becher 👣 (@niklas_becher)
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca (@fscasablanca)

Accommodations in Habbous – a vibrant market neighborhood 

In this area there are far more AirBnbs than hotels. 

If you prefer the more local experience of AirBnb stays, these are great options: 

  • Joli Appartement Moderne ($) 
  • Glamorous Habous – 2 Mars ($$) 
  • Life is Magnifique in a Big Flat & Green Terrace ($$$) 

Hotels in City Center – where most of the action is 

  • Hotel Majestic ($) 
  • Kenzi Tower Hotel ($$) 
  • Hôtel & Spa Le Doge – Relais et Châteaux ($$)
  • Hyatt Regency Casablanca ($$$) 

The Best Casablanca Restaurants

Breakfast in Casablanca 

  • Bondi Coffee Kitchen
  • % Arabica Casablanca
  • A very low-key spot with an outdoor patio for an espresso in Habbous 
  • Citizen Coffee & Pastry
  • Organic Kitchen Casablanca   

Lunch and Dinner in Casablanca 

  • A beautiful Moroccan restaurant with belly dancing shows! 

casablanca travel blog

  • Beautiful views of the water, located at Villa Blanca 

casablanca travel blog

  • Delicious Spanish food and tapas 

casablanca travel blog

  • A definite tourist trap – but a must for fans of Casablanca the movie 
  • Check out my full review of Rick’s Cafe !

casablanca travel blog

  • A Parisian style restaurant with great food and indoor and outdoor seating 

casablanca travel blog

  • A historic and famous spot for Moroccan food in a beautiful setting 

Activities: What to do in Casablanca

Check out the medina in habbous.

Habbous, also known as the New Medina, is one of my favorite places in Casablanca! 

Habbous is very charming and is packed with shops in an open-air style market. You can wander the streets and find all sorts of souvenirs, including traditional clothing, leather goods, and pottery. 

The atmosphere is very relaxed, and although this area is popular for tourists, it is also filled with locals who are going about their daily shopping. 

Compared to the Old Medina, Habbous is a great option for a more relaxed shopping experience. You will find most of the same artisanal items but it will be much less chaotic. Furthermore, we found the vendors to be far less pushy, which made for a much better shopping experience. 

In addition to the artesian shops, Habbous also has an amazing olive market. This market is located in a small square in the center of the Medina. Definitely take the time to walk through and purchase some of the many varieties of delicious olives.

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Be sure to also stop at Cafe Imperial for espresso and people watching! 

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Mohammad V Square

Mohammad V Square is a quick but interesting stop. You’ll see a variety of government buildings (from the outside only) and the square is filled with hundreds of pigeons. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the buildings, history and architecture, I recommend going on a guided tour. 

Check out these Casablanca tour options: 

  • Casablanca City Tour
  • Highlights of Casablanca: Private 6 Hour Tour
  • Casablanca Guided Sightseeing Tour

casablanca travel blog

Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque is a stunning mosque located right on the ocean. This mosque was completed in 1993 and it is the third largest mosque in the world! 

If you visit this mosque, which you totally should, definitely take a guided tour with one of the mosque’s tour guides. The tour is $6.50 for students and $10 for adults and is totally worth it. Learning about the history, architecture and significance of the mosque was fascinating. Also, it was great to be able to ask questions. 

A fun fact about the mosque is that the roof opens up so you can see the sky from inside! The roof opens during the summer months, on Monday-Friday during the noon tour.

If you’re interested in learning more about religion in Casablanca (and Morocco in general), I recommend taking the Religious Casablanca: Morning Spiritual Tour . This is a great way to learn more about Christiantiy, Judaism and Islam in Casablanca. 

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Notre Dame De Lourdes Church

Another quick stop, but a beautiful one too!

casablanca travel blog

Central Market

Central Market is an open air meat, fish and vegetable market. It’s located in the old city near the Old Medina. Many locals visit the market daily to do their grocery shopping, and it’s a great place to check out! 

For a unique and memorable market experience, I recommend going on a market and local cooking/food tour with a local! 

Market Tours: 

  • 6-Hour Private Market Tour and Cooking Class
  • Moroccan Cooking Class + Eating with Locals
  • Casablanca Food Tour – Central Market & Seafood Lunch

The Old Medina is an incredible, ancient walled market. Within Old Medina you’ll find tons of stalls selling everything from gold, to spices, to leather goods, to counterfeit luxury items. You can seriously find almost anything you’re looking for in this market! 

Additionally, the market is also extremely affordable. We found traditional shoes and clothing priced as low as $3 (30 MAD).

Although wandering around and getting lost in the Old Medina can be very fun, I was SO happy that I had a guide. The Old Medina is truly a maze. Because of this, it is nearly impossible to know where you are at any given time. 

You could spend an entire afternoon in the Old Medina wandering around to the different stalls, trying local food and haggling over prices. 

The Old Medina can be overwhelming, especially if you get lost, but it is definitely worth a visit. For a more low-key medina experience check out Habbous.

Medina Tour: 

  • The Medina and Beyond Morning Cultural Walking Tour
  • Discovering Life & Walk Inside Old Medina

casablanca travel blog

Go Shopping at the Mall of Morocco

The Mall of Morocco opened in 2011 and it is the largest mall in all of Africa! Notably, it is one of the cleanest and most modern malls I have ever visited. It was really cool to visit this mall, and in addition to major luxury brands they have a ton of my favorite stores such as Stradivarius and Bershka.

This is a great place to visit on a rainy or especially hot day.

Fun and Unique Tours in Casablanca

I’m a huge fan of AirBnb experiences and and I love going on unique adventures with locals when visiting a new city! 

There are endless options in Casablanca, but below are a few of my top recommendations! 

  • Casablanca Food Tour  
  • Tour of Casablanca Attractions on an Electric Scooter
  • Photo Shoot Tour with a Local Photographer
  • Discover Casablanca’s Oldest Bookstores

Thanks for reading my Casablanca itinerary for the best Moroccan vacation! If you have any questions, or anything to add to this post, be sure to let me know in the comments! 

Be sure to check out my other posts for planning the best Morocco trip! 

The Best Morocco Tips and Travel Advice

  • Insiders’ Casablanca, Morocco Tourism Guide for the Best Trip
  • Review Of Rick’s Cafe in Casablanca, Morocco
  • What to Wear in Morocco – Cute and Practical Summer Outfit Guide

Morocco Female Traveler Lookbook

  • The Best Day Trips from Casablanca, Morocco

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Casablanca itinerary and travel guide

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What to Wear in Morocco – Cute and Practical Summer Outfit Guide

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11 Comments

So many places to add to our list!

I’m planning my first trip to Morocco next year, and Casablanca has definitely been added to the list – it sounds absolutely wonderful!

I have been on a Maroccan tour but unfortunately we do have enough time to visit Casablanca! From your guide and pictures I can see that it is absolutely stunning! Thanks for making me travel with your article!

Prior to the pandemic, we looked at a trip to Morocco. But, that itinerary didn’t include Casablanca. I can see that when we do revisit that trip, we need to add this for sure. There seems to be a lot of great things to do! Thanks for sharing!

We’ve been to marrakech but so desperate to head back to Morocco and this is now top of our list! Thank you!

I’ve not been to Morocco, but I feel like I only ever hear about Marrakech! this looks fantastic and I would LOVE to visit here one day.

Morocco seems like a dream! I will be visiting next year + these are great recommendations! 🙂

Thank you for sharing so much information. Very helpful in planning our trip to Morocco next March.

Hi Marie, I’m so glad you found the post helpful! If you have any questions at all, please let us know. We hope you have a great trip to Morocco!

Super fantastic article full of value and info I’m travelling maybe next year to this country

I had ones in Morocco but only the north next year I will visit the whole country God willing

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Must Visit Morocco

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Must Visit Morocco

The ultimate Casablanca guide: the underrated gem of moroccan

Mouna El Maazouzi

Largest city and economic capital of Morocco, home to Morocco’s main international airport, Casablanca is the main gateway into the country for many visitors. Industrial and economic locomotive of the country, it does not compete with the exotic charms of Marrakech and Fez . Yet, there is a European flair to much of its architecture, and the city has a modern air not seen in other parts of the country. You will definitely find some pearls to visit in Casablanca. For starters the Medina district is charming and much smaller, and easier to discover than elsewhere. And the monumental Hassan II mosque is unmissable.

So, what to see in Casablanca?

Well, we got you, we present to you the ultimate Casablanca guide from its monuments, squares and districts to its malls and museums.

The Old Medina

In the north of the city between the port and the seafront Hassan II Mosque, this Historic district of the white city contains the last vestiges of pre-20th century Casablanca. 

The old media was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 and rebuilt in 1770 by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah. Though the modern Casablanca has grown in all directions, the old medina remains a maze of dark narrow alleyways, sprawling souks and dilapidated buildings. Walking there feels like a trip back in time, it transports you to an authentic setting where customers are rummaging through piles of goods in the stalls haggling for bargains, or sipping mint tea in front of the shop and watching the world go by.

Although the old town of Casablanca does not have as much atmosphere and exoticism as the Medina of Fez or Marrakech, this maze of alleys still hides a lot of things to discover and you’ll even find it much easier to navigate in comparison. No Casablanca guide would be complete without it, you can find everything there, from delicious Moroccan food, weird antiques, wooden statues, hand-made soap and vintage memorabilia. Next time you’re in Casablanca, don’t forget to hit the old medina and  start your visit at United Nations Square, then pass by the Great Mosque and the Kouba Sidi Bou Samra. Finally, end your visit with the Sqala square.

Quartier Habous (New Medina)

casablanca-guide-hubous

Habous Quarter, in the southeastern part of the city, about four miles from the city center, mostly known as the New Medina, is one of the city’s most atmospheric districts. 

Built by the French between 1918 and 1955 to create a new Medina who were occupying Morocco at the time. The new Medina, or new town resembles traditional old Moroccan towns with a few more things: bigger streets and modern facilities. 

The district is today a successful example of a modern medina which has kept a traditional style. Also, a home to different traditional markets as well as the Royal Palace which is worth seeing while walking around.

Habous is certainly one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Casablanca and an valuable part of any casablanca guide. a calm and relaxing landmark that is also full of monuments with attractive architecture, cozy restaurants, trendy bars, etc. It is the ideal area to settle down for a vacation with family in Casablanca or for couples.

The best thing to do in this charming part of the white city is to get lost wondering its magical alleys and take the opportunity to do some shopping!

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco

casablanca-guide-hassan-II

No Casablanca guide is complete without the one and only Hassan II Mosque. And no walking tour of Casablanca would be complete without encountering the city’s most impressive mosque. Located by the sea, with its large capacity and stunning architecture, the majestic Hassan II Mosque is one of the best destinations and must-sees in Casablanca.

A monument of exceptional beauty, on the shore, just beyond the northern tip of Casablanca’s medina (old town), the Hassan II Mosque dominates the entire city. Completed in 1993, it is the fourth largest mosque in the world, covering 9 hectares with the tallest minaret in the world (201m high). The prayer hall can accommodate 25,000 worshipers while the courtyard (which has a retractable roof) can hold another 80,000. Its decoration from surprisingly intricate Moroccan craftsmanship covers every centimeter of its surface. Located by the sea, its location is quite spectacular. 

Non-Muslims can also visit the mosque on guided tours that start from the west entrance of the mosque several times a day. So, we really recommend that you take a trip there to admire its exquisite architecture. This impressive religious monument of Morocco is to be visited at all costs during a stay in the white city. 

King’s Palace

Located in the Habous district, the former royal palace of Casablanca is certainly one of the most beautiful monuments in the city. Built in the 1920s in a relatively modern Arab-Muslim style, it has superb Mediterranean gardens. And like all the many properties of the Moroccan King, this royal palace is of an exceptional beauty. Huge from every point of view, the royal palace has huge windows and especially breathtaking external facades. However, like all the palaces held by the King in many Moroccan cities, that of Casablanca is extremely well guarded. It is extremely difficult if not impossible to get inside. However, its incredible external architecture is well worth a look… even from a distance!

A high place in the history of the city not to be missed!

Malls of casablanca: guide 

Morocco mall .

Shopping, cafés and restaurants with a sea view, ice skating, arcade games and an IMAX (the only one in Morocco) , Morocco Mall has it all. A stay in Casablanca would necessarily be incomplete without visiting the largest shopping center in the Maghreb.

Opened in 2011, the Morocco Mall is the 20th largest shopping center in the world and the 2nd largest in Africa. True national pride, it is a shopping paradise and one of the most important symbols of Casablanca’s economic dynamism. 

Located at the end of the beautiful Corniche, the Morocco Mall is a shopping hub that allows you to do several fun activities. You will find absolutely everything in the Morocco Mall: large boutiques (Dior, Channel, etc.), modern restaurants, cinemas, aquarium (to the delight of children), ice skating, etc. And, for those who cannot travel to the old medina, the Morocco Mall has specially created souks on its premises. 

And when it rains, Morocco Mall is a shelter of choice. Indeed, the Morocco Mall is an extraordinary economic complex that allows you to do several activities with family, friends, girls or as a couple. The places have been specially created to please both the young and old among you!

So, Morocco Mall is a must visit on your next trip to the white city Casablanca.

Anfa place 

AnfaPlace mall in Casablanca offers a wide choice of stores, restaurants, it’s among the best malls in Morocco. Ideally located on the cornice of Anfa, it lies directly on a beach! 

Designed by Sir Norman Foster, Anfaplace Mall was inaugurated in 2013 and is part of a mixed-use complex located on the Atlantic coast, west of Casablanca. Anfaplace Mall comprises two floors of commercial spaces and offers two levels of underground parking, including more than 1000 parking spaces spread over the 2 levels.

In November 2018, the renovation site was launched. Objective: to offer a unique shopping experience to Casablanca residents, to propose an intelligent layout of the food court and to add a touch of modernity to the spaces as well as green elements.

Marina mall 

You can see this stylish mall on Boulevard des Almohades. On a walking distance from the Hassan 2 mosque with a beautiful view on the sea facing the Atlantic Ocean shore. Marina mall is a shopping center over a dedicated area totaling 43,000 m2 of leisure spaces, restaurants and famous store brands. In total, Marina Shopping includes 147 stores spread over two levels. There is a huge parking lot. The general space of the mall is very artistically decorated. It is an open, congestion free shopping mall with a stunning ocean view.

Mesumes of casablanca guide

Musée abderrahman slaoui.

A visit to the famous museum named after and dedicated to the life of the Moroccan businessman and art collector, Abderrahman Slaoui is also to be included in your list of things to do in Casablanca. A unique addition to our Casablanca guide. This will be an unexpected opportunity to learn more about the life of the man and his travels all while learning more about Moroccan culture.

The tiny and beautiful Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum is a small building hidden in the middle of downtown Casablanca city. 

In this calm and enriching space, you will find a showcase of engravings, Moroccan jewellery, figurative paintings by Muhammad Ben Ali Rbati, landscape paintings by Jacques Majorelle and crystal objects and above all the incredible private collection of Abderrahman Slaoui.

A morning spent in this gem will give you a new appreciation for the art of Morocco and beyond. 

Villa des Arts

For those who want an even more cultural visit, the Villa des Arts in Casablanca opens its doors to discover an exhibition of Moroccan art.

Built in 1934 in an Art Deco style, the Villa des Arts in Casablanca hosts many cultural events with the aim of sharing and promoting Moroccan culture.

As an integral part of the ONA foundation, the Villa des Arts is the museum to visit at all costs in Casablanca and a must on our Casablanca guide’s list. Located near the Arab League Park, this museum houses nearly 800 works of art and regularly hosts exhibitions by the most talented contemporary artists. Visiting this museum in Casablanca will be an opportunity for you to take a closer look at all of Moroccan history and culture.

Cathedrals of Casablanca: Guide

Sacré-coeur cathedral .

Featuring both gothic and art-deco architecture, this charming church was completed around the 1930s. Although left unrestored, the Church of Sacré-Coeur is a monument that has lost none of its beauty . 

Just a few places from the Arab League Park, We really advise you to visit this church with its rich and exceptional history. Even if the facades of the church have not been renovated, it still retains its legendary appeal!

Also, not far away, you can see the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes cathedral, built 24 years later. and do not hesitate to visit the vast garden and public park of the Arab League that are around the area too.

Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral

Next to the Cathedrale Sacré-Coeur, the church of Notre Dame de Lourdes is the next stop on your Casablanca guide. 

Built in 1953, the Church of Notre Dame de Lourdes is another monument of the white city that is really worth a visit. It must be said that the exterior of this Casablanca cathedral is not very rosy. Which is the complete opposite of its interior! The beauty of this monument is celebrated with its incredible stained glass windows designed with a master hand by Gabriel Loire, that transports you to a setting that is both idyllic and spiritual. We really suggest that you gather in this sumptuous church during your future stay in Casablanca. And don’t judge it by its external appearance… it’s more beautiful than it shows!

La corniche (Ain Diab)

The Casablanca Corniche (waterfront) also known as Ain Diab, is a perfect backdrop for a walking tour of Casablanca. Indeed, this idyllic corner is known to house the most beautiful beaches, A popular spot for locals who go there for some fresh air on the weekends, to relax and have fun. 

The corniche is also home to some of the most welcoming restaurants, the trendiest bars and the largest shops in the white city. In the evening, the nightlife becomes lively, the corniche is definitely where you’ll find the hottest spots for a casaoui night so it definitely making it to our ultimate Casablanca guide.

And for those not a fan of the nightlife, the corniche is without a doubt the perfect spot to take a walk along the ocean during the day and enjoy the panorama!

Parc sindibad

We couldn’t do without adding this one to our Casablanca guide. SINDIBAD PARK is a subsidiary of SINDIBAD BEACH RESORT and is located in the heart of Ain Diab, in Casablanca, the park covers 32 hectares and includes 3 different universes: An amusement park, An animal park, and a forest recreational park. The park has more than 20 surprising attractions, more than thirty animal species, souvenir shops, themed restaurants, as well as sandwich shops. Diversified entertainment is also offered throughout the day for even more of a change of scenery.

Its 20 attractions  will immerse you in the depths of the new world of SINDIBAD and give you a breath of nature in the heart of the city, for young and old, solos and groups.

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10 Must-See Sights in Casablanca, Morocco

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Casablanca, Morocco is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity. With its bustling Old Medina, impressive Hassan II Mosque, picturesque coastal boulevard, and stunning architecture, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this beautiful North African city.

To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a list of the 10 must-see sights in Casablanca. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we’re confident that these attractions will leave you in awe of the city’s rich culture and history. So grab your camera, put on some comfy shoes, and let’s dive into the top things to see and do in Casablanca, Morocco!

01. Hassan II Mosque

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The Hassan II Mosque is a true architectural marvel. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers. Its impressive size is matched only by its intricate design and stunning location right on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. This awe-inspiring structure is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans, who spent six years working to complete the mosque in 1993.

One of the most impressive features of the mosque is its towering minaret, which stands at an impressive 210 meters (689 feet) tall. You’ll be amazed by the mosque’s intricate details, including the beautiful zellij tilework, carved wood ceilings, and ornate calligraphy.

While the mosque is primarily a place of worship for Muslims, it is open to non-Muslim visitors as well. Guided tours are available, giving you an opportunity to learn more about the mosque’s history and significance.

Be sure to plan your visit around prayer times, as the mosque is closed to visitors during these times. Outside, you can stroll along the esplanade and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean and if you’re lucky, you may even catch the sunset over the Atlantic, which creates a magical atmosphere and a perfect photo opportunity.

Whether you’re a religious scholar or simply a lover of beautiful architecture, the Hassan II Mosque is a must-see attraction in Casablanca. Prepare to be awed by its grandeur, inspired by its beauty, and moved by its spiritual significance.

02. Old Medina

casablanca travel blog

For those seeking an authentic Moroccan experience, the Old Medina in Casablanca is a must-visit destination. This bustling area is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, traditional markets, and street vendors, offering a glimpse into the city’s past and present.

As you wander through the Old Medina, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds, smells, and colors of Morocco. The air is filled with the aroma of spices, grilled meats, and freshly baked bread, while the vibrant colors of traditional clothing and handmade goods catch your eye at every turn.

Here you’ll find everything from intricate jewelry to colorful textiles, handmade ceramics, and leather goods. If you’re looking to sample some traditional Moroccan cuisine, there’s no shortage of street food vendors selling everything from kebabs to tagines.

One of the most captivating aspects of the Old Medina is the opportunity to witness traditional artisans at work. You can watch as skilled craftsmen weave carpets, hammer metal into intricate shapes, or carve wood into beautiful decorative pieces.

Whether you’re interested in shopping, sampling local cuisine, or just want to soak up the atmosphere, the Old Medina is a must-visit attraction in Casablanca. It’s a perfect place to step back in time, experience Moroccan culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

03. La Corniche

casablanca travel blog

If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in the beauty of Casablanca, look no further than La Corniche. This scenic promenade runs along the Atlantic coast and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. With stunning views of the ocean and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the Moroccan coastline.

The promenade is lined with a variety of restaurants and bars, serving up delicious Moroccan cuisine and refreshing drinks. You can grab a bite to eat while watching the sunset over the water or enjoy a drink with friends in one of the many outdoor cafes.

For those looking to stay active, La Corniche is also a popular spot for jogging, cycling, and rollerblading. You can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or rent a bike and explore the area at your own pace.

One of the highlights of La Corniche is the Ain Diab beach, a long stretch of golden sand where you can soak up the sun and take a dip in the ocean. It’s a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and other water activities.

Whether you’re looking to relax, enjoy a meal, or take in the beautiful scenery La Corniche has something for everyone. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening and experience the best of Casablanca’s coastal charm.

04. Royal Palace of Casablanca

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The Royal Palace of Casablanca is a breathtaking complex that serves as the official residence of the King of Morocco. With its stunning Moroccan design and exceptional craftsmanship, this palace stands as a remarkable example of the country’s architectural heritage.

Located in the heart of the city, the Royal Palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains. Its ornate gates and elaborate facades are a sight to behold, showcasing intricate tilework, carved wooden doors, and detailed stonework. While visitors are not allowed inside the palace, the exterior is a breathtaking sight, with a grand entrance that’s sure to impress.

If you visit the Royal Palace at noon you may even witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony where soldiers in traditional dress march to the sound of drums and horns. It’s a colorful and lively event that showcases the pomp and ceremony of Moroccan culture.

Even if you don’t get to witness the ceremony, a visit to the Royal Palace is still well worth your time. It’s a symbol of Morocco’s rich history and culture and a reminder of the country’s royal heritage. So why not take a stroll through the gardens and admire the stunning architecture of this impressive complex?

05. Rick’s Cafe

casablanca travel blog

If you’re a fan of the classic movie “Casablanca,” a visit to Rick’s Cafe is a must-do activity in Casablanca. Inspired by the iconic film, this legendary cafe is a place where you can step back in time and relive the romance and intrigue of the movie.

Located in the heart of the city, Rick’s Cafe is a beautiful and atmospheric establishment, designed to replicate the look and feel of the cafe from the movie. The decor is vintage and elegant, with cozy booths, soft lighting, and classic Moroccan tiles. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another era as soon as you walk through the door.

In addition to its beautiful setting, Rick’s Cafe also offers a delicious menu of traditional Moroccan and international cuisine, as well as a wide selection of drinks and cocktails. You can sit back and enjoy the atmosphere while sipping a mint tea or indulge in a full meal, accompanied by live music and entertainment.

Whether you’re a movie buff or just looking for a unique and romantic experience, Rick’s Cafe is a must-visit attraction in Casablanca. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city and create lasting memories of your Moroccan adventure.

06. Quartier Habous

casablanca-12

If you’re looking to experience authentic Moroccan culture and architecture, then Quartier Habous is a must-visit neighborhood in Casablanca. Also known as the New Medina, it was built in the 1930s during the French colonial period as a new city center that would reflect traditional Moroccan architecture.

Quartier Habous is a vibrant and bustling area filled with narrow alleys, colorful souks, and street vendors selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. You can wander through the maze-like alleys and soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of the neighborhood. The architecture of the buildings is a beautiful blend of French and Moroccan styles, and the intricate details and patterns are a feast for the eyes.

Make sure to stop at one of the local cafes or restaurants to try some traditional Moroccan cuisine, such as tagine or couscous. You can also visit the central mosque of Quartier Habous, which is an impressive sight to behold and open to non-Muslim visitors.

Whether you’re interested in architecture, or shopping, or just want to experience the authentic Moroccan culture, Quartier Habous is an attraction not to be missed on your trip to Casablanca. It’s a vibrant and bustling neighborhood that offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of Casablanca.

07. Mohammed V Square

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No trip to Casablanca is complete without a visit to Mohammed V Square, a large public square that is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Located in the heart of the city, the square is a hub of activity and energy, with something to see and do at every turn.

Take a stroll around the square and soak up the lively atmosphere, which is made all the more vibrant by the surrounding buildings, many of which date back to the colonial era. You’ll find no shortage of cafes and restaurants in Casablanca where you can indulge in some delicious food while watching the vibrant street performers and browsing through a variety of wares sold by local vendors.

One of the most impressive features of Mohammed V Square is the central fountain, which is illuminated at night and adds a magical touch to the already enchanting atmosphere. The square is also home to several important landmarks, including the French-inspired Palace of Justice and the impressive clock tower.

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up the local culture or simply want to take in the sights and sounds of Casablanca, Mohammed V Square is the perfect destination. It’s a lively and bustling public space that offers a true taste of Moroccan life.

08. Parc de la Ligue Arabe

casablanca travel blog

Looking for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Casablanca? Then head to Parc de la Ligue Arabe. This serene park is the perfect place to escape the noise and chaos of the city and unwind in a tranquil natural setting.

Stroll through the park and admire the lush gardens, fountains, and a small lake. The park is a popular spot for picnics, sunbathing, and taking a leisurely walk. You can even rent a boat and paddle around the lake for a unique perspective on the park’s beauty.

One of the main attractions of the park is the stunning Art Deco architecture of the buildings that surround it, including the Villa des Arts and the Grand Theatre. These beautiful buildings are a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Parc de la Ligue Arabe is also home to several important monuments and sculptures, including the impressive Independence Monument and the famous “Horse of Morocco” statue.

Whether you’re looking to relax, take a peaceful walk, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of Casablanca, Parc de la Ligue Arabe is a must-visit. It’s a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city that offers a refreshing break from the urban chaos.

09. Musée Abderrahman Slaoui

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For art enthusiasts and culture lovers, a visit to Musée Abderrahman Slaoui is a must-do while in Casablanca. This beautiful museum is home to a vast collection of Moroccan and Islamic art, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The museum features a wide variety of exhibits, including intricate ceramics, delicate textiles, and stunning jewelry. The collection includes pieces from different periods of Moroccan history, providing visitors with a unique insight into the art and craftsmanship of the country.

One of the highlights of the museum is its stunning architecture, which blends traditional Moroccan design with modern elements. The building itself is a work of art, featuring beautiful tile work, intricate carvings, and a central courtyard filled with natural light.

Musée Abderrahman Slaoui is a cultural gem in the heart of Casablanca, and a testament to the beauty and creativity of Moroccan art. Whether you’re a lover of art or simply interested in discovering more about the cultural heritage of the region, Musée Abderrahman Slaoui is a must-see attraction that shouldn’t be overlooked.

10. Casablanca Cathedral

casablanca travel blog

Casablanca Cathedral, also known as the Sacré-Cœur Cathedral, is a fascinating historical landmark that should be on every traveler’s itinerary while visiting Casablanca. The cathedral was originally built in the early 20th century and was the largest church in Africa at that time.

The cathedral’s stunning Gothic and Art Deco architectural styles make it a unique sight to see. The soaring spires, intricate stonework, and beautiful stained glass windows all contribute to the cathedral’s impressive beauty.

While the cathedral is no longer used for religious purposes, it remains an important cultural and historical monument in Casablanca. In recent years, the building has been restored and converted into a cultural center, hosting art exhibits and musical performances.

Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or art, a visit to Casablanca Cathedral is a fascinating experience. The cathedral is a testament to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the city and a must-visit attraction for any traveler interested in exploring the history and culture of Morocco.

Best Time to Visit Casablanca

The best time to visit Casablanca is during the spring and fall, from April to June, and from September to November when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these months, the temperatures are typically in the 70s Fahrenheit (20s Celsius) making it a comfortable time to explore the city’s many attractions and outdoor spaces.

Summer months, from July to August, can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching into the high 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius). However, this is also peak tourist season, with many visitors coming to enjoy the beaches and coastal areas.

Winter, from December to February, can be cooler and wetter, with occasional rainfall and temperatures in the mid-50s Fahrenheit (10s Celsius). However, this can also be a great time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices.

There you have it, our list of the 10 must-see sights in Casablanca, Morocco! From the stunning Hassan II Mosque to the bustling Old Medina, and from the picturesque Corniche to the legendary Rick’s Cafe, these attractions offer something for every traveler seeking an authentic Moroccan experience.

Casablanca is a city full of life, culture, and history, and we hope our list has inspired you to explore all that this beautiful North African city has to offer. So pack your bags, book your trip, and get ready to be captivated by the beauty and charm of Casablanca, Morocco!

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How to Spend One Day in Casablanca: Complete Casablanca Itinerary 

How to Spend One Day in Casablanca: Complete Casablanca Itinerary 

Planning to visit Morocco and have only 24 hours in Casablanca? Don’t worry, I have prepared a complete itinerary for one day in Casablanca to maximize your time and make the most of your trip.

Casablanca is the biggest city in Morocco and it hosts the second-biggest port in Africa . When it comes to tourism, Casablanca is famous for The Hassan II Mosque, however, it has much more to offer whether you are a history or art lover. Or a foodie curious to try the flavors of Morrocan cuisine.

In this one-day itinerary for Casablanca, we will cover the main attractions, authentic experiences, and some of the best hidden gems in Casablanca. Together with restaurant and hotel suggestions, you will find other useful tips.

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Is it worth staying in Casablanca?

Is it worth staying in Casablanca?

First of all, Casablanca hosts one of the most beautiful places in Morocco – Hassan II Mosque. It is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslim visitors.

And while Casablanca is considered the financial capital of Morocco, it offers some real treats to its visitors. In this Casablanca itinerary, we will cover everything that is worth visiting and take you beyond Hassan II Mosque.

Is one day enough for Casablanca?

Is one day enough for Casablanca?

Casablanca is a huge and busy city, nevertheless, 24 hours in Casablanca will be enough for you to cover the essentials of the city. One day in Casablanca will give you the chance to see one of the most impressive mosques in the world, dive into colorful markets, explore old streets, taste exotic food, and even find some hidden gems in Casablanca.

So wondering how to spend one day in Casablanca? Keep on reading! But be prepared to wake up early and do a lot of exploring to make the most of your Casablanca itinerary.

Where to stay in Casablanca for one night?

casablanca travel blog

Choosing the right hotel in Casablanca is essential. You should always pay extra attention to the ratings and reviews of other guests. Also, location is important as well. I have prepared a list of the best hotels in Casablanca for every budget, so take a look.

LUXURY: Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca

casablanca travel blog

If you are looking for a luxurious experience, Four Seasons Hotels are always a good idea. What makes this hotel so special? The fantastic modern design collides perfectly with the Moroccan style and all the comforts and attention to detail that Four Season Hotels can give.

Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this luxury hotel in Casablanca.

UNIQUE: Art Palace Suites & Spa

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If you are looking for more traditional accommodation, Art Palace Suites and Spa offers themed suites. It boasts a Spa with a Moroccan hammam and a heated indoor swimming pool. Moreover, hotel guests have free access to the swimming pool and sauna.

Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this unique hotel in Casablanca.

MID-RANGE: Idou Anfa Hôtel & Spa

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Idou Anfa Hôtel & Spa is one of the best hotels in Casablanca thanks to its modern design, the spa, the swimming pool, and many other facilities you can find in the hotel. It benefits from one of the best locations in the city, close to the city center and it hosts a wonderful view over the Hassan II Mosque.

Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this mid-range hotel in Casablanca.

AFFORDABLE: Hotel Moroccan House

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If you are more on a budget, Hotel Moroccan House is a great choice for you. Set in the city center, the hotel features a very typical Moroccan setting. It offers a central patio with a fountain, a sauna, and even a hammam. The rooms are also traditionally decorated and will make you feel some authentic Moroccan vibes.

Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this affordable hotel in Casablanca.

Overview of the one-day itinerary for Casablanca

  • Morning : Hassan II Mosque, Old Medina Market, United Nations Square, and Mohammed V Square.
  • Lunch : Le Cuisto Traditionnel.
  • Afternoon : Habbous, Mahkama du Pacha.
  • Evening : Corniche.

Morning of your Casablanca itinerary 

Hassan ii mosque.

THE ULTIMATE CASABLANCA TRAVEL GUIDE: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING

Your day should start by catching the sunrise at the Hassan II Mosque – the main attraction in Casablanca. And not just from the outside, it is essential you visit it inside and learn more about this beautiful mosque. Also, if you think that mosque looks impressive from the outside, wait until you get inside. 

The only way non-Muslims can visit Mosque is with a guided tour. You can either find tours online or purchase it at the ticket office. The entrance fee is 120 MAD (10.80 EUR). Plus, you get a guided tour in English, French, German or Spanish. Keep in mind that visiting times depend on the season, so make sure you check in advance.

What do you wear to a Hassan II Mosque? To my surprise, there is not a strict dress code, however, it is advised to cover your shoulders and knees. This would be a great excuse to bring an extra maxi dress for this trip. Also, you will have to remove your shoes.

RELATED : Best Photo Spots in Casablanca: 25 Photos to Inspire You to Visit

Old Medina Market

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Morning is the perfect time of the day to explore the Old Medina Market. This is one of the top things to do in Casablanca. Here you can find a lot of different products, from food to clothes, from home decor to beauty products. So be prepared to bargain and shop.

Old Medina is fun but it can get a bit overwhelming, If this is your first time in Morocco I highly recommend exploring this area of Casablanca with a local guide. I personally can recommend this tour.

If you feel that all that shopping will make you feel tired, just sit down in a cafe and indulge in the busy rhythm of the locals.

RELATED : Casablanca Travel Guide: Things to Know Before Visiting

United Nations Square and Mohammed V Square 

things to do in Casablanca

Just outside the Old Medina, you will find two of the top sights in Casablanca – the United Nations Square, and Mohammed V Square.

The United Nations Square is a wide modern square, surrounded by cafes and charming palaces. Here you can have a view of the Old Clock Tower.

While Mohammed V Square shows more of the distinctive characteristics of French-Colonial architecture with a real Moroccan twist. The impressive Palais de Justice dominates the square and it is one of the most beautiful places in Casablanca.

RELATED : 140+ Best Morocco Quotes and Morocco Instagram Captions

Le Cuisto Traditionnel

WHERE TO EAT IN CASABLANCA

Lunch will be at Le Cuisto Traditionnel. It is one of the best restaurants in Casablanca, which is located a short walking distance from Mohammed V Square.

Here you can taste delicious homemade dishes and experience the best service ever. The owner of the restaurant will welcome you, introduce you to local cuisine and share some stories about Casablanca.

A special mention to the design of the restaurant; not only the dishes are served in beautiful crockery, the whole restaurant is built in a traditional Moroccan style. Simply a must-try for your 1-day itinerary for Casablanca.

RELATED : 15 Best Photo Spots in Fes, Morocco

The afternoon of your one day in Casablanca

Habous market.

1-day itinerary for Casablanca

After a nice traditional lunch, it is time to explore a hidden gem in Casablanca – the Habbous also known as New Medina. Compared to the Old Medina, it is certainly more chill yet it feels still very traditional and it’s packed with souks. And it is one best places to visit in Casablanca even without a guide.

Inside Habous market, you will find a real treat and the best bakery in Casablanca: Pâtisserie Bennis Habous. While Pâtisserie Bennis Habous is well known by the locals, tourists tend to miss the place as it is not located in the central area.

Grab the sweets and heat for Moroccan tea at Imperial مقهى الملكية located in the porticos nearby. You can order a drink and enjoy your pastries there – all locals do it.

However, plan to walk around the market for a couple of hours and don’t miss Royal Palace. The access is very limited, but you can still see it from the outside. It is one of the best free things to do in Casablanca.

RELATED : The Only One Day Fes Itinerary That You’ll Need

Mahkama du Pacha

hidden gems in Casablanca

Mahkama du Pacha is another architectural masterpiece and one of the most beautiful places in Casablanca. Considering that this is a court of justice, it is hard to visit and it is considered a hidden gem in Casablanca.

I visited this place with a local friend who was able to get us in. I would suggest you speak with the guards and see if it is a good time to visit. And you might have to pay a small fee. If not, you can still have a sneak peek at the entrance.

RELATED : Blue City Travel Guide: How to Visit Chefchaouen

The evening of 24 hours in Casablanca

casablanca travel blog

After some authentic Moroccan vibes, take a taxi and head to the modern side of Casablanca.

Corniche is known as the Miami of Africa, and if you have one night in Casablanca this is the place to be. Come here for the best sunset and visit some of the best restaurants in Casablanca. 

The list of restaurants is endless, but I can recommend Le Basmane for dinner. This is the place to be if you want to experience Moroccan hospitality, traditional design, and delicious food served in a beautiful setting. And the cherry on the cake is the belly dancing shows organized by the restaurant.

There are a lot of things to do in Casablanca in one day, but to finish your trip, you could visit one of the several beach clubs for a drink.

Further reading for one day in Casablanca itinerary

casablanca travel blog

Best Photo Spots in Casablanca: 25 Photos to Inspire You to Visit

casablanca travel blog

Casablanca Travel Guide: Things to Know Before Visiting

140+ Best Morocco Quotes and Morocco Instagram Captions

140+ Best Morocco Quotes and Morocco Instagram Captions

Or read more about: Fes | Casablanca | Chefchaouen | Morocco

Other useful tips for visiting Morocco

🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda 💃 How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide and Viator 🚗 Considering renting a car in Morocco? Use Rentalcars 🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo

In conclusion…

How to Spend One Day in Casablanca: Complete Casablanca Itinerary 

This is the end of the one-day itinerary for Casablanca and I am sure that you are impatient to hit the road. One day might be a few time, but I believe this Casablanca itinerary will help you make the most of it and discover the real charm of Casablanca.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

Pin it for later and save the best things to do in Casablanca for a day !

How to Spend One Day in Casablanca: Complete Casablanca Itinerary 

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Wow! This is really the best itinerary for Casablanca! All the essential and more are covered! Nice job! Loved to see the photos

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Best Time to Visit

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Public Transit

Best Hotels

Top Things to Do

48-Hour Itinerary

Day Trips From Casablanca

Food to Try

Best Restaurants

Your Trip to Casablanca: The Complete Guide

casablanca travel blog

The coastal city of Casablanca is the largest in Morocco, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, an eclectic culinary scene, and unique architecture that draws inspiration from both Moorish and French Art Deco styles. There are many reasons to visit Casablanca. Some come to visit Hassan II Mosque, home to the largest religious minaret in the world ; others come to unwind on the Atlantic beaches or to surf the winter swell. Some visitors are drawn by the romance of the iconic movie "Casablanca" but stay for the city's gritty, authentic insight into modern Moroccan life. Whatever your reasons for visiting the White City, use our planning guide—which includes tips on when to visit, what to eat, and where to stay—to help you get the most out of your trip. 

Planning Your Trip

  • Best Time to Visit : Although Casablanca is a year-round destination, summer (June to August) is traditionally considered the best time to visit. The weather is warm and dry, although not as uncomfortably hot as it is in Morocco’s interior cities at this time. Many important cultural events, including the Festival de Casablanca, are held in the summer. 
  • Language: As in the rest of Morocco, there are two official languages in Casablanca; Standard Arabic and Tamazight (Berber). The most commonly spoken European language is French, although many people can speak some English. 
  • Currency: Moroccan dirham. 
  • Getting Around : The Casa Tramway offers a convenient, efficient, and affordable way to get around Casablanca. If the tram’s two lines don’t cover your chosen destination, private taxis (petit taxis in Morocco) are a helpful alternative. 
  • Travel Tip: Although summer offers the best weather, consider traveling in spring or fall to avoid crowds of vacationers and inflated prices. 

Things to Do

Casablanca is very different from Morocco's Imperial Cities, where medieval architecture and atmospheric souks are the main attractions. Instead, the city offers a more authentic, everyday Moroccan experience. Join the locals strolling hand-in-hand along the seafront promenade known as La Corniche. Feast on fresh seafood and rich tagines in hidden restaurants, or wander through the Old Medina to the port and the remains of the city's 16th-century Portuguese fortress. Throughout the city, architectural landmarks abound, from those built in classic Moorish style like Makhama du Pacha to graceful European structures like L’Église du Sacre-Cœur.

  • Shop for souvenirs in the Quartier Habous, a neighborhood built by the French in the 1930s. Its design and architecture blend the best of Moorish and Art Deco influences to create a unique style known as Mauresque. Wander along cobbled streets beneath ornate archways and arcades, shopping for traditional Moroccan crafts at artisan stalls along the way. 
  • Take a stroll along La Corniche, Casablanca's seafront promenade. Stop for a swim in the sea or a picnic on the beach, rent a surfboard, sip cocktails at an ocean-view seafood restaurant, or take a guided tour of the city's most famous landmark: the overwater Hassan II Mosque. 
  • Discover Casablanca's rich cultural scene with an exhibition at Villa des Arts de Casablanca, perhaps, or a concert at the historic Cinéma Rialto. The city's most famous cultural events, the Festival de Casablanca and Jazzablanca, usually occur in late summer and April, respectively.

Find out more about how to spend your time in Casablanca with our helpful guides on the best things to do in Casablanca , the ultimate 48-hour Casablanca itinerary , and the best day trips from Casablanca . 

What to Eat and Drink

Thanks to its large size and culturally diverse population, Casablanca has one of Morocco's most eclectic culinary scenes. You will find cuisines from around the world represented here, from the complex dishes of India and China to sophisticated Japanese delicacies to comfort foods full of the flavors of Italy and Mexico. However, it's also a great place to sample classic Moroccan dishes . Must-try staples include tagine (a rich stew of meat and vegetables, flavored with spices, nuts, and dried fruit), couscous, and pastilla (a savory pie made from meat wrapped in layers of paper-thin pastry). Above all, though, Casablanca is renowned for its seafood. Restaurants at the port and on La Corniche offer the chance to savor fresh-caught fish, oysters, and lobsters while admiring views of the ocean from which they came. 

Alcohol is more prevalent in Casablanca than in many smaller Moroccan towns, and you will be able to order imported beer, wine, and spirits from most international restaurants and upscale hotels. Some places even offer wine from Moroccan vineyards. However, traditional Moroccan restaurants usually don't serve alcohol for religious reasons. There are plenty of delicious alcohol-free alternatives, including freshly squeezed orange juice, dark Arabic coffee, and of course, Morocco's most ubiquitous beverage: mint tea. 

For specific advice on where to eat, read our articles on the best restaurants in Casablanca and the top foods to try in Casablanca . 

Where to Stay

Casablanca’s accommodation is as diverse as its restaurant scene, with everything from traditional Moroccan guesthouses to five-star hotels by international luxury brands. Where you stay is a matter of personal preference. Those that like to be at the heart of the action should choose a central location close to Mohammed V Square and Place des Nations Unies, two of the most important public squares in Casablanca. The Gauthier district is a trendy choice, with plenty of fashionable hotels and a wealth of restaurants, bars, and shopping boutiques within easy walking distance. Alternatively, many of the city’s most luxurious hotels are located away from the city center on La Corniche or the El Hank peninsula. These areas boast spectacular sea views and easy access to Casablanca’s beaches. 

Read our article on the best hotels in Casablanca to find out more. 

Getting There

Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is the largest airport in Morocco and one of the five busiest in Africa . It’s the main port of entry for most visitors to the country, and getting from the airport to the city center is easy via train or petit taxi. You can catch a train or a long-distance bus to Casablanca from most major cities if you're already in Morocco. Trains are operated by the national rail network ONCF , while the two biggest bus companies are CTM and Supratours . Both methods of transport are safe and affordable. 

Culture and Customs

Morocco is an Islamic country, and as such, non-Muslim visitors should be careful not to offend with behavior that would usually be acceptable at home. In particular, both genders (but especially women) should dress conservatively in clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. This is especially important if you plan on visiting Hassan II Mosque, as you won’t be allowed in otherwise. 

In Morocco, you should always use your right hand to shake hands, give a gift or tip, and eat. The left hand is reserved for bathroom duties in Islamic countries and is considered unclean. Other necessary customs include always removing your shoes before entering someone’s home, never drinking alcohol in public places (i.e., on the street), and keeping public displays of affection to a minimum. The latter is especially relevant for LGBTQ+ travelers since homosexuality is still illegal in Morocco . 

Money Saving Tips

  • The first and most important way to save money in Casablanca is to remember that prices are often negotiable. This is true for souvenirs and food for sale in the Old Medina and the Central Marketplace, taxi fares, and sometimes even sightseeing tours. A good rule of thumb is to offer half of the original asking price and then haggle until you both agree on a price somewhere in the middle. 
  • If you use the Casa Tramway to get around, explore the different passes and choose the one that gives you the best value (this will depend on the length of your stay and how often you will be using the tram). For example, a weekly subscription card works out cheaper than a standard prepaid card if you plan on using the tram more than 10 times within the week. 
  • If you use the petit taxis to get around, choose one with a working meter. This can be pretty difficult, so alternatively, be sure to agree on a price before you accept the ride. Remember that taxi fares in Casablanca increase by 50 percent after 8 p.m.
  • Restaurants in Casablanca are generally affordable by Western standards. However, if you’re dining on a shoestring, remember that street stalls and local restaurants (especially in the Central Marketplace) charge a fraction of the price compared with smart restaurants geared towards tourists. They can be just as tasty, too. 
  • If you plan on making a few day trips from Casablanca, grand taxis (shared minibusses) are the cheapest way to travel. However, buses and trains are also affordable, safer, and more comfortable. 

Hassan II Mosque Official Website. " Key Figures. " 2020.

Moroccan National Tourist Office. " Language. " 2020

Casablanca Airport Official Website. " Casablanca Airport. " 2020

OutRight Action International. " Morocco. " 2020

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Minimalist Focus

Casablanca Uncovered: A Traveler’s Guide to Morocco’s Coastal Gem

casablanca travel blog

Casablanca, the bustling economic heart of Morocco, is often overshadowed by its more tourist-centric counterparts. Yet, beneath its business-like exterior lies a city with a soul, offering a blend of modernity and tradition, sophistication and simplicity. This guide is designed to unveil the top eight experiences that encapsulate the true essence of Casablanca, providing travelers with an itinerary as vibrant and varied as the city itself.

1. Casablanca Calling: Preparing for Your Moroccan Escapade

Before you immerse yourself in the allure of Casablanca, a well-prepared traveler is a fulfilled traveler. This section will cover the essential preparations for a seamless Moroccan journey, from visa requirements to cultural etiquette.

2. Insider Tips: Know Before You Go to Casablanca

Understanding the nuances of local customs, currency, language, and transportation can transform your trip from good to great. Here we’ll delve into those little tidbits of knowledge that can make all the difference.

3. Timing Your Visit: Best Time to Explore Casablanca

Every season in Casablanca paints the city in a different light. While exploring the best times to visit, consider extending your adventure with a “ 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes ,” an unforgettable experience that complements your Casablanca journey.

4. Navigating Safety in Casablanca

Safety is paramount in any travel plan. This segment will reassure and advise on how to enjoy Casablanca’s charms responsibly and securely.

5. Your Arrival: Getting to Casablanca

Whether you’re flying into Mohammed V International Airport or arriving by sea or land, this section will provide practical advice on reaching the heart of the city with ease and comfort.

6. Packing Essentials: What to Bring to Casablanca

Packing for Casablanca isn’t just about clothing; it’s about preparing for experiences. From comfortable walking shoes to a camera ready for action, we’ll cover all the must-haves for your travel bag.

7. The Quintessential Casablanca Experiences

Now, let’s dive into the heart of Casablanca with these top eight must-do activities that capture the city’s spirit. For those seeking a more extended Moroccan adventure, the “ 7 Days In Morocco from Casablanca ” tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

8. Indulge in Luxury: Stay in a Lavish Hotel on the Beach

Casablanca’s coastline is dotted with luxurious hotels offering stunning sea views. We’ll recommend where to stay for a taste of opulence with the ocean at your doorstep.

9. Architectural Wonder: Visit the Hassan II Mosque

A visit to Casablanca would be incomplete without witnessing the architectural splendor of the Hassan II Mosque. Learn about the best times to visit and the mosque’s unique features that make it a masterpiece.

10. Timeless Elegance: Have a Drink at Rick’s Cafe

Step into the world of 1940s romance at Rick’s Cafe. This iconic establishment is more than a nod to the classic film “Casablanca”—it’s a cultural experience in itself.

11. The Pulse of the City: Stroll Along The Corniche

The Corniche is not just a walkway; it’s where Casablanca comes to breathe. This section will guide you along a path where the city meets the sea, lined with eateries, beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

12. A Culinary Adventure: Try the Delectable Moroccan Cuisine

Moroccan cuisine is a tapestry of flavors. In addition to exploring local dishes in Casablanca, adventurous foodies might also enjoy a “ tour a Merzouga ” 

13. A Shopper’s Delight: Explore The Old and New Medinas

The contrast between the traditional Old Medina and the modern New Medina offers a shopping experience like no other. Discover the best places to haggle for souvenirs and high-fashion items alike.

14. The Urban Scene: People Watch at Mohamed V Square

Mohamed V Square is the heartbeat of the city. Here, we’ll reveal how to soak in the local atmosphere and observe the ebb and flow of daily Casablancan life.

15. Cultural Treasures: Visit the Interesting Museums

From the Jewish Museum to the Villa des Arts, Casablanca’s museums are custodians of its diverse cultural heritage. Find out which museums offer the most intriguing insights into the city’s artistic and historical tapestry.

Conclusion :

Casablanca is a city that surprises, delights, and inspires. Through its beaches, mosques, cafes, and squares, it tells a story of a Morocco that is pulsating, multifaceted, and enduring. This guide has walked you through the top experiences that make Casablanca not just a stopover but a destination in its own right. Pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and prepare to fall in love with a city that embodies the soul of Morocco.

casablanca travel blog

Meet Kathy, the mindful mind behind the words at minimalistfocus.com. With an innate ability to distill the essence of life down to its purest form, Kathy's writing resonates with those seeking clarity in a cluttered world.

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Casablanca in 2 Days

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco. It also has the largest port and is considered the economic and commercial center of the country. It is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting destinations in Morocco . A place that, in addition, we will be able to see without problems in two days. In this post we recommend a route to tell you what to see in Casablanca in 2 days.

Casablanca in 2 Days

Here are the best places to stay in Casablanca. Get the best deals and discounts on hotels here.

First day in Casablanca

Our route of what to see in Casablanca can begin with a visit to one of the most important monuments of the city, the Mosque of King Hassan II . It is the symbol of Casablanca, and no wonder. It has a great minaret of 210 meters high that rises next to the waters of the Atlantic. In addition, the details of its decoration, made by the best craftsmen in the country in the twentieth century, stand out.

casablanca travel blog

It is the third largest mosque in the world, and was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of Hassan II. In its construction were used, among others, hand-carved wood, marble and gold leaf ornamentation. Best of all, this beautiful mosque is open to people of any religion.

Another point to see in Casablanca, very close to this great symbol, is La Corniche. This district is the best place to see the beach in the city . A quiet promenade where you can relax, enjoy the sun and water and have a drink while watching the sea.

casablanca travel blog

Nearby is also the Morocco Mall. Not that it is a must see in Casablanca, but if we want to see one of the biggest and most luxurious shopping centers in the world, here it is. It was designed by Italian architect Davide Padoa, and has 250,000 m² of which 70,000 are dedicated exclusively to shops. It also has leisure areas, restaurants and large gardens.

Walking you can reach the Medina of Casablanca. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of the city and one that we recommend you see in Casablanca, the oldest heart of the city. Be careful, it is not as big as in other cities in Morocco . It is quite small, but not less charming.

Medina of Casablanca

Walk through its winding streets in search of the colors, smells and souvenirs of this land.

If you are not too tired, it would also be interesting to see in Casablanca the square of Mohammed V. This is one of the most important examples of the French urban architect Henri Prost, who is in charge of the urban planning of cities such as Fez or Rabat , as well as Casablanca itself.

Before the end of the day, don’t forget to visit the Royal Palace of Casablanca. You cannot enter it, but it is one of the most beautiful monuments in the whole city. Without a doubt, even from the outside, it is one of the sights you must see in Casablanca, yes or no.

casablanca travel blog

It was built in the 1920’s, making it one of the residences of the King of Morocco throughout the country.

Second day in Casablanca

This second day of things to see in Casablanca can be started by visiting the Arab League Park. It is one of the best places to visit in the city, the green lung of Casablanca. A garden designed in 1918 that was restored for its centenary in 2018. Today it looks really beautiful thanks to the investment of 9 million which, among other things, recovered the 10 original fountains, included more green areas and created playgrounds and sports courts for young people.

Inside, you can visit the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic vestige of Casablanca’s mixed race and Art Deco.

Casablanca Cathedral

Very close to the park you also have the Villa des Arts, another point to see in Casablanca. It is a gallery that alternates exhibitions of Moroccan and international contemporary art. A very pleasant walk for art lovers.

This second day you can also invest in seeing the new medina or Quartier Habous. It’s a gentrified area built by the French back in 1930. We could say that it is a current version of the traditional medina, which mixes traditional Moroccan architecture with modern facilities.

Quartier Habous

Finally, don’t forget that in Casablanca you have to see the Moroccan Jewish Museum. It is one of the most recommended museums in the city, since, to begin with, it is the only Jewish museum in the Arab world.

Without a doubt, all this is a sample of the Moroccan cultural mix that can be seen in Casablanca. There is a lot to see in that city, but with these recommendations you have a good route of all the essential things to see in Casablanca.

The Crazy Tourist

Home » Travel Guides » Morocco » 25 Best Things to Do in Casablanca (Morocco)

25 Best Things to Do in Casablanca (Morocco)

Morocco’s main port and the largest city in the Maghreb, Casablanca is a multicultural financial centre known more for its modern construction than its history.

For one, the Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque on the continent, and a technical achievement with a retractable roof on its prayer room and a high level of artistry in its fittings.

Casablanca’s boulevards were drawn up in the 20th century when forward-thinking French urban planners were given free rein.

This led to a cross-pollination of European and Moroccan design, best seen in the arcades and whitewashed walls of the Quartier Habous, a new Medina for immigrants from around Morocco.

The oceanfront Corniche meanwhile is enriched with Africa’s second-largest mall, beaches, a theme park, a multiplex cinema and sunset views of the Atlantic.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Casablanca:

1. Hassan II Mosque

Hassan II Mosque

On a promontory above the ocean is Africa’s largest mosque and the third-largest mosque in the world.

The Hassan II Mosque was consecrated in 1993 after less than eight years of construction, and has a capacity for 105,000 worshippers, 25,000 inside and another 80,000 on the grounds.

One of many staggering feats is the minaret, the world’s second-tallest, at 210 metres and with a laser beam pointing towards Mecca.

The dimensions of the Hassan II Mosque may be awe-inspiring but there’s also exquisite craftsmanship in its marble columns, horseshoe arches, chandeliers, woodcarving and zellige mouldings, all produced by 6,000 master artisans from around Morocco.

A guided tour of the interior, departing on the hour, is not to be passed on, during which you’ll learn more mind-bending facts about the prayer hall’s retractable roof, the vast hammam in the basement and can stop to wonder at the Atlantic.

Included in : Full-Day Casablanca & Rabat Guided Tour

2. The Corniche

The Corniche

The Boulevard de la Corniche curls along Casablanca’s oceanfront for several kilometres, with a palm-lined boardwalk that has seen a lot of regeneration since the 2000s.

On one side are sandy beaches, mostly with private beach clubs, sloping gently to the water.

On the other are hotels, restaurants, fast food chains, bars, exclusive nightclubs, hookah joints and a great deal more.

At the west end is the mammoth Morocco Mall and Parc Sindibad, and we’ll deal with those later.

Behind the Corniche in the eastern Anfa neighbourhood are many of Casablanca’s most opulent homes, roosted on the hillside.

Come to the Corniche late in the afternoon to amble by the Atlantic and watch the sunset from a cafe terrace.

Suggested tour : Private Half-Day Guided Tour of Casablanca

3. Place des Nations Unies

Place des Nations Unies

Somewhere to take the pulse of the city, the Place des Nations Unies is a transport hub, plotted at the very beginning of the French Protectorate to link the new city with the Old Medina.

Place des Nations Unies is in a constant state of flux, and the most recent overhaul came in the 2010s with the construction of the Casa Tramway station.

The square is enveloped in mostly modern architecture, although there are a couple of hints from the early days of the square at the famous Hotel Excelsior (1916), and the clock tower, erected in 1908, pulled down in 1948 and reconstructed closer to the Medina in 1993. A modern reference point is the Kora Adia (1975) by architect and sculptor Jean-François Zevaco.

This openwork half-globe symbolises Casablanca’s openness to the world.

4. Mahkama du Pacha

Mahkama du Pacha

Like stepping into an Andalusian palace, the Mahkama du Pacha is a parliamentary building holding Casablanca’s court of justice, but also serving as a space for state receptions.

True to its name, this was also previously a residence for the Pasha (governor). The complex was built in 1941-42, and the design came from Frenchman Auguste Cadet (1881-1956), who played a key role in development of the surrounding Quartier Habous.

One explanation for the palace’s appearance is that modern building materials were unavailable at the time because of France’s war effort, so the Mahkama du Pacha was constructed in the traditional style, brick by brick, using zellige (mosaic tilework), multi-foil arches, honycomb stuccowork, cedar timber and green tiles.

In true Moorish style, the interior courtyard has an octagonal fountain and fragrant orange trees.

To get in, you can either take your chances and ask the guard to let you sneak a peek for a minute or two, or purchase passes for a guided tour in advance from the ticket office at Hassan II Mosque.

5. Quartier Habous

Quartier Habous

A calmer, cleaner alternative to the Old Medina, the Quartier Habous is a planned district, built between the 1910s and the 1950s to cope with a sudden influx of migrants from around Morocco.

Habous was built in the style of a traditional Medina, using Moorish style and materials, but at the same time its French architects applied Modern urban planning concepts.

In amongst the intricately moulded street arches, horseshoe arcades and whitewashed buildings are street cafes where you can watch the neighbourhood going about its business over a glass of mint tea and a pastry.

Vendors are famously less pushy in the Quartier Habous and you can seek out leather goods, olives of all sizes and descriptions, traditional clothing, Moroccan sweets, tagines and spices.

An obligatory stop is the little Pâtisserie Bennis, handcrafting traditional Moroccan treats since 1930.

6. Art Deco Architecture (Mauresque)

Cinema Rialto, Casablanca

Casablanca went through unprecedented growth during the days of the French Protectorate.

The economic development that was implemented by General Lyautey (1854-1934) as a kind of insurance against insurgency, is represented by grand boulevards and a style of architecture that blends the curving lines of Art Deco with traditional Moroccan features like zellige, interior courtyards and climate-adapted design.

Many of the best works of Mauresque architecture in Casablanca are on the streets bounded by Mohammed V and Avenue Lalla Yacout to the north and south, and Rue du Prince Moulay Abdellah and rue Ibn Batouta to the west and east.

At the still-working Cinéma Rialto on the corner of Rue Mohammed el Qorri and Rue Salah ben Bouchaib, Josephine Baker entertained American troops for the first time in the Second World War.

Also see Hotel Guynemer (2 rue Brahim Belloul), Hotel Transatlantique (79 rue Chaoui) and Hotel Lincoln, in a state of semi-ruin across from the Marché Central.

In contrast Hotel Volubilis, at 20-22 Rue Abdelkrim Diouri, has come through a successful restoration programme.

7. Place Mohammed V

Place Mohammed V

In the time of the French Protectorate this square, laid out in the 1910s, was named after General Lyautey and as the base of French power is framed by Mauresque architecture.

Check out the 1918 Grande Poste (central post office) on the northern frontage, as well as the 1925 Palais de Justice to the east.

Most striking of all is the Wilaya, former prefecture building to the south, constructed in 1930 and impossible to miss for its square clock tower, which has an air of Venice to it.

You’ll find out pretty quickly why Place Mohammed V has the popular nickname “pigeon square”, and you can pause in the evening and watch the fountain’s water and light show.

8. Old Medina

Old Medina, Casablanca

While Medinas in other Moroccan cities can be traced back hundreds of years, Casablanca’s old walled city is surprisingly young.

It was reconstructed by Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah following an earthquake in 1755, and was then almost completely razed during the Bombardment of Casablanca by the French in 1907. The upshot is that this almost indecipherable district of scruffy intertwining streets holds less tourist appeal than its counterparts in Marrakesh and Fez, but merits a daytime visit for anyone who wants to see the real Casablanca.

You can browse for typical Moroccan gifts like olives and argan oil close to the grand arched entrances.

A couple of streets in from Boulevard des Almohades on the north end, you may happen upon the Ettedgui Synagogue, on Rue Al-Aidi Ali Al-Maaroufi, destroyed during the American bombing of Casablanca in 1942 but now restored and rededicated by King Mohammed VI in 2016.

9. Private Half-Day Guided Tour

This is a good point to note that you can be forgiven for feeling intimidated by parts of Casablanca.

So if you want a guiding hand and true local context, there’s a highly rated four-hour tour on GetYourGuide.com.

Available morning or afternoon, the tour can be tailored to your tastes, but ticks off all of the essentials, like the Quartier Habous, the Hassan II Mosque, Place Mohammed V, the Central Market, Notre Dame de Lourdes (more next) the Morocco Mall and Anfa, with its plush hillside residences.

You’ll travel in an air-conditioned minivan, and your guide will fill you in with lots of interesting facts about Casablanca’s customs, culture and history.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available.

10. Notre Dame de Lourdes

Notre Dame De Lourdes, Casablanca

Unlike Casablanca’s deconsecrated Église du Sacré-Cœur, Notre Dame de Lourdes (1954) continues to hold services.

This peculiar Modernist building was the work of architect Achille Dangleterre and engineer Gaston Zimmer, with a tall and almost featureless silhouette that belies the beauty of the interior.

There you can enjoy the beautiful stained glass by master glass artist Gabriel Loire (1904-1996) who contributed to churches across Europe and North America.

The lower, lateral walls of the nave are made up entirely of this stained glass: Designed to evoke Moroccan carpets, these panels represent the Immaculate Conception and various Marian apparitions, including at Lourdes.

Above are slender, purely decorative strips between the bulky concrete pillars, casting multicoloured light on the floor of the nave.

11. Villa des Arts de Casablanca

Villa des Arts de Casablanca

Close to the intersection of the Zertouni and Roudani Boulevards, the Villa des Arts de Casablanca is managed by the ONA Foundation.

This arts organisation stages exhibitions, seminars, music performances and educational workshops, both here and in Rabat.

The Casablanca location is an exquisite Art Deco villa from 1934, and for tourists is mainly a place to come to sample Moroccan art at temporary exhibitions.

When we put this list together at the end of October there was a retrospective exhibition for surrealist turned hyper-realist painter Hamid Douieb, as well as talks by author Mamoun Lahbabi and poet Abdelhak Najib, and a recital by soprano Jalila Bennani.

12. Muhammadi Mosque

Muhammadi Mosque

Another of the main sights in the Quartier Habous is this spectacular neo-Moorish mosque, named for Mohammed V who ordered its construction and completed in 1936. As with much of the architecture in Habous, the design came from Auguste Cadet, and Mohammed V would visit the site regularly throughout construction.

The building, accommodating 6,000 worshippers, has an unusual, irregular plan, with seven horseshoe-arched doorways on three facades.

In the prayer room are 60 columns over 11 arcades perpendicular to the qibla.

Look for the unusual polygonal columns, and cast your gaze up to the chandeliers, one of which weighs three tons.

The courtyard was modelled on the Moorish mosques of Andalusia, covering 900 m2 and with an imposing central fountain in marble.

13. Museum of Moroccan Judaism

Museum of Moroccan Judaism

Casablanca’s Jewish population is anything from 2,000 to 4,500 strong, and located in the European City where there are kosher restaurants, community centres and a Jewish school.

Also here, on Rue du chasseur Jules Cros, is the museum dedicated to Judaism in the Arab world.

This was founded in 1997 in a former orphanage for Jewish children, dating back to 1948. Something particularly enlightening here is text from Morocco’s revised 2011 constitution, referring to Hebraic influences as a cornerstone of Morocco’s national unity.

Also a must-see is the recreated jewellery-making workshop of Moroccan Jew Saul Cohen, displaying his tools and workbench.

Artefacts abound at the museum, including a menorah, mezuzahs, the 1944 bimah from the city’s Beni-Issakhar Synagogue, and all sorts of costume, jewellery and art over hundreds of years.

14. Musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui

Musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui

An elegant 1940s Art Deco villa, just west of Place Mohammed V, houses this museum presenting the collections of businessman Abderrahman Slaoui (1919-2001). A highlight is a set of more than 80 vintage posters, for tourism and North African products.

There are also marvellous pieces by master jewellers from the 19th and 20th centuries, and a remarkable study of traditional Moroccan costume conducted by photographer and designer Jean Besancenot in the 1930s.

You can pore over works by Mohammed Ben Ali R’bati, held as the first Moroccan figurative painter, and the first to feature in exhibitions in Europe.

Afterwards call in at the museum’s cafe, which has a pleasing view of the city.

15. Phare d’El Hank

Phare d'El Hank

An abiding feature of the Casablanca skyline, this lighthouse is at the tip of El Hank peninsula, to the west of Casablanca’s harbour and at the east end of the Corniche.

Raised in the second half of the 1910s, the 51-metre lighthouse is equipped with a second-order Fresnel lens and has a range of 30 nautical miles.

The Phare d’El Hank opens on a pretty informal basis.

If you’re one of the lucky ones you’ll be able to climb 256 marble steps for an awesome view of the Atlantic, Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque.

Also on a visit you’ll see how Casablanca’s richest and poorest neighbourhoods exist side by side.

16. Forêt de Bouskoura-Merchich

Forêt de Bouskoura-Merchich

Green space is at a premium in Casablanca but on the southern outskirts is almost 3,000 acres of newly planted, mostly eucalyptus forest.

The Forêt de Bouskoura-Merchich is still developing and until the late-2010s facilities were a little sparse.

But slowly picnic areas, toilets and much-needed litter receptacles are being added, and the forest is becoming a go-to for bike rides and morning jogs.

If everything goes to plan there will eventually be a lookout tower, a nature visitor centre, a restaurant, a sensory trail and five children’s playgrounds across four main zones.

17. Temple Beth-El

Temple Beth-El

The largest of Casablanca’s 30+ synagogues can seat 500 worshippers and is an important centre for the city’s Jewish community, and the main venue for spiritual events.

For instance, it was here in April 2019 that Rabbi Yoshiahu Pinto was named Supreme Chief Rabbinical Court Master in Morocco, a post that had been left unfilled for a century.

Temple Beth-El was built in 1942 and needs to be seen inside for its stuccowork, golf leaf, stained glass and chandeliers.

The interior was renovated in 1997, and is a worthwhile detour for anyone inspired by Casablanca’s rare multiculturalism.

18. Morocco Mall

Morocco Mall

Africa’s second-largest mall opened in 2011 between Plage Ain Diab and Plage Madame Choual.

The Morocco Mall has upwards of 350 stores and services, and contains a 1,000,000-litre cylindrical aquarium holding 40 different species.

As for fashion brands, there’s a mix of premium labels like Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Dior, Fendi and Emporio Armani, plus midmarket retailers from Zara to Pull & Bear, Oysho, H&M, Gap, Bershka, Adidas, Nike, Stradivarius and the like.

For books, movies and a wealth of other media there’s an enormous two-level branch of the French chain Fnac, while the mall’s own Souk has almost 50 handpicked artisans selling jewellery, oils, scents, cosmetics, spices, honey, kaftans and hand-embroidered linens.

Food-wise there are dozens of eateries, whether you’re up for noodles, pizza, sandwiches, crêpes, gelato, frozen yogurt and everything in between.

Last but not least there’s a cinema with two IMAX 3D screens.

19. Casa Tramway

Casa Tramway

If you’ve been away from Casablanca since the 2000s you’ll be taken aback by the slick new mass transit system that has slashed journey times in the city.

The Casa Tramway opened in 2012 and has two lines, with two more due to open in 2022. T1 runs from Sidi Moumen to Lissasfa (69 mins end to end), and T2 is between Sidi Bernoussi and Ain Diab Plage (77 mins). The lines intersect twice, at Abdelmoumen/Anoual and Ibn Tachfine/Mdakra.

Running these lines are swish Citadis Type 302 trams by the French maker Alstom.

As of 2019, a single trip is 8 dh (0.83) and a double is 16 dh.

To save hassle you’ll need exact change when you buy your ticket from the station kiosks, although you can buy a multi-ride pass at the kiosk on Mohammed V Square.

20. Derb Ghallef

Derb Ghallef

Part of the southern Maârif area, Derb Ghallef is a commercial area boasting the second-largest flea market in the country.

The market is immense, cluttered and confusing, trading antiques, furniture and clothes, but is most famous for its consumer electronics.

Bargain hunters come in their droves for phones, laptops and other gadgets.

For tourists the souk is something to witness for its pure mayhem, more than a place to shop.

The passages aren’t paved, and can become sweltering in summer and turn into rivers in winter.

But what you may find appealing are plenty of street vendors and small restaurants for kebabs, tagines and nuts.

For respite make for the Horticulture Garden, a short walk to the east.

21. Parc Sindibad

Parc Sindibad

The only theme park in Morocco is in a wooded are at the west end of Plage Ain Diab.

In the 20th century Parc Sindibad was a much-loved day out for young Casa residents, but closed due to financial problems in the early 2000s.

Then in the 2010s, with the arrival of a beach resort, the park was redeveloped by a partnership that included Compagnie des Alpes, which owns big French theme parks like Parc Astérix and Futuroscope.

At the time of writing in 2019 Parc Sindibad had some 24 rides and attractions, as well as a small zoo on its east side and a karting track to the south.

The big draws are Le Serpent, a steel rollercoaster, Al Mouja, a toboggan water ride, and Ain Rokh, a tethered balloon for a bird’s eye view 42 metres over the park.

22. Tamaris Aquaparc

Tamaris Aquaparc

Around 15 kilometres west along the Route d’Azemmour from Ain Diab is the Tamaris Aquaparc, ideal for families with younger kids and bored teenagers.

The water park has 10,000 m2 of treated and filtered water in lush, landscaped terrain.

Alongside a large wavepool, beach and lazy river you’ve got a whole line-up of slides, colour-coded Green (family-friendly), Red (a little more daring) and Black (high-speed). The black slides have names like Boomerang, Cannon Bowl and Kamikaze, while smaller children and toddlers can play in a shallow area with fountains and climbing equipment.

There’s a snack bar for burgers, sandwiches and shawarmas, and after you’ve dried off you could go bowling at the 12-lane alley next door.

23. Anfaplace Shopping Center

Anfaplace Shopping Center

Right on Boulevard de la Corniche in Ain Diab is a modern, three-storey shopping mall, also loaded with familiar international brands.

Just by way of introduction you’ll find Clarks, H&M, Accessorize/Monsoon, Marks & Spencer, NewYorker, The Body Shop, Swatch, and on-the-go food and drink chains like Starbucks, Paul, McDonalds, KFC, Domino’s and Burger King, all anchored by a big branch of Carrefour.

There’s a surf school on the beach in front of the mall, and a bit further along the boulevard is the Cinéma Megarama Casablanca multiplex.

24. Rick’s Café

Interior of the Rick's Café, Casablanca

We’ve seen by now that Morocco’s chief port and main financial centre may not have the romance of the 1942 Bogart classic.

But a replica of Rick Blaine’s swanky “gin joint” opened on the north edge of the city’s Medina in 2004. A place to lie low while you’re bartering for letters of transit, Rick’s Café is an upmarket restaurant in an historic courtyard mansion, with interior decor inspired by the movie’s main set.

There are horseshoe arches, stencilled brass light fittings, balustraded balconies, and palm fronds casting moody shadows on the white walls.

There’s even a genuine Pleyel piano from the 1930s, with a live pianist playing standards from the 30s,40s and 50s.

Expect to hear “As Time Goes By” more than once each evening.

25. Dream Village

Dream Village, Casablanca

About halfway between Casablanca and the city of Mohammedia close to the forêt des Cascades is a resort with an ecological theme.

The main attraction at Dream Village is the zoo, where trails wind through landscaped greenery next to basic but mostly well-maintained enclosures for tigers, lions, flamingos, emus, bison, bears and waterfowl like swans and ducks.

There’s a leisure park too, aimed mainly at children, with slides, pools, pedal boats and rides, and an equestrian club for horseback riding lessons and treks.

25 Best Things to Do in Casablanca (Morocco):

  • Hassan II Mosque
  • The Corniche
  • Place des Nations Unies
  • Mahkama du Pacha
  • Quartier Habous
  • Art Deco Architecture (Mauresque)
  • Place Mohammed V
  • Private Half-Day Guided Tour
  • Notre Dame de Lourdes
  • Villa des Arts de Casablanca
  • Muhammadi Mosque
  • Museum of Moroccan Judaism
  • Musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui
  • Phare d'El Hank
  • Forêt de Bouskoura-Merchich
  • Temple Beth-El
  • Morocco Mall
  • Casa Tramway
  • Derb Ghallef
  • Parc Sindibad
  • Tamaris Aquaparc
  • Anfaplace Shopping Center
  • Rick's Café
  • Dream Village

Journal of Nomads

What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? Casablanca City Guide

Casablanca City Guide. What are the places to visit and the top things to do in Casablanca Morocco? This guide is a list of the best activities in Casablanca including where to eat and where to stay in Casablanca.

When I arrived in Casablanca Morocco, my first impression was an odd one. I remembered the movie Casablanca, a film full of intrigue and adventure that had charmed me and made me want to visit the city.

As I was walking around in the small streets of the big city, I couldn’t see any of the landmarks that were so familiar in that film.

I was surrounded by huge skyscrapers, lots of traffic, the sound of honking horns, and passersby hurrying to work.

My first impression of Casablanca was that of a cold, huge metropolis. An economic center that had been stripped of soul and charm.

What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? Casablanca City Guide

Casablanca sometimes feels like a cold, concrete jungle…

If I had left Casablanca immediately, that’s the impression I would still have today but I didn’t.

I ended up settling down in Casablanca and stayed with some Spanish friends in a house on the outskirts of the city. Every day I would take a local bus to reach the city center.

I was trying to recapture the feelings I had from the movie Casablanca. At first, it felt like I was chasing something that didn’t exist anymore. However, it didn’t take long for me to fall for the peculiar charm of the city.

Best activities in Casablanca

Casablanca is indeed the economic capital of Morocco and as such, lacks the traditional charm of other cities like Tangier , Marrakech or Chefchaouen .

However, I think that Casablanca has a charm that only reveals itself if you take the time to discover it.

Spending time near the wharf and talking with the fishermen as they come back to port with their catch of the day will make you connect with the essence of the city in its people.

Fun things to do in Casablanca

I understand that the nature of Casablanca itself doesn’t invite people to discover and connect with its genuine side and I think most people that visit it won’t have much time to spend there.

Because of this, I decided to write a guide for the best things to do in Casablanca in two days.

This guide includes all the ”touristic” activities but also a few hidden gems and things that you could do to truly feel connected with the people of Casablanca, Morocco.

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Morocco Travel essentials and resources

  • Morocco Travel Guide: 19 things you should know before you go
  • Where to go: The 17 most beautiful places to visit in Morocco
  • Plan your trip: 3 itineraries to discover the best of Morocco
  • Is Morocco safe: 18 useful tips to stay safe while traveling in Morocco
  • Tours and experiences: Book a customized tour
  • Where to stay : Find a room in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or desert camp
  • Travel Insurance: Find the best travel insurance for Morocco
  • Getting around : Rent a car in Morocco or travel by bus or train

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Things you need to know before going to Casablanca City

First of all, you need to know that Casablanca is huge! It’s the biggest city in Morocco. It’s also one of the largest and most important cities in Africa, both economically and demographically.

According to a population estimate from 2014, the city has a population of about 3.35 million in the urban area and over 6.8 million in the suburbs.

What to see in Casablanca

Casablanca is the main city-port of Morocco. It’s also the city that is considered the economic capital of Morocco so this contributes to the feeling the city gives of being a huge cold metropolis.

Most foreign and domestic companies doing business in Morocco have their headquarters in Casablanca.

If you’re looking forward to relaxing in a calm little Moroccan village, Casablanca is probably not the best choice.

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Where is Casablanca City?

Casablanca is located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The city is located 87 km south of Rabat and 244 km north of Marrakech .

It’s in the ideal location for any traveler wanting to discover the Moroccan coast. Beautiful surf towns such as Essaouira and Taghazout are easily reached from Casablanca.

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A bit of history about Casablanca Morocco

Casablanca was founded and settled by the Berber during the seventh century. The city was used as a port by the Phoenicians and later by the Romans and was called Anfa.

When the Portuguese conquered the city in 1468, they decided to call it Casablanca, meaning “white house” in Portuguese. It was an important Portuguese port until it fell to the hands of the Spanish crown.

The Europeans eventually abandoned the area in 1755 following an earthquake that destroyed most of the town.

The town was finally reconstructed by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah (1756–1790), the grandson of Moulay Ismail and an ally of George Washington. The town was called ad-Dār al-Bayḍāʼ – the Arabic translation of the Portuguese Casa Branca.

A few recommendations and tips before visiting Casablanca

Before visiting Casablanca, I would suggest learning a few words of Moroccan Arabic or French. Most Shop owners and taxi drivers in Casablanca only speak these two languages while the younger generation is starting to learn English.

Learning a few words of Moroccan Arabic will help you during your visit.

I highly recommend getting your hands on the Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook .

It is packed with all the essential words and phrases you will need on your trip to Morocco and will help you in every situation — from finding a hotel room to ordering tajine or joining the local festivities this book will cover almost every situation you could imagine.

Moroccan man in Casablanca

I would also recommend getting a map software on your phone that works offline.

Google Maps has helped us navigate the streets of Casablanca and many other Moroccan cities.

One of the cool features of Google Maps is that it can be used both online and offline. Connect to the wifi at your hostel and download a map of the part Casablanca you wish to explore.

This map works with the GPS chip in your phone so it will continue working, even when you’re offline.

And finally, I highly recommend getting a Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle . Although the tap water in Casablanca is not dangerous, it may contain many new bacteria that your body just isn’t used to.

If you drink water using this bottle, any dirt, bacteria or parasites gets trapped in its filter, while the clean water passes through.

Best activities to do in Casablanca

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Arriving at Casablanca Morocco airport and reaching Casablanca airport from the city center

Mohammed V international airport in Casablanca is considered the busiest one in the country. Many people landing in Morocco will first arrive in the country through this airport.

Although the Casablanca airport is quite busy, it’s very far from the city center and reaching it can be a bit tricky. In this guide, I will explain how to get from Casablanca airport to the city center.

You can get from the airport to the city center by bus, train, shared taxi, or with a rented car .

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A very convenient way to get from the airport to the city center is by bus. There is currently a CTM bus that leaves the airport on an hourly basis and takes 45 minutes to reach the city center.

The bus leaves the airport from Terminal 1 and you buy your ticket directly on board for 20 MAD

Trains leave the airport on an hourly basis and it takes about 45 minutes to reach downtown. They operate daily between 6 AM and 10 PM.

They leave from terminal 1 of the airport and a ticket is around 42 MAD. You can buy your ticket directly at the station at the airport.

By shared taxi

Taxis are waiting at the main terminals of the airport. They typically charge between 250 and 300 MAD to bring you to the city center. They also charge the same to bring you from the city center to the airport.

Driving there

If you are renting a car , it will be easy to drive from Casablanca airport to the city center. Just follow highway N11 towards the city center. It should take 40 minutes to get from there to the city center.

What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? Casablanca City Guide

Should you exchange money at Casablanca airport?

Airport exchange offices are never the best place to change money, I would suggest just changing a small amount of cash into Dirhams at the airport and taking the train to Casa Port station.

The boulevard located next to this station is lined up with banks and money exchange bureaus with a much better rate than those at the airport.

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Is Casablanca safe?

Casablanca city is a very safe place to visit. Because it’s a huge modern metropolis where many companies have their headquarters, the security and police presence is greater than in any other Moroccan cities.

Petty crime is not a major concern in Casablanca but it still occurs. It’s important to be aware at all times and keep your eyes on your belongings.

Don’t carry around large amounts of money, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. It’s better to keep a low profile.

The best solution to avoid being pick-pocketed is to stay aware of your belongings and surroundings at all times. You should leave all your important items at your hotel and walk around only with what you need.

I suggest always keeping your wallet in your front pocket or carry a money belt . Another great option is to travel with a slash-resistant and lockable anti-theft bag . I would also recommend getting good travel insurance that covers theft .

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Is Casablanca safe?

Top things to do in Casablanca in two days

Here is a list of the best places to visit in Casablanca if you have just a few days to visit the city.

I have arranged the activities on this list by days but feel free to come up with your schedule where you see fit.

I would also strongly suggest going on a guided city tour in Casablanca to see all the highlights and learn more about this interesting city!

Day One in Casablanca

1. visit the splendid hassan ii mosque.

This beautiful mosque should definitely be on your list of awesome things to see in Casablanca. This enormous building was built to commemorate the former king’s 60th birthday.

The mosque stands right at the edge of the water and its 210 meter-tall minaret is one of the city’s major landmarks. The building showcases the talent and craft of Moroccan artisans.

It features pristine marble flooring, hand-carved stone, and wood, cedar ceilings covered with gold leaves and stunning multi-colored tiles.

Mosque Hassan II - Best places to visit in Casablanca

Tours of the mosque are conducted between prayers for visitors dressed appropriately. This mosque is the biggest in Africa and the 3rd largest in the world.

The mosque can accommodate a maximum of 105,000 worshipers for prayer: 25,000 inside the mosque hall and another 80,000 on the mosque’s outside ground.

What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? Casablanca City Guide

The size of the prayer hall is spectacular! The roof retracts letting in the sunlight.

The spectacular marble floors keep people cool, and the ceilings with their gorgeous chandeliers are a sight to behold.

The architecture of this building is extraordinary. In certain locations, one can view the Atlantic as it rolls to shore next to the Mosque.

What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? Casablanca City Guide

What are the opening hours of the Hassan II mosque?

Visiting the mosque is only allowed outside of prayer time and it’s only possible to visit the mosque with a guided tour. The time of the guided visits varies throughout the year and afternoon tours never take place during Ramadan .

Morning Tours – tours at 9 am, 10 am and 11 am and 12 am Afternoon Tours of the mosque– 3 pm and 4 pm During Ramadan – tours at 9 am, 10 am and 11 am Fridays – tours are at 9 am and 10 am, and 3 pm and 4 pm

The tours are conducted in English, French, German and Spanish, and bring visitors in the prayer hall and into subterranean ablutions rooms.

How much is a ticket to visit the Hassan II mosque?

A guided tour of the mosque costs 130 MAD for adults and children older than 12 years old. Children aged 4 to 12 years old will only have to pay 30 MAD while kids younger than that can enter the mosque for free.

Where can you buy a ticket to visit the Hassan II mosque?

Tickets to visit the mosque can be bought at the ticket office that is right at the entrance of the religious complex next to the parking lot. You only need a ticket if you want a guided tour inside the mosque.

Tours of the mosque last a bit less than an hour.

How to get to the Hassan II mosque from the city center of Casablanca?

The Hassan II Mosque is easily reached on foot from the city center. It’s located at about half an hour walk from the Casa Port train station. It’s also possible to reach the mosque by hopping in a taxi. Getting there should cost between 15 and 20 MAD.

How to get to the Hassan II mosque from the airport?

There is no direct connection from Casablanca Airport to Hassan II Mosque. You can get there by first taking a train from the airport to gare Oasis.

From there you can take a tram to Place Nations Unies and walk the remaining distance to Hassan II Mosque.

What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? Casablanca City Guide

2. Walk around Casablanca cathedral

This beautiful white church is often considered to be one of the most amazing African churches. It was built in 1930 when Morocco was still under the French protectorate.

When Morocco gained its independence, Casablanca’s cathedral was converted into a school and then into a cultural center. At the moment it no longer serves as a religious place but it became one of the top touristic attractions in Casablanca.

This abandoned church, also known as the Church of the Sacred Heart, seems out of place but also in perfect harmony with its surroundings.

Most people who visit the church find it a bit odd that such a beautiful monument would be left abandoned. I really enjoyed walking around it during the afternoon. the whole area that surrounds it is very quiet and peaceful.

It also creates a stunning backdrop for any picture!

3. Enjoy a tune played on the piano at Rick’s Cafe

You remember how I told you at the beginning of this article that I was desperate to find the streets and places that appeared in the movie Casablanca when I first visited the city?

Well, this cafe was designed to recreate the bar made famous by Humphrey Bogart in the movie. Needless to say, I spent most of my time in Casablanca enjoying drinks in this gorgeous coffee bar.

What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? Casablanca City Guide

This classical movie had set certain expectations about Casablanca before I even set foot in the city…

This piano bar is filled with details meant to capture the spirit of the movie; An old piano from the thirties, a sculpted bar, curved arches, and balconies.

This restaurant is usually very busy so it’s best to reserve a table ahead of time if you want to go there for dinner.

The restaurant is open for lunch from 12:00 noon until 3 pm; for dinner from 6:30 pm until 1 am. Rick’s Café is open 7 days a week including the month of Ramadan and holidays.

The food there is great and at a very affordable price. You can enjoy your meal while listening to a jazz ensemble!

If you want to see what the restaurant looks like before heading there, have a look at the stunning pictures on the restaurant’s website !

What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? Casablanca City Guide

4. Mohammed V Square

One could say that this square is the heart and soul of Casablanca city. It’s the administrative center of the city and the square is surrounded by buildings of the early 1920s.

Most of these buildings have gorgeous Hispanic-Muslim architecture with white facades and gold-colored stones.

I would recommend visiting this square at night when the water fountains are working and bathed in a golden light.

fun activities in Casablanca - visiting the beach

5. The King’s Palace

I would recommend ending your first day in Casablanca with a visit to the king’s palace.

The Moroccan king has many palaces around the country and this is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful. It has beautiful patterns and designs on its outside wall.

Unfortunately this palace like the rest of the king’s palaces can only be admired from the outside. Going inside is strictly forbidden. However, it’s worth it just to make a short stop and admire the exterior.

The palace is located near the new medina (also called the Habous quarter).

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Day Two in Casablanca

6. spend time with local fishermen.

If you really want to feel the spirit of Casablanca, you should start your second day there by visiting the port and spending time with the fishermen.

Casablanca has always been the most important port in Morocco. It used to be the biggest fishing port in Morocco before it transitioned into becoming a shipping port.

The fishing industry has never completely disappeared from Casablanca however and the fishermen have always been the heart and soul of the city. Spending time near the port is a great activity to do in Casablanca!

Visit Casablanca port

The port of Casablanca is super easy to find, it’s on the main street in the city center and really close to Casa Port train station! You can get there by taxi from any part of the city.

There are fishermen fishing from the rocks right next to the port and they’re super happy to have a conversation with foreigners.

There are also small boats in the harbor that can take you on a small fishing trip. I don’t know how much they charge but you can always negotiate with the captain.

What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? Casablanca City Guide

If fishing is not your thing but you enjoy eating fresh fish, you can always go to one of the stalls next to the port and eat grilled fish or shrimp.

It’s a fun experience and very cheap: buy the fish or seafood you like, hand it over to the vendor and they will clean the fish right in front of you.

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7. Wander in the little streets of the old medina

If you want a totally genuine experience take a long walk in the old medina. It almost feels like every little street in the old city of Casablanca is connected to a story.

The old city of Casablanca lies between the port and Hassan II’s mosque. Walking there feels like traveling back in time.

If you walked around the old medinas of other Moroccan cities like the ones of Marrakech or Fez , you’ll find this one much easier to navigate in comparison.

What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? Casablanca City Guide

Getting lost in the old medina is a fun thing to do in Casablanca…

The streets of the old medina are filled with little shops and a very animated open-air market.

You can find everything there, from delicious Moroccan food, weird antiques, wooden statues, hand-made soap and vintage memorabilia.

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8. The Corniche

If you want a pleasant long walk by the sea, head over to the corniche boulevard. This long avenue is constantly blown by a gentle sea breeze.

It’s the perfect place to enjoy a stroll while listening to the mellow sound of the waves hitting the shore.

There is a good deal of nice places to eat and drink along the seafront and some people compare this beach boulevard to the Malecon in Havana.

It’s a common meeting place for street performers and there’s always some kind of show happening on the avenue.

La corniche Casablanca - Awesome things to do in Casablanca

You’ll get some of the best sunsets over the Atlantic from La corniche…

I would recommend avoiding the corniche on the weekend because it tends to get really crowded. After sunset, the area’s trendy nightclubs, cocktail lounges, and sea-facing bar terraces quickly fill up.

Dining options along the Boulevard de la Corniche range from simple counter-serve joints to fancy French restaurants. La corniche is located in a part of the city known as Ain Diab.

9. Be astonished by the architecture of Mahkama du Pacha

To see the most astonishing example of Moroccan architecture, you’ll have to go to the Mahkama du Pacha. This stunning building is a perfect example of ancient Moorish construction techniques.

The walls are covered in beautiful tiles, the doorways and ceilings present an intricate array of carved stone and the plasterwork incorporates floral designs and calligraphy.

This building was formerly a pasha’s residence but it now houses government office. Because of this, you can only enter the building with a guide but it’s absolutely worth it.

You can get a guide to visit this building from the ticket office at the Mohammad Hassan II mosque.

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Where to eat in Casablanca – What are the best restaurants in Casablanca?

Casablanca has some of the best food and the best restaurants you’ll find in Morocco .

Casablanca remained under the French protectorate for a long while and was at a certain point under Portuguese and Spanish occupation.

Because of this, the food that you’ll find there is an interesting fusion of Moroccan and European elements.

cooking class in Marrakech - Moroccan food

Whether you’re interested in fine dining, foreign dishes or local delicacies Casablanca will provide!

Here are three of my favorite restaurants in Casablanca:

Le Riad restaurant

If you’d like to start your journey in Morocco by sampling authentic traditional cuisine, Le Riad restaurant is the best place to start!

This place is a hidden gem and it’s easy to walk by the facade of the restaurant without realizing that an amazing culinary experience awaits inside. The tagines served here all have the most delicious blend of vegetables and meat with just the right amount of couscous.

A great option at this restaurant is the chicken with olives and lemon tagine. Every meal is served with warm bread and olives.

Moroccan cooking lesson in Marrakech

If you want a Moroccan feast at an affordable price, head over to Le Riad restaurant as soon as you set foot in Casablanca!

Blend Gourmet Burger

If you’re looking for the best burger in Casablanca, this is the place to visit. This restaurant challenges the idea that a burger should be categorized as fast food.

Eating here is a gourmet experience and I bet you’ll want to come back again and again.

The burgers here are cooked to perfection and the buns are just right, not too dry or soft. This restaurant is also famous for its fresh fruit juices and tasty lemonades

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Brasserie La Tour

Brasserie La Tour is a bit more expensive than the restaurants I usually recommend and is located inside a hotel but I loved the food there so much I couldn’t leave it from this list.

This restaurant is actually a combo of the Brasserie (European menu) and the Atelier Oriental (Moroccan options). In a way, it’s the best of both worlds, you get to savor French specialties and Moroccan delicacies at the same venue.

The breakfast at Brasserie La Tour is fantastic and the spreads are delicious. Fresh juice, fruit, egg dishes, mint tea, Moroccan pancakes with honey, what more could you ask for!?

What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? Casablanca City Guide

If you go there later during the day, I’d recommend trying the savory hummus, the lentil soup or the chicken tagine.

This restaurant also has very kind and professional waiters.

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Where to stay in Casablanca?

Casablanca is a city where it’s worth staying a few days to fully discover it. It’s best to stay there at least a night or two.

It is a city rich in traditional architecture. One of the best experiences you can have in Morocco is staying in a Riad, typical rich Moroccan houses with indoor courtyards and fountains, designed with zellij (Moroccan tiles).

It’s possible to stay in beautiful riads in a small town called El Jadida, just an hour and a half from the city center of Casablanca.

Casablanca also offers a good choice of guesthouses for budget travelers who want to save money to explore during the day and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen in the evening.

Casablanca doesn’t really have backpackers hostels like other Moroccan cities do.

riad interior - marrakech riads

What are the best guesthouses in Casablanca?

During my time in Casablanca, I spent a bit of time hopping between guesthouses. Here are two of my favorite places in Casablanca:

  • Property located in a quiet area near the train station

This property is one of the coziest houses you’ll find in Casablanca. The place truly feels like a home. It has large bright rooms, big comfortable beds, a terrace, and a lovely kitchen.

The owner Azdine is very keen on sharing his knowledge about Morocco with his guests. He showed me around the city’s most interesting neighborhoods.

This place is ideally located as the train station Casa Voyageur is just 10 minutes walk from the property.

If you want to feel like you’re in a home far away from home, definitely consider booking this place when you’re in Casablanca.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Property located in a quiet area near the train station”

where to stay in Casablanca?

  • Mosquee and Sea View Casablanca

Mosquee and Sea View Casablanca is a complete apartment that comes equipped with everything you could wish for. It has a washing machine so you can wash your clothes after a long day walking around the medina.

The flat also has a fully equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and a lovely living room.

This apartment is right next to the beach and offers stunning views as the name says it.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Mosquee and Sea View Casablanca”

What are the best Riads in Casablanca?

One very special type of Moroccan building that incorporates elements of the Moroccan history is the Riad.

Riads are typical Moroccan buildings that started appearing during the Idrisid dynasty. they usually have indoor courtyards with gardens and fountains. One notable feature of their construction is that they are designed with zellij (Moroccan tiles).

No stay in Morocco would be complete without at least one night in a Riad. Here are some of the best riads near Casablanca (note that these are located in El Jadida, an hour and a half south of Casablanca):

  • Riad Dar El Malaika

This beautiful riad has everything to make you relax, enjoy your stay, and feel like a king. This riad is absolutely magnificent and even the shared photos on booking.com can’t really capture the beauty and class of the place.

Riad Dar El Malaika has a small pond in its inner courtyard, lots of beautiful vegetation and plants, stunning arches and columns, and sumptuous beds.

If you want to stay in a palace without breaking your piggy bank, book this amazing place !

Click to check out rates and availability for “Riad Dar El Malaika”

luxurious riad - marrakesh stunning riads

  • Riad Soleil D’orient

This riad is an oasis of peace and tranquility. If you want a relaxing stay in El Jadida away from the buzz of Casablanca, this is the riad you should book.

The riad has a lovely roof-top terrace where you can relax and enjoy your favorite book in a long chair.

In Riad Soleil D’orient , you’ll be at a walking distance from the markets, the Portuguese fort and the sea. A really nice breakfast is served in the garden of the property every morning.

The breakfast is a selection of fresh fruits, orange juice, eggs, cake, several types of pancakes and homemade jams.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Riad Soleil D’orient”

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How to get to Casablanca City?

Casablanca is the economic capital of Morocco. Most major companies have their headquarters in Casablanca and as such, it’s easily accessible from many other Moroccan cities.

Since November 2018 there is a high-speed train that connects Tangier , Rabat , and Casablanca. This train covers the distance between these coastal cities in the blink of an eye.

The fact that Casablanca is so close to Rabat also makes it ideal to visit the two cities back to back on a trip along the Moroccan coast.

How to get to Casablanca from Rabat by train?

Casablanca and Rabat are located very close to each other. The two cities are quite similar in terms of size and look and people often think that Casablanca is the Moroccan capital.

If you visit Morocco and first travel to Rabat, your next stop should inevitably be Casablanca.

You can look online on the ONCF website for the timetable of the trains going between Rabat and Casablanca.

Once you know which train you will take, you can go to the main train station in Rabat called Rabat Ville and buy your ticket there.

There is a train that leaves every 30 minutes and it takes about 50 minutes to reach Casablanca from the Capital city. The price of a ticket is between 35 and 80 MAD.

How to get to Casablanca from Rabat with your own car

The distance between Rabat and Casablanca is very short so it’s convenient to drive there if you have your own car or if you are renting one .

There is a toll highway between the two cities (highway A1) and it takes about one hour to cover the distance between Rabat and Casablanca by car.

How to get to Casablanca from Tangier by train

Tangier is a great starting point to visit the Atlantic coast of Morocco. If you want to take a high-speed train between Tangier and Casablanca, you’ll have to go to the Tangier Ville railway station.

You can look online on the ONCF website for the timetable of the trains going between Tangier and Casablanca.

Once you have an idea of the schedule, you can buy your ticket directly at the station.

The high-speed train takes two hours to cover the distance between the cities and a ticket costs around 250 MAD.

How to get to Casablanca from Tangier with your own car?

If you have your own car or if you are renting one , the road from Tangier along the coast is definitely a pleasant drive. The driving distance between Tangier and Casablanca is 338.82 km.

It should take around 3 hours to reach the southern city.

Driving from Tangier to Casablanca is a great idea if you have the time and if you want the freedom to stop along the coast and take great pictures.

You will also drive through other beautiful cities such as Rabat (the capital of Morocco) and Larrache (where you can visit the Ruins of Lixus).

What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? Casablanca City Guide

Driving between the two cities means you can stop at any moment and enjoy the beaches…

To drive from Tangier to Casablanca simply follow highway A1 towards the south along the coast.

Casablanca is a big city, a huge metropolis in fact! But if you take the time to discover it, you’ll love it. I hope this guide will help you do just that.

What to see in Casablanca in two days - Top Things To Do in Casablanca

If you have any questions or comments that you’d like to add to this article, don’t hesitate to get in touch or write your questions down in the comments below.

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More morocco travel resources:.

  • What you need to know before you go: 23 Travel Tips for Morocco
  • Is Morocco Safe? Safety Guide to Morocco
  • How to avoid the 12 most common scams in Morocco
  • See the best of Morocco by following these 3 great travel itineraries
  • Visit these beautiful 17 places in Morocco
  • Tips for traveling to Morocco during Ramadan
  • Morocco City Guides: Fez , Tangier , Essaouira , Chefchaouen , Rabat , Meknes , Marrakech , Casablanca , Agadir
  • The best daytrips from Marrakech
  • Fun things to do in the Sahara: how to plan a desert trip to Merzouga
  • The Complete Guide to Imlil and Hiking Mount Toubkal
  • Everything you need to know about visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls
  • Rock climbing and other fun things to do in the Todra Gorges and Tinerhir
  • How to get to the Akchour Waterfalls from Chefchaouen
  • A guide to visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls
  • Surfing in Morocco – The best surfing spots in Morocco
  • How to visit Paradise Valley in Agadir
  • What to wear in Morocco: Complete packing list for Morocco
  • Morocco photography tips: How to take portraits of people in Morocco
  • Extend your stay in Morocco using one of these 3 ways to renew your Morocco visa
  • Useful tips on how to take the ferry from Tangier to Spain
  • Books about Morocco: 10 Great Novels set in Morocco

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Heather on her travels

Things to do in Casablanca, Morocco – 5 of the best reasons to visit!

Casablanca in Morocco is often overlooked as a travel destination, since most tourists bypass Morocco’s largest city and head on to Marrakech and Fes. But instead of immediately hopping on a train or connecting flight, it’s worth it to spend at least a day or two discovering all the things to do in Casablanca, Morocco.

Casablanca boats Morocco Photo Chengtzf Pixabay

If you believe the guidebooks, you might feel that Casablanca isn’t worth much time. But before rushing off to Marrakech, here are five reasons we think you should stay in Casablanca for more than a couple hours:

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Table of Contents

1. Food in Casablanca – the cosmopolitan restaurant and nightlife scene

Marrakech is one of the most stylish Moroccan cities and the destination of choice for the fashionable set visiting Morocco. But Casablanca still has enough affordable and trendy restaurants to be a culinary destination of its own.

One popular hot spot is Blend , a burger restaurant where you will probably have a hard time getting a table during prime dining hours. After indulging in one of their gourmet burgers, hit up La Bodega , a Spanish-style tapas bar where expats gather for drinks in a loud but fun atmosphere.

Food in Casablanca Photo TheUjulala on Pixabay

Looking for something a little more refined when you visit Casablanca? Make a reservation at upscale, waterfront establishment Le Cabestan and ask for a table by the water. Prepare to shell out American prices for ocean views, beautiful patrons and top-notch food.

You may also enjoy: Delicious Moroccan Food – 14 dishes you must try

Cabestan Casablanca

For weekend brunch, visit La Sqala , which serves fresh squeezed juices and traditional Moroccan breakfast foods in a beautiful outdoor setting within the walls of an old fortress.

2. Visit Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco

Most Westerners have never been inside a mosque, but if you’re visiting Casablanca, Mosque Hassan II offers the rare opportunity to take a tour. Sitting on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s one of the world’s largest mosques and Morocco’s top architectural wonder. The Mosque that was commissioned by King Hassan II, is one of the top things to do in Casablanca, taking seven years to build and holding up to 25,000 worshipers.

Looking for a tour of Casablanca? This private half day tour of Casablanca will show you all the major sites

Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca Photo by boredallrounder pixabay

Tours are offered in several languages at set times daily, except on Fridays. Visitors to Mosque Hassan II should dress conservatively and respectfully (make sure your arms, shoulders, neckline and knees are covered) and bring a pair of socks, as you’ll be required to remove your shoes for part of the tour.

Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca Photo by Gregmontani pixabay

3. Admire the Art Deco Architecture in Casablanca

Bustling downtown Casablanca will leave you feeling like you stepped into a time machine. French architects who embraced the Art Deco movement of the early 20th century practically took over Casablanca, and there are plenty of historic buildings to see.

Some of them are unfortunately in crumbling disrepair while others are well maintained. Overall, this neighbourhood is an authentic slice of Morocco’s history as a French colony.

Read about visiting Petra Jordan – my ultimate travel guide

Art Deco buildings in Casablanca Photo Stratageme2015 on Pixabay

The best place to take in the sights is Boulevard Mohammed V, where you can stroll alongside Casablanca’s brand new tram. Eventually the street leads to Place des Nations Unies, a large and busy square surrounded by shops, restaurants and offices.

Discover the wonders of Casablanca on a 4-hour discovery tour with a local

Casablanca Art Deco by Maret on Flickr

Other notable sites to see examples of Moroccan/French architecture in Casablanca include the Grande Poste, the clock tower of the Wilaya (government building), the Banque d’Etat and the Sacre Coeur Cathedral, which is no longer a functioning church.

You may also enjoy: Surfing in Taghazout Morocco

Check out these fun tours of Casablanca

Take a private half day tour of Casablanca to visit the famous sights in Casablanca or “White House”, in Arabic Dar El Beida. This 5 hour religions of Morocco tour takes you to some of Casablanca’s holiest sites. Take this 4 hour tour of Casablanca with a local to gain an insight into the city’s diverse history and culture.

Where to stay in Casablanca

If you’re looking for a stylish hotel in Casablanca, check out the following places to stay;

Boutique Hotel in Casablanca

Hotel and Spa Le Doge Casablanca – In the heart of the Art Deco district of Casablanca, Le Doge is a gem of a hotel, where authenticity and sophistication are key. The building’s 30s architecture is carried through in the interior décor and the conservation of central period elements.

Hotel and Spa Le Doge Casablanca

Stay at the sophisticated Hôtel & Spa Le Doge in Casablanca’s Art Deco istrict

Budget hotel in Casablanca

Ibis Casablanca City Centre – An affordable hotel with compact rooms but breakfast included and centrally located for sightseeing.

casablanca travel blog

Stay at the affordable and centrally located Ibis Casablanca City Centre

Contemporary hotel in Casablanca

Barcelo Anfa Casablanca – located in the very heart of Casablanca, this contemporary hotel draws on Art Deco design reflected in its colours, geometric patterns and warm materials.

Barcelo Anfa Casablanca

The Barceló Anfa Casablanca is ideal for groups and couples, located in the heart of the city

Self-catering accommodation in Casablanca

Pestana Casablanca – A contemporary design apart-hotel with kitchenettes in all rooms, located close to the beach with swimming pool and gardens.

casablanca travel blog

Stay at the contemporary design apart-hotel Pestana Casablanca close to the beach

4. Explore the Markets in Casablanca

While there are definitely more historical and attractive medinas in Marrakech and Fes, the Casablanca medina is worth checking out simply because there are few other tourists there. If you’re wondering what to do in Casablanca, the markets certainly offer a rare peek into the daily life of the city’s Moroccan residents.

To explore Casablanca with a local, take this 4-hour tour of Casablanca that includes the markets and medina

Casablanca Market by hewy on Flickr

Don’t spend too much time shopping here – most of the souvenirs are imported from other parts of the country and therefore more expensive. The entrance to the medina is located off of Place des Nations Unies.

You may also enjoy: Paradise Valley – blue pools and waterfalls in Morocco

Oranges in Casablanca Photo by Eduardo C.G on Unsplash

A better shopping destination to visit (even if you aren’t shopping) is Marche Central. This buzzing street market was originally designed for Europeans but today it caters to both expats and Moroccans.

If you like seafood, you can select a freshly caught fish and then take it around the corner to a grill to have it cooked to perfection. Or just find a nearby cafe for a mint tea to watch the comings and goings in the market.

Discover the 20 best things to do in Petra Jordan – plus itinerary ideas

Casablanca fish by Magalie Abbe on Flickr

The market also sells fruits, vegetables and other food items, making it a great spot to stop before a picnic on the beach. Just don’t forget to haggle for the best price!

5. Explore the growing Art Scene of Casablanca

Inexpensive rents make Casablanca an ideal place for artists to live, and a plethora of abandoned buildings provides a canvas. One can’t-miss is Les Anciens Abattoirs , a former slaughterhouse that still has meat hooks hanging and blood stains on the floor.

A collective of cultural associations and artists, La Fabrique Culturelle, has taken it over recently and turned it into a gallery space and performance venue.

You may also enjoy: A scrub and massage in the Hammam in Agadir, Morocco

Les Ancient Abattoirs Casablanca

Another popular up-and-coming space is La Galerie 38 , which supports local Moroccan artists as well as international names. La Galerie 38 is connected to Le Studio des Arts Vivants, a large studio that is at the centre of Morocco’s contemporary art scene.

Students of all ages can take lessons in music, art, dance and theatre with teachers from all over the world. The best representation of the increasingly modern Moroccan art scene is Galerie L’Atelier 21. They offer pieces from both emerging and established local designers.

Read about more sunshine destinations: Paradise Valley – blue pools and waterfalls in Morocco 30 amazing things to do in Lanzarote 12 fun and unexpected things to do in Tenerife

Anna-Rice1

Anna Rice is the writer behind The Weekend Jetsetter , a travel blog written for those want to see the world – without quitting their day job. A publicist by day, Rice spends her weekends, holidays and vacation days globetrotting in 2-5 day chunks. You can read more of her Morocco tips on her site , or follow her on Instagram

Photo credits: Mosque Hassan II by boredallrounder | Mosque architecture by GregMontani | Casablanca food by TheUjulala | Art deco by Stratageme2015 | Casablanca boats by Chengtzf (Pixabay) | Oranges by Eduardo C.G (unsplash) | Casablanca Market by hewy on Flickr | Casablanca fish by Magale Abbe on Flickr | Casablanca Art Deco by Maret on Flickr |

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Things to do in Casablanca Morocco

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Thursday 18th of January 2024

Amazigh blog, looking forward to seeing more of your posts about other places and Sahara desert

Sunday 25th of September 2022

Thanks a lot! There is a beautiful place you maybe forget is Habous quarter. An ancient and historic neigborhood with a small market for traditionnal berber clothes

Heather Cowper

Wednesday 26th of October 2022

@ Staph Thanks for the tip, that's good to know

Friday 12th of August 2016

Thanks for the info about Casablanca... I definitely want to visit it now

Wednesday 9th of December 2015

Did u feel safe by yourself>

@marnie This was a guest post but I have visited Marrakech, albeit with my hisband and felt perfectly safe. I do think though that if you were travelling alone as a woman you would need to be conservative in your dress and behaviour

Tuesday 20th of May 2014

Great ideas...I love the art deco architecture.

Wednesday 21st of May 2014

@Corinne Yes, I didn't realise that there was some French architectural influence here.

Casablanca Morocco exterior famous Hassen II Mosque largest mosque in Morocco and 7th largest in world architecture opened in 1963

Getty Images/Universal Images Group

Though not as atmospheric as other Moroccan cities, Casablanca is the best representation of the modern nation. This is where money is being made, where young Moroccans come to seek their fortunes and where business and the creative industries prosper.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Casablanca. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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Hassan II Mosque

This opulent mosque, built at enormous expense, is set on an outcrop jutting over the ocean with a 210m-tall minaret that's a city landmark. It's a…

Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum

Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum

This privately owned house-turned-museum showcases Abderrahman Slaoui’s outstanding collection of Moroccan decorative arts, from Orientalist travel…

Museum of Moroccan Judaism

Museum of Moroccan Judaism

The only Jewish museum in the Arabic-speaking world, this institution is set in an attractive garden villa that once functioned as a Jewish orphanage. It…

Old Medina

Though lacking the medieval magic that characterises many Moroccan medinas, Casablanca’s compact 19th-century example is still worth a wander. You're…

Quartier Habous

Quartier Habous

Built in the 1930s, the Quartier Habous, or Nouvelle Medina (New Medina), was built by the French to solve a housing crisis as the population outgrew the…

L'Eglise du Sacré Coeur

L'Eglise du Sacré Coeur

Dating from 1930, this blindingly white, Roman Catholic church sits on the edge of Parc de la Ligue Arabe. An extraordinary architectural mix of art deco,…

Place Mohammed V

Place Mohammed V

This perpetually busy square is surrounded by striking public buildings, such as the Wilaya and its clock tower and the Courts of Justice, resplendent…

Promenade Maritime de la Mosquée Hassan II

Promenade Maritime de la Mosquée Hassan II

One of the city’s major urban regeneration projects has turned the stretch of seafront promenade from the Hassan II Mosque to the El Hank lighthouse in to…

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Many travelers use Casablanca as a point to fly in and fly out of Morocco but few take the time to visit the city. With a modern appeal that showcases the "new" Morocco but also retains the historical appeal via Art Deco buildings and more traditional Moroccan-style architecture; Casablanca is a bridge between the two. — Amanda Ponzio-Mouttaki

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Morocco travel blog — the fullest morocco travel guide for a budget trip for first-timers.

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Morocco is an Islamic country located in the northwestern part of Africa, both the gateway to the Mediterranean Sea and the gateway to the Sahara desert, so this country possesses different types of terrains and diversity in climate, along with countless of extremely beautiful, impressive, spectacular landscapes. As part of the Arab world, Morocco also has many cultural traditions and a treasure of very unique Islamic art and architecture. That is why Morocco is always a favorite destination of many tourists around the world, and especially always on the “must-visit” list of any traveler. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Morocco for the first-time? Let’s check out our Morocco travel blog (Morocco blog, Morocco trip blog) with the fullest Morocco travel guide (Morocco guide, Morocco tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

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Morocco travel blog: Overview of Morocco

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Geographically, Morocco is formed up of four different regions: The Sahara desert with its towns and Berber oasis (Siwa Oasis); the Atlas and Rif mountains; the plains were home to the royal cities of Strasbourgesh and Fez (Fes); and finally the sandy shores of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by small seaside towns and the cities of Rabat and Casablanca.

casablanca travel blog

Morocco (Arabic name Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah, meaning “The Western Kingdom”) is a country located on the northwest coast of Africa, bordered by Algeria to the east and Western Saharah to the south. The whole country of Morocco is divided into 16 regions, with the capital of Rabat and the largest and most famous city of Casablanca.

Safety and security

Theft can happen in big cities and along beaches, where you should avoid deserted areas and stay alert at all times, especially after dark. Remember do not bring large amounts of money or valuables with you.

casablanca travel blog

In big cities, in addition to petty theft, pickpockets and extorting money, I find the safety and security in Morocco not so bad. In crowded places, there are many policemen in uniform and plain clothes. In the old towns (Medina) always have crowded markets, it is necessary to pay attention to your belongings. You should leave the passport in the suitcase at the hotel, bring only a photocopy.

The southwestern border region which bordering Algeria and the southern territories of Western Sahara, especially near the border with Mauritania because of kidnapping and is advised by the authorities that visitors should not to come there due to the complicated security situation in these areas.

casablanca travel blog

The US government has a website to notify the security situation (terrorism, natural disasters) of all countries in the world here .

The French government also has a similar site, access here .

casablanca travel blog

The national religion of Morocco is Islam. Coming here, it is advisable to wear discreetly, limit open underarms and short skirts on streets to show respect for locals. If it’s too hot, you can bring a thin, long, large scarf to wear instead of a shirt with sleeves.

In Morocco, in large places of worship, men and women are not allowed to pray in the same area but must be separated, male on one side, female on the other. There are different entrances as well.

casablanca travel blog

The Moroccans speak two main languages, Arabic and French, and in the mountainous areas, there also is a Berber language. All the signs, in addition to Arabic, they are also available in French, so you don’t have to worry about falling illiterate.

A few common words (transliteration):

  • Where is the toilet: Fin kaynin toilettes?
  • Hello: Salam
  • Goodbye: Bslama
  • Thank: Shokran
  • Thank you (in Berber): Ten miêrt
  • Agree, ok : Wakha
  • Let’s go: Y-allah

casablanca travel blog

The flag of Morocco flag is red, with a green five-pointed star, which is the symbol of the Kingdom of Morocco. Originally, the Moroccan flag was plain red, embodying the Alaouite dynasty, which ruled Morocco since 1631. In 1915, a green five-pointed star was added to distinguish it from the flags of other countries that also had red. Green is the color of hope and also the color of Islam. The star represents the 5 pillars of Islam:

  • Fasting (Ramadan)
  • Pilgrimage (to Mecca, Islam’s holy site)

Morocco blog: When to visit?

Due to its diversisty in geography, the best time to travel to Morocco depends largely on where you will going to, but overall, Morocco is a great year-round destination. With its long coastline, majestic mountains, and desert landscapes, it’s an incredibly diversity country in landscape that offers unique experiences to explore at any time of year. January is the wettest and coldest month and July and August are the hottest months, so you’ll see less touristy. Spring (March & April) and autumn (September & October) have the most pleasant weather.

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In the Sahara region, cities in the plains, you should be avoided come in mid-summer. Desert climate is hot, dry and clear in the summer, but nighttime temperatures can plummet. However, the hottest months are ideal for visiting coastal cities like Essaouira and Rabat. The winter months in the mountains are very cold, which can be difficult to come as many hotels do not have heating system.

casablanca travel blog

From October to May next year is the best time to visit Morocco. The autumn and spring’s weather is cool. Winters are not as cold as Southern Europe. The desert night is quite cold, so you still need to bring warm clothes. The Moroccan spring often comes a little earlier than in Europe. From mid to late February, plum and apricot blossoms bloom white on oases in the middle of desert. In late April, early May, roses bloom brilliantly in the valley of roses (Vallée dés Roses).

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During Christmas and New Year, the whole Europe is on holiday, the streets will be a bit crowded and the price of services will be slightly higher. Because Morocco is Europe’s neighbor, the French and Germans like to go to their neighbor to relax, especially special holidays.

Morocco travel blog: Getting to Morocco

The simplest and most convenient way is flying to big cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Rabat… There are many low-cost airlines operating daily flights from European cities to Morocco and the flight time is also very reasonable (It takes average 3 – 4 hours of flying) such as Ryanair, Volotea, Easyjet… If you hunting hard, you can find cheap airfares for just a few dozen of Euros / round-trip. I often use Skyscanner , Google Flights to find tickets and then go directly to websites of airlines to buy.

casablanca travel blog

Alternatively, you can also drive to Morocco from Europe via a transit ferry from the Spanish city of Tarifa to Tangier. Some ferry companies such as FRS, Inter Shipping regularly operate ferries that connecting these two cities with travel time of about 1 hour. See ferry routes and timetables here .

Morocco blog: Getting around Morocco and between cities

casablanca travel blog

Morocco’s national railway company is ONCF. The railway network in Morocco is concentrated mainly in the north and cities along the west coast, connecting the major cities. Therefore, if you want to getting to cities in the South (such as Agadir), the bus is the most reasonable choice.

Train tickets can be purchased online through the company’s website at:( https://www.oncf.ma/fr/ ), via app ( iOS , Android ) or directly at ticket counters at train stations.

If you want a guarantee and rest assured, you can buy tickets 1 to 2 days in advance.

Like me, when I was in Marrakech, I checked the train schedules and prices in advance on the web, then went to the station 1 hour before departure and bought tickets directly at the ticket counter. This helped me more flexible and not be constrained by time.

A few things you should keep in mind are:

  • The ticket counter will stop selling 3 minutes before departure time.
  • In big cities like Marrakech or Casablanca have relatively high frequency of trips, on the contrary, smaller cities like Meknes have quite a few trips. So, if you stay in small cities, you should carefully check the departure time of train to arrange a reasonable travel time.
  • On the train, you must always keep your belongings within sight, to avoid being “lost your luggage” when train stops at stations.

The kingdom of Marocco 14

Example fares: Train from Casablanca – Marrakech : 95 MAD (10 USD); Bus supratours from Marrakech – Essaouira : 80 MAD (8.4 USD), Train from Fes – Meknes : 22 MAD (2.3 USD).

It is the most convenient means of transportation in Morocco. The bus network covers the whole country, so it is possible to reach places that train cannot. The major bus carriers are CTM ( http://www.ctm.ma/ ), Supratours ( http://www.supratours.ma/ ), SATAS and Trans Ghazala.

When traveling in Morocco, I chose the CTM bus company (because the company has frequently bus trips, and the service is also relatively good).

casablanca travel blog

Riding by bus, I recommend you to book tickets 1 to 2 days in advance to be able to choose the most suitable trip in terms of both tickets and timetables. The reason is that if you buy tickets on the departure date, but unfortunately the bus trip you already choose is already full, you will be pushed to the next trip. In big cities, the waiting time between bus trips is not too long (about 1 hour), so take the next trip is still okay.

But, in contrast, in small cities (eg Chefchaouen) the frequency is reduced quite a lot and you have to wait for a long time to wait for the next bus, which can affect your expected schedule.

casablanca travel blog

This is also a good option to getting around in Morocco, helping you to be more proactive in your time as well as being able to reach places that trains and buses cannot reach. However, self-driving in Morocco also requires you to be very steady and careful.

As far as I can see, the traffic here is a bit chaotic, especially in small cities (eg Chefchaouen): pedestrians cross the street anywhere; On the road, in addition to cars, there are also horse-drawn carriages, donkey carts, and horns are loud, in general, it feels quite similar to Vietnamese traffic.

Moreover, the terrain in the North of Morocco has many hills and passes, so self-driving is not for weak drivers.

Getting around in cities

casablanca travel blog

Inside medina, motor vehicles are prohibited, you can only walk or donkey riding. The area of medina is not too large but complicated like a maze. So prepare a good pair of walking shoes.

In Moroccan cities, there are always people who are enthusiastic to show you the way to ask for money. If needed, let them guide directions for you and pay about 10-20 MAD (1-2 USD). If you feel uncomfortable, just say “No” clearly a few times. If they insist on following and walking ahead, pretending to give directions, I often take advantage of when they don’t notice and stop by a shop on the street. If they don’t see you anymore, they will leave away.

casablanca travel blog

In order to limit being disturbed on the road, you should not hold a paper map in your hand with a blank face, a half-lidded gaze. Instead, you should download offline maps of MAPS.ME or Google Maps , plus compass apps to your phone for convenient navigating. In Marrakech and Fes, paper maps are also not very effective because in the souks, almost all streets have no numbers, streets without names.

casablanca travel blog

Outside of medina, the most convenient way to travel are taxis. Taxi prices in Morocco are comparable to Vietnamese taxis. In Casablanca and occasionally in Marrakech, taxi is billed by meter. During rush hour, the drivers often refuse to turn on the meter, you should ask in advance to be sure and bargain the price before getting on the car.

There are two types of taxis operating in cities in Morocco: “grand taxi” – large taxi and “petit taxi” – small taxi.

Small taxi: 4-seater car, only allowed to run in the inner cities. According to regulations, this type of taxi can only carry a maximum of 3 passengers.

“Our group went with 4 people, even though we saw that the car still has an available seat and asked the driver to take all 4 of us, the driver disagreed and asked to divide into 2 groups to accept it”.

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Large taxi: Usually a 7-seater taxi, this type can go out of town or traveling between neighboring cities.

In cities, to getting from city center to airport, you can only take this large taxi.

With most taxis, the price list is listed on the window of the car, however, you can still bargain with the driver to get the most reasonable price.

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Casablanca also has a tram system, the way to buy tickets and travel is the same as in Europe.

Morocco travel blog: Where to go?

Marrakech (marrakesh).

There are few places where red is so overwhelming as in Marrakesh, from houses, walls, even the streets are painted pink or red. This North African city has a multi-dimensional, mysterious and captivating life.

It is the country’s fourth largest city, after Casablanca, Fes and Tangier. Marrakesh, located in the southwest, was once the capital of Morocco, playing an important role in the trans-Saharan trade route. The history of formation and development of Marrakesh has gone through many periods. Since the 13th century, Marrakesh is no longer the capital, but is still one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, an important commercial center. Marrakesh is also one of Morocco’s artistic cities, a national and international tourist destination.

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Attractions in Marrakesh: Jemaa el Fna Square, Medina old town, Souks. Medina Old Town is a top tourist attraction in Marrakesh and is surrounded by 9km of high walls. Jemaa el Fna Square is a bustling place with all kinds of representations of the daily life of Moroccans, Ali Ben Youssef Medersa is the largest Koran school in North Africa, Bahia Palace, Souk Flea Market in the Medina is also a must-see place during your visit.

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Chefchaouen

Also known as the Blue City of Morocco, Chefchaouen is located in the Rif Mountains in the northwestern Morocco. It’s a small city, a bit remote, but well worth a visit in the vibrant shades of turquoise of the houses, charming alleyways, a photogenic and perfect spot to take virtual living photos.

The city is built on a hill, so be prepared for a hike, when you get to the top it can feel like you just went for a hike. Walking is the best way to experience the city as there are many narrow streets that cannot be accessed by cars.

Sahara Desert tour

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There are many Sahara desert tours that offered by tour operators in Morocco, with options ranging from camping, day trips, or night add-ons combined with other city tours. Camping in the Sahara Desert is a dream for any visitor, it’s definitely the ultimate nomadic experience. This is where you can experience walking on the sand dunes to watch the sunrise, camel riding, camping…

Known as Morocco’s cultural capital, Fes is a place you’ll definitely want to visit once. Ranked as the second largest city in Morocco, Fez served as the country’s capital until 1925. The city is known as the “Athens of Africa” ​​for preserving its diverse historical heritage. One of the heritages with the most vivid image of the Moroccan people is in the Fez markets (souks). Visit the Fes el Bali area to discover the unique cultural features, which was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1981.

Fes is located just over 300 miles from Marrakech which you can reach by car or plane. This UNESCO World Heritage city is one of the best-preserved ancient Arab cities in the world and the largest car-free urban area on earth.

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The seaside city of Essaouira

Located on the coast of Morocco, Essaouira is known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent kitesurfing conditions and beautiful beaches. If you stay in Marrakech, there is a bus that connects these two cities. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. Another option is to hire a taxi from Marrakech airport and a one-way trip will cost around $90.

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Tangier is a northern Moroccan city with a population of over 2 million, located on the North African coast, to the west of the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, which borders the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans at Cape Spartel. This city has cultural features, architecture that mixed of France and Spain.

Surrounded by beautiful beaches, Tangier attracts visitors by its vibrancy that few places have. Visitors can move here by taxi after about 10 minutes from city center. My first impression of Tangier is the lively, bustling street and beautiful beaches just ten minutes away from the center. By the beach are markets, modern residential areas, frequented by tourists from all over the world with a wide variety of goods on sale.

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In 1923, Tanger was called an international city under a treaty between nine countries with interests in Morocco: France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, USA, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal.

Meknes is one of the four most popular tourist destinations in Morocco. Before choosing Marrakesh as the next capital, Meknes served as the capital of Morocco from 1672 – 1727 under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Today, the city still retains the images that recreate the heroic history with the architectural style of Spain and Morocco. Especially the great gates with high walls. The impressive historical landmarks: Mosques, old markets and squares… Especially the old town (medina) in this city is also recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

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Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and the largest port in Africa. Casablanca is known to many people through the movie of the same name, but it is not the filming location of this movie. With the diversity in culture from Portuguese, French and Moors, make the city is more dynamic and full of vibrant.

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The city of Ouarzazate is known as “The Door of the Desert” because of its location on the edge of Sahara Desert. This place is a “quiet” land of palm trees, sandy roads and buildings bearing the image of fortresses. In particular, Ouarzazate also owns two largest film studios in the world, Atlas Studios and CLA Studios. Moreover, there are many movies using the setting here, so this city is also known as the “Hollywood of Africa”. When coming to this city, the following attractive tourist attractions will surely attract you: First is Sahara desert, Todra gorge – a great natural wonder or visit Taourirt Kasbah, which is an important histrical fortified residence complex of Morocco.

The city is now the capital of Morocco and was established in the 12th century. Rabat impresses with its diverse landscape of flowers, plants and trees. In addition, monumental works must be mentioned gates such as the Great Gate of the Kasbah (Bab Oudaya) and The Gate of Ambassadors.

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Some notable attractions in Rabat: Mamora forest, beautiful beaches, mosques, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, ancient city (medina), Royal square, Chellah medieval fortified, … Not only that, tourists can visit the National Craft Museum or stop at the street cafes while wandering in Rabat.

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The town of Asilah or Arzeila is located in the northwest region on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. It is located in the northern Atlantic Bay and is 31km from the city of Tangier. The town has a pretty good depiction of Moroccan culture, including murals.

Morocco travel blog: Where to stay?

Room rates in Morocco are much cheaper than in Europe. The price for a double room, included breakfast, from 30 USD (guesthouse), 50 – 60 USD (2-star hotel or hostel), with more than 100 USD you can stay in a 4-star hotel.

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To find top rated and best hotels in cities in Morocco you can go to Booking.com , Agoda.com . If you want a budget stay let choose Airbnb , and use this link https://www.airbnb.com/c/anht5185 , to register for an Airbnb account and book a room, you will get a discount up to $55 for the first booking.

The main attractions are located in medina (old town in city), you should rent a room here for convenience. But also should not be too far from the motorway in case you have bulky luggage, to avoid spend much effort. For example, in Marrakech, you should rent a room near Jemaa el-Fna square, in Casablanca, you should rent near United Nations Square or Casa-Port Railway Station (note that in Casablanca there are 2 big stations that are quite far apart), in Fes, you should rent in Talaa Sghira street or Talaa Kebira street (the beginning of this street near Bab Boujloud).

In the old town, there are usually few big hotels. Instead, there are Dar or Riad which are traditional Moroccan homestays. Riad is usually built in square-shaped, with a skylight and a small garden in the middle, creating a quiet and pleasant atmosphere. You should stay there once, I’m sure you will like it.

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Morocco blog: How to buy and choose desert tour?

Coming to Morocco, riding a camel in the sunset or sunrise in the Sahara desert is an experience not to be missed. In the medina in Fes and Marrakech there are many tour operators offering tours to the desert, but in reality there is only one company that organizes it. Tour operators only distribute as travel agents, so there is no need to book online in advance, so just directly go to their offices to bargain and choose the cheapest one to buy.

Check out the tour schedule here: https://www.igomorocco.com/

There are different types of tours to desert: 2 days to Zagora (Ouarzazate); 3 days to Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga) or 4 days to both places. I found the 3-day tour to Erg Chebbi is the most suitable and reasonable. The 2-day tour to the Zagora does not see the beautiful shimmering sand dunes as shown on Instagram, while the 4-day tour is a combination of the two tours above, you will have to waiting for the car for a long time in Ouarzazate.

The distance from Merzouga to Marrakech and Fes is about the same. If your itinerary includes both of these cities, you can request tour operator pick up in Marrakech, drop off in Fes or vice versa.

If riding a camel, you should wear long pants, not lace or jean pants that are too tight or hard (my own painful experience). Overnight in the desert, you have to sleeping in a Berber tent which is very cold, need to bring extra warm clothes. In addition, you should bring more toilet paper – “paper attached to the intestines”, haha!

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Morocco travel blog: What to eat?

Moroccan food is delicious and rich. Traditional restaurants often have tajin, couscous, pastilla or lamb or beef stews. In souks (traditional markets), there are many kinds of savory, delectable grilled meat, skewers. Morocco is a Muslim country, so people don’t eat pork.

Breakfast in riads has many types of breads, cornmeal pancakes, with jams, honey, butter, mint tea, and delicious freshly orange juice.

The Moroccan pastries are also delicious (but very sweet). Some pastry is as small as a thumb, goes well with mint tea.

During the two weeks of eating and drinking all over Morocco, I always remember of eating fresh fish and seafood in Essaouira. If you have the opportunity to visit, do not forget to try.

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B’ssara (Moroccan fava bean soup)

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B’ssara is a soup made with simple ingredients using beans, olive oil and local flavor cumin. This is a traditional Moroccan dish often used in daily meals. It can be used in breakfast to start a new day and served with bread. The price for this dish is quite cheap, a bowl costs only a few cents.

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You can’t leave Morocco without trying tagine! This is a stewed soup that is considered a Moroccan’s culinary cultural symbol with its very own taste. Its ingredients include mea, poultry, or fish, vegetables, spices, nuts, all are stewed in a clay pot. It’s available everywhere that you can find easily in this country from high-end restaurants to eateries, roadside food stalls.

Goat Cheese

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Goat cheese comes in a lot of Moroccan recipes and is amazing. If you are a lover of goat cheese then you will especially love this in Morocco.

Morocco is home to a wide variety of olives. The country is one of the world’s largest producers of olive oil, so it’s the perfect place to sample all kinds of olives.

Almonds are the basis ingredient of many of the delicious things here, especially the orange blossom flavored almond milk and Moroccan spiced almonds.

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Kefta tagine

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Kefta tagine is the name of a dish made from minced beef or lamb mixed with ingredients and spices such as coriander, garlic, and cinnamon. Then it will be rounded into balls and cooked in tomato and onion sauce under skillful hands of chefs. The final step to perfect the dish make it greasy, a few eggs will be added into the pot.

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You must definitely enjoy delicious dishes made from lamb, the most famous of which is Méchoui. Previously it was a traditional dish used in wedding parties, later it was mentioned as one of the famous street foods in Morocco. To make this dish, people use a whole lamb, marinate with herbs and spices and then spit-roasted on charcoal.

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Akouda is a cake made from mashed potatoes combined with aromatic spices. This dish is deep-fried until golden crispy and eaten hot. It can be dipped with tomato sauce, served with salad or sandwiched with bread are all very delicious, this dish is popular in northern Morocco and in old towns (medina).

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This is a traditional dish associated with Moroccan culture and religion. On the Friday after the weekly prayer, if you travel to Morocco, you will find this dish on all Moroccan family tables. Couscous is stewed from vegetables such as zucchini, pumpkin, eggplant, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, green beans, chicken and beef. Especially served with Leben – a traditional fermented milk.

Chermoula fish

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Bordered by Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean with a long coastline, Moroccan cuisine is rich with a lot of dishes made from a multitude of different types of fish. Chermoula is one of them with an irresistible delicious taste. The dish with a combination of herbs, spices and fish is grilled over charcoal with the highlight of a special sauce.

Deep-fried Moroccan doughnuts

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Import from French, a pastry lover’s dream. They are similar to fried donuts and you will find them all over the country.

Moroccan sweets, pastries

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You’ll find shops full of sweets, and it’s easy to sample a variety. You can grab some bread and baklava or almond briouats and almost anything dipped in orange blossom water.

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Moroccan smoothie made with avocado fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, kiwi, eggs, milk, and candies or nuts, is a must-try sweet treat of Moroccan cuisine.

Morocco travel blog: What to buy?

Morocco is one of the countries with many specialties. Tourists come here often buy:

  • Rug: If you know that Iran has a famous Persian rugs, Morocco is also known as a rug paradise. The most prominent is the unique Berber wool rugs. One useful tip to not buy the wrong type of fake rug is to ask the seller to burn the tassels to try. If it’s real wool, it won’t catch fire, while fakes will catch fire and burn.
  • Pottery (the most beautiful in Fes): You can come across all styles and ceramic products that Moroccans still use every day such as vases, cooking utensils, dishes, mosaics, ashtrays… The ceramics in Fes and Safi are best, the two main ceramics production sites of this country, they have a unique Moroccan style.
  • Leather goods (in Fes, Essaouira or Marrakech). Head to Marrakesh and Fez to shop for these items, bags and leather products. Here sells a variety of products with vary prices, types and quality for you to choose from. In other cities of Morocco you can also buy these products but it is a bit smelly.
  • Spices: Moroccan spices are very popular with tourists to buy as gifts after their trip. Locals sell spices in souks in every city. The most special is Ras el Hanout, which is a spice named after “head of the shop”. The reason it is called that is because the owner of the shop will mix this spices for you. Usually it consists of cumin seeds, cinnamon powder, ginger powder, clove pepper powder and some other spices.
  • Herbal, dried rose, dried fruit (Marrakech or Essaouira have the most).
  • Argan Oil (in Essaouira): The rarest gift that can only be found in Morocco is argan oil. Because the only place on earth where argan trees grow is near Essaouira. However, it is because of its scarcity that many people fake it to sell at a high price. When buying this oil, you should note that you should refer to a reputable place to buy and from locals to avoid being scammed.
  • Decorative lamps and jewelry (in Marrakech)
  • Fresh fruit, pomegranate, orange, and cactus are delicious.

Goods in Fes are a bit more expensive than in Marrakech, but much better. The souk near Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fna square sells a lot of Chinese goods, making it difficult to distinguish the real from the fake items. Shopping in souks in Morocco, you always remember to bargain, starting from 1/3 to 1/2 off the asking price. It’s also a pleasure of going to a market, isn’t it?

Sometimes, you can meet people nearby invite you buy weed, you should be careful because Morocco has many policemen in plain clothes hidden in the crowd.

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Morocco blog: Traveling cost

  • Hotel: $50 – 60 / 1 night (double room in 2-star riad for 2 people)
  • Food: $10 – 20 / 1 meal at delicious restaurants, with a nice view

I budgeted $80 – 90 / 1 person / 1 day (excluding airfare) and found it very Okay. If your budget is slightly lower, the total cost will be in the range of $60 – 70 / 1 day for all: meals, transportation, sightseeing (excluding airfare).

Picture below is the courtyard of La Table du Palais. One of the nicest restaurants I’ve been to. 150 DHs for the main course, 220 DHs for the main course and 1 side dish, 250 DHs for the whole appetizer, main course and dessert. If you just want to sit and rest for a while, don’t want to eat, you can order a glass of orange juice or mint tea, very affordable.

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Morocco blog: Suggested Morocco travel itinerary

Over 2 weeks of traveling in this beautiful North African country has helped me gain some experience to be able to arrange a reasonable exploration itinerary.

Here are 2 itineraries that I think are quite reasonable for those who want to once set foot in Morocco:

  • Itinerary 1: Marrakech (day 1 & 2) – Ouarzazate (day 3) – Merzouga (day 4) – Fès (day 5) – Chefchaouen (day 6) – Fès (day 7).
  • Itinerary 2 (long time): Marrakech (day 1) – Essaouira (day 2) – Marrakech (day 3) – Ouarzazate (day 4) – Merzouga (day 5) – Fès (day 6 & 7) – Chefchaouen (day) 9) – Fès (10th) – Merknès (11th) – Rabat (12th) – Casablanca (13th) – Marrakech (14th).

In addition, if you have more time, you can also add to the itinerary of other tourist cities of Morocco such as Agadir, Tangier. Or, if you are an adventurer, you can also book High Atlas trekking tours departing from Marrakech, visit Berber villages (Imlil, Asni, Ourika, …) and admire the wonderful valleys beauty of this mountains.

These tours are very diverse in terms of places to visit as well as the number of days to go to which help you freely choose, and of course it is also sold a lot at agents in Marrakech.

We had another Morocco trip itinerary for 7 days here: Morocco 7 days itinerary — How to spend 7 days in Morocco perfectly to visit: Fez, Chefchaouen & Tangier .

Morocco travel blog: Some notes before you go

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  • Money exchange: The exchange rate in the airport is often not as good as outside, you should only exchange a little at the airport and then go to the city center to continue exchange. In Marrakech, on Prince Moulay Rachid street near Jemaa el-Fna square there are many banks.
  • Major cities have ATMs, but don’t expect much because the machines are often broken.
  • Plugs: Most plugs in Morocco are type C and type E. Standard voltage is 220 V and standard frequency is 50 Hz. An adapter will be the best for most electronic devices. Internet: Although you’ll find that most cafes, restaurants, and hotels in the city have Wi-Fi handy (and cheap!) for 4G while you’re traveling in Morocco. You can buy a Maroc Telecom SIM card for just 40 dirhams (just over $4) and get 10GB of data for 100 dirhams ($10).
  • What to wear? Choose light, appropriate clothing. Be sure to always cover your shoulders and knees like using scarves and maxi skirts. They are ideal for warm sunny conditions and that shows respect for the culture – which in turn will get you treated with respect.
  • Do not take pictures without permission in Morocco. They will respond as soon as you press the button. Many people here, and especially the elderly, think that if they are photographed, their images will be used for bad purposes. They are quite negative because of the influence on religion and spirituality. Usually people in tourist cities and young people will be more open, but you should ask before taking photos.
  • Long pants should be worn when riding a camel, it is not denim or lace fabric and too tight will make you uncomfortable when sitting for more than 1 hour on a back of a camel. In addition, sleeping in a tent in the desert should wear enough warm clothes. Besides, it is necessary to prepare necessary personal belongings and drinking water, but it must be compact and hygienic.
  • Do not go alone at night when traveling to Morocco, you need a trusted person to accompany you. Even if you are a muscular man, you should not go at night, especially in the desert, in a remote place. Another reason is because Moroccan roads are not always convenient and well-lit, so you should keep this in mind when traveling.
  • Public toilets in Morocco are chargeable, except for hotels and restaurants. At some places, there is no collection, but there are still people standing to remind you not to forget to put tips in a box after use.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Morocco you can refer to

  • 2D1N Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech
  • Ourika Valley Day Tour from Marrakech
  • Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech
  • Agadir Day Trip From Marrakech
  • Moroccan Cooking Class in Marrakech
  • Marrakech City Tour
  • Quad Biking Experience in Marrakech

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Are you looking for more top things to do in Morocco: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And here .

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  1. The 12 Best Things to Do in Casablanca (2022)

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  2. Casablanca Travel Guide

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  3. The 9 Best Day Trips From Casablanca

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  4. Top 10 Riads in Casablanca

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  5. 10 TOP Things to Do in Casablanca (2021 Activity Guide)

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  6. Top 5 Things To Do In Casablanca, Morocco

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COMMENTS

  1. Should You Visit Casablanca, Morocco?

    Best Things to Do in Casablanca, Morocco. 1. Take a Tour of the Hassan II Mosque. The Hassan II Mosque is the highlight of Casablanca, and I don't think anything else is even close. This grand mosque is one of the biggest in the world, and is the second-biggest mosque in all of Africa.

  2. Casablanca Travel Guide: How to Spend the Perfect Day

    The most important thing to know is that Casablanca is a financial city. Casablanca is the economic center and the largest city in Morocco. 3 million people live in Casablanca. The cityscape of Casablanca is characterized by gray skyscrapers rather than charming old buildings. And unfortunately that also means an absence of the authentic ...

  3. Insiders' Casablanca, Morocco Tourism Guide for the Best Trip

    Guided Day Trips from Casablanca: Marrakech Day Trip including Lunch, Camel Ride from Casablanca. Casablanca to Marrakech Day Trip with Camel Ride. Chefchaouen Bleu City Day Trip from Casablanca. From Casablanca: Full Day Trip to Tangier by the High speed train. Day Trip To Marrakech. So there you have it!

  4. How to Spend One Day in Casablanca, Morocco

    There are two main trains stations in Casablanca. The first, and biggest, is Casa Voyageurs. It's in the middle of the city. The second is Casa Port which is, as you probably guessed, near the Port. I'd get off at whatever stop is closest to your hotel which, for us, was Casa Port.

  5. Casablanca Itinerary for the Best Moroccan Vacation

    In Casablanca, however, there are far fewer riads available. Instead, Casablanca is a great place to stay in a hotel. Casablanca is a budget friendly location. You can find very affordable 4 and 5 star hotels for a luxury stay without breaking the bank. 2 and 3 star hotels are highly affordable and there are many great options all throughout ...

  6. 48 Hours in Casablanca: The Ultimate Itinerary

    Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty Images. 9 a.m.: On your second morning, forgo the hotel breakfast in favor of one of Casablanca's best-loved international cafés, Bondi Coffee Kitchen.This Australian-owned initiative is a 15-minute walk away and exudes contemporary chic, with trendy menu items that range from ricotta hotcakes and chia pudding to smashed avocado on toast.

  7. Casablanca Travel Guide: Things to Know Before Visiting in 2024

    Casablanca is the biggest city in Morocco and it hosts the second-biggest port in Africa. When it comes to tourism, Casablanca is famous for The Hassan II Mosque, however, it has much more to offer whether you are a history or art lover. Or a foodie curious to try the flavors of Morrocan cuisine. In this Casablanca travel guide, we will cover ...

  8. Insider's Casablanca Travel Guide

    81 rue chasseur Jules Gros. Open Monday - Friday, from 10am - 5pm; Sunday 11am - 3pm. Phone: +212 (0)5 22 99 49 40. Casablanca Jewish Synagogue - Beth El — This is the main Synagogue in Casablanca known as Beth El (sometimes referred to as Bet El, particularly in Marrakesh where another in Synagogue is known as Beth El).

  9. The ultimate Casablanca guide: the underrated gem of moroccan

    A monument of exceptional beauty, on the shore, just beyond the northern tip of Casablanca's medina (old town), the Hassan II Mosque dominates the entire city. Completed in 1993, it is the fourth largest mosque in the world, covering 9 hectares with the tallest minaret in the world (201m high).

  10. 10 Must-See Sights in Casablanca, Morocco

    05. Rick's Cafe. If you're a fan of the classic movie "Casablanca," a visit to Rick's Cafe is a must-do activity in Casablanca. Inspired by the iconic film, this legendary cafe is a place where you can step back in time and relive the romance and intrigue of the movie.

  11. What to See in Casablanca in One Day: Itinerary + Map!

    ONE-DAY ITINERARY FOR CASABLANCA: 1. Begin Your Adventure at The Hassan II Mosque. Kickstart your journey in the stunning city of Casablanca at the Hassan II Mosque, a perfect starting point to fall in love with Casablanca. The Mosque, as the largest in Morocco and between the top20 largest in the world, stands as an emblem of the city's rich ...

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    Morning of your Casablanca itinerary. Hassan II Mosque. Old Medina Market. United Nations Square and Mohammed V Square. Le Cuisto Traditionnel. The afternoon of your one day in Casablanca. Habous Market. Mahkama du Pacha. The evening of 24 hours in Casablanca.

  13. Your Trip to Casablanca: The Complete Guide

    The coastal city of Casablanca is the largest in Morocco, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, an eclectic culinary scene, and unique architecture that draws inspiration from both Moorish and French Art Deco styles. There are many reasons to visit Casablanca. Some come to visit Hassan II Mosque, home to the largest religious minaret in the world; others come to unwind on the Atlantic beaches or to ...

  14. Casablanca Uncovered: A Traveler's Guide to Morocco's Coastal Gem

    Every season in Casablanca paints the city in a different light. While exploring the best times to visit, consider extending your adventure with a " 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes," an unforgettable experience that complements your Casablanca journey. 4. Navigating Safety in Casablanca. Safety is paramount in any travel plan.

  15. Casablanca in 2 Days

    Not that it is a must see in Casablanca, but if we want to see one of the biggest and most luxurious shopping centers in the world, here it is. It was designed by Italian architect Davide Padoa, and has 250,000 m² of which 70,000 are dedicated exclusively to shops. It also has leisure areas, restaurants and large gardens.

  16. The complete guide to Casablanca travel

    Tramway in Casablanca | Photo by Casablanca Urban Adventures. One of the best ways to get around Casablanca is via the city's efficient Casa Tramway, which runs every 15 minutes between 5:30am and 10:30pm. Tickets cost MAD 7 for a single journey and can be purchased from machines on the tramway platforms. Taxis are also an option for getting ...

  17. 25 Best Things to Do in Casablanca (Morocco)

    The oceanfront Corniche meanwhile is enriched with Africa's second-largest mall, beaches, a theme park, a multiplex cinema and sunset views of the Atlantic. Let's explore the best things to do in Casablanca: 1. Hassan II Mosque. Source: DanKe / shutterstock. Hassan II Mosque.

  18. What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca ...

    Afternoon Tours of the mosque- 3 pm and 4 pm. During Ramadan - tours at 9 am, 10 am and 11 am. Fridays - tours are at 9 am and 10 am, and 3 pm and 4 pm. The tours are conducted in English, French, German and Spanish, and bring visitors in the prayer hall and into subterranean ablutions rooms.

  19. 5 of the Best Things to do in Casablanca, Morocco

    2. Visit Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco. Most Westerners have never been inside a mosque, but if you're visiting Casablanca, Mosque Hassan II offers the rare opportunity to take a tour. Sitting on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, it's one of the world's largest mosques and Morocco's top architectural wonder.

  20. Casablanca travel

    Morocco, Africa. Though not as atmospheric as other Moroccan cities, Casablanca is the best representation of the modern nation. This is where money is being made, where young Moroccans come to seek their fortunes and where business and the creative industries prosper.

  21. Casablanca Travel Blogs

    retiredfflarry. En-route this morning we travel up to Casablanca, made famous by Humphrey Bogart in the film "Casablanca". We will have the option of visiting the stunning Hassan II Mosque, which has the tallest minaret and the third largest mosque in the world, it can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time.

  22. Casablanca Travel Guide

    Why It's Worth It. Many travelers use Casablanca as a point to fly in and fly out of Morocco but few take the time to visit the city. With a modern appeal that showcases the "new" Morocco but also ...

  23. Morocco travel blog

    Morocco travel blog: Overview of Morocco Morocco Map. Geographically, Morocco is formed up of four different regions: The Sahara desert with its towns and Berber oasis (Siwa Oasis); the Atlas and Rif mountains; the plains were home to the royal cities of Strasbourgesh and Fez (Fes); and finally the sandy shores of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by small seaside towns and ...