Casablanca Travel Guide

Getting there

By Plane

Casablanca Airport is one of the biggest airports in Africa. It is the gateway to the country and has many connections to other African countries. The Airport is located 25km from the center of the city.
A train service runs approximately every 60 minutes to and from Casablanca airport to the city (Station : 'Casa Voyageur'). Travel time is approximately 30 minutes and the ticket cost is 43 Dhs (5$). The first train leaves the airport at 4am and the last one leaves at 11:45pm.

By Train

There are two main train stations in Casablanca, 'Casa Voyageur' and 'Casa Port' both in the center. You can travel by train to almost all major cities in Morocco.

By Bus

Nearly all destinations are served and are very reasonably priced. 'CTM' and 'Supratours' are recommended.

By Car

All major cities in Morocco are accessible via the highway from Casablanca, however, be aware that driving within Casablanca requires a lot of attention as Casablanca is a highly congested city.

Where to Stay in Casablanca

Hotel & Spa le Doge
From 139.5$

Dar Tahra
From 80$

Riad Les Yeux Bleus
From 70$

History

Have you heard of the movie Casablanca? Well, Casablanca is in Morocco. The origins of Casablanca remain a mystery, however, according to Leo Africanus (1494-1554) - a Berber Andalusi diplomat author of the book 'Description of Africa', the city called 'Anfa' was founded by the Romans.
In the early 15th century, Anfa was targeted by the Portuguese and they used the city to build a military fortress which they called 'Casa Branca' meaning 'White House' in Portuguese.
After the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755 and the tsunami which swept the coast of North Africa the city was abandoned. In 1760 under the reign of Alawite Sultan Mohammed III, the city rose in importance as a port for international trade.

Places to visit

Hassan II Mosque

Be sure not to miss this place, Hassan II was the King of Morocco from 1961 until his death in 1999. The Hassan II mosque is the largest mosque in Morocco. Its minaret is the world's tallest at 210 metres. Over 6000 people worked on the mosque and the minaret towers over it, at a height of 689ft. Positioned by the Atlantic Ocean the mosque sees around 1000 people visiting it on a daily basis. Fortunately for non-muslim visitors this is one of the rare mosques where they may enter and take a guided tour around.

"I wish Casablanca to be endowed with a large, fine building of witch it can be proud until the end of time. I want to build this mosque on the water, because God's throne is on the water." King Hassan II

The Corniche

A nice long walk along the Corniche, enjoying the Atlantic breeze is a must. It's very close to city center and there are many cafes and restaurants where you can sip a delicious mint tea.

Quartier Habous

The perfect place to get your gifts and souvenirs, the place is not very crowded and you have small shops around. You can shop traditional clothing or just drink a mint tea

Morocco Mall

Casablanca is the Moroccan shopping capital, Morocco Mall is the second largest shopping center in Africa. The mall combines both shops and restaurants (more than 600 brands) but there is also a nice aquarium and a modern IMAX 3D movie theatre which offers English language movies.

Museums in Casablanca

Abderrahman Slaoui Museum

This small museum offers visitors a wide ranging collection of Moroccan Art, craftmanship and posters.

Villa des Arts de Casablanca

Many exhibitions, from different artists take place throughout the year. Entry is also free.

Museum of Moroccan Judaism

This small museum is a good place to learn about the history of the Jewish community in Morocco.

Fun activities abound in Casablanca

Casablanca is a well-designed modern city with all the conveniences you can think of: comfortable hotels, a multi-mode transportation system with great coverage and comprehensive infrastructure. But, above all, this is a great place to experience life. The city buzzes with curiosity and offers year-round entertainment.

Come enjoy its slate of cultural events, which is one of the most jam-packed in the country! National and international stars perform at the various festivals, concerts, shows and other cultural happenings. The best-known events are the Jazzablanca Festival, Boulevard Tremplin and the Casablanca Festival.

The city's energy radiates throughout the whole region. Casablanca is a can't-miss destination for party people in search of a good time! Clubs and restaurants pulse with trendy music to keep you dancing all night long!

Casablanca embodies a lifestyle, where tangible and intangible culture are equally important. Get carried away by its inviting, energetic atmosphere and taste for exploration!

Casablanca is Morocco’s economic capital and its most modern city. Most travelers pass through quickly, but a day here rewards you with one of the largest mosques in the world, a breezy ocean corniche and some of the finest Art Deco architecture in Africa. Here are the best things to do.

Top Things to Do in Casablanca

1. Visit the Hassan II Mosque. The undisputed highlight and one of the very few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Its minaret is the tallest in the world at 210 metres, and part of it is built out over the Atlantic. Guided tours run several times a day.
2. Walk the Corniche in Ain Diab. Casablanca’s seafront promenade, lined with cafes, beach clubs, pools and seafood restaurants. It is where locals come to stroll at sunset, and the best place to feel the city relax.
3. Explore the old Medina. Smaller and less touristy than those of Fes or Marrakesh, the old medina is a slice of everyday Moroccan life just steps from the modern centre — good for a wander and a cheap tea.
4. Admire the Art Deco and Mauresque downtown. Around Place Mohammed V and Boulevard Mohammed V, French-era architects blended Art Deco with Moorish motifs into a unique ‘Mauresque’ style. Look up at the balconies, wrought iron and facades.
5. Shop the Quartier Habous. The ‘new medina’ built in the 1930s, with tidy arcades selling olives, pastries, babouches and Moroccan books. Home to some of the best sweets in the city.
6. See the Cathedrale Sacre-Coeur. A striking white former cathedral, now deconsecrated, whose clean Art Deco lines make it one of the city’s most photographed buildings.
7. Have a drink at Rick’s Cafe. A recreation of the bar from the film Casablanca, complete with piano and period decor. Touristy but fun, and the food is good.
8. Browse the Morocco Mall. One of Africa’s largest shopping malls, on the Corniche, with an indoor aquarium and international brands — a very different Morocco from the souks.

How Many Days in Casablanca?

Casablanca works well as a half-day to one-day stop, often at the start or end of a trip since most international flights land here. See the Hassan II Mosque, the Corniche and the Art Deco centre in a day. If you are debating whether to linger, read our honest take on whether Casablanca is worth visiting.

Getting There and Around

Mohammed V International Airport is Morocco’s main hub. A direct ONCF train links the airport to the city centre — full details on our page about getting from Casablanca airport to the city. Fast trains connect Casablanca to Rabat (under an hour) and Marrakesh, Tangier and Fes. In town, use the tramway and petits taxis.

Orient yourself with our map of Casablanca before choosing where to base yourself — the city centre and the Corniche are the two most convenient areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Casablanca worth visiting?

Yes, for at least a day. The Hassan II Mosque alone justifies a stop, and the Art Deco centre and Corniche add to it. Many travelers use Casablanca as an arrival or departure point rather than a long stay.

Can you visit the Hassan II Mosque?

Yes. It is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, through guided tours that run several times a day outside prayer times.

How many days do you need in Casablanca?

One day is enough to see the main sights. Half a day covers the mosque and Corniche if you are short on time.

Is Casablanca safe for tourists?

Casablanca is generally safe for visitors. Take the usual big-city precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas and at night.

Coordinates: 33° 34′ 42.44″ N, 7° 36′ 23.89″ W

Name in English	Casablanca
Name in Arabic	Dar Bida
Region	Casablanca - Settat
Population	3 360 818
Demonym	Casaoui
Zip Code	20 000

• Casablanca weather
• Monday 12:00
• Sky is clear
• 27ºC | 80°F
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