Visiting Casablanca Morocco In 2024

Faheem

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Are you planning a visit to Casablanca? That’s amazing!

When I first visited Casablanca, many years ago, I thought that the whole city needed some serious restoration, starting with a well-deserved paint job.

As I learned my way around, I began to appreciate the good and bad about Casablanca. After all, it is the soul of Morocco. It is the biggest and most important city.

Here are 20 of the best things to do and see in Casablanca on your next visit to Morocco.

And if you don’t have a Moroccan trip planned already, check out our guides and itineraries that will help you map your best Morocco itinerary.

FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES

Before you visit: Here are 20 things you should know before you go

Where to go: Check out the 30 most beautiful cities to see in Morocco

Is Morocco safe: Follow these tips to stay safe when visiting Morocco

Pack your bag: Download our Morocco packing list

Getting aroundRent a car in Morocco or use public transport

Going on a Sahara tour: Things to know before visiting the Sahara

Visa: If not visa-free, get your Morocco e-visa

Flights: Search for flights to Morocco

Accommodation: Find a room in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse, or desert camp

Tours and activities: Find customized tours in Morocco

Keep in mind before visiting Casablanca

When planning a trip to Casablanca, there are a few things to keep in mind. By keeping these things in mind, you’ll be sure to have a safe and enjoyable trip to Casablanca.

  • The city is a bustling metropolis in Morocco, so be prepared for large crowds and busy streets. Casablanca is also relatively safe, but like any large city, visitors should take precautions against pickpockets and petty crime.
  • Casablanca is located in a Muslim country, so be respectful of religious and cultural customs
  • Casablanca can be quite hot and humid in summer, so pack light, loose-fitting clothing and plenty of sunscreens.

What to do in Casablanca, Morocco

1. Stay at a Hotel overlooking Casablanca Beach

I love the stunning views of Casablanca beach. When booking a hotel in Casablanca, pick one with a beachside view.

There are many nice hotels overlooking the beach in Ain Diab and Tamaris areas.

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Credit: Four Seasons Casablanca

Our favorite hotel in Casablanca is The Four Seasons Hotel. They have rooms with stunning views of the city and extraordinary service.

The moment you step into the hotel, the staff makes you feel special and welcomed.

The beds are extremely comfortable to the point of having a hard time waking up in the morning.

Everything about this luxury hotel in Casablanca is amazing. I highly recommend it.

2. Visit the Hassan II Mosque

One of the most impressive mosques in the world, the Hassan II Mosque is a must-see when visiting Casablanca.

Completed in 1993, the mosque is built partially on land and partially over the water, with a massive glass floor offering views of the Atlantic Ocean below.

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Hassan II mosque courtyard_capetocasa

It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and it’s the only mosque in Morocco where non-Muslims are allowed to enter (with a guided tour only).

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Getting ready for the walking tour in Hassan II mosque_capetocasa

Travel Tip: If you are planning to visit this marvelous site in Casablanca (and you should), be sure to dress modestly. Women will need to cover their heads, arms, and legs. A long maxi dress with a lightweight scarf can do the job. Men should avoid shorts or anything too revealing.

3. Sample the local cuisine

To taste some of the best Moroccan food in Casablanca, try La Sqala, a restaurant that serves local food.

This restaurant is located in an old Kasbah overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The setting is absolutely beautiful, and the food is delicious.

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Entrance of La Sqala restaurant_Capetocasa

I recommend ordering a few of their dishes including like the different Tagines and of course a Couscous.

My favorite is the seafood platter which comes with a variety of fresh seafood including shrimp, lobster, and fish.

La Sqala is that it’s a bit on the pricey side. But, in my opinion, it’s worth it for the setting and the food.

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Moroccan lunch at La Sqala in Casablanca

But if you want to try some of the best street food in Casablanca, head to Marché Central.

This large covered market is the perfect place to try some of the best local dishes.

I recommend the chicken Pastilla, a traditional Moroccan dish made with chicken, nuts, and spices wrapped in phyllo dough.

4. Watch the sunset at Casablanca beach promenade

The oceanfront promenade in Casablanca is the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

The promenade is lined with palm trees and has a number of restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to relax and watch the sun go down.

You can also head down to the beach, rent a chair and an umbrella, order a cup of tea and enjoy the sunset.

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Sunset in Casablanca beach_Capetocasa

Being a huge city, Casablanca Corniche is the only place for many locals to enjoy the sea breeze and sunset.

If you’re visiting in the summer months, you’ll find the promenade packed with locals enjoying the cooler evening air.

5. Do some shopping in Bab Marrakech Souq 

Head to Bab Marrakech for shopping. Whether it’s shoes, bags, clothes, or Moroccan souvenirs and gifts, this place has it all.

Take a few hours to get lost and do some shopping therapy. It’s good for mental health (said my wife!). 

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Bab Marrakech’s main entry gate in Casablanca

Casablanca has been always our first stop when going back home.

And obviously, Bay Marrakech souk is a must stop in the city. We stock up on all the Moroccan goodies we need at a cheaper price.

The souk is not as big or as good as the ones in Marrakech or Fez.

It has more modern/imported products than traditional Moroccan ones, but it’s still worth visiting.

6. Visit Casablanca’s Fishing Port

The Casablanca Fishing Port is one of the busiest fishing ports in Africa. If you love seafood, this is the place to go!

The port is open to the public, and you can explore it on your own or on a guided tour.

casablanca-morocco-fishing-port

There are a few restaurants in the area where you can buy fresh seafood and have it cooked.

I recommend visiting early in the morning when the fishing boats come in and the fish are being unloaded.

It’s a great time to take pictures and see the busy port in action.

7. Explore the Old Medina of Casablanca

The Old Medina is the historic center of Casablanca and is home to a number of interesting streets and alleys.

The old Medina of Casablanca is not as large or as popular as those found in the Moroccan imperial cities which means not many tourists make it here.

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A street in Casablanca’s old Medina

I personally wouldn’t recommend you to explore the old Medina streets without a local or a professional guide as there are areas which can be difficult for tourists to navigate.

But, if you manage to get a local friend or a guide to take you, the Old Medina is where you get a real sense local culture, away from the glitz and glamour of Casablanca’s modern center.

8. Feed the pigeons at Place Mohammed V

If you are traveling with kids, take them Place Mohammed V to feed the pigeons. They will love it!

It’s a large open square located in the center of Casablanca. It’s also home to a number of important government buildings and monuments.

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Pigeons having a ball at Place Mohammed V

The pigeons here are very used to being fed by tourists, and it’s a fun activity for everyone, not just kids.

Plus, Place Mohammed V is one of the most popular squares in Casablanca and is a great place to relax, people watch, and enjoy the modern part of the city.

Just be aware that there are a lot of birds, so if you have any allergies it might not be the best activity

9. Admire the colonial time architecture

When you are done watching the pigeons at Mohamed V square, take a stroll around to explore the architectural buildings.

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Casablanca’s French colonial buildings

This area of Casablanca was built in the 1920s and 1930s by the French and is home to a number of beautiful art deco buildings.

The best way to explore the new side of Casablanca is on foot, and there are a number of tours available that will take you around to see the best of the area’s architecture.

9. Explore Casablanca on the Tramway

The Casablanca Tramway is a great way to get around the city, especially if you’re not comfortable driving in Morocco.

The tramway is clean, efficient and cheap.

There are three lines that run through the city, and each line has around 30 stops.

The tramway is a great way to see some of Casablanca’s different neighborhoods.

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Tramway in Casablanca

To use the tramway you can easily purchase a disposable ticket for 2 dirhams (can be used 1 time only) from a machine at any tramway stop.

And you can also purchase the rechargeable card for 15 dirhams ($1.5) from a tramway office.

A single ride costs 6 dirhams (about $0.60), and you can also purchase a 10-ride card for 50 dirhams (about $5).

In the Casatramway website, you can find a map with all the tramway stops, and schedules, as well as a list of their offices and resellers in the city

10. Visit Mahkama du Pacha

The Mahkama du Pacha is a stunning architectural landmark that was constructed during the French colonialism of Morocco in 1925 by a French architect called Auguste Cadet.

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Mahkama du Pacha in Casablanca

Today, the Mahkama du Pacha is still used as a government building. The bad news is, it’s not easy to just walk in for most tourists if they are not with a guided tour group.

I highly recommend booking a Casablanca city tour that has Mahkama du Pacha on the itinerary because it’s one of the most work of art buildings in the city that one must see!

11. Take a day trip to Rabat

Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, is just a short drive from Casablanca and makes for a great day trip.

Even though Rabat is just a short drive from Casablanca, it has quite a different vibe to it, and is well worth a visit.

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Hassan tower monument in Rabat_capetocasa

Some of the things you can do there is explore the 12th-century Rabat walls, visit the impressive Hassan Tower, and stroll through the beautiful Andalusian Gardens.

Rabat is also home to a number of museums, including the Museum of Moroccan Arts and the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

You can either drive or take the train, which takes around an hour and a half.

Related: What Do To In Rabat Morocco

12. Relax on a Casablanca beach

With its Mediterranean climate, there are plenty of beach options to choose from near Casablanca.

To be honest they are not the best beaches in Morocco but they are the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy the sunshine.

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Having a local ice cream in the Ain Diab beach_capetocasa

If you’re looking for a beach that’s a bit more popular, head to the public beach, Ain Diab.

This beach is packed with restaurants, and cafes, also the perfect place to people-watch.

For a more private experience, check out Playa del Mar beach club in the Tamaris neighborhood for the tranquil atmosphere.

13. See the Casablanca cathedral

Casablanca cathedral also known as the Church of the Sacred Heart is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

The cathedral was built in the 1930s by the French and is a beautiful example of art deco architecture.

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Church of the Sacred Heart in Casablanca

The cathedral is no longer used as an active church since Morocco gained its independence, but it is still protected and looked after as an important cultural site in the city.

I never had the chance to go inside the cathedral, and last time I heard it was closed for renovations, but it’s still worth seeing the architecture from the outside.

14. Walk around the Habous Quarter

The Habous quarters is home to a number of mosques and madrasas, as well as a large traditional souk.

The buildings here are all very ornate, and the atmosphere is lively and vibrant. It is considered a cultural and religious center in Casablanca.

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A random empty street in the Habous neighborhood in Casablanca

The architecture in this area is quite ornate with a mix of Moroccan and French colonial Art Deco styles.

If you’re looking to do some authentic shopping while in Casablanca, the Habous Quarter is the place to go.

The souk here is one of the largest in Casablanca and sells everything from spices to traditional clothing.

15. Take a cooking class

Taking a cooking class in Casablanca is a great way to learn about the local cuisine and culture.

There are a few different options when choosing a cooking class in Casablanca.

My recommended options are this 6 hours private market tour and cooking class.

The classes are private, and you will go on a shopping experience to pick up fresh produce to cook traditional Moroccan dishes.

You can either choose dinner or a lunch option.

16. Visit Morocco Mall

Are you in for some shopping? Then you have to check out Morocco Mall, the largest shopping mall in Africa!

The mall has over 350 stores, a cinema, an aquarium, a roller coaster, and much more.

It’s a great place to spend a day if you’re looking for some air conditioning and want to escape the heat.

To get to Morocco Mall, you can take the tramway or a taxi. The mall is located about 10 kilometers from the city center.

17. Have a romantic dinner with a view

There are a few cool places by the beach where you can have dinner and enjoy the views of the water and the city skyline.

One of the most popular places for an awesome night date dinner is Le Cabestan. The restaurant is located in a well-put place by the beach, even their bathrooms come with a stunning beach view.

The food is just marvelous, they have a little bit of everything on their menu and the service is outstanding.

To have dinner at Le Cabestan, I recommend making a reservation in advance because it’s a very popular place and gets crowded, especially on the weekends. Don’t forget to ask for a table with a beach view, they run out very fast.

Price-wise, it’s a bit on the expensive side but definitely worth it for a special occasion or date night.

18. Enjoy a Moroccan Hammam

My Moroccan wife always recommend a Moroccan Hammam for relaxation and I can’t agree more. a hot steamy Hammam will do you good after a long day exploring.

Also, a Hammam ritual helps open the pores, exfoliating dead skin cells and leaves the skin exceptionally soft.

You can book a Hammam session in your hotel or Riad. It usually lasts an hour and involves applying Moroccan products such as black soap and rhassoul clay.

Casablanca Morocco Map

How to use this map? Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps. 

Wanna check our detailed map of Morocco? Check this post out

Best time to visit Casablanca

It’s safe to say that Casablanca is a year-round destination to visit. It’s a coastal city where the weather is considered to be normal.

From June to September, the average temperature is 18C-26C and from October to May, the weather is slightly colder with temperatures ranging between 9C to 22C.

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A sunny day in Casablanca new Medina

Casablanca is a high-season destination in Summer, with thousands of tourists making it a stop before heading to Marrakech.

if you are looking for low crowds on the Souks and a short wait line at tourist attractions consider visiting Casablanca during the low season, between November to February.

Is it safe to visit Casablanca?

Is Casablanca safe to visit? Absolutely!

Safety-wise, Casablanca is generally a welcoming place, so you can relax for the most part.

But it’s good to be a bit more cautious during the night, especially around areas like the Old Medina.

Is Casablanca worth visiting

Very often Casablanca is overlooked as a travel destination even though it’s one of the most famous cities in Morocco. Instead, tourists prefer Fez and Marrakech for their trips.

Casablanca is home to Mohammed V Airport, the biggest airport in Morocco. Therefore, there is a high chance you will end up in Casablanca. So, why not spend a day exploring the city?

Instead of immediately hopping on a train to Marrakech, just give the city a chance by spending a day or two. After all, Casablanca is home to some of Morocco’s iconic attractions that are worth checking out. 

How to get to Casablanca

Flying to Casablanca seems the easy way if you are coming from abroad.

The biggest airport in Morocco, Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is located in Casablanca.

You can find very affordable flights with Royal Air Maroc airlines or other international airlines.

Morocco has a pretty developed railway (ONCF) that’s connecting most big cities.

So, if you are anywhere in Morocco and want to get to Casablanca just look for the nearest train station.

Hiring a car is our favorite option to get to different parts of Morocco. The roads are well-maintained and it allows us to explore at our own pace.

How to get around Casablanca

The Tramway is a popular form of transport for everyone living or visiting Casablanca. There are several lines connecting different neighborhoods of the city.

You can also use small Taxis (red colored taxis). It’s a cheap and efficient way to explore the city.

Uber is not available in Morocco but there is an app called In Drive. You can hire both taxis and drivers using it.

Learn more about navigating Morocco using public transport from our guide here.

Where to stay in Casablanca

There are around 20 different neighborhoods in Casablanca. And I’m sure you don’t want to spend two hours on public transport to get to Hassan II mosque.

Here, we have a detailed guide about the best neighborhoods and hotels in Casablanca to be in when you visit.

Make sure to check that out.

Wrapping up

While Marrakech and Fez are just for tourists mostly, Casablanca is the real Morocco.

It may not be pretty but it is what it is, take it or leave it. I’ll take it with open arms.

Here is a video of a walking tour in Casablanca. In this video, you will get an idea and feel about Casablanca’s streets, sounds, vibes, and atmosphere.

Enjoy!

FAQs

Casablanca is called the White City because many of its buildings, especially in the older parts of the city, are painted white.

Casablanca has a special blend of modernity and tradition. From the stunning Hassan II Mosque, and the Art Deco architecture, to the vibrant markets, and the bustling seaside promenade.

I personally don’t think Casablanca is better than Marrakech. I prefer Marrakech for a tourist experience. Marrakech is renowned for its historic Medina, traditional souks, and rich cultural heritage in general while Casablanca is more of a modern, cosmopolitan experience combined Moroccan local culture. I do prefer Casablanca’s weather though.

Casablanca is a big city but it has several walkable areas, especially around the Hassan II Mosque, beach promenade, and the Old Medina. But for longer distances, you need to use public transport.

Two to three days are more than enough to explore the main attractions of Casablanca, including the Hassan II Mosque, the Corniche, the Old Medina, and some of the Art Deco buildings.

Yes, it is generally safe to walk around Casablanca during the day. As with any large city, it’s wise to stay vigilant, especially at night, and in less crowded or touristy areas.

Not really. Casablanca is great for all budgets. You can find food, places to stay, and ways to get around for cheap or for more money if you want to spend more.

The best times to visit Casablanca are during spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is cool and not too hot and that’s usually around July-August.

Yes, Casablanca is worth visiting for its unique blend of traditional Moroccan and modern lifestyles.

Both Casablanca and Rabat have their own unique charms and attractions. Rabat has a more relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful gardens. Casablanca offers a vibrant city life, architectural landmarks, and a dynamic cultural scene. I do like Rabat more.

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