Home to Morocco’s largest airport, Casablanca is the first port of call for many visitors to the country, although it remains an underrated destination. The largest city in the Maghreb offers a whole host of things to see and do, as well as being the perfect base for exploring some of Morocco’s most alluring destinations.
Fascinating cities like Rabat, Fes and Marrakech are all within easy reach, as are the UNESCO-listed citadel of El Jadida and the blue-hued town of Chefchaouen. With so many incredible Casablanca day trips at your fingertips, there are plenty of reasons to make this bustling port city your Moroccan base.
Read on to learn about 5 of my favourite day trips from Casablanca, including travel times and things to do in each destination.
To learn more about visiting Casablanca, including top attractions, getting there and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Casablanca.
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Rabat
90 kilometres from Casablanca - 1 hour drive/train
Not only is Rabat the capital of Morocco but also one of its four Imperial Cities and a wonderful city to explore on a day trip from Casablanca. Though less famous than Marrakesh and Fes, it has its own allure, with a calmer atmosphere that can be a welcome change of pace. The winding Bou Regreg River separates Rabat from its sister city, Salé, which boasts its own historic charms.
Not-to-miss attractions in Rabat include the ruins of the ancient Chellah necropolis and the hilltop Oudaias Kasbah, which boasts sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean. Marvel at the unfinished Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V before seeing the work of some of Morocco’s most innovative artists at the Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Arts. In striking contrast to Rabat’s walled medina is the Ville Nouvelle, which abounds with elegant French colonial buildings.
While you can jump on a train to visit Rabat independently, I’d highly recommend this private day trip to Rabat from Casablanca to get the most out of the experience.
To learn more about Rabat, including things to see in the Moroccan capital and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Rabat.
El Jadida
102 kilometres from Casablanca - 1.5 hours drive/train
Take a step back in time to the 16th century on a day trip to the Cité Portugaise in El Jadida. Just 102 km south of Casablanca, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a “must” for history enthusiasts interested in Morocco's storied past. Also known as Mazagan, it's an impressive testament to the cultural interchange between Europe and Morocco over the centuries.
Climb the ancient ramparts for sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean before wandering through the citadel’s winding lanes, where centuries-old Portuguese buildings still stand. Don't miss the striking Manueline-style Church of the Assumption with its ornate carvings or the old prison, later converted into the city's synagogue. At the heart of the citadel are the atmospheric Portuguese cisterns, which feature stunning arches and columns that served as an unforgettable backdrop in Orson Welles' classic film “Othello”.
Aside from the services of a knowledgeable guide, this private tour of El Jadida includes return transport to your Casablanca hotel or apartment.
Marrakech
245 kilometres - 3 hours drive/train
With a history stretching back over 1,000 years, Marrakech is a vibrant metropolis and one of Morocco’s most popular tourist destinations. Inside the ancient medina's red sandstone walls, you'll discover a world of wonders - from the bustling souks piled high with carpets and spices, to the intricate tilework and carvings of the city's historic palaces.
Not-to-miss architectural landmarks include the awe-inspiring Medersa Ben Youssef and the ornately decorated Bahia Palace, as well as the beautifully preserved Saadian Tombs. Get up close to Moroccan treasures in the Dar Si Said Museum and Marrakech Museum before discovering Yves Saint Laurent’s links to the city in the Majorelle Gardens.
While you can easily visit Marrakech on this guided day trip from Casablanca (including a camel ride), I’d highly recommend staying a night to experience Djemaa El Fna square after dark. This will also give you the opportunity to overnight in one of Marrakech’s atmospheric riads - a highlight of any Moroccan adventure.
To learn more about Marrakech, including things to see in the city and the best riads to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
Fes
290 kilometres from Casablanca - 3.5 hours drive/train
A labyrinth of history and culture awaits in Fes, one of Morocco's most time-honoured cities. Founded in the 9th century, Fes was home to the world's first university and boasts the largest intact medieval old city on Earth. With credentials like these, it's easy to see why Fes is often called Morocco's cultural capital. In my opinion, it’s a must-visit destination and can easily be explored on a day trip from Casablanca.
Get lost in the winding alleys of Fes el Bali and marvel at Al Quaraouiyine Mosque - an ancient university that now serves as a house of worship. Visit the legendary Chouara Tannery, renowned for its leather goods, and get up close to blue-and-white Fassi pottery at the Museum of Dar Batha. A highlight of visiting Fes is simply wandering the medina's maze of alleys where centuries-old traditions live on.
Fes is a city that’s easy to get lost in, which is why I highly recommend visiting on a guided tour from Casablanca. It takes in all of the city's architectural landmarks, with plenty of time to browse the souks and pick up traditional handicrafts to take home.
To learn more about Fes, including things to see in the city and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes.
Chefchaouen
340 kilometres - 5 hours drive
Chances are, you’ve seen photographs of Chefchaouen, also known as Morocco’s “Blue City”. It’s an enchanting destination, with every shade of blue colouring its streets and buildings. While it’s a bit of a trek from Casablanca, it can be visited as a day trip, especially if there’s the opportunity to get some shut-eye on the journey there and back.
Lose yourself in Chefchaouen’s cobblestone streets, which are packed with stores selling handcrafted goods. At the heart of this small Rif Mountains town is Plaza Uta el-Hamman, which fuses Arabian and Spanish influences in its design. Admire the Grand Mosque and step inside the Kasbah Museum, home to a diverse array of ethnographic treasures. Be sure to make the short hike up to the Spanish Mosque for iconic views across Chefchaouen’s blue-and-white townscape.
With no trains to Chefchaouen (and only relatively slow buses), it’s best to visit the city on a private day trip from Casablanca. This tour leaves early in the morning and returns in the evening, ensuring you have as much time as possible to enjoy Chefchaouen.
To learn more about Chefchaouen, including things to see in the town and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Chefchaouen.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.