As the largest city in Morocco (and home to one of Africa’s biggest international ports), Casablanca is a major gateway to the Maghreb. This bustling metropolis exudes a modern vibe unseen in other parts of the country, making it a unique destination for experiencing contemporary Moroccan life.
That being said, its heritage districts can't compete with the medinas of Marrakech and Fes, meaning many travellers pass straight through en route elsewhere. But it’s worth spending a few days to discover its architectural treasures and monumental mosque or use it as a base for day trips throughout the area.
Casablanca can easily be used as a launching point for excursions to Marrakech, Fes and Rabat, as well as the “Blue City” of Chefchaouen. These are particularly popular with business travellers based in Casablanca who want to explore beyond the urban sprawl. For those travelling through Casablanca with a layover, many of the city’s top attractions can easily be squeezed into a half-day tour.
In this Ultimate Travel Guide to Casablanca, discover everything you need to know to experience this economic powerhouse of the Maghreb to the fullest, from the best things to do and highly-rated hotels to my top tour recommendations.
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BEST TOURS IN CASABLANCA
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top Casablanca tour recommendations:
Things to do in Casablanca
Discover Casablanca’s architectural wonders
While Casablanca’s medina lacks the atmosphere of its counterparts in Marrakech and Fes, the city’s architecture makes it worthy of a wander. Place Mohamed V is the beating heart of Casablanca and where many of its most important institutions reside, including the grand Palace of Justice and the Bank of Morocco building. Their neo-Moorish facades blend traditional Moroccan designs with the sleek lines of Art Deco and Art Nouveau.
This unique Mauresque architectural style was the brainchild of French Resident-General Lyautey, who sought to modernise Casablanca in the early 1900s while preserving its cultural heritage. Wandering the downtown district between Place Mohamed V and Boulevard Mohamed V, you'll discover block after block of these ornate buildings that fuse European and Moroccan influences into a distinctive Casablancan style.
For some of the best examples, take a stroll down Rue Tahar Sabti or Boulevard Mohamed V. Admire the intricate geometric patterns, horseshoe arches and other details that make Mauresque architecture so recognisable. To really immerse yourself in Casablanca’s architectural heritage, I’d recommend this walking tour of the medina and its surroundings.
Tour the Hassan II Mosque
Rising majestically above Casablanca's coastline, the colossal Hassan II Mosque commands attention. Completed in 1993, this architectural marvel is one of the world’s largest mosques and Morocco's most ambitious building project.
Its intricately decorated prayer hall accommodates 25,000 worshippers while the vast courtyard (boasting a retractable roof) welcomes over 80,000 people. Soaring 200 metres above the mosque is one of the tallest minarets on Earth while every surface is lavishly adorned with religious motifs.
What adds to the drama of the Hassan II Mosque is its spectacular cliffside perch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Skip-the-line guided tours are offered several times daily for visitors wanting to experience the mosque's magnificence and its architectural innovations.
For those short on time, Casablanca's highlights can easily be seen during a half-day city tour. Stops include the Hassan II Mosque, bustling Marché Central and the Quartier Habous, as well as the scenic Corniche boardwalk and downtown's Place Mohamed V.
Things to do in Casablanca
Stroll along the Corniche
After visiting the Hassan II Mosque, stroll west along the Corniche, a pedestrianised promenade that offers magnificent views across the Atlantic Ocean. It leads all the way to the beachside district of Ain Diab, home to upscale hotels, lively eateries and a public beach. At Ain Diab's private beach clubs, you’ll find pools and lounge chairs where you can spend an afternoon under the sun.
If you’re visiting on a warm weekend, you’ll get to mingle with local families who come to picnic and take leisurely walks along the Corniche. It's a perfect spot for people-watching in Casablanca!
Marvel at the Cathedral du Sacre Coeur
With its gleaming white facade, the Cathedral du Sacre Coeur is an architectural gem in the heart of Casablanca. Built in the 1930s, this graceful cathedral artfully blends European Art Deco style with Moroccan motifs in what is a harmonious fusion. No longer a religious house of worship, the cathedral serves as a cultural centre and hosts changing art exhibitions.
Another noteworthy church is Notre Dame de Lourdes on Boulevard Mohamed Zerktouni. Built in the 1950s, this Modernist cathedral is illuminated by a massive stained-glass window that bathes the interior in coloured light. Though different in style, both cathedrals are emblematic of Casablanca's diverse architectural and cultural heritage.
Get your retail fix in the Marche Central
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Marche Central, where locals shop for everything from fresh sardines to clay tagines. Located between Rue Allal Ben Abdallah and Boulevard Mohamed V, this lively market offers an authentic slice of Moroccan life, with piles of fragrant spices, pyramids of shiny olives and vendors touting the day's catch.
For a true taste of Morocco, pull up a stool at one of the casual courtyard restaurants and sample a tender lamb tagine or grilled fish straight from the market stalls. Don't miss the specialty food shops peddling local delicacies like bottles of aromatic argan oil and baskets of plump dates—perfect edible souvenirs.
For a more curated shopping experience, head to Quartier Haboos and its Souq Haboos, known for quality handicrafts like ornate ceramics, colourful textiles and hand-woven rugs.
Things to do in Casablanca
Learn about Morocco’s Jewish heritage
Occupying a former orphanage in Casablanca's peaceful Oasis neighbourhood is the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, which is the only museum dedicated to Judaism in the Arab world. For centuries, this historic home nurtured the city's thriving Jewish community and today, it celebrates its 2,000-year heritage.
In addition to old photographs, traditional costumes and religious artefacts, the museum features Torah scrolls and a 1944 bimah from a Casablanca synagogue. It also showcases the distinctive traditions of Jewish Amazighs, including costumes and khmisa pendants worn throughout the generations. Guests can also peek inside a recreated jewellery workshop modelled after that of famed silversmith Saul Cohen.
You can learn more about Morocco's Jewish cultural heritage in this detailed article.
Day trip to El Jadida
Transport yourself back in time to 16th-century Portugal on a day trip to the UNESCO-listed Cité Portugaise fortress in El Jadida. Just 102 kilometres south of Casablanca, this seaside gem is a must-see for history buffs interested in Morocco’s past. Also known as Mazagan, it is an impressive example of the interchange between European and Moroccan cultures throughout the centuries.
Climb the ancient ramparts for breathtaking ocean vistas before meandering through the fortress's winding lanes, where centuries-old buildings have been meticulously preserved. In the northeast corner lies the eerie old prison, later converted into the city's synagogue. Also not to miss is the Manueline-style Church of the Assumption. But the real star is the atmospheric cisterns at the heart of the citadel, which served as a set for Orson Welles' classic film “Othello”.
This guided tour to Jadida includes transport to and from Casablanca/Casablanca Airport and takes in all of the city’s major attractions.
Best tours in Casablanca
Top tours in Casablanca
Top day trips from Casablanca
For more inspiration, check out my article detailing the Best Day Trips From Casablanca.
Travel guide to Casablanca
How to get to Casablanca
Fly to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport
Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport is the main aviation gateway to Morocco and lies around 35 kilometres from the city centre. The most affordable way to travel between the two is by train. Just head downstairs from Terminal 1 to hop on the direct 45-minute ride into town.
Official taxis park just outside the terminal buildings and provide 24-hour service to downtown Casablanca. Booking a private airport transfer will ensure the driver is there when you arrive and save you the hassle of negotiating a fare.
If you’re flying into Casablanca and have a few hours to kill before continuing on to another Moroccan destination, this Casablanca layover tour is ideal. It can be tailored to suit the time you have available and includes return transport from the airport.
Private transfer
If you’re travelling overland from another Moroccan city, the most comfortable and convenient way to reach Casablanca is by booking a private transfer. You'll get door-to-door service directly to your Casablanca hotel, avoiding the hassle of lugging bags to and from a bus station or negotiating fares with taxi drivers.
By train
Casablanca has railway connections to most major Moroccan cities, with the national railway company ONCF operating daily trains to and from cities like Marrakech and Fes. The journey from Marrakech takes just 3 hours while Fes is 3.5 hours away. Rabat can be reached from Casablanca in just one hour by train.
Bus
One of the most affordable ways to reach Casablanca is by bus, with daily coaches connecting from cities across Morocco. The journey from Marrakech takes around 3.5 hours while Fes is 4 hours away. From Agadir, the bus trip to Casablanca is 5.5 hours.
Things to do in Casablanca
Best places to stay in Casablanca
While Casablanca doesn’t have the atmospheric riads of Marrakech and Fes or the historic kasbah hotels of Ouarzazate, it does boast a good choice of private apartments and comfortable hotels catering to business travellers. The city caters best to the mid-range price point, with a few options for budget-conscious backpackers or those seeking luxury.
Luxury places to stay in Casablanca
Mid-range places to stay in Casablanca
Affordable places to stay in Casablanca
Best time to visit Casablanca
Best time to visit Casablanca
The weather in Casablanca varies throughout the year and there really is no “bad” time to visit. Spring brings mild temperatures perfect for sightseeing, with daily averages around 16°C between March and May. While rain is less likely than in winter, pack an umbrella for the occasional shower.
When summer hits, locals and visitors alike head to the seaside to enjoy temperatures in the mid to high 20s. The Corniche comes alive with people strolling the promenade and gathering on the beach. Casablanca doesn’t receive the large numbers of tourists that other Moroccan cities do, so the summer spike in accommodation prices isn’t so prominent. It’s also a great time for festivals in the city, with both Jazzablanca and the Festival de Casablanca taking place.
Autumn is an ideal time to visit, with lower temps and gentle breezes. Winter months bring more rain but still mild temperatures that are only slightly cooler than in the springtime.
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