Destination guide · Casablanca-Settat
Casablanca Travel Guide
Morocco’s modern Atlantic metropolis
- Best time
- April to June, September to October
- Region
- Casablanca-Settat
- Getting there
- Mohammed V Airport (CMN), about 40 min by train
- Known for
- Hassan II Mosque, Art Deco, the Corniche
Overview
Why visit Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca, Morocco is the country’s largest city and economic capital, a fast moving Atlantic metropolis that most travelers pass through on their way in or out. Give it a day and you will find one of the world’s most impressive mosques, streets of Art Deco buildings and some of the country’s best seafood. Its name comes from the Portuguese for “white house”, and the city’s modern character makes a striking contrast with the medinas of Fes and Marrakech. The Corniche in Ain Diab, the Habous quarter and the Central Market are all worth a visit, and the train makes Rabat an easy day trip.
Gallery
Casablanca, Morocco in pictures
A quick look at the places in this guide.
When to go
Best time to visit Casablanca
The best months to visit Casablanca, Morocco are April to June, September to October.
Best
Spring (April to June)
Mild, sunny days of 20 to 25°C, great for walking the Corniche.
Good
Summer (July to August)
Warm but moderated by the ocean, around 27°C. The beaches get busy.
Best
Autumn (September to October)
Warm sea and pleasant temperatures.
Wet
Winter (November to March)
Mild at 17 to 20°C but the wettest months, with grey spells.
Our picks
Top 10 attractions in Casablanca
Our pick of the ten places not to miss in Casablanca, Morocco, each with a local tip.
Hassan II Mosque
Completed in 1993 on a platform over the ocean, with a minaret of about 210 metres. One of the few mosques in Morocco that visitors of any faith can enter.
Local tip: Join an official guided tour; they are not held during prayer times.
The Corniche & Aïn Diab
The seafront promenade with beach clubs, cafés and surf spots.
Local tip: Walk it at sunset, then have dinner facing the ocean.
Old Medina
A small medina where people still live near the port, less touristy than those of Fes or Marrakech.
Local tip: Good for everyday shopping and street food.
Quartier Habous
The “new medina” built in the 1930s with arcades, bookshops, olive stalls and pastry shops.
Local tip: Try the almond pastries at the famous Bennis patisserie.
Mohammed V Square
The grand administrative square framed by Hispano-Moorish buildings.
Local tip: A good starting point for an architecture walk.
Photo: Hamza Izourane, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Art Deco downtown
Boulevard Mohammed V and the surrounding streets are lined with facades from the 1920s and 1930s.
Local tip: Look up: the details are on the upper floors.
Photo: Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sacré-Cœur Cathedral
A white 1930s former cathedral mixing Art Deco and Moorish styles, now a cultural space.
Local tip: Check opening times; it is used for events.
Central Market
A downtown market of fish, flowers and produce with stalls that cook your seafood.
Local tip: Go at lunchtime for grilled fish.
Photo: C messier, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morocco Mall
One of Africa’s largest malls, by the ocean, with an aquarium.
Local tip: Useful on a rainy day.
Experiences
Things to do in Casablanca
Take a guided Art Deco walk
Local heritage groups run walks through the historic centre.
Eat seafood by the port
Casablanca’s fish is some of the freshest in the country.
Surf at Aïn Diab
Surf schools rent boards and offer lessons for beginners.
Ride the tram
A clean, easy way to cross the city.
Watch the sunset on the Corniche
Join locals strolling along the ocean.
Visit a hammam
Traditional or modern spas are easy to find.
Transport
Getting to and around Casablanca
Getting there
Mohammed V Airport (CMN) serves Casablanca, Morocco and is the country’s main hub, linked to the city by a train of about 40 minutes. The Al Boraq high speed train reaches Tangier in about 2h10, and regular trains run to Rabat (about 1h), Marrakech (about 2h40) and Fes (about 4h).
Getting around
The tram covers the main sights, and red petit taxis are everywhere. Use the meter, or a ride hailing app where available.
Accommodation
Where to stay in Casablanca
Sights and trains
City centre
Near Casa Port station, the medina and the Art Deco streets.
Sea views
Corniche & Aïn Diab
Beach hotels, restaurants and nightlife along the ocean.
Shopping and dining
Maarif & Gauthier
Lively neighbourhoods with cafés and boutiques.
Nearby
Day trips from Casablanca
- 1 h
Rabat
The capital, with its kasbah and Hassan Tower.
- 30 min
Mohammedia
A seaside town with beaches and a marina.
- 1 h 30
El Jadida
The UNESCO listed Portuguese cistern and fortified city.
- 1 h 15
Azemmour
A quiet riverside medina known for street art.
Good to know
Casablanca FAQ
Is Casablanca, Morocco worth visiting?
Yes, for a day or two. The Hassan II Mosque alone is worth the stop, and it is an easy start or end to a trip.
Can visitors who aren’t Muslim enter the Hassan II Mosque?
Yes, on official guided tours, which do not run during prayer times.
Is Casablanca, Morocco safe?
It is a big city, so take normal precautions, especially around the port and late at night.
How do I get from the airport to Casablanca, Morocco?
Take the train from the airport station, or a grand taxi at a fixed fare.
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