Casablanca City Guide. What are the places to visit and the top things to do in Casablanca Morocco? This guide is a list of the best activities in Casablanca including where to eat and where to stay in Casablanca.
When I first arrived in Casablanca, my impression was nothing like the movie that had sparked my curiosity. I had pictured a city wrapped in romance and intrigue, a place that echoed the timeless charm of the film Casablanca.
Instead, I found myself walking through wide boulevards and crowded streets, surrounded by skyscrapers, endless traffic, and the sound of honking horns. It felt like I had stepped into a modern business hub rather than the city of mystery I had imagined.

Casablanca sometimes feels like a cold, concrete jungle…
At first, Casablanca seemed cold and distant. The city looked like a metropolis stripped of its soul, an economic capital buzzing with commuters and business meetings. If I had left right away without digging deeper, this is the impression I would still carry with me today. I felt as though I was chasing a version of Casablanca that no longer existed.
But cities have a way of surprising you when you give them time. As I lingered and allowed myself to wander, a peculiar charm slowly revealed itself. It wasn’t loud or obvious, but it was there, in the quiet corners, in the rhythm of daily life, in the unexpected moments of connection. Casablanca asked me to look past the surface and discover what makes it unique.
It’s true that Casablanca doesn’t have the traditional magic of cities like Tangier, Marrakech, or Chefchaouen. It doesn’t sweep you off your feet the moment you arrive. Instead, its beauty unfolds gradually, like a story told in whispers rather than shouts. And that subtlety is exactly what makes the city special.
Because many visitors only spend a short time here, I decided to create a guide for how to experience Casablanca in two days. This guide includes the well-known highlights, of course, but also a few hidden gems – places and moments where I felt truly connected to the soul of the city. My hope is that you’ll leave Casablanca not only with photos of its landmarks but also with a sense of its quiet, authentic charm.
Tip: See my Morocco Travel Page for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Morocco!
Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Plan your trip to Casablanca
Where to stay
- Best mid-range choice: Hotel Syracuse
- Top Riad: Riad Dar El Malaika
Top experiences in and around Casablanca
- Highlights of Casablanca City Tour
- Historical and Cultural Casablanca City Tour
- Casablanca City Night Tour
Plan your trip to Morocco
Things you need to know before going to Casablanca City
First of all, you need to know that Casablanca is huge! It’s the biggest city in Morocco. It’s also one of the largest and most important cities in Africa, both economically and demographically.
According to a population estimate from 2014, the city has a population of about 3.35 million in the urban area and over 6.8 million in the suburbs.

Casablanca is the main city-port of Morocco. It’s also the city that is considered the economic capital of Morocco so this contributes to the feeling the city gives of being a huge cold metropolis.
Most foreign and domestic companies doing business in Morocco have their headquarters in Casablanca. If you’re looking forward to relaxing in a calm little Moroccan village, Casablanca is probably not the best choice.
Where is Casablanca City?
Casablanca is located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The city is located 87 km south of Rabat and 244 km north of Marrakech.
It’s in the ideal location for any traveler wanting to discover the Moroccan coast. Beautiful surf towns such as Essaouira and Taghazout are easily reached from Casablanca.

A bit of history about Casablanca Morocco
Casablanca was founded and settled by the Berber during the seventh century. The city was used as a port by the Phoenicians and later by the Romans and was called Anfa.
When the Portuguese conquered the city in 1468, they decided to call it Casablanca, meaning “white house” in Portuguese. It was an important Portuguese port until it fell to the hands of the Spanish crown.
The Europeans eventually abandoned the area in 1755 following an earthquake that destroyed most of the town.
The town was finally reconstructed by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah (1756–1790), the grandson of Moulay Ismail and an ally of George Washington. The town was called ad-Dār al-Bayḍāʼ – the Arabic translation of the Portuguese Casa Branca.
A few recommendations and tips before visiting Casablanca
Before visiting Casablanca, I would suggest learning a few words of Moroccan Arabic or French. Most shop owners and taxi drivers in Casablanca only speak these two languages while the younger generation is starting to learn English.
Learning a few words of Moroccan Arabic will help you during your visit. I highly recommend getting your hands on the Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook.
It is packed with all the essential words and phrases you will need on your trip to Morocco and will help you in every situation — from finding a hotel room to ordering tajine or joining the local festivities this book will cover almost every situation you could imagine.

I would also recommend getting a map software on your phone that works offline. Google Maps has helped us navigate the streets of Casablanca and many other Moroccan cities.
One of the cool features of Google Maps is that it can be used both online and offline. Connect to the wifi at your hostel and download a map of the part Casablanca you wish to explore. This map works with the GPS chip in your phone so it will continue working, even when you’re offline.
And finally, I highly recommend getting a Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle. Although the tap water in Casablanca is not dangerous, it may contain many new bacteria that your body just isn’t used to. If you drink water using this bottle, any dirt, bacteria or parasites gets trapped in its filter, while the clean water passes through.

Arriving at Casablanca airport and how to get from Casablanca airport to the city center
Mohammed V international airport in Casablanca is considered the busiest one in the country. Many people landing in Morocco will first arrive in the country through this airport.
Although the Casablanca airport is quite busy, it’s very far from the city center and reaching it can be a bit tricky. In this guide, I will explain how to get from Casablanca airport to the city center.
You can get from the airport to the city center by bus, train, shared taxi, or with a rented car.
By bus
A very convenient way to get from the airport to the city center is by bus. There is currently a CTM bus that leaves the airport on an hourly basis and takes 45 minutes to reach the city center.
The bus leaves the airport from Terminal 1 and you buy your ticket directly on board for 20 MAD
By train
Trains leave the airport on an hourly basis and it takes about 45 minutes to reach downtown. They operate daily between 6 AM and 10 PM.
They leave from terminal 1 of the airport and a ticket is around 42 MAD. You can buy your ticket directly at the station at the airport.
By shared taxi
Taxis are waiting at the main terminals of the airport. They typically charge between 250 and 300 MAD to bring you to the city center. They also charge the same to bring you from the city center to the airport.
Driving there
If you are renting a car, it will be easy to drive from Casablanca airport to the city center. Just follow highway N11 towards the city center. It should take 40 minutes to get from there to the city center.
Should you exchange money at Casablanca airport?
Airport exchange offices are never the best place to change money, I would suggest just changing a small amount of cash into Dirhams at the airport and taking the train to Casa Port station.
The boulevard located next to this station is lined up with banks and money exchange bureaus with a much better rate than those at the airport.
Is Casablanca safe?
Casablanca city is a very safe place to visit. Because it’s a huge modern metropolis where many companies have their headquarters, the security and police presence is greater than in any other Moroccan cities.
Petty crime is not a major concern in Casablanca but it still occurs. It’s important to be aware at all times and keep your eyes on your belongings. Don’t carry around large amounts of money, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. It’s better to keep a low profile.
The best solution to avoid being pick-pocketed is to stay aware of your belongings and surroundings at all times. You should leave all your important items at your hotel and walk around only with what you need. I suggest always keeping your wallet in your front pocket or carry a moneybelt. Another great option is to travel with a slash-resistant and lockable anti-theft bag.
So even though Casablanca is generally a safe city, every adventure feels better when you know you’re covered for the unexpected. That’s where the SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance Essential comes in. It’s made for travelers and digital nomads who want the freedom to explore without worries.
From medical coverage abroad to protection in case of travel delays, SafetyWing has my back wherever my journey takes me. It’s made for people like me who love to explore without being tied down, and it’s super flexible. You can even buy it once you’re already on the road!
So when I’m wandering through the busy streets of Casablanca, exploring the medina, or relaxing by the ocean, I know I can fully enjoy the moment without worrying about the “what ifs.” If you’re planning a trip to Morocco (or anywhere else!), I can highly recommend checking out SafetyWing.
Top things to do in Casablanca in two days
Here is a list of the best places to visit in Casablanca if you have just a few days to visit the city. I have arranged the activities on this list by days but feel free to come up with your schedule where you see fit.
I would also strongly suggest going on a guided city tour in Casablanca to see all the highlights and learn more about this interesting city!
Day One in Casablanca
1. Visit the splendid Hassan II Mosque
This beautiful mosque should definitely be on your list of awesome things to see in Casablanca. This enormous building was built to commemorate the former king’s 60th birthday.
The mosque stands right at the edge of the water and its 210 meter-tall minaret is one of the city’s major landmarks. The building showcases the talent and craft of Moroccan artisans.
It features pristine marble flooring, hand-carved stone, and wood, cedar ceilings covered with gold leaves and stunning multi-colored tiles.

Tours of the mosque are conducted between prayers for visitors dressed appropriately. This mosque is the biggest in Africa and the 3rd largest in the world.
The mosque can accommodate a maximum of 105,000 worshipers for prayer: 25,000 inside the mosque hall and another 80,000 on the mosque’s outside ground.

The size of the prayer hall is spectacular! The roof retracts letting in the sunlight.
The spectacular marble floors keep people cool, and the ceilings with their gorgeous chandeliers are a sight to behold.
The architecture of this building is extraordinary. In certain locations, one can view the Atlantic as it rolls to shore next to the Mosque.

What are the opening hours of the Hassan II mosque?
Visiting the mosque is only allowed outside of prayer time and it’s only possible to visit the mosque with a guided tour. The time of the guided visits varies throughout the year and afternoon tours never take place during Ramadan.
Morning Tours – tours at 9 am, 10 am and 11 am and 12 am
Afternoon Tours of the mosque– 3 pm and 4 pm
During Ramadan – tours at 9 am, 10 am and 11 am
Fridays – tours are at 9 am and 10 am, and 3 pm and 4 pm
The tours are conducted in English, French, German and Spanish, and bring visitors in the prayer hall and into subterranean ablutions rooms.
How much is a ticket to visit the Hassan II mosque?
A guided tour of the mosque costs 130 MAD for adults and children older than 12 years old. Children aged 4 to 12 years old will only have to pay 30 MAD while kids younger than that can enter the mosque for free.
Where can you buy a ticket to visit the Hassan II mosque?
Tickets to visit the mosque can be bought at the ticket office that is right at the entrance of the religious complex next to the parking lot. You only need a ticket if you want a guided tour inside the mosque.
Tours of the mosque last a bit less than an hour.
How to get to the Hassan II mosque from the city center of Casablanca?
The Hassan II Mosque is easily reached on foot from the city center. It’s located at about half an hour walk from the Casa Port train station. It’s also possible to reach the mosque by hopping in a taxi. Getting there should cost between 15 and 20 MAD.
How to get to the Hassan II mosque from the airport?
There is no direct connection from Casablanca Airport to Hassan II Mosque. You can get there by first taking a train from the airport to gare Oasis.
From there you can take a tram to Place Nations Unies and walk the remaining distance to Hassan II Mosque.

2. Walk around Casablanca cathedral
This beautiful white church is often considered to be one of the most amazing African churches. It was built in 1930 when Morocco was still under the French protectorate.
When Morocco gained its independence, Casablanca’s cathedral was converted into a school and then into a cultural center. At the moment it no longer serves as a religious place but it became one of the top touristic attractions in Casablanca.
This abandoned church, also known as the Church of the Sacred Heart, seems out of place but also in perfect harmony with its surroundings.
Most people who visit the church find it a bit odd that such a beautiful monument would be left abandoned. I really enjoyed walking around it during the afternoon. the whole area that surrounds it is very quiet and peaceful.
It also creates a stunning backdrop for any picture!
3. Enjoy a tune played on the piano at Rick’s Cafe
You remember how I told you at the beginning of this article that I was desperate to find the streets and places that appeared in the movie Casablanca when I first visited the city?
Well, this cafe was designed to recreate the bar made famous by Humphrey Bogart in the movie. Needless to say, I spent most of my time in Casablanca enjoying drinks in this gorgeous coffee bar.

This classical movie had set certain expectations about Casablanca before I even set foot in the city…
This piano bar is filled with details meant to capture the spirit of the movie; An old piano from the thirties, a sculpted bar, curved arches, and balconies.
This restaurant is usually very busy so it’s best to reserve a table ahead of time if you want to go there for dinner.
The restaurant is open for lunch from 12:00 noon until 3 pm; for dinner from 6:30 pm until 1 am. Rick’s Café is open 7 days a week including the month of Ramadan and holidays.
The food there is great and at a very affordable price. You can enjoy your meal while listening to a jazz ensemble!
If you want to see what the restaurant looks like before heading there, have a look at the stunning pictures on the restaurant’s website!

4. Mohammed V Square
One could say that this square is the heart and soul of Casablanca city. It’s the administrative center of the city and the square is surrounded by buildings of the early 1920s.
Most of these buildings have gorgeous Hispanic-Muslim architecture with white facades and gold-colored stones.
I would recommend visiting this square at night when the water fountains are working and bathed in a golden light.

5. The King’s Palace
I would recommend ending your first day in Casablanca with a visit to the king’s palace.
The Moroccan king has many palaces around the country and this is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful. It has beautiful patterns and designs on its outside wall.
Unfortunately this palace like the rest of the king’s palaces can only be admired from the outside. Going inside is strictly forbidden. However, it’s worth it just to make a short stop and admire the exterior.
The palace is located near the new medina (also called the Habous quarter).

Day Two in Casablanca
6. Spend time with local fishermen
If you really want to feel the spirit of Casablanca, you should start your second day there by visiting the port and spending time with the fishermen.
Casablanca has always been the most important port in Morocco. It used to be the biggest fishing port in Morocco before it transitioned into becoming a shipping port.
The fishing industry has never completely disappeared from Casablanca however and the fishermen have always been the heart and soul of the city. Spending time near the port is a great activity to do in Casablanca!

The port of Casablanca is super easy to find, it’s on the main street in the city center and really close to Casa Port train station! You can get there by taxi from any part of the city.
There are fishermen fishing from the rocks right next to the port and they’re super happy to have a conversation with foreigners.
There are also small boats in the harbor that can take you on a small fishing trip. I don’t know how much they charge but you can always negotiate with the captain.

If fishing is not your thing but you enjoy eating fresh fish, you can always go to one of the stalls next to the port and eat grilled fish or shrimp.
It’s a fun experience and very cheap: buy the fish or seafood you like, hand it over to the vendor and they will clean the fish right in front of you.

7. Wander in the little streets of the old medina
If you want a totally genuine experience take a long walk in the old medina. It almost feels like every little street in the old city of Casablanca is connected to a story.
The old city of Casablanca lies between the port and Hassan II’s mosque. Walking there feels like traveling back in time.
If you walked around the old medinas of other Moroccan cities like the ones of Marrakech or Fez, you’ll find this one much easier to navigate in comparison.

Getting lost in the old medina is a fun thing to do in Casablanca…
The streets of the old medina are filled with little shops and a very animated open-air market.
You can find everything there, from delicious Moroccan food, weird antiques, wooden statues, hand-made soap and vintage memorabilia.

8. The Corniche
If you want a pleasant long walk by the sea, head over to the corniche boulevard. This long avenue is constantly blown by a gentle sea breeze.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy a stroll while listening to the mellow sound of the waves hitting the shore.
There is a good deal of nice places to eat and drink along the seafront and some people compare this beach boulevard to the Malecon in Havana.
It’s a common meeting place for street performers and there’s always some kind of show happening on the avenue.

You’ll get some of the best sunsets over the Atlantic from La corniche…
I would recommend avoiding the corniche on the weekend because it tends to get really crowded. After sunset, the area’s trendy nightclubs, cocktail lounges, and sea-facing bar terraces quickly fill up.
Dining options along the Boulevard de la Corniche range from simple counter-serve joints to fancy French restaurants. La corniche is located in a part of the city known as Ain Diab.
9. Be astonished by the architecture of Mahkama du Pacha
To see the most astonishing example of Moroccan architecture, you’ll have to go to the Mahkama du Pacha. This stunning building is a perfect example of ancient Moorish construction techniques.
The walls are covered in beautiful tiles, the doorways and ceilings present an intricate array of carved stone and the plasterwork incorporates floral designs and calligraphy.
This building was formerly a pasha’s residence but it now houses government office. Because of this, you can only enter the building with a guide but it’s absolutely worth it.
You can get a guide to visit this building from the ticket office at the Mohammad Hassan II mosque.
Where to eat in Casablanca – What are the best restaurants in Casablanca?
Casablanca has some of the best food and the best restaurants you’ll find in Morocco.
Casablanca remained under the French protectorate for a long while and was at a certain point under Portuguese and Spanish occupation.
Because of this, the food that you’ll find there is an interesting fusion of Moroccan and European elements.

Whether you’re interested in fine dining, foreign dishes or local delicacies Casablanca will provide!
Here are three of my favorite restaurants in Casablanca:
Le Riad restaurant
If you’d like to start your journey in Morocco by sampling authentic traditional cuisine, Le Riad restaurant is the best place to start!
This place is a hidden gem and it’s easy to walk by the facade of the restaurant without realizing that an amazing culinary experience awaits inside. The tagines served here all have the most delicious blend of vegetables and meat with just the right amount of couscous.
A great option at this restaurant is the chicken with olives and lemon tagine. Every meal is served with warm bread and olives.

If you want a Moroccan feast at an affordable price, head over to Le Riad restaurant as soon as you set foot in Casablanca!
Blend Gourmet Burger
If you’re looking for the best burger in Casablanca, this is the place to visit. This restaurant challenges the idea that a burger should be categorized as fast food.
Eating here is a gourmet experience and I bet you’ll want to come back again and again.
The burgers here are cooked to perfection and the buns are just right, not too dry or soft. This restaurant is also famous for its fresh fruit juices and tasty lemonades

Brasserie La Tour
Brasserie La Tour is a bit more expensive than the restaurants I usually recommend and is located inside a hotel but I loved the food there so much I couldn’t leave it from this list.
This restaurant is actually a combo of the Brasserie (European menu) and the Atelier Oriental (Moroccan options). In a way, it’s the best of both worlds, you get to savor French specialties and Moroccan delicacies at the same venue.
The breakfast at Brasserie La Tour is fantastic and the spreads are delicious. Fresh juice, fruit, egg dishes, mint tea, Moroccan pancakes with honey, what more could you ask for!?

If you go there later during the day, I’d recommend trying the savory hummus, the lentil soup or the chicken tagine.
This restaurant also has very kind and professional waiters.
Where to stay in Casablanca?
Casablanca is a city where it’s worth staying a few days to fully discover it. It’s best to stay there at least a night or two.
It is a city rich in traditional architecture. One of the best experiences you can have in Morocco is staying in a Riad, typical rich Moroccan houses with indoor courtyards and fountains, designed with zellij (Moroccan tiles).
It’s possible to stay in beautiful riads in a small town called El Jadida, just an hour and a half from the city center of Casablanca. The city also offers a good choice of private apartments and studios for mid-range budget travelers.
Casablanca doesn’t really have backpackers hostels like other Moroccan cities do.

What are the best mid-range budget stays in Casablanca?
During my time in Casablanca, I spent a bit of time hopping between guesthouses. Here are two of my favorite places in Casablanca:
This property is one of the coziest houses you’ll find in Casablanca. The place truly feels like a home. It has large bright rooms, big comfortable beds, a terrace, and a lovely kitchen.
This place is located in the city center, at 5 minutes walking from the Arab League Park. If you want to feel like you’re in a home far away from home, definitely consider booking this place when you’re in Casablanca.
Click to check out rates and availability for “Stayhere Casablanca”

Mosquee and Sea View Casablanca is a complete apartment that comes equipped with everything you could wish for. It has a washing machine so you can wash your clothes after a long day walking around the medina.
The flat also has a fully equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and a lovely living room.
This apartment is right next to the beach and offers stunning views as the name says it.
Click to check out rates and availability for “Mosquee and Sea View Casablanca”
What are the best Riads in Casablanca?
One very special type of Moroccan building that incorporates elements of the Moroccan history is the Riad.
Riads are typical Moroccan buildings that started appearing during the Idrisid dynasty. they usually have indoor courtyards with gardens and fountains. One notable feature of their construction is that they are designed with zellij (Moroccan tiles).
No stay in Morocco would be complete without at least one night in a Riad. Here are some of the best riads near Casablanca (note that these are located in El Jadida, an hour and a half south of Casablanca):
This beautiful riad has everything to make you relax, enjoy your stay, and feel like a king. This riad is absolutely magnificent and even the shared photos on booking.com can’t really capture the beauty and class of the place.
Riad Dar El Malaika has a small pond in its inner courtyard, lots of beautiful vegetation and plants, stunning arches and columns, and sumptuous beds.
If you want to stay in a palace without breaking your piggy bank, book this amazing place!
Click to check out rates and availability for “Riad Dar El Malaika”

This riad is an oasis of peace and tranquility. If you want a relaxing stay in El Jadida away from the buzz of Casablanca, this is the riad you should book.
The riad has a lovely roof-top terrace where you can relax and enjoy your favorite book in a long chair.
In Riad Soleil D’orient, you’ll be at a walking distance from the markets, the Portuguese fort and the sea. A really nice breakfast is served in the garden of the property every morning.
The breakfast is a selection of fresh fruits, orange juice, eggs, cake, several types of pancakes and homemade jams.
Click to check out rates and availability for “Riad Soleil D’orient”

How to get to Casablanca City?
Casablanca is the economic capital of Morocco. Most major companies have their headquarters in Casablanca and as such, it’s easily accessible from many other Moroccan cities.
Since November 2018 there is a high-speed train that connects Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca. This train covers the distance between these coastal cities in the blink of an eye.
The fact that Casablanca is so close to Rabat also makes it ideal to visit the two cities back to back on a trip along the Moroccan coast.
How to get to Casablanca from Rabat by train?
Casablanca and Rabat are located very close to each other. The two cities are quite similar in terms of size and look and people often think that Casablanca is the Moroccan capital.
If you visit Morocco and first travel to Rabat, your next stop should inevitably be Casablanca.
You can look online on the ONCF website for the timetable of the trains going between Rabat and Casablanca.
Once you know which train you will take, you can go to the main train station in Rabat called Rabat Ville and buy your ticket there.
There is a train that leaves every 30 minutes and it takes about 50 minutes to reach Casablanca from the Capital city. The price of a ticket is between 35 and 80 MAD.
How to get to Casablanca from Rabat with your own car
The distance between Rabat and Casablanca is very short so it’s convenient to drive there if you have your own car or if you are renting one.
There is a toll highway between the two cities (highway A1) and it takes about one hour to cover the distance between Rabat and Casablanca by car.
How to get to Casablanca from Tangier by train
Tangier is a great starting point to visit the Atlantic coast of Morocco. If you want to take a high-speed train between Tangier and Casablanca, you’ll have to go to the Tangier Ville railway station.
You can look online on the ONCF website for the timetable of the trains going between Tangier and Casablanca.
Once you have an idea of the schedule, you can buy your ticket directly at the station.
The high-speed train takes two hours to cover the distance between the cities and a ticket costs around 250 MAD.
How to get to Casablanca from Tangier with your own car?
If you have your own car or if you are renting one, the road from Tangier along the coast is definitely a pleasant drive. The driving distance between Tangier and Casablanca is 338.82 km.
It should take around 3 hours to reach the southern city.
Driving from Tangier to Casablanca is a great idea if you have the time and if you want the freedom to stop along the coast and take great pictures.
You will also drive through other beautiful cities such as Rabat (the capital of Morocco) and Larrache (where you can visit the Ruins of Lixus).

Driving between the two cities means you can stop at any moment and enjoy the beaches…
To drive from Tangier to Casablanca simply follow highway A1 towards the south along the coast.
Casablanca is a big city, a huge metropolis in fact! But if you take the time to discover it, you’ll love it. I hope this guide will help you do just that.

If you have any questions or comments that you’d like to add to this article, don’t hesitate to get in touch or write your questions down in the comments below.













We are trying to find Le Riad in Casablanca for dinner tonight. We have googled it but not had any luck. Will you share the address or any additional information on this place, please.
Hi Taffy, I’m recommending more than one Riad in Casablanca in this guide. Which one exactly do you mean?