Updated September 2023.
The White City
The largest city in Morocco with both Moorish and French Art deco styles. Unlike Morocco’s Imperial cities, this city doesn’t have the same medieval architecture as more modern French architects were able to design from scratch. It is considered the commercial heart of Morocco and has some beautiful beaches.
Besides boasting the iconic Hassan II mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, Casablanca grew to fame from the classic 1942 film "Casablanca" that was set during WWII and told a love story that led people to associate Casablanca with romance and intrigue.
Its nickname stems from the multitude of white-washed buildings and light-colored architecture.
Besides boasting the iconic Hassan II mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, Casablanca grew to fame from the classic 1942 film "Casablanca" that was set during WWII and told a love story that led people to associate Casablanca with romance and intrigue.
Its nickname stems from the multitude of white-washed buildings and light-colored architecture.
Overview
- 8:45 - 9:45 AM: Hassan II Mosque - iconic mosque in Casablanca
- Walk 3.5 miles along La Corniche
- 11:30 - 12:30 PM: Aïn Diab - oceanside commune for relaxation
- 12:30 - 1:30 PM: Lunch
- Tram to Abdelmoumen tram station then walk 1.5 miles.
- 2:30 - 3:00 PM: Quartier Habous: New Medina - souks
- Walk 1.5 miles
- 3:30 - 4:00 PM: Arab League Park - city park
- 4:30 - 5:30 PM: Old Medina - souks
- 5:30 - 7:00 PM: Dinner
- Sunset: Hassan II Mosque
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Tips
To/From the Airport
The Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is the largest Moroccan airport and provides easy in/out flights.
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Train (45 minutes): Recommend taking an ONCF train into the city (for 50 MAD) from the ground floor of Terminal 1 arrivals (there is great signage). One can get off at Mers Sultan, Casa Port, Casa Voyageurs, and L’Oasis. Casa Voyageurs is the best station to get to other cities around Morocco, while Casa Port is closest to downtown Casablanca. Trains run once every hour and tickets can be booked through the ONCF website. Returning to the airport by train, note that there is a security check before entering the airport. This process can take an extra 30-45 minutes, so upon disembarking the train, head straight through security before using the restroom and plan accordingly. |
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Taxi (30-35 minutes): For the taxi, ensure that the meter is on or working (which in most cases it is not). It's important to agree on a price before accepting the ride. They will try to say it costs about 35 €, but an average price should be 25€. Note, that there are also two routes into the city. One is the "faster route" and will require a toll, while the other is "slower". Technically, both paths take the same amount of time, so ask for the "no toll" roads. Also note that these fares increase by 50% after 8 PM. |
Around the City
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Casa Tramway: Two lines run through the city (T1 and T2). It can be hard to find the stops on Google Maps, but the map is on their official website or can be viewed in the image below. Tickets cost 8 MAD for 1 trips or 14 MAD for 2 trips (can pay with card). One should buy tickets at machines next to stations, and one needs to scan the ticket past a turnstile with an operator. Typical hours are from 6 AM - 8 PM.
Buses: Casablanca has a very robust bus system but it is usually much more chaotic than the tramway. It costs 5 - 8 MAD to ride throughout the city and one can buy a ticket on board with small change. Signage is in Arabic, so make sure one notifies the driver about where they want to get off at. |
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1-Day Plan
8:45 - 9:45 AM: Hassan II Mosque (130 MAD, 140 MAD with museum)
PROTIP: Visit early in the morning to avoid the line to buy a tour ticket. It's possible to buy from the ticketing machines in the back, but they are frequently out of service, so one might need to buy them at the counter. They cannot be bought in advance. Tours operate at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM (except Fridays), 2 PM, and 3 PM and the entrance is located on the south side, towards the west.
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Commissioned by King Hassan II, this is the largest functioning mosque in Africa and the 7th largest in the world. Designed by French architect, Michel Pinseau, it was built from 1986 to 1993 by over 12,000 Moroccan artisans. To this day, it is one of the few Moroccan mosques that non-Muslims can visit.
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Walk 3.5 miles along La Corniche, a seafront promenade with hotels, restaurants, and the first McDonald's in Africa and in the Arab world, which opened in 1992.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Aïn Diab and La Corniche
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A commune known for the coastline and a more laidback, affluent area.
There is the El Hank Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Morocco at ~160 feet tall. Unfortunately, one can no longer climb it and the area is abandoned; however, nearby is the Le Cabestan, a European resturant with an outdoor lounge area to watch the waves and eat lunch. Besides nightclubs and restaurants, there are two notable beaches: Lalla Meryem Beach and Aïn Diab Beach, both of which are fun destinations, especially for surfing. One can rent a board, umbrellas, and lounge chairs. |
If one has extra time, there are two other attractions:
Towards the east of Ain Diab beach, there is a bridge leading to the islet of Sidi Abderrahman. According to legend, Sidi Abderrahman, a hermit from Baghdad, settled here in the 18th century. Since he couldn't read the Quran, he praised God by playing his lute. Supposedly, he had magical powers to cure diseases, break curses, and walk on water. Upon his death, people thought him to be a Saint. Today, the islet resembles a small town around Sidi Abderrahman's tomb, but the construction of the bridge destroys its majesty since before 2013, people could only reach it when the tide was low. Many Moroccans still believe it to be a place of pilgrimage. Unfortunately, it is on the dirtier side with slum-like conditions.
Morocco Mall: At the most southeastern point, this megamall is the largest in North Africa. There are high-end brands on the main floor, but there is a massive circular aquarium in the center.
Towards the east of Ain Diab beach, there is a bridge leading to the islet of Sidi Abderrahman. According to legend, Sidi Abderrahman, a hermit from Baghdad, settled here in the 18th century. Since he couldn't read the Quran, he praised God by playing his lute. Supposedly, he had magical powers to cure diseases, break curses, and walk on water. Upon his death, people thought him to be a Saint. Today, the islet resembles a small town around Sidi Abderrahman's tomb, but the construction of the bridge destroys its majesty since before 2013, people could only reach it when the tide was low. Many Moroccans still believe it to be a place of pilgrimage. Unfortunately, it is on the dirtier side with slum-like conditions.
Morocco Mall: At the most southeastern point, this megamall is the largest in North Africa. There are high-end brands on the main floor, but there is a massive circular aquarium in the center.
12:30 - 1:30 PM: Lunch
Tram to Abdelmoumen tram station then walk 1.5 miles.
2:30 - 3:00 PM: Quartier Habous - New Medina
The French built this neighborhood in the 1930s with a blend of Moorish and Art Deco-influenced architecture called Mauresque. This area is known for its cobbled streets and archways and is a souk filled with more authentic souvenirs.
One of the more picturesque neighborhoods in Casablanca, it has a few notable attractions, which unfortunately, have restricted access.
One of the more picturesque neighborhoods in Casablanca, it has a few notable attractions, which unfortunately, have restricted access.
- Royal Palace: Where the King of Morocco stays when he visits the city and is unfortunately closed to the public, but the exterior can be visited.
- Mahkama du Pacha: Former resident of the pasha (governor) that is now the courthouse.
- Moulay Youssef Mosque: Only open to Muslims, it has a quadrangular minaret and is beside the Royal Palace and Mahkama du Pacha.
- Mohammed VI Mosque: Only open to Muslims, it combines Arab and Andalusian architectural styles.
- Park Murdoch (also known as Parc Isesco): A lovely park that offers refuge from the heat lined with towering palm trees.
- Notre Dame of Lourdes Church: Churches are rare to find in Morocco, but this one is known for its stained glass window and is one of two Catholic churches in the city built back in the 1950s.
3:30 - 4:00 PM: Arab League Park
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An urban park, the green lung of Casablanca, that serves as a place of peace and relaxation inaugurated in 1918 and designed by French Architect Albert Laprade during the French Proctetorate. Besides the fountains, the large palm trees, and exotic plants, there are some other additional features. Around the area is a skatepark, tennis courts, and an athletic field.
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4:10 - 4:30 PM: Mohammed V Square
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The city’s unofficial meeting place known for its fountain. The surrounding architecture showcases the Mauresque architecture style, which is even more prevalent in the Quartier Habbous. Across the street is the new city hall (Hotel de Ville) the Wilaya with a clocktower and nearby is Casablanca’s Grand Theatre that is yet to open, but is a 1,800-seat, modern art, multi-purpose theatre, making it the largest in Africa.
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5:00 - 6:00 PM: Old Medina
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Walk through the honeycombed streets known for medieval souks (outdoor markets) of Marrakesh and Fez. This is a more residential area rather than touristy, but the area provides insight into Casablanca during the 1800s. There are donkeys, water sellers, and seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Within this area, there are three places of worship for the Abrahamic religions:
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6:00 - 7:00 PM: Dinner around the Old Medina
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One can also eat some delicious food around here. Some recommendations in the area:
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Walk or take a petit taxi for about an hour (~3 miles) to Aïn Diab along the Plage Lalla Meryem.
7:00 - 8:00 PM: Sunset at Hassan II Mosque
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One should end the day by heading to the Hassan II Mosque from the Old Medina to witness some beautiful views of the sunset with the lighthouse in the distance and to see the Hassan II Mosque beautifully lit-up at night.
Note that it can be dangerous walking around after dark, so it is recommended to hail a taxi to return to one's hotel. |
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Other Activities
Museums
- Museum of Moroccan Judaism: Depicts the history, culture, and traditions of the Jewish community in Morocco.
- Villa des Arts de Casablanca: Contemporary art gallery and museum with rotating expositions.
- Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum: Art museum with an impressive collection of Moroccan art and artifacts collected by the Moroccan business and humanitarian Abderrahman Slaoui. There are three floors filled with clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and paintings.
Restaurants
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Central Marketplace
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