Casablanca Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Casablanca

Casablanca is a modern, cosmopolitan city, but its landmarks, markets and seafront reveal a rich Moroccan character.

• Hassan II Mosque — One of the largest mosques in the world, built partly over the Atlantic, with a towering minaret and exquisite craftsmanship; guided tours are open to non-Muslim visitors.
• Old Medina — The historic walled quarter near the port, a maze of narrow lanes, small shops and everyday street life.
• Habous Quarter — A charming district built in the 20th century in traditional style, known for its bookshops, olive and spice stalls, and pastry shops.
• The Corniche and Aïn Diab — The long oceanfront promenade lined with beaches, cafés and seafood restaurants, ideal at sunset.
• Mohammed V Square and the Art Deco centre — Grand administrative buildings and elegant Art Deco and Neo-Moorish façades around the city centre.
• Central Market — A lively downtown market for fresh fish, fruit, flowers and olives, with simple stalls serving grilled seafood.
• Day trip to Rabat — Morocco’s capital, with its kasbah, royal mausoleum and gardens, is an easy trip by train.

Best time to visit Casablanca

Casablanca enjoys a mild Atlantic climate, and it can be visited all year round. The most pleasant seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when days are warm and sunny, evenings are fresh and conditions are ideal for walking the Corniche or combining the city with trips inland.

Summer, from June to August, is warm rather than scorching thanks to ocean breezes, making Casablanca cooler than Marrakech or Fès; this is also the busiest period for beaches along the coast, and morning sea mist is common. Winter, from December to February, is mild with cooler nights and most of the year’s rain, although sunny spells are frequent.

During Ramadan, whose dates change each year, many restaurants and cafés close during the day and the city comes alive after sunset. Morocco usually shifts its clocks back by one hour during this month. Religious holidays such as Eid are important family occasions, and some businesses may close for a few days.

Getting from the airport

Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is Morocco’s main international gateway, located around 30 km south of central Casablanca, near the town of Nouaceur.

• Train — A railway station beneath the terminal offers regular trains to Casablanca’s main stations, including Casa Voyageurs and Casa Port. The journey takes around 35 to 45 minutes, and connections continue to Rabat and other cities.
• Grand taxi — Licensed white airport taxis wait outside arrivals and take around 40 minutes to an hour to reach the centre, depending on traffic. Confirm the fare before leaving.
• Airport bus — A bus service links the airport with the city, a slower but inexpensive option for travellers with light luggage.
• Hotel transfers and car hire — Many hotels arrange pick-ups on request, and rental desks are available in the terminal.

The train is often the most reliable way into the city, especially at busy times when traffic on the motorway can slow road journeys. Allow plenty of time when returning for a departure.

Where to stay

Casablanca is a large, spread-out city, and each district offers a different experience, from business hotels in the centre to relaxed seaside stays.

• City centre (Centre-ville) — Close to Mohammed V Square, the Central Market and Art Deco architecture, with good tram and train links; suits first-time visitors and business travellers.
• Gauthier and Maârif — Lively central neighbourhoods full of restaurants, cafés and shops, good for travellers who want to be in the heart of city life.
• Anfa and Aïn Diab — Upmarket residential areas by the ocean with beaches and the Corniche, ideal for a relaxed stay by the sea.
• Near the Hassan II Mosque and the marina — A convenient base for the mosque, the old medina and waterfront walks.
• Sidi Maârouf — A business district on the southern side of the city, practical for work trips and closer to the airport motorway.

The city’s tram network links many of these districts, making it easy to move between the centre, the beaches and the main sights.

Travel tips

• Getting around — The tram is clean and easy to use. Red petits taxis work within the city on the meter, while larger grands taxis cover longer distances. Ride-hailing apps may also be available.
• Language — French is widely used in business, signage and restaurants, and a few words of Arabic or French are appreciated.
• Dress and etiquette — Casablanca is relatively liberal, but modest clothing is respectful, especially in the medina and when visiting the Hassan II Mosque.
• Bargaining and tipping — Bargaining is normal in markets. In restaurants, leaving around 10% for good service is customary, and small tips are welcome for guides and porters.
• Payment and safety — Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for taxis and markets. Keep valuables out of sight in crowded places.
• Entry requirements — Visa and entry rules depend on nationality and can change, so check before you travel.