Casablanca
Africa · Morocco
See also
Rabat
Morocco34.00°N 6.84°W · 87 m
Meknes
Morocco33.90°N 5.55°W · 535 m
.jpg){kind=link}
Moulay Idriss
Morocco34.05°N 5.53°W · 530 m
Larache
Morocco35.18°N 6.15°W
Overview
Casablanca is the economic heart of Morocco, offering the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque, lively nightlife, and colonial architecture. It's a gateway to Morocco with international flights and trains.
Languages: Arabic, Berber
Understand
Casablanca was founded by Berber fishermen, later used by Phoenicians, Romans, and Merenids. The Portuguese rebuilt it as Casa Branca, abandoned after an earthquake. The French established a protectorate in 1912 and built the ville nouvelle. During WWII it became a haven for spies. Now Morocco's largest city (population ~4 million), it is liberal and progressive, but also faces poverty and crime.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why go?
Casablanca is the economic heart of Morocco, offering the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque, lively nightlife, and colonial architecture. It's a gateway to Morocco with international flights and trains. While the medina is small, the city's modern vibe and beachfront Corniche provide a different Moroccan experience.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) has two terminals with ATMs, banks, and shops. Casa-Voyageurs station serves Al Boraq high-speed trains to Tangier, and Casa-Port handles other trains. CTM buses and the main bus terminal at Ouled Ziane connect to other cities. A train from the airport to Casa-Voyageurs costs about 50 dirham.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Casablanca has a tram system (line 1 and 2) and petit taxis (red) for short trips. The medina is small and walkable. Streets are signed, and locals speak French or Arabic. A government map book is available but not essential.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Budget options include Hotel Terminus (200 dirham) near Casa-Voyageurs and Hotel Central (350 dirham) in the Old Medina. Mid-range hotels like Hotel Guynemer (from 380 dirham) and Hotel Ajiad (800 dirham) offer more comfort. Splurge at Hyatt Regency (3300 dirham) or Sheraton (2700 dirham).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Moroccan restaurants open around 19:00. Try Solidarité Féminine's dish of the day for 35 dirham, or Brasserie La Cigale for beer and snacks. For seafood, Taverne du Dauphin near the port. Rick's Cafe offers an upscale experience (dinner for two ~800 dirham). Nightlife includes pubs like Tiger House (happy hour 19:00-23:00, around 50 dirham for a beer).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The Hassan II Mosque (entry 130 dirham) is the top attraction, with tours available. Visit the Old Medina, the Corniche beachfront, and the Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman. Art galleries like Villa des Arts (free) and Mahkama du Pacha are worth seeing. For football, catch a match at Stade Mohammed V.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Common sense prevents most problems. Avoid flashing cash, and beware of pickpockets and moto-drive-by theft. Women should dress modestly to avoid harassment. Avoid walking alone at night. Fake guides are mainly around the Old Medina.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Three mobile operators (Inwi, Orange, Maroc Telecom) cover the city. Monthly plans start at 50 dirham for 5GB. Internet cafes charge about €1 per hour. Many hotels and cafes offer free wifi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A daily backpacker budget of around 400-500 dirham covers a cheap hotel (200-350 dirham), two meals (35-100 dirham each), and local transport. Beer in a pub costs about 50-100 dirham during happy hour. Entry to the mosque is 130 dirham.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Marrakech is 3 hours by train (about 90 dirham). Rabat is closer, about 1 hour by train, and is a common alternative for those who find Casablanca underwhelming.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Etiquette
Women should dress modestly to avoid harassment. Avoid public displays of affection. Bargaining is expected in souqs. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Marrakech is a popular onward destination, 3 hours by train (90 dirham). Rabat is closer and offers more traditional Moroccan sights. Tangier is reachable via high-speed train.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Atlas Airport Hotel
A modern 4-star hotel very close to the airport. This is the default accommodation for passengers with missed connections, so the price will most likely be covered by the airline. Food is basic but adequate. Wireless internet is available in a few places in the building, but you have to search for the signal - try the ground floor near the gift shop.
Recorded price: Double 1000 dirham
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Ajiad Casablanca
This central hotel has 24-hour reception, free parking and air-conditioned rooms.
Recorded price: 800 dirham
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Central
Located in the Old Medina, this simple hotel is a good budget option. The owners are friendly and have been known to give complimentary cups of mint tea to weary travelers. Keep your wits about you as the Medina isn't the safest area at night.
Recorded price: 350 dirham
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Guynemer
In a time-honored building, most rooms classical style, but some rooms have been refurbished to modern style; WiFi in all rooms.
Recorded price: starting at 380 dirham for a single room, breakfast included
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Terminus
Located directly across from the Casa Voyageurs train station. The price is very high for what it is. 250 dirham for a 2-bed room with a sink. There are communal toilets on each floor and a shower behind the reception desk. Stay here only if you don't have another choice because all things in the hotel are very old and very dirty I could not sleep at all.
Recorded price: 200 dirham
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hyatt Regency Casablanca
You can choose rooms with views of Hassan II Mosque. Has a pool and several good restaurants. Live entertainment in the evenings.
Recorded price: 3300 dirham
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hôtel Ibis Casa Voyageurs
Excellent location right next to Casa Voyageurs train station. Excellent garden in the back, perfect for playing with kids.
Recorded price: 600 dirham
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Al Mounia
This restaurant has an excellent courtyard with a hundred year-old tree. The main drawback is that since this restaurant is listed in most guidebooks, it fills up with tourists at an early hour. The cooking is mostly traditional Moroccan foods, with some of the best couscous in the country. There is also an extensive wine list.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Three mobile operators (Inwi, Orange, Maroc Telecom) offer coverage. Monthly plans from 50 dirham include 5GB data.
Currency
Moroccan dirham (MAD) is the currency. ATMs are widely available, especially at the airport and in the ville nouvelle.
Language
Arabic and French are the main languages. Some Spanish and English are spoken in tourist areas.
Safety
Casablanca has higher crime rates than other Moroccan cities. Beware of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night.
Transport
Tram lines 1 and 2, plus petit taxis (red) for short trips. Airport train to Casa-Voyageurs (50 dirham).