Casablanca

Understand

The modern city of Casablanca was founded by Berber fishermen in the 10th century BCE, and was used by the Phoenicians, Romans, and the Merenids as a strategic port called Anfa. The Portuguese destroyed it and rebuilt it under the name Casa Branca, only to abandon it after an earthquake in 1755. The Moroccan sultan rebuilt the city as Daru l-Badya and it was given the name Casablanca by Spanish traders who established trading bases there. The French occupied the city in 1907, establishing it as a protectorate in 1912 and starting construction of the ville nouvelle. During World War II in Africa, Morocco became part of Vichy France, a non-belligerent puppet state of Germany. Casablanca became a haven for spies, as well as well-off Europeans who wanted to escape the war, with a prospect to flee to the New World. The 1942 film Casablanca presented the intrigues of the city in a romanticized manner. Morocco gained independence in 1956, and Casablanca is now Morocco's largest city with a population of almost 4 million. It has the world's largest artificial port, but no ferry service of any kind. Casablanca is also the most liberal and progressive of Morocco's cities. Young men flirt brazenly with scantily-clad women, designer labels are the norm in the chic, beachfront neighbourhood of 'Ain Diab and many young Moroccans speak to each other in a mix of Arabic and French. But not everyone is living the Casablancan dream. Tens of thousands of rural Moroccans who fled the drought-ravaged interior to find work in the city are struggling under high unemployment rates and expensive housing. Large numbers of buildings are abandoned or partially unfinished, stuck in financial limbo. The poverty, prevalent in slums on the city's outskirts, has led to high rates of crime, drug use, prostitution and the rise of Islamism. Casablanca is a mixed bag of Moroccan extremes.

Getting there

By plane

Casablanca's airport is the busiest gateway to the country. Royal Air Maroc flies to New York JFK, Washington Dulles, Montreal, many cities in Europe, and has connecting flights to African countries such as Nigeria, Central African Republic, Senegal and others. WizzAir flies from Rome. 1 Mohammed V Int'l Airport (CMN IATA). There are two terminals: Terminal 1 handles domestic and international flights, Terminal 2 - only international ones. Airport has ATMs, bank branches and currency exchange, post office, pharmacy, cafes, grocery stores and duty-free outlets. Arrive at the airport a tad earlier as there is a very slow security check after the train. (updated Aug 2022) Getting there/away:

The only available public transport is train, departures are every hour, journey time 45 min, 70/50 dirham for 1/2 class (as of Jan 2023). Operating hours: 3:00 - 22:00 for departures from the city and 04:00 to 23:45 for departures from the airport; trains leave at 50 minutes past the hour. The train schedule is available at the ONCF website. Taxi, the fare to Casablanca is 280 dirham (as of Nov 2022). For more international connections and budget flights you may also want to consider flying to the airports of Rabat, Marrakesh, Fes or Tangier. From there you can take an intercity bus or train to Casablanca. From Tangier there is also a high-speed train.

By train

The most convenient way to reach major Moroccan cities is by train. Trains are divided into first and second-class compartments; the first-class ones generally cost an extra 50%, but have more room and guarantee a seat. In case of boarding second-class compartments and not finding available seats, head to first class and pay the difference to the ticket collector. Casa Port station is closer to the center but it serves only a couple of trains, while the main station is Casa Voyageurs. It has trains to Meknes/Fez/Oujda, Marrakech or Tangier with stops in between. Trains for Rabat leave half-hourly. The trains are comfortable with boards displaying the time of departure/arrival. ONCF site for checking the schedule.

Getting around

A government department puts out an exhaustive map of Casablanca in book form called Carte Guide de Casablanca that you can find in bookstores or online; in all likelihood, though, it isn't necessary. Other than that, Casablanca is like any European city: the streets (mostly) have signs, and passersby are extremely helpful in French or Arabic and, more rarely, Spanish or English. The Medina can be hard to navigate, but it's so small that no matter how blindly you wander into it, you're never more than ten minutes from an exit.

By tram

Casablanca is one of the two Moroccan cities with a tram. The first line opened in late 2012. Service runs from 05:30 to 22:30 with frequent trains (during the day, the interval seems to be shorter than 10 minutes). Most vending machines only take coins. One journey is 6 dirham with a rechargeable card, 8 dirham otherwise. A fee of 2 dirham will be added for the card when you buy a ticket. Tram stops are announced in Arabic and French. Further information including the network ("réseau") and schedule ("horaires") is available in French and Arabic on the Casa Tramway website.

By train

The Al Bidaoui service (i.e. airport service) also has some stops in the city, although they are spaced out much further from each other compared to the tram.

See

Almost all of the things to see in Casablanca are in the north of the city; very few maps even show the southern end of this sprawling metropolis.

1 King Hassan II Mosque, Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah (Half an hour walk from the closest tram stop at Place des Nations Unies, taxi from anywhere in central centre shouldn’t be more than 20 dirham), ☏ +212 5 22 48 28 86, +212 5 22 48 28 89. Tours: Sa-Th 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00; F 09:00, 10:00 and 15:00. In summer (Mar 15-Sep 15) also at 16:00. The largest mosque in Morocco and the third largest in the world. The 210 m high minaret is the tallest in the world. It opened in 1993, after six years of construction. It is one of the two main mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Beautiful interior complete with water features, a roof that opens to the sky, a huge hammam in the basement (not in use), and beautiful tile work. 130 dirham for Mosque, 30 dirham for museum, 140 for combined ticket. (updated Jan 2023) 2 Old Medina (north of the Place des Nations Unies). This is a small traditional walled town in the north of Casablanca. If you are in town it's worth a visit, but it is nothing compared to the glories of Fez or Marrakesh. 3 The Corniche. A neighborhood on the ocean, west of the Hassan II Mosque. Decades ago it was a thriving resort area - hotels line the ocean side of the Boulevard de la Corniche, and nightclubs line the other side. Most look like they've seen better days. Along the Boulevard de l'Ocean Atlantique are many newer, fancier hotels. The Corniche is also home to many western fast food chains. A new western-style movie theater can also be found here, but the best option is to walk up and down the street, resting at one of the many ocean-view cafes. 4 Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman. Built on a rock off shore, well past The Corniche, and only accessible at low tide. The shrine itself is off-limits to non-Muslims, but visitors are permitted to explore the tiny, medina-like neighborhood that has sprung up around it. A better bet is to walk to it along the beach and catch a view of the beautiful white walls before taking a cab to less remote areas. 5 Mahkama du Pacha. M-Sa 08:00-12:00 & 14:00-18:00. This is a Hispanic-Moorish building comprised of more than 60 ornate rooms with delicately carved wooden ceilings. There are many stuccoes and intricate wrought-iron railings as well as beautifully tiled floors. While entrance may be free it is not easy to get in. You need to find a guide to accompany you. Ask around - especially if you speak some French - it is worth it. To get there take bus 81 on Boulevard de Paris. 6 Central Post Office. Come here to send your postcards in style! Built in 1918, the façade is composed of both round and rectangular shapes. Once you approach you will get a good view of the excellent mosaics. 7 Museum of Moroccan Judaism (متحف اليهودية المغربية), 81, Rue Chasseur Jules Gros, ☏ +212 5229 94940. The only museum devoted to Judaism in the Arab world. Within the museum, visitors can find artifacts of Moroccan Jewry, including the bimah (c. 1944) from the Beni-Issakhar Synagogue in Casablanca, mezuzahs, and Hanukiah menorah. The museum also touts a considerable collection of Berber history, including costumes, jewelry, and Fatima pendants. (updated Sep 2021) Art galleries (commercial - they live off earnings they make by selling art, and you can usually enter for free):

8 Villa des Arts, 30, Boulevard Brahim Roudani, Casablanca (located slightly southwest of Parc de la Ligue Arabe on Bvd Brahim Roudani), ☏ +212 522 29 50 87, fax: +212 522 27 86 07. Tu-Su 09:30-19:00 (except public holidays). Run by the charity ONA, it is a place for the Moroccan art scene. free of charge. 9 Galérie d'art l'Atelier 21, 21, rue Abou Mahassine Arrouyani (ex rue Boissy-d'anglas), ☏ +212 522 98 17 85, fax: +212 522 98 17 86, latelier21@gmail.com. 10 Galerie Shart, 12, rue El Jihani, ☏ +212 5 22 39 49 80, info@galerie-shart.ma. 11 Loft Art Gallery, 13, rue El Kaïssi, ☏ +212 5 22 94 47 65. M-F 09:30-12:30 and 14:30-19:30; Sa 09:30-12:30. 12 Galérie Nadar, 5, Rue Al Manaziz, ☏ +212 5 22 23 69 00, galerienadar@gmail.com.

Do

Hammam (Turkish baths): 1 Solidarité Féminine Association's Hammam, 4 rue Ahmed Chaouki, Palmier (Red taxi or Tramway station Wafasalaf), ☏ +212 5 22 99 23 94. Tu-Su 08:00-21:00, M 08:00-18:00. The Association "Solidarité Féminine" has implemented an applied training program to encourage the socio-economic integration of women in single mother situations edifying employment. Therefore, making them co-founders of worthy life-plans for both themselves and their children. Entrance 40 dirham. (updated Jun 2016) Football: 2 Stade Mohammed V (ملعب محمد الخامس), Rue Ahmed Lazrak, Maârif, ☏ +212 634 602690. This is multi-use but primarily for soccer. It's the usual stadium for the men's national team, and home ground for Wydad AC and Raja CA, both playing in Botola the top tier. The stadium was built in 1955 and last renovated in 2015, with a capacity of 45,891. In 2025/26 it hosted matches in the Africa Cup of Nations. (updated Jan 2026)

Shopping

Casablanca is one of the least interesting places to shop in Morocco. Around the old Medina it's easy to find places selling traditional Moroccan goods, such as tagines, pottery, leather goods, hookahs and a whole spectrum of knicknacks. The Maarif neighbourhood (near the twin centre, around Boulevard al Massira al Khadra) has many name-brand European and American fashion chains, such as Zara. Designer glasses, leather shoes, and "genuine" belts, bags, and shirts can be had at bargain prices. 1 Morocco Mall. A huge mall including a variety of shops and a cinema (supposedly it's north Africa's second largest shopping centre). It is located at the very southwest of the city (further down from Ain Diab/Anfa). The Derb Ghalef neighbourhood has a huge souq that is not for the faint of heart. A cluster of small shanties, each one is loaded with "genuine" mobile phones, "genuine" watches and "genuine" "brand name" clothing. The shops are separated by alleys no more than three feet wide, some of which double as drainage ditches. There are numerous fruit smoothie stands in the centre, which make a good spot for regrouping and planning your excursion. The stall owners are, of course, kings of negotiating, and without a good grasp on Arabic and a strong backbone, you're likely to pay well over the going rate for anything. People interested in art find a decent amount of art galleries (the renowned galleries can be found in the "See" section).

Eat

Restaurants in Morocco are like restaurants in Spain - they don't open until around 19:00 at the earliest, and most people don't eat until much later. Be sure to call first and make sure your restaurant of choice is actually open.

Around the Arab League Park

1 Brasserie La Cigale, Blvd Brahim Roudani (just south of the Rampwan de L'unite Africaine). An unassuming bar close to the Park of the Arab League, with a restaurant in front that serves only basic food (sausage or kefta sandwiches, salads, and the like.) The bar in the back is more crowded and has live music most nights. Beer is served with a plate of olives or popcorn, and it's one of the few Moroccan-style bars where women can drink in peace. Wine and spirits are available, but only when eating in the restaurant. A few phrases in Arabic to Aisha, the barkeeper, will win her heart and ensure a constant supply of olives. (updated Mar 2022)

Quartier Palmier

2 Solidarité Féminine Association's restaurant, Rue de Bethleém (Red taxi or Tramway station Wafasalaf), ☏ +212 6 19 11 11 16. M-F from 12:00 to 14:30. The Association "Solidarité Féminine" has implemented a training program to encourage the socio-economic integration single mothers. 35 dirham for the dish of the day, a salad and home made bread. Mint tea and Moroccan pastries available. (updated Apr 2022)

Drink

Nightlife in Casablanca has mixed reviews. Women may feel uncomfortable with the mostly male crowds in many bars and nightclubs, though if you look around you'll find some excellent spots to drink, dance and people watch. The quality of venues varies considerably, so it's worth asking locals or your hotel for recommendations. If you want a drink in your hotel room, supermarkets like Acima and Marjane carry a wide variety of liquor and wine, though the beer selection is fairly stunted. The best places to drink are either European-style restaurants, which usually have a decent selection, or hotel bars, which are inevitably safer and more relaxed. Many western-style nightclubs exist in the Maarif and Gironde neighborhoods. Pubs will cost around 100 dirham per head, it will be half if visited in the happy hours from 19:00-23:00. Pubs to visit Tiger House, La Notte.

1 Restaurant Le Kazbar, 7 Rue Najib Mahfoud, Gauthier (On a street between Blvd Anfa and Blvd Souktani.), ☏ +212 22 20 47 47. A dark and atmospheric place to grab a drink or dinner. Any kind of attire will fly, but if you want to dress up, a night at Kasbar is your chance. (updated Oct 2016) 2 La Bodega, 129 Rue Allal Ben Abdellah (Near the old downtown and Medina). A Spanish tapas bar, quite original. There can be a wait to get into the basement bar; but once you get inside, you're rewarded with bartenders who eat fire. It's pretty expensive, though, and only frequented by tourists. (updated Jan 2023) 3 Petit Poucet, 86 Boulevard Mohamed V. A bar that has been around for decades, apparently Little Prince author and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry already stopped by here. Somewhat worn-down. (updated Oct 2016)

Sleep

Budget

1 Hotel Terminus, Ave Bahmad, Place de la Gare, Casa-Voyageurs (150 meters to West from the train station). 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. 200 dirham. (updated Jan 2023) 2 Hotel Central, 20 Place Ahmad el Bidaoui (Located in the Medina). 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. 350 dirham. (updated Jan 2023) 3 Hotel Guynemer, 2, Rue Beloul Mohamed (ex. Pegoud), 20 000 Casablanca, ☏ +212 522-27-57-64, fax: +212 522-47-39-99, hotelguynemer@yahoo.com. In a time-honored building, most rooms classical style, but some rooms have been refurbished to modern style; WiFi in all rooms. starting at 380 dirham for a single room, breakfast included. (updated Jan 2019)

Mid-range

4 Hôtel Ibis Casa Voyageurs, Avenue Bahmad, Place de la Gare, Casa-Voyageurs, ☏ +212 22 40 19 84. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11:00. Excellent location right next to Casa Voyageurs train station. Excellent garden in the back, perfect for playing with kids. 600 dirham. (updated Jan 2023) 5 Hotel Ajiad Casablanca, Angle Rue Kamal Mohamed et Rue Fakir Med. This central hotel has 24-hour reception, free parking and air-conditioned rooms. 800 dirham. (updated Jan 2023)

Splurge

6 Hyatt Regency Casablanca, Place des Nations Unies (In the commercial district), ☏ +212 22 43 1234, sales.casablanca@hyattintl.com. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 15:00. You can choose rooms with views of Hassan II Mosque. Has a pool and several good restaurants. Live entertainment in the evenings. 3300 dirham. (updated Jan 2023) 7 Novotel Casablanca City Center, Angle Zaid Ouhmad, Rue Sidi Belyout, ☏ +212 522466500, H6572@accor.com. A four-star hotel with over 200 rooms, this is a great spot for conferences and people looking for a bit of luxury. Expansive buffet breakfast, although a touch pricey. Located near the Old Medina and Hussan II Mosque and across the street from Gare Port. 1000 dirham. (updated Jan 2023) 8 Sheraton Casablanca Hotel & Towers, 100 Avenue Des F A R, ☏ +212 522 43 9494. This modern hotel houses 6 bars and restaurants and the popular nightclub, Caesar's. There's also an outdoor pool and a fitness center. 2,700 dirham. (updated Jan 2023) 9 Atlas Airport Hotel (There is normally a bus waiting outside the airport building), ☏ +212 522536200. 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. Double 1000 dirham. (updated Jan 2023)

Stay safe

Common sense will alleviate 99% of problems; try to look as little like a tourist as possible, do not flash large quantities of cash, and so on. Faux guides are much less of a problem here than in the rest of Morocco and are limited mainly to the area around the Old Medina. It is inadvisable to walk alone in Casablanca at night. Women, as in all Moroccan cities, should dress modestly to avoid harassment (which almost always consists of lewd comments, but nothing physical.) Pickpocketing and moto-drive-by theft seem more to be a problem here—hide your valuables!

Go next

Marrakech – 3 hr away by train which leave regularly (about 90 dirham).

More pictures of Casablanca

From this destination's category on Wikimedia Commons. Each photograph is credited to its own author under its own licence.