Casablanca, one of the largest and most well-known cities in Morocco, İts the point lying by the ocean with all its modernity and urbanity. Casablanca, which is the starting point of Moroccan travels due to its frequent flights, took its fame from the 1942 film Casablanca of the same name.
Among the cities adopted by the Berbers in the 7th century, it has been preferred as a point for many years. Especially the developments experienced by the relatives of the sea had a more important place in Casablanca. The lights of history, the sea, and the city of many Arabs and Berbers coexist right now.
The development and mobility of being a port city can be felt in every corner of Casablanca. Casablanca, which includes the Middle Ages, modernism, and Arab culture, has different contrasts and beauties that fascinate people. If you are ready, let’s get to know Casablanca better with the Casablanca travel guide!
How to Get to Casablanca?
The most convenient and almost the only option for transportation to Casablanca, which is located on the North African continent, is by plane. With direct flights from Istanbul (As ı traveled from Istanbul), you can easily reach Casablanca in 4 and a half hours. Turkish Airlines flies to many destinations in Morocco. However, if you are looking for a more affordable flight, Pegasus Airlines has also recently launched flights to Casablanca.
Since Casablanca is a tourist destination, there are also connecting flights over Europe. In addition to connecting flights via Frankfurt, you can easily reach Casablanca by connecting via Italy and Spain. If you have a Schengen visa, you can go to Italy or Spain and buy a direct flight to Casablanca at a very affordable price.
At the same time, even when you come to England, you can easily fly at reasonable prices.
- Turkish Airlines tickets were around 15-20 thousand Turkish Lira around (800$ – 900$) 2 years ago, 4 thousand TL tickets, but now I can’t find anything to say about this area!
- Pegasus Airlines, the best price is around TL 5,500 (300$ – 500$) in turkey!
Well, if you fly from Europe Much cheaper closest airport is Rabat, not directly to Casablanca which is 1 hour away, and you can fly very cheaply from European countries with Ryan Airlines, which is only around 550 TL(50$) No Kidding!
You Can Fly From England To The Following Cities In Morocco At Affordable Prices!
- Agadir
- Essaouira
- Fez
- Marrakesh
- Rabat
- Tangier
You Can Also Check Out Affordable Airlines In Europe Here.
When to go to Casablanca?
Although the Mediterranean climate is experienced in Casablanca, it can be more intense than the Mediterranean climate we know due to its geographical conditions and ocean influence. Casablanca, which offers the opportunity to travel comfortably with its mild weather in the winter months, is the busiest period between January and March.
Apart from the winter months, the air temperature in the autumn and spring periods is ideal for traveling. If you want to explore Morocco or even swim in the sea, you can also visit Casablanca in the spring. Casablanca, which is generally hot throughout the year, becomes extra hot in the summer months. Between June and August, you may have difficulty walking due to extreme heat and humidity. Therefore, the best time to go to Casablanca is between September and April.
Where to Stay in Casablanca?
Casablanca, which is a highly developed city, offers different types of accommodation. Riyadh-style houses, which are popular throughout Morocco, are not very common in Casablanca. There are more modern hotels instead of riads. Casablanca hotel recommendations include hotels of various styles.
Hyatt Regency Casablanca
The Hyatt Regency Casablanca hotel, which is an ideal option for those looking for a luxurious and comfortable accommodation experience, is located in the center of the city. This hotel, which also allows you to walk to many touristic spots, offers you the opportunity to have a higher and more comfortable Casablanca holiday with its luxury facilities.
Hotel Les Ambassadeurs
The modernly decorated Hotel Les Ambassadeurs is located close to the city center. You can have a pleasant time in the hotel, which stands out with its spacious and comfortable rooms. You can consider this hotel, which has average prices compared to Casablanca, on your trip to Casablanca.
Address: Rue Pierre Parent, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
Hotel Majestic
Hotel Majestic, which carries traditional traces, is an ideal option for those who want to experience Casablanca and Moroccan culture in the hotel. Hotel Majestic, which is more affordable than other hotels, stands out with its comfortable rooms and its location in the city center.
Hotel & Spa Le Doge
Located in the center of the city, Le Doge Hotel is a place that carries traditional Moroccan culture from its kitchen to its rooms. It offers you historical accommodation with its luxurious hammam and spa options, as well as its colorfully furnished rooms and eye-catching beauty. You can feel that you are in Morocco while having a pleasant time in the hotel, which has a terrace overlooking the city.
How Long Do You Need To Stay in Casablanca?
Casablanca, which is a separate face of Morocco, is a more city-oriented place compared to other destinations. There are still many places to see in Casablanca, where you can experience the traditional culture of Morocco. 2 or 3 days is enough to see and explore Casablanca.
Since there will be very little time to visit Casablanca one day, you can stay in Casablanca for one night and explore the city for 2 days before starting your Morocco trip. In addition, more than 3 days can be boring for tourists. If you still want to get to know the city and local people, you can extend your Casablanca trip to 4 days. However, the ideal answer to the question of how many days to stay in Casablanca is between 2 and 3 days.
Transportation in Casablanca City
There are different options you can use for transportation in Casablanca. Public transport is generally not preferred by tourists because it is crowded and mixed. Although the touristic spots are located close to each other, from time to time, various vehicles are required for transportation. At this point, you can use the Careem, Yassi, and Roby applications to take a taxi in Casablanca. You can go to the points you want to go to by negotiating directly with the taxi drivers.
Transportation from Casablanca Airport to the City Center
Transportation from Casablanca Muhammet 5 Airport to the city center is one of the most important points. There are various means of transportation to reach the city center and other points from Casablanca Airport, which is located at a distance from the city.
The first of these is the trains that come from the airport to the city center. There is a direct train from here to the Casa Port station, which is located in the center. The train, which takes about 30 minutes, is one of the affordable means of transportation. On average, you can buy a one-way ticket for 50 Turkish Liras. If you want to buy your train tickets before you go, you can get them from www.oncf.ma. In addition, you can buy your train ticket from the counter office located at the airport exit. There are trains every hour, but after 11 pm the trains end.
Another way to reach the city center from the airport is by bus. The bus company named CTM has flights between the airport and the city center. The cost of a one-way bus ticket is 20 dirhams or 35 Turkish liras(2 dollars) on average. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the city center.
The other option is the taxis you can call via Careem, Ruby, or other applications. It should be noted that the price of taxis is quite high(Pricey). Even if you call it from the application, there is a set tariff between the airport and the city center and it is priced accordingly. So on average, you can pay between 150 and 250 dirhams for the trip.
If the train is running when you land at the airport, you can choose the train for an easy and affordable journey. If you got off at a late hour, unfortunately, you have no other option but a taxi.
Casablanca Attractions
Casablanca, which has hosted many civilizations, is a place where Berbers and Muslims live together. There are many places to see and explore in Casablanca, which is between modernism and tradition. It is very important to walk and explore the streets of Casablanca to see Moroccan culture and the industrial and developed side of Morocco.
If you are ready to explore Casablanca, which is home to many different structures from the world’s largest artificial port to many mosques and churches, let’s start our Casablanca travel guide article!
Old Medina Market
Medina, which means city in Arabic, is among the names you may encounter frequently while visiting Morocco. Almost every city has a Medina area that must be visited. The Old Medina district in Casablanca, as the name suggests, symbolizes the old city. One of the most ideal spots to explore the old streets of Casablanca.
The history of the Old Medina area, which is within the walls, dates back to ancient times. Old Medina Casablanca, which hosts streets where you can watch the flow of life and walk with local people, is at the top of the list of places to visit. You can walk the streets of the Old Medina, which is frequented by both tourists and locals, without looking at the map, discover the shops and get to know Moroccan culture closely.
You can discover handmade products and leathers sold in the shops in the Old Medina area. In the Old Medina, which is also a very good location for shopping, you can buy souvenirs while mingling with the city.
Marche Central (Central Marketplace)
Marche Central Casablanca, a marketplace where the seafood is sold, has an important place in the list of places to visit. Seafood is very good in Casablanca, which is a very important port city. You can come to Marche Central to get to know Casablanca better and to discover and eat seafood.
There are small shops in Marche Central, which were built by the French. In these shops, you can see interesting fish and taste it at an extremely affordable price. Many shops can cook the fish they sell. If you love seafood, you should definitely stop by here.
Hasan Camii (Mosquée Hassan II)
Hasan Mosque, which has become one of the symbols of Casablanca, is among the must-see places in Casablanca. The mosque, designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau, is located by the ocean. The Hassan Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco, is also among the 7th largest mosques in the world. The mosque, which stands out with its 210-meter tall and eye-catching minaret, is also quite large inside. It is known that the courtyard has 80,000 people and the interior is 25 thousand people.
This huge structure rising in the center of the city and by the ocean in Casablanca is very important for both Casablancas and tourists. The mosque, which is mostly made of marble, stands out with its different texture and style. Do not forget to add the Hasan Mosque, one of the most important points on the list of places to visit in Casablanca, to your list.
Rick’s Cafe
Although Rick’s Cafe, inspired by the famous movie Casablanca, is not a historical spot, it is among the must-see places in Casablanca. You can feel like you are in the movie by going to Rick’s Cafe, which is a very pleasant spot for fans of the movie Casablanca. You can eat, drink and enjoy the moment in the cafe, which is decorated quite similarly.
Place de Nations Unies Square
Place des Nations Unies Square, one of the most important squares of Casablanca, is the meeting point for many people. The square, which is located just outside the Old Medina area next to the old city, is actually located at the junction of the old city and the new city. You can take a breather and people watch in the square, which is home to many cafes.
You can easily reach many points from Place des Nations Unies Square. You can change your money, eat something and shop at the exchange offices in this square located in the center of the city. You can enjoy the colorful square in the evening.
Pros and Cons:
- You can find many coffee shops.
- You will love its architecture.
- The green area is almost nonexistent.
- Close to Bab Marrakech market (You can add it to your visit list if you want)
- Very close to the train station
Muhammad V Square
The 5th Mohammed Square, which hosts official buildings and hotels, is seen as Casablanca’s gateway to the West. The square is one of the important points of Casablanca, as most of the bureaucracy works around this square and it is also a frequent destination for tourists.
The Pigeon Fountain is located in the middle of the square, which usually gets crowded after sunset. The Palace of Justice, the Governor’s Office, the post office, and the theater building are also located around the square. These structures, which stand out with their different and eye-catching buildings, are definitely among the must-sees.
The square, where the features of the art deco movement can be seen, is quite luxurious. You can see the conflict in Casablanca in the square, which is home to a tropical garden, city views, and luxury buildings. Do not forget to add this square, which is located in the list of places to visit in Casablanca, to your list.
Pros and Cons:
- There are Not many things to do
- You Can Feed Pigeons (although you can do this anywhere in the country:)))
- There is no cafe on the Main Street, but maybe there will be in the future 🙂
- The place with government buildings. nice place to take pictures
Sacred Heart Cathedral (Casablanca Katedrali)
Although the majority of them are Berber(Amazighs) and Muslim, it is possible to see many religious buildings in Morocco. The most important of these is the Casablanca Cathedral. Designed by a French architect, Paul Tournon, in 1930, the cathedral served as a Roman Catholic Church for a long time. The church, which was turned into a cultural center after Morocco declared its independence, stands out with its neo-gothic architecture.
Arab League Park
Arab League Park, a place where Casablancas spend time with pleasure, is an ideal place for those who want to take a rest and see greenery. Although it is not very touristic, it is among the places to be seen because it is located differently in the city. Since Casablanca is a city full of buildings, it is very difficult to find green spaces or parks. Arab League Park, one of the few large parks in Casablanca, is an ideal spot to escape the chaos of the city and take a breather. Surrounded by palm trees, the park is enchantingly beautiful and relaxing.
Royal Palace
As the name suggests, the Royal Palace, which is the Royal Palace, is one of the must-see places with its magnificent architecture. Located in the Habous region, the Royal Palace is just one of the king’s palaces in Morocco. Influenced by the White House in the United States, the royal palace has orange groves and pools. The palace, which was built in a very luxurious way, is one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture. The palace, which you can only look at from the outside as it is forbidden to enter inside, still has an eye-catching beauty.
Mahkama du Pacha
Built-in 1941, the building is actually a courthouse and government office building. The architecture of the building, which includes a courthouse, pasha’s house, parliament, and even a prison, is beautiful enough to fall in love with. You cannot log into it because it is still actively used. However, its exterior and architecture are so different that you can go to Mahkama du Pacha just to see it. Do not forget to add this place to your list of places to visit in Casablanca to see this fantastic and eye-catching architecture of Casablanca.
La Corniche
The Corniche, Casablanca’s coastline, is an ideal spot to walk at sunset and take in the sea air. There are many cafes and restaurants on this coastline that runs parallel to the ocean. You can take a pleasant evening walk by seeing the ocean waves and discover a different side of Casablanca. In terms of temperature, going towards the evening will allow you to have a more enjoyable time.
Casablanca Sidi Abderrahmane
Sorcerer Island, which is perhaps one of the most interesting places in Casablanca, is home to various sorcerers, as its name suggests. Those who want to do magic in Casablanca come here. It is actually a very different and interesting place. It’s not a very pleasant place to look. It has a somewhat neglected and frightening appearance. If you want to see and explore a different place, you can add this place to your list of places to visit in Casablanca.
Moulay Youssef Mosque
Moulay Youssef Mosque, located opposite the royal palace, is a spot that bears the most distinctive features of Moroccan architecture. Although it is not very flashy and large, it stands out with its unique architecture and design. You can see the mosque, which stands out with its minaret, on your trip to Casablanca and have the opportunity to get to know Moroccan architecture closely.
Casablanca Food and Drink Recommendations
Another important point after our list of places to visit in Casablanca is Moroccan cuisine. There are many options in Casablanca to discover and experience Moroccan cuisine, which is home to quite different tastes.
Harira, a truly nutritious soup consumed by Moroccans in abundance, is a dish that you will often encounter on your trip to Morocco. However, the other dish you can see almost everywhere is Tajine.
Tajine, which is made by cooking in a pot or casserole, is indeed a local dish. There are many foods such as potatoes and vegetables in the tajine dish, which is usually made with chicken. However, mint tea, which you will see consumed almost everywhere, is one of Morocco’s unique drinks.
This flavor, which differs from the mint tea we know with its sweetness and presentation style, is among the things to try in Morocco.
There are many spots in Casablanca to experience Moroccan cuisine, which includes tajine, chebakia, mint tea, and more. At the same time, if you want to prefer vegetarian, vegan, and world cuisine flavors, there are spots where they are available. It can be difficult from time to time to discover Casablanca, which has a wide range of food and beverage options. That’s why we have prepared detailed Casablanca food and beverage recommendations for you. If you’re ready, here we go!
Zayna Moroccan Taste
Zayna Restaurant, which allows you to taste real Moroccan flavors, is among the pleasant spots you can stop by in Casablanca. It is a very interesting restaurant with its decoration and style that will make you feel like you are in Morocco. It would be useful to add this restaurant to your list, which also has live Moroccan music from time to time.
Le Cabestan
Located on the Corniche, La Cabestan is a quite old but luxurious place founded in 1927. Definitely, the right location if you want to eat seafood while looking at the perfect ocean view. Although the prices are a bit high, it is a very enjoyable restaurant in terms of both taste and view. It is one of the restaurants that should be tried with its rich menu and international cuisine.
Le Gatsby
Standing out with its fascinating view, Le Gatsby II. It is located opposite the Hasan Mosque. You can watch both the ocean and the mosque with its large windows. Standing out with breakfast and brunch, Le Getsby’s coffees are also quite good. You can go to this place, which has an average price, to take a lunch break and watch the view.
Rick’s Cafe
Decorated with inspiration from the movie Casablanca, Rick’s Cafe is among the places that must be seen and tried while in Casablanca. Opened in 2004, the cafe invites you to travel in time with its decoration and menu. As soon as you enter, you feel like you are in a Casablanca movie. Along with its decoration and concept, the food is also quite delicious. You should definitely visit Rick’s Cafe, where you can find different types of food.
NKOA
Located in the center of the city, NKOA is a restaurant that appeals to world cuisine. The menu includes a dish from each country. Standing out with its rich content, NKOA also hosts the delicacies of Moroccan cuisine. The NKOA decoration, where you can find different types of food, also attracts the attention of tourists and locals.
My stay at Riad Naila in the Medina area of the old city was an absolute delight. The accommodations were top-notch, and the staff went above and beyond to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. It’s always a bonus to have delicious meals available on-site, especially in a foreign city where finding good food can be a challenge. I’m sure many travelers will love this Place