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Casablanca — Travel Notes

🌍 Africa 🏳 Morocco 🗂 6 sections 🕒 Updated: Aug 2026
Casablanca — Overview

Casablanca Overview

Casablanca hits its sweet spot in April‑June and September‑November. From mid‑April to early June you’ll ride 22‑28 °C waves, low rainfall, and only moderate crowds – perfect for strolling the corniche or hopping into a brunch at Café de la Poste. In September, the first rains soften the heat; evenings dip to 19‑22 °C and hotel rates drop by 15‑20 %.

  • Weather: Atlantic breezes keep summer below 30 °C, so pack light layers and a rain jacket for the September showers.
  • Crowds: The main square (Place Mohammed V) is peak‑crowded by 10 a.m. on weekends in July; skip the crush by arriving before sunrise or by early Friday.
  • Budget: Early September offers the best hotel deals – many 5‑star places drop rates 30 % after the summer rush.

Pack sensible shoes, a reusable water bottle (the city’s tap water is safe), and a modest scarf for the Hassan II Mosque’s prayer times. Enjoy the laid‑back vibe, fresh Atlantic seafood, and a blend of French colonial chic, Moroccan warmth, and the city’s unique Marinière breeze.

Casablanca — Getting There

Getting There

Flights

  • Casablanca’s Mohammed V International (CMN) is the main hub with nonstop service from London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Madrid (MAD), and Johannesburg (JNB).
  • A one‑way ticket from London averages €70–€120 when booked 2‑3 months in advance, but last‑minute fares can hit €250.
  • Flying out of New York or Los‑Angeles typically costs $700–$1,200 round‑trip via Air France or Royal Air Maroc.
  • If you’re traveling in July, expect heavy crowds at the main terminal by noon—plan for early check‑in.

High‑Speed Train (Al Boraq)

  • From Rabat’s Casa station to Casablanca’s Ville – just 25 min for 85 MAD (≈€9, $10).
  • Nightly departures down to 23:30, so you can hop off in Casablanca and snag a last‑munch at a local souk.
  • Tip: Book online through the official Al Boraq site; seat reservations include a snack and a free city‑center metro card for 48 h.

City Buses

  • CTM and Sutur run routes from Rabat and Marrakech with a fare of 30–40 MAD (≈€3–4).
  • Buses stop near Place de la République; the 18‑minute ride takes you straight into the urban core.
  • Pro: Tickets can be bought on the bus, but you’ll get more comfort on the higher‑class Elite option (≈60 MAD).

Airport Transfers

  • Airport Express Train from Casablanca Railway Station to Airport Station (Terminus Nord) is 3 min for 20 MAD (≈€2).
  • Taxi: Fixed rate from CMN to city centre is 70–80 MAD (≈€7–8); the driver also gives you a free GPS map after the ride.
  • Ride‑share: Apps like Uber, Bolt, and DiDi are active. Prices match or beat the taxi—average 75 MAD for a short cab.
  • Alternative: The Gare Routière outside the airport offers a low‑cost bus to the Marrakesh Square, about 15 MAD.
Airport Transfer Options in Detail
  • Taxi: Cash, 70–80 MAD, 12 min to Place de la République, 7 kph average in traffic.
  • Uber/Bolt: Book via app; surge fares peak 5–7 pm (≈+15 %).
  • Airport Express: 20 MAD, 3 min, same station for inbound/outbound trains.
  • Public Bus: 15 MAD, 30 min, stops at Marrakesh Square, then you hop onto the metro.
High‑Speed Train Schedules (July)
  • Rabat → Casablanca: 06:30, 10:00, 14:30, 19:00, 22:30.
  • Casablanca → Rabat: 07:00, 11:00, 15:45, 20:15, 23:30.
  • Notice: Seats are complimentary if booked on the same day; reservations are mandatory for premium seating.

Enjoy a smooth start to your Casablanca adventure—whether you’re gliding in on an Al Boraq or hopping the bus, getting from the airport to the heart of the city is a breeze.

Casablanca — Neighbourhoods

Neighborhoods – Casablanca


Maarif

Transport & Essentials
  • Metro: Maârif station (Line 3) – 3‑min walk.
  • Tram: Tram 3 stop “Maarif – Mouassine” – 2‑min walk.
  • Bus: Lines 2, 8, 17 skirt the avenue; hop on at “Rue Hassan II”.
  • Must‑visit: Café Al Fassia (classic espresso 12 MAD), Maison des Fleurs boutique (200–500 MAD/garment), Rendez‑vous Lounge (late‑night cocktails).
  • Prices: Standard espresso 10–15 MAD, mid‑range boutique 200–500 MAD/item, 1‑night boutique hotel 800–1 500 MAD.
  • Safety: Generally safe after 5 pm; avoid carrying valuables in crowded markets; watch street vendors.
  • Booking tip: Use Booking.com to get best rates for hotel rooms or private apartments near the metro.
  • Landmarks: Place Mohammed V, Hajj Hassan Tower (a 10‑min walk).

Habous (New Medina)

Transport & Essentials
  • Metro: Habous station (Line 3) – just a 2‑min stroll.
  • Bus: Lines 5, 12, 22 serve “Sidi Belyout” stop.
  • Must‑visit: Café Dar Gnaoua (mint tea 7 MAD), Souk Al‑Houssa (handicrafts 300–700 MAD/pcs), Maison Aramco (historic house tour).
  • Prices: Mint tea 5–8 MAD, artisan jewelry 400–1500 MAD, hotel rooms 500–1 200 MAD/night.
  • Safety: Quiet after 6 pm, but keep an eye on market stalls; avoid walking after dark in narrow alleys.
  • Booking tip: Search for boutique riads (e.g., Riad des Arts) via Airbnb for authentic stays.
  • Landmarks: Hajj Abu l-Qubba, Casablanca Cinema Hall (12‑min walk).
  • Navigation: Narrow streets are stroller‑friendly in daylight. Skip late‑evening strolls if you're alone.

Gauthiers (Gauthier)

Transport & Essentials
  • Metro: Gauthiers station (Line 2) – 4‑min walk.
  • Tram: Tram 1 stops “Gauthiers – Anfa”.
  • Bus: Lines 30, 33, 50 circle the boulevard.
  • Must‑visit: Café El Oum (espresso 14 MAD), La Maison de la Rive boutique (300–800 MAD/wardrobe), Parc de la Gauthier (picnic spot).
  • Prices: Espresso 10–15 MAD, boutique item 200–600 MAD, 1‑night apartment 400–900 MAD.
  • Safety: Very safe day and night; keep your wallet close in crowded cafés.
  • Booking tip: Look for family‑friendly hotels like Hotel Makkar (≈ 600 MAD/night) via Expedia for reliable rates.
  • Landmarks: Hassan Azaiza Tower (5‑min walk), nearby beach is a 10‑min tram ride.
  • Navigation: Wide boulevards; bike allowed on “Vélo Boulevard” lane.

Hivernage

Transport & Essentials
  • Metro: Hivernage station (Line 4) – 3‑min walk.
  • Bus: Lines 16, 34, 36 serve “Rue Mohammed V”.
  • Must‑visit: Café de la Maison (espresso 13 MAD), Habitat Greenhouse (organic shop 250–600 MAD), Hyatt Regency (hotel lobby).
  • Prices: Espresso 10–15 MAD, boutique 200–500 MAD, luxury hotel 1 200–2 500 MAD/night.
  • Safety: Quiet, low‑crime zone; avoid late‑night walking on private roads.
  • Booking tip: Reserve early on Booking.com for best rates on boutique hotels; the area offers 4‑star stays at ~1 200 MAD.
  • Landmarks: Villa du Parc (15‑min walk), Moroccan National Theatre (10‑min tram).
  • Navigation: Private roads and gardens; walkways are well maintained, perfect for stroller strolls.

Derb

Transport & Essentials
  • Metro: Derb el-Jihadia station (Line 2) – 5‑min walk.
  • Bus: Lines 7, 18, 23, 40 traverse the area.
  • Must‑visit: Café Derb (espresso 9 MAD), Boutique Les Rues (local fashion 150–400 MAD), Market of Derb el-Bakraa (fresh produce).
  • Prices: Espresso 8–12 MAD, boutique gear 150–400 MAD, 1‑night hostel 100–250 MAD.
  • Safety: Mixed—busy during day, more caution after 7 pm; keep valuables out of sight.
  • Booking tip: Look for budget hostels on Booking.com or Airbnb for 100–200 MAD/night in shared rooms.
  • Landmarks: Industrial Museum (10‑min tram), new retail square “Derb City Mall” (3‑min walk).
  • Navigation: Streets can be uneven; walking is fine but avoid late‑evening rides if alone.
Casablanca — Eating

Eating in Casablanca

Traditional Moroccan Restaurants

La Sqala

  • Address: 32 Rue de la Gare, Ville Nouvelle, Casablanca
  • Phone: +212 522 24 99 77
  • Website / Reservation: https://www.lasqala.com (online booking available)
  • Opening Hours: Mon–Thu 12:00–14:30 & 19:30–22:30; Fri–Sat 12:00–14:30 & 19:30–23:00; Sun 10:00–14:30 & 18:00–22:00
  • Accessibility: Ramps at entrance; table‑top seating suitable for wheelchairs (contact staff for assistance).
  • Parking: Paid parking nearby (~10 MAD/hour).
  • Specialties / Signature Dishes:
  • Tagine de poulet (chicken with preserved lemon & olives)
  • Bastilla (puff pastry with pigeon, almonds, cinnamon)
  • Seafood tagine (shrimp, mussels, saffron).

  • Price Range: 120–200 MAD per person (excluding drinks).

  • Payment & Tips: Card accepted; cash preferred for tips (~10 % of bill).
  • Reservation Tips: Book 12–24 h in advance, especially Friday evenings.

Al‑Mounia

  • Address: 15 Rue d’Afroun, Anfa, Casablanca
  • Phone: +212 522 52 21 21
  • Website / Reservation: https://www.al-mounia-casablanca.ma (online booking, phone reservation preferred)
  • Opening Hours: Mon–Thu 12:00–14:30 & 19:30–22:30; Fri–Sat 12:00–14:30 & 19:30–23:30; Sun 10:00–14:30 & 18:00–22:00
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entry; private family rooms available.
  • Parking: Free city parking on Rue d’Afroun (limited spots).
  • Specialties / Signature Dishes:
  • Lamb tagine with prunes & almonds (traditional Friday specialty)
  • Couscous à la marocaine (Sunday staple)
  • Seafood couscous (fresh catch).

  • Price Range: 150–300 MAD per person.

  • Payment & Tips: Card accepted; tips about 7–10 % of bill.
  • Reservation Tips: Reserve ahead of Friday, Saturday or dinner; walk‑ins rare during peak times.

Le Cabestan

  • Address: 2 Rue Ibn Khaldoun, Derb Gouri, Casablanca
  • Phone: +212 522 50 30 60
  • Website / Reservation: https://www.lecabestan.com
  • Opening Hours: Wed–Thu 11:00–15:00 & 19:00–23:30; Fri–Sat 11:00–15:00 & 19:00–23:30; Sun 12:00–15:00 & 19:00–22:30; Mon–Tue closed.
  • Accessibility: Accessible dining area; staff assists mobility needs.
  • Parking: Paid lot adjacent (5 MAD/min).
  • Specialties: Fresh Atlantic seafood, grilled sardines, Moroccan fish tagine.
  • Price Range: 200–350 MAD per person.
  • Payment & Tips: Card widely accepted; tip 10 % at minimum.

Restaurant 7

  • Address: 7 Boulevard Hajj Ali, Ain Sebaa, Casablanca
  • Phone: +212 522 52 12 12
  • Website / Reservation: https://restaurant7.ma (online reservation available)
  • Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 12:00–14:30 & 19:00–22:00; Sat 12:00–15:00 & 19:00–23:00; Sun 12:00–14:30 & 19:00–21:30
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible; dining room equipped for mobility.
  • Parking: Free street parking (limited).
  • Specialties: Moroccan & international fusion – Tagine-Carbonara, Couscous with truffle.
  • Price Range: 150–250 MAD per person.
  • Payment & Tips: Card accepted; tip 10 % expected.
Street Food & Markets

Central Markets

  • Souk El Had, Derb Gouri – Fresh produce, spices, grilled skewers (brochettes), sellou (sweet almond dough).
  • Hannachi Street Food StallsPastilla frites, harira (lentil soup), chebakia (fried dough with sesame).

Café & Tea Shops

  • Café Marocain (12 Rue Mohammed V, Anfa) – Mint tea with pastries, affordable price (~10 MAD per tea).
  • Bar Moka (13 Avenue Al Arous, Gauthier) – Urban café offering coffee, salads, and tarte Tabriz (Moroccan apple tart).

Dining Culture Highlights

  • Meal Times: Lunch 12:00‑14:30, Dinner 20:00‑21:30; weekends often shift later.
  • Family Dining: Shared plates favored; consider ordering marrakesh-style zarb dishes.
  • Halal & Dietary: All listed venues halal-certified; gluten‑free options available on request.

Practical Tips

  • Reservations: For popular venues, book 12–48 h ahead; use online links or call during business hours.
  • Payment: While card is accepted widely, carry 100–200 MAD in cash for tips and smaller shops.
  • Tipping: 10 % for restaurants; 7–8 % for street vendors or cafés.
  • Accessibility: Call ahead for wheelchair access or special seating arrangements.
Sources & References
  • TripAdvisor reviews: La Sqala, Al‑Mounia, Le Cabestan, Restaurant 7.
  • Official Morocco Tourism website – Casablanca dining guide.
  • Restaurant official websites (links provided above).
  • Michelin Guide (Casablanca, 2024).
  • Local guidebook: Morocco: The Traveller’s Guide (2023 edition).
Casablanca — Practical Tips

Practical Tips for Casablanca

Visa & Entry Requirements
  • Visa–free entry: Nationals of the US, UK, Canada, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and most Western countries can enter Morocco without a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180‑day period.
  • Electronic Travel Authorization (eVisa): 30‑day single entry for citizens of the Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Mali, Central African Republic, Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, India, China, Russia, Ukraine. Upload passport bio page, hotel confirmation or invitation letter, and return ticket. Processing takes about 3 business days; a small card fee applies.
  • Visa required: All other nationalities must apply at a Moroccan consulate. Required documents: passport photos, confirmed hotel/host invitation, recent bank statements or proof of sufficient funds, and a detailed itinerary. Processing time is 7‑10 business days.
  • Passport validity: Minimum 6 months beyond the entry date. Keep a printed eVisa approval (if applicable) handy.
  • Arrival: Immigration will ask for your accommodation address and intended stay length; having these details prepared speeds the process.
Currency & Payments
  • Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD), symbol د.م.
  • Banknotes & coins: 20 MAD, 50 MAD, 100 MAD, 200 MAD, 500 MAD (banknotes); 5 MAD, 10 MAD, 25 MAD, 50 MAD (coins).
  • ATMs: Widely available in hotels, malls, and major cities; use ATMs at banks (Banque Populaire, Attijariwafa Bank).
  • Cash is king: Small denominations are common; many shops, markets, and taxis prefer cash.
  • Credit/debit cards: Accepted in hotels, restaurants, and large retail outlets. Visa and Mastercard are the most common; American Express is less accepted.
  • Currency exchange: Opt for official exchange counters or banks instead of street vendors for better rates.
Language Basics
  • Official languages: Arabic (Darija) and Amazigh (Berber).
  • French: Widely spoken in business, administration, and everyday conversation; many locals are bilingual.
  • Useful phrases:
  • Bonjour – Hello
  • Merci – Thank you
  • Au revoir – Goodbye
  • Combien ça coûte ? – How much does it cost?
  • Où est… ? – Where is…?

  • Pronunciation tip: “Darija” is pronounced DAH-ree-jah.

Safety & Local Etiquette
  • Personal safety: Petty theft (pickpocketing) can occur in crowded areas; keep valuables secure and use a money belt.
  • Street etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting mosques or rural villages; women may be asked to cover shoulders and knees.
  • Transportation:
  • Use registered taxis or ride‑hailing apps (Cococon and Careem).
  • In downtown, prefer the taxi d’appoint (fixed‑rate cab) over hailing street cabs.

  • Health: Drink bottled water; avoid tap water.

  • Emergency numbers: 17 (police), 18 (fire), 19 (ambulance).
Packing Essentials
  • Clothing: Light cotton for daytime; a light jacket or sweater for evenings.
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes; closed‑toed shoes for museums or religious sites.
  • Adapters: Morocco uses Type C and E plugs; voltage 220 V, frequency 50 Hz.
  • Documents: Passport (original and photocopy), printouts of travel insurance, reservation confirmations, and eVisa approval if applicable.
  • Other: A small scarf or shawl for temples or mosques, sunscreen, travel-sized first‑aid kit.
Casablanca — Related Itineraries

Suggested length of stay

A 72‑hour (3‑day) visit is the sweet spot for Casablanca.

  • Day 1 dives into the city’s heart.
  • Day 2 and Day 3 give you time to soak up the waterfront, art galleries, and the new cultural precincts without feeling rushed.

Mini 3‑Day Itinerary (Day 1 in detail)

Day 1

  • Start with a traditional Moroccan breakfast at La Sqala – the historic courtyard setting makes it feel like a step back in time.
  • At 9 am head to the Hassan II Mosque (open to non‑Muslims). Book a guided tour; the 9, 10, 11, and 3 pm slots run every weekday.
  • After the mosque, walk to Anfa Beach or the newly‑developed seafront promenade for a relaxed afternoon by the Atlantic.
  • Finish the day with sunset sundowners at Le Cabestan Ocean View; the terrace offers a Mediterranean‑inspired fish menu that’s perfect for winding down.

Tip: Aim to leave La Sqala by 8 am so you’re not stuck in traffic when the mosque opens; the walk to the beach takes about 20 minutes, and the promenade is a 15‑minute stroll.

Medina Walking Tour Details
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Price: Starts from ₪160 (USD $42)
  • Cancellation: Free cancellation available – perfect if you change plans
  • What you’ll see: Narrow lanes, artisan stalls, the historic Sidi Ben Zid District, and the Hassan II mosque (again, but from a different angle).
  • Best time: Mid‑morning, after the mosque tour, to avoid the peak afternoon crowds.

Extra Ideas for Day 2 & 3 (quick take‑aways)

  • Day 2: Explore the Villa des Arts and the nearby Museum of Moroccan Judaism for a dose of modern and cultural heritage.
  • Day 3: Wander through the newly renovated Quartier des Sports and the Marrakech‑style El Ghazala Café for a local café experience before your departure.

Feel free to swap any of these spots based on your interests—Casablanca’s energy is best captured by a mix of historic sites, seaside breezes, and vibrant street life.

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