Is Casablanca Worth Visiting? Travel Tips, Attractions & Day Trip

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and its economic capital, while Rabat is the political capital. When planning a trip to Morocco, tourists typically consider visiting Marrakech, Rabat, Essaouira, Chefchaouen, or Fez. They mostly overlook Casablanca because of the perception that it is more of a business hub than a culturally exotic city. However, when you visit this largest port city, you will say it is definitely worth visiting.

Dive deep into this post where our expert explores why Casablanca deserves a spot on your itinerary. From its top attractions to insider travel tips and day trip options, here’s everything you need to know to make your trip to Casablanca unforgettable.

Major Casablanca Attractions

Casablanca doesn’t attract as many tourists as other cities in Morocco. However, it is home to many sightseeing destinations. These are the best attractions that you cannot afford to miss.

Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque is the crown jewel of Casablanca. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and is built partially over the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the few mosques in the world open to non-Muslims for guided tours. You can view the building’s beautiful interior, its mosaics, and its great hall of prayer. It is a magnificent demonstration of Moroccan craft and a place to visit when in the city.

The Old Medina

Although it is not as large or old as the medinas at Fes or Marrakech, the Old Medina at Casablanca is a beautiful reminder of the traditional life of Morocco. It is a nice place to walk around, thanks to its narrow, winding streets, vibrant markets, and relaxed atmosphere. There are local shops that sell spices, handcrafted jewelry, and so on. Don’t forget to negotiate, bargaining is an experience!

La Corniche and Ain Diab Beach

La Corniche is the seafront promenade and a district of Casablanca that stretches several kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean. It has several restaurants, cafes, and high-end hotels. It is the best place to take a slow walk while enjoying the Atlantic scenery. You can relax or swim in the waves at the local Ain Diab Beach. Even though the water may be chilly, the beach is a favorite among the locals, mostly so during the summer season.

Royal Palace of Casablanca

The Royal Palace is not open to visitors for interior tours, but one can view its magnificent exterior and gardens. The palace is the home of the King of Morocco when he comes to Casablanca. You can observe exteriors featuring grand architecture and intricate details that showcase Morocco’s royal heritage.

Travel Tips to Casablanca

Now that you know where to visit, let us help you with travel tips to make your visit memorable.

Best Time to Visit

Casablanca has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Its best season is between March and May or September and November, when there are fewer tourists. Summer (June to August) is the peak season, with larger crowds and higher prices.

Dress Modestly

Although Casablanca is a cosmopolitan city, one should remember to dress decently, particularly when visiting religious sites or strolling through local areas. The women ought to wear long skirts or pants and tops with sleeves, and men ought not to wear shorts in more conservative places.

Language and Currency

Morocco has Arabic and Berber as its official languages, though many people in Casablanca also converse in English and French, particularly in tourist areas. In terms of money, Morocco operates MAD, which is the Moroccan dirham. It would be advisable to carry some local currency, as not all small stores and markets accept credit cards.

Public Transportation

There are buses and modern trams that can take you around the town. Nevertheless, taxis are also a common means of transport. All you need to do is negotiate a price and finalize it to prevent misconceptions in the future.

Day Trips from Casablanca

You can enjoy a variety of fantastic day trips to explore the diversity of Morocco. Whether you are a history or nature lover or enjoy the beaches, here are some of the excellent choices to enjoy a short day trip.

Rabat

Rabat is a perfect place to visit on a day trip and is just an hour drive away from Casablanca. With its historic sites— Hassan Tower, the Royal Palace, and the lovely Kasbah of the Udayas —this capital city is worth visiting. It is also a more relaxing, tranquil city, unlike Casablanca, and is ideal for those who want to see a different face of Morocco.

El Jadida

When you need some beach time, you can go to the seaside city of El Jadida, some 1.5 hours from Casablanca. The Portuguese medina of the town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its old Portuguese architecture make it an interesting, off-the-beaten-path destination. The beaches are also relatively calm, unlike the more popular beaches of Casablanca.

Marrakech

Casablanca and Marrakech are within 2.5 hours’ distance from each other by car or train. It is further, but one of the most iconic cities in Morocco, and it has a completely different experience to offer. Tourists can enjoy a host of fun activities in this ‘Red City’, from visiting the historic sites to hectic Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and scenic gardens.

Make Your Casablanca Tour Memorable with JETT Travel

Should people visit Casablanca? Absolutely! Although not as historically interesting as other cities in Morocco, Casablanca offers the perfect opportunity to see how modern life in Morocco is. Consider consulting experts of a leading travel agency like JETT Travel to enjoy a stress-free and memorable Casablanca tour. Save your time and money as our experts help you find the best deals on flights, hotels, car rentals, or an all-inclusive vacation package booking.