Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and serves as the country’s economic and cultural center. With its mix of modernity and tradition, Casablanca is a vibrant and bustling city that offers visitors a range of activities and attractions. The city is known for its stunning architecture, including the impressive Hassan II Mosque, as well as its vibrant markets and vibrant nightlife. Here is my One day Casablanca Itinerary and suggestions on places to eat and hotels.
How much time to spend in Casablanca
To explore Casablanca, I recommend spending one to two days in the city. If you plan to visit the main attractions like the Hassan II Mosque, the Old Medina, and the Corniche, you can comfortably cover them in a day. However, if you want to explore the city in more depth, try local cuisine, and experience the nightlife, you may want to spend an extra day.
If have extra day or two in Casablanca you can do a day trip to Rabat, Mohammedia and the seaside town of El Jadida.
Is Casablanca safe?
Like any city in the world, Casablanca has its own safety concerns that visitors should be aware of. It is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take basic safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding unlit or isolated areas at night, and not flashing valuable items in public. Petty theft can be a problem, so it’s best to keep a close eye on your belongings and not leave them unattended. It is also recommended to use registered taxis and avoid walking alone in the dark. Overall, if you exercise common sense and take basic safety precautions, your visit to Casablanca should be safe and enjoyable.
Where to stay in Casablanca
Luxury Hotels:
Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca – An elegant 5-star hotel located on the Corniche offering ocean views, a spa, outdoor pool, and fine dining. Address: Boulevard de la Corniche, Casablanca 20050, Morocco.
Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche – A luxury hotel situated in the heart of Casablanca’s business district offering a spa, indoor pool, and rooftop terrace. Address: Rue Sidi Belyout, Casablanca 20000, Morocco.
Hyatt Regency Casablanca – A stylish 5-star hotel in the city center, featuring an outdoor pool, fitness center, and Moroccan and international cuisine. Address: Place des Nations Unies, Casablanca 20000, Morocco.
Budget Hotels:
Ibis Casa Nearshore – A modern budget hotel located close to the city center with comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant. Address: Anfa Place Living Resort, Boulevard de la Corniche, Casablanca 20000, Morocco.
Hotel Central – A budget hotel in the heart of Casablanca offering basic rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour reception. Address: 63 Boulevard Mohammed V, Casablanca 20000, Morocco.
Hotel Astrid – A budget-friendly hotel located near the Casa-Voyageurs train station with simple rooms and a restaurant. Address: 42 Boulevard Bahmad, Casablanca 20250, Morocco.
How to move around Casablanca?
Casablanca is a large city with various transportation options for getting around. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive, but it is important to negotiate the fare before getting in. The city also has a tram system with multiple lines that connect many popular destinations. Bus routes are also available, but they can be more challenging for non-locals to navigate. Walking is also an option in some areas, especially around the city center and the Corniche waterfront. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure personal safety.
About this One day Casablanca itinerary
The places to see in this itinerary spread around different area of the city. So, you will not be able to use public transportation to see all the places listed in this itinerary in one day. Your options are to hire a private drive or use taxi or Uber. Hiring a private driver can be most cost efficient option. Here is the information on how to h find and hire private driver in Casablanca.
Hiring private driver in Casablanca
The price of a private driver for a day in Casablanca can vary depending on factors such as the duration of the trip, the number of places to visit, and the type of vehicle required. On average, the cost of hiring a private driver for a full day in Casablanca can range from around 500 to 800 Moroccan Dirhams (approximately $55 to $90 USD). It’s important to negotiate and agree on the price with the driver in advance to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.
There are several ways to find a private driver for a day in Casablanca. One option is to ask your hotel or accommodation provider if they can recommend a reliable driver. Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Careem to hire a private driver. Another option is to book a private tour that includes a private driver, which can be arranged through local tour operators or online travel agencies. Additionally, you can search for local car rental companies that offer chauffeur-driven services in Casablanca.
One day Casablanca Itinerary
9:00am – Start your day by visiting the Old Medina, the historic heart of Casablanca. Here you can explore the narrow alleys and traditional souks selling everything from spices to textiles. The market is open all day.
11:00am – Next, head to the Notre Dame de Lourdes, a beautiful Catholic church located in the heart of the city. The church is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm and admission is free.
12:30pm – For lunch, head to Rick’s Cafe, a popular restaurant inspired by the movie Casablanca. The restaurant offers a mix of Moroccan and international cuisine and is open daily from 12:00pm to 11:00pm.
2:00pm – After lunch, take a walk along the Corniche, a scenic waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
3:30pm – Next, head to Mohammed V Square, the main square of Casablanca. Here you can see a variety of buildings from different eras, including the impressive Palace of Justice. Admission is free and the square is open all day.
5:00pm – Visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors for guided tours, which are conducted several times a day. The admission fee is 120 MAD per person and the mosque is open daily from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
7:00pm – For dinner, head to the Habous Quarter, a picturesque neighborhood known for its traditional architecture and street food. Try some local specialties like tagine and couscous at one of the many stalls or restaurants in the area.
Here are five places for dinner in Habous Quarter:
Restaurant Al-Mounia – 79, Avenue Hassan II, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; open from 12:00pm to 3:00pm and from 7:00pm to 11:00pm; price range is high-end; this restaurant serves traditional Moroccan cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
Restaurant Dar Naji – 11, Rue El Qouds, Casablanca 20270, Morocco; open from 11:00am to 11:00pm; price range is mid-range; this cozy restaurant serves classic Moroccan dishes such as tagines and couscous.
Restaurant Le Rouget de l’Isle – 19, Rue Moussa Ibn Noussair, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; open from 12:00pm to 3:00pm and from 7:00pm to 11:00pm; price range is high-end; this restaurant offers French cuisine with a Moroccan twist.
Restaurant La Bavaroise – 124, Boulevard Al Massira Al Khadra, Casablanca 20100, Morocco; open from 7:00am to 12:00am; price range is mid-range; this restaurant serves a mix of Moroccan and European dishes, with a focus on seafood.
Restaurant La Sqala – 8, Rue de la Sqala, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; open from 11:30am to 11:30pm; price range is mid-range; this restaurant is located in a historic fort and serves traditional Moroccan cuisine, such as pastilla and tagines, in a unique and charming atmosphere.
