Middle East & Africa · Morocco
Casablanca Travel Guide
Casablanca is Morocco's largest city — a cosmopolitan Atlantic metropolis with the jaw-dropping Hassan II Mosque, French colonial architecture, and a vibrant medina. It's the gateway to Marrakech and the real, modern Morocco.
How Do You Get to the Mosque?
Walk to the medina (15 min). Taxi to Hassan II Mosque (10 min, 20-30 MAD). Petit taxis (red) are metered within the city.
What Can You See in 6 Hours?
Hassan II Mosque — Soaring minaret (210m), ocean setting, and extraordinary interior. Guided tours 130 MAD. One of the few Moroccan mosques open to non-Muslims.
Old Medina — The walled old city. Narrow lanes, spice sellers, leather goods, and traditional Moroccan life.
Corniche — The beachfront boulevard with cafes, restaurants, and the Ain Diab beach district.
Rick's Cafe — Inspired by the Humphrey Bogart film. Art Deco bar and restaurant. Good for a cocktail.
Where Should You Eat?
Tagine: Slow-cooked stew in a conical clay pot. Chicken with preserved lemon and olives is the classic.
Couscous: Friday is traditionally couscous day in Morocco. Steamed semolina with vegetables and meat.
Moroccan mint tea: Gunpowder green tea with fresh mint and lots of sugar. Poured from a height for froth.
Is Casablanca Worth Exploring Independently?
The mosque and medina are manageable independently. Taxis are cheap. Haggling in the medina requires confidence — start at 30-40% of the asking price.
Useful Local Phrases
Salam
Hello / Peace
(sah-LAHM)
Shukran
Thank you
(SHOO-kran)
Bshhal?
How much?
(buh-SHAHL)
La, shukran
No, thank you
(lah, SHOO-kran)
Local Tips
- •Hassan II Mosque is one of the world's largest and most beautiful. Non-Muslim visitors allowed on guided tours (130 MAD).
- •Rick's Cafe exists (inspired by the film) — touristy but atmospheric for a drink.
- •Marrakech is 2.5 hours by train. Only attempt with very long port days.
- •Morocco uses the Dirham (MAD). Haggling is expected in the medina.