Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and a transit point for many international flights. Most flights from Europe to Morocco also arrive in this city. If you have a 6-12 hour layover in Casablanca, you might as well use this time to check in the classic landmarks here, especially the Hassan II Mosque and the old town of Casablanca, and experience the unique style of the "Atlantic Bride". This guide will help you plan your layover time efficiently, allowing you to experience the charm of Morocco in a short time.
If your layover time is more than 6 hours and your nationality meets Morocco's visa-free or visa-on-arrival policy, you can choose to enter the country for sightseeing. If you need a visa, please confirm in advance whether you can apply for a visa on arrival.
Train: From Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), there is a train every hour directly to the city of Casablanca (Casa Voyageurs Station), the journey takes about 45 minutes, and the ticket price is about 50 dirhams.
Taxi: Official mini-taxis (red) and large taxis (white) can go directly to the city center, with fares of about 250-350 dirhams and a journey of about 40 minutes, but be aware that taxi drivers deliberately raise prices for foreigners.
Airport bus: The airport bus operated by CTM can also go to the city, but the frequency is less.
The best way - Charter pick-up: A professional licensed driver will arrive at the airport in advance to wait for you. After picking you up, you will be taken directly to the attractions you want to visit. You don’t have to spend time and money waiting for taxis to change attractions in the city. Drivers who can communicate in English can introduce you to the attractions on the way, and Chinese and English customer service are online throughout the journey, so there is no need to worry about communication problems.
Expected visiting time: 1.5-2 hours
The Hassan II Mosque, standing above the sea, is the most spectacular landmark in Casablanca and even Morocco. It is the third largest mosque in the world and the only mosque in Morocco open to foreigners. Built on the Atlantic coast, this mosque has the world's tallest minaret, which is 210 meters high and one of the tallest religious buildings in the world. The beams of light from the top of the minaret shine on Mecca, 30 kilometers away, symbolizing the direction of Muslim faith.
The Hassan II Mosque uses elements such as white granite columns, marble, mosaic tiles, cedar and glass chandeliers. It is very Moorish in style, magnificent and elegant. It was rated by the author of the Morocco National Research Guide as "a symbolic building of Morocco that continues traditional art and innovation."
If the transfer time is not long enough and you want to visit more attractions in Casablanca, you can just check in and take pictures outside the mosque. If you have enough time and are interested in the Moroccan religious architectural style, you can also choose to buy tickets and enter to visit. The huge chapel, mosque museum and Turkish bath inside the mosque are all worth seeing. The chapel is equipped with a detachable retractable roof that can be opened in just 5 minutes, allowing sunlight to illuminate the hall during the day and believers to pray under the stars at night.
Opening hours: Non-Muslim tourists have fixed guided tour times every day, and can enter and visit at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00 every day. During Ramadan, they can enter and visit at 10:00 and 11:00. Friday is Sunday and is closed. You can check the official website in advance for details.
Tickets: 130 dirhams for adults and 70 dirhams for students.
Expected visiting time: 1.5-2 hours
Compared to the Medina in Fez and Marrakech, the old town of Casablanca is not big or so famous, but it is still worth a visit. Perhaps because there are fewer tourists here, it is more authentic and has a more fireworks atmosphere. Like other old cities, you can find all kinds of handicrafts, souvenirs, and taste authentic Moroccan street snacks here.
Recommended walking route: Bab Marrakech Gate (main entrance to the old city) - Rue Tahar Sebti (search for special handicrafts and spices) - Petit Socco - Grand Mosque - Place des Nations Unies
Expected visiting time: 30-45 minutes
Mohammed V Square is also called "Pigeon Square" because there are many pigeons gathered there. There is a circular fountain in the middle of the square, surrounded by colonial buildings such as the City Hall, the Court, the Post Office, and the Bank, so it is also the administrative center of Casablanca. The main road next to the square is paved with railroad tracks, and the trams that pass by from time to time are very modern in shape. You can spend half an hour here to watch the fountain and the pigeons. If you want to feed the pigeons, you can also buy some food from the locals who sell pigeon food in the square. You can also ask them to help you drive the pigeons into flight and take an interesting photo.
Expected visiting time: 30-45 minutes
The Sacred Heart Cathedral is not far from Mohammed V Square. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral built in 1930. The cathedral was designed by French architect Paul Tournon and has a distinctive Gothic Revival style. After Morocco's independence in 1956, it was converted into a cultural center.
Expected visiting time: 1-1.5 hours
If you have enough time, you can go to Rick’s Café, the legendary cafe in the movie "Casablanca". Although the movie of the same name in the city was not filmed here, you can feel the romance in the movie in the same cafe. The owner and founder behind Rick’s Café is a former American diplomat named Kathy Kriger. She used all her strength to restore the cafe in the classic movie, making people feel like they have returned to the place where the story of "Casablanca" took place the moment they stepped in. Here you can enjoy classic American-Moroccan fusion dishes, or order a coffee or a glass of wine (if you can handle the alcohol) at the bar and enjoy the special atmosphere. If you want to relive the movie, you can go to the second floor of the cafe, where the TV is playing the movie "Casablanca".
Recommended dishes: Couscous, Moroccan lamb stew.
Reservation reminder: Due to its high popularity, it is recommended to call or book online in advance.
Although Casablanca may make you linger, make sure to return to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight to avoid missing your flight due to traffic congestion. If you have time, you can buy Moroccan specialty products such as argan oil, handmade ceramics and mint tea in the airport duty-free shop.
Choose core attractions: If you have a short time (6-8 hours), it is recommended to only visit the Hassan II Mosque and the old city.
Reasonable transportation plan: Use trains or taxis to quickly travel to and from the city to avoid public transportation delays. Chartering a car is the most recommended, with professional customer service and drivers to help you better plan your route and time.
Travel light: If you have a lot of luggage, you can use the luggage storage service at the airport.
Experience authentic flavors: Although the stay is short, you might as well try a cup of Moroccan mint tea or local snacks to leave an impression of Moroccan flavor.
If you have 6-12 hours of transit time, Casablanca is definitely worth your time to explore outside the airport. Although time is limited, with careful planning, you can still appreciate the essence of this city and leave unforgettable travel memories!
Click here to explore more travel guides in Morocco: Travel Inspirations.
Planning to travel to Morocco? You can refer to these itineraries for inspirations:
3-Day Sahara Adventure: Marrakech to Fes via Ait Benhaddou & Merzouga Desert
5-Day Journey through Northern Morocco: A Blend of History and Culture
7-Day Morocco Adventure: A Custom Journey from Marrakech
13-Day Moroccan Odyssey: A Custom Journey from Casablanca
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