Is Casablanca worth visiting or just a stopover?

Absolutely worth visiting. Casablanca is often unfairly skipped in favour of Marrakech or Fez, but it rewards those who stay with world-class architecture, superb seafood, a relaxed medina, and an authentic glimpse of modern Moroccan urban life. Two to three days is ideal.

Do I need a visa to visit Morocco from Kenya?

Kenyan passport holders currently require a visa to enter Morocco. It is advisable to apply well in advance through the Moroccan embassy. Visa regulations change — always verify the latest requirements before booking.

What is the best way to get from the airport to the city centre?

The Al Bidaoui train runs from Mohammed V International Airport directly to Casablanca Voyageurs station in the city centre and is the most efficient and affordable option. The journey takes around 35 minutes. Metered taxis are also available but agree on a price or insist on the meter before departing.

Is Casablanca safe for solo travellers?

Yes, for the most part. Casablanca is one of Morocco's more cosmopolitan and tourist-accustomed cities. Standard urban precautions apply — keep valuables secure, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and be aware of your surroundings in busy markets.

Can non-Muslims visit the Hassan II Mosque?

Yes — the Hassan II Mosque is one of very few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors. Guided tours run most mornings (except Fridays). Modest dress is required; robes and head coverings are provided at the entrance.

What is the currency in Morocco and can I use cards?

The currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Carry some cash for taxis, street food, and smaller medina vendors. ATMs are easy to find across the city.

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Destination guide

Casablanca

North Africa · Morocco

Where the Atlantic meets the ancient and the modern

Plan this trip Search flights

Best season

March to May and September to November — mild temperatures and fewer crowds than the summer peak

From Nairobi

Approximately 7–8 hours (with a connection); no direct scheduled service at time of writing

Why Visit Casablanca?

Casablanca defies the classic Morocco postcard — and that is precisely its appeal. Skip the tourist trail for a day and you will find authentic neighbourhood cafés serving mint tea, fish straight from the Atlantic grilled on the corniche, and a thriving arts and music scene that few travellers bother to explore.

The Hassan II Mosque alone is worth the journey: a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship with a retractable roof, laser-lit minaret, and a prayer hall that can hold 25,000 worshippers. Beyond that icon, the city's Quartier Habous blends French urban planning with traditional Moroccan architecture in a way found nowhere else in the country.

For design lovers, the Art Deco district is one of the finest collections of the style outside Europe. For foodies, the seafood is outstanding. And for those who want to understand modern Morocco — its ambition, its contradictions, its extraordinary energy — Casablanca is the only place to start.

Stand inside one of the world's largest mosques — the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque, perched over the Atlantic
Wander the Art Deco quarter, one of the most intact collections of the style outside of Europe
Eat your way through Casablanca's legendary seafood scene on the corniche and in the old medina
Discover the Quartier Habous — a 1930s planned neighbourhood fusing French and traditional Moroccan design
Explore the city's thriving contemporary art galleries, rooftop bars, and live music venues

Best for

Architecture lovers, foodies, city explorers, and travellers seeking authentic Moroccan urban culture beyond the imperial cities

Trip style

City break, cultural immersion, stopover extension

Known for

Hassan II Mosque, Art Deco architecture, Atlantic seafood, Quartier Habous, vibrant café culture

Quick facts

Best time to visit

March to May and September to November — mild temperatures and fewer crowds than the summer peak

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Languages

Arabic (official), Darija (Moroccan Arabic), French widely spoken

Visa summary

Many nationalities receive a 90-day visa-free stay; East African passport holders should check current requirements and may need a visa in advance

Flight time from Nairobi

Approximately 7–8 hours (with a connection); no direct scheduled service at time of writing

Airport / arrival

Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is located about 30 km south of the city centre; taxis and the Casablanca Voyageurs train link are the most reliable options

Safety note

Casablanca is generally safe for tourists. Exercise standard urban precautions, particularly in crowded souks and at night around the port area

Visa and entry

Look up entry rules by passport for travel to Morocco on the Tsavaro visa checker.

Check visa requirements for Morocco

Things to do

Culture & Heritage

Tour the Hassan II Mosque

1.5–2 hours

Guided tours of this UNESCO-recognised masterpiece take you through the vast prayer hall, the hammam, and the ornate ablutions hall — a rare privilege at an active Moroccan mosque.

Shopping & Culture

Wander Quartier Habous (New Medina)

2 hours

Built in the 1930s by French planners alongside Moroccan craftsmen, this calm, orderly neighbourhood is perfect for shopping for Moroccan crafts, pastries, and spices away from tourist pressure.

Leisure & Outdoors

Stroll the Corniche & Ain Diab Beach

1–2 hours

The Atlantic-facing promenade is lined with seafood restaurants, beach clubs, and cafés. Come at sunset for one of the city's finest free experiences.

Culture & Markets

Visit the Old Medina

1.5 hours

Smaller and more accessible than those in Fez or Marrakech, Casablanca's medina offers a relaxed introduction to traditional Moroccan market life without the hard sell.

Day Trip

Day Trip to Rabat

Full day

Morocco's elegant capital is just 45 minutes away by train, offering the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Royal Palace, and the vast Hassan Tower — a great complement to a Casablanca stay.

Suggested itinerary

Casablanca in 3 Days

Three days is enough to move beyond Casablanca's gateway reputation and discover its architecture, cuisine, seaside energy, and cultural depth — with time for a quick dash to the capital.

Day 1

The Mosque, the Medina & the Corniche

Begin with a morning guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque before the midday heat sets in. Afterwards, walk north into the Old Medina for a simple lunch of harira soup and fresh-baked bread at a local stall.

Spend the afternoon exploring the medina's souks at your own pace before heading to the Corniche for a seaside walk. End the day with grilled fish and a glass of Moroccan juice watching the Atlantic sunset from one of the Ain Diab restaurants.

Travel essentials

Getting around

Petit taxis (small red cabs) are the easiest way to get around the city and are metered and affordable. Uber also operates in Casablanca. The city tram (tramway) links the city centre to outlying districts. Mohammed V Airport is connected to the city by the Al Bidaoui train service (Casablanca Voyageurs station).

Typical costs

Casablanca sits at the pricier end of Morocco. Budget travellers can manage on MAD 400–600/day; mid-range comfort costs MAD 900–1,500/day. Seafood restaurants on the corniche are a splurge but worth it. Street food and local café meals are very affordable.

Culture and etiquette

Morocco is a Muslim-majority country. Dress modestly when visiting the mosque (shoulders and knees covered; women will be given a robe at the Hassan II entrance). Ramadan alters opening hours and restaurant availability significantly. Greetings are important — a simple 'As-salamu alaykum' is always appreciated.

Safety and planning

Casablanca is one of Morocco's safer cities for tourists. Be alert to your surroundings in the old medina and around the port at night. Solo female travellers should be prepared for occasional street attention — staying in well-lit, busy areas is recommended after dark.

Connectivity

4G coverage is excellent across the city. Local SIM cards from Maroc Telecom, Orange, or Inwi are cheap and easy to purchase at the airport or city centre shops. Most hotels and cafés offer free Wi-Fi.

Payments

Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. Carry cash (MAD) for taxis, street food, medina shopping, and smaller establishments. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city centre.