Casablanca holidays

How to reach Casablanca

Flight time:

• Direct flights to Casablanca from London take about 3 hours 15 minutes.

• There are also direct flights from airports such as Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham, with similar flight times, as well as options connecting through London or other European hubs.

Transfer time:

• Once you land at Mohammed V International Airport, the efficient train service gets into Casablanca in about 35 minutes.

• Alternatively, it's around 45 minutes to the city centre by taxi, depending on traffic.

Price:

• The train costs around Dh60 (£5) for a second-class ticket.

• A taxi will cost between Dh250–Dh300 (£19–£24).

Weather and best time to visit Casablanca

Casablanca enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, making it a great year-round destination. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect throughout the year:

April to June:

• Spring is perhaps the best time for holidays to Casablanca, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 24°C and plenty of sunshine.

• It’s a lovely time to stroll around the Corniche or explore the city's attractions without the intensity of summer heat.

July to August:

• Summer's hottest months see daily temperatures from 26°C to 30°C, sometimes peaking higher.

• These are great months for beachgoers and those looking to make the most of the coast, but the city can get busy during this time.

September to November:

• Autumn temperatures fall from 24°C in September to around 17°C in November.

• There’s slightly more rain, but there's a good amount of sunshine – perfect for exploring the city’s cultural landmarks.

December to March:

• Winter brings cooler temperatures, with averages between 12°C and 16°C, and moderate rainfall, but still decent amounts of sun.

• While it’s not beach weather, the city is still lovely to explore without the crowds.

Practical information

• Spoken languages:

  • Morocco's main language is Arabic, but many people speak Berber and also French, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops.

  • While English isn’t as common, it’s often understood in major tourist spots.

• Local habits and customs:

  • Though Casablanca is more cosmopolitan than some other places in Morocco, it’s still respectful to dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites like mosques and rural areas in the interior.

  • Both men and women are best off covering their shoulders and knees.

• Currency:

  • The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (Dh).

  • ATMs at banks give good rates of exchange, and debit or credit cards are accepted in most large establishments.

  • It's worth carrying some cash for local shops or restaurants and smaller vendors.

• Getting around:

  • Casablanca has some useful bus routes, but they can be crowded and the roads jammed at times.

  • The modern tram system can be more convenient and costs Dh8 (£0.60) for a single journey.

  • Taxis are abundant, with the smaller “petit taxis” costing about Dh10–Dh20 (£0.80–£1.60) for short trips.

  • If you’re travelling a longer distance within the city, opt for a “grand taxi”, but be sure to agree on the price beforehand.

  • Heading out of town, trains are a good way to travel.

• Electricity and plug types:

  • Morocco uses a standard voltage of 220V, with Euro-type C and E plugs.

  • UK visitors will need an adaptor.

• Time zone:

  • Casablanca operates on Central European Time (CET), GMT+1.

Best things to do in Casablanca

Casablanca may not have the same tourist appeal as Marrakesh or Fez, but it’s a dynamic, cosmopolitan city that beautifully blends modern architecture with old-world charm. From its bustling districts to serene parks and stunning monuments, holidays to Casablanca offer a range of activities and sights to explore.

The best districts

• Habous Quarter: Also known as New Medina, this area offers a mix of traditional Moroccan architecture and French influence. Its narrow streets are filled with bookstores, shops and quaint cafés, and it’s an ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon exploring.

• Ain Diab: To the west of the city, the district of Ain Diab is filled with lively beach clubs, bars and restaurants offering fantastic views of the Atlantic and the city’s skyline. This is where Casablanca’s nightlife comes alive.

Historic monuments

• Hassan II Mosque: One of the city's most iconic landmarks, the Hassan II Mosque boasts breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from its dramatic location right on the coast. As one of the largest mosques in the world and an architectural marvel, it’s a sight to behold with intricate mosaics, towering arches and the 200m-tall minaret visible from many parts of the city. It is open to non-Muslim visitors on a guided tour.

• Casablanca Cathedral: While no longer functioning as a place of worship, the Cathedral of Sacré Cœur is the city's most stunning piece of colonial architecture. Visitors can usually wander through its peaceful, though somewhat faded, interior with its stained-glass windows. If you’re lucky, you might get a tour to the top of the tower for a brilliant view of the city and port (tip appreciated).

Day trips in the area

• Rabat: Just an hour away by train, Morocco's capital is Casablanca's quieter, more traditional sister city. Visit the Hassan Tower, Kasbah des Oudayas and Royal Palace for a glimpse into the country’s rich history. Interested in more travel ideas? Check out our holidays to Rabat for another incredible experience.

• El Jadida: A historic town with Portuguese influences, El Jadida is a delightful coastal escape. Its charming fortifications and beautiful beach make it a great day trip from Casablanca.

Activities for families in Casablanca

Casablanca holidays are ideal for families, with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained.

• Arab League Park: One of the largest parks in Casablanca, this is a fantastic spot for families to enjoy a picnic or let the kids run around. The sprawling green park has lots of shaded areas and is popular with locals, so it’s great for a bit of people-watching.

• Morocco Mall: Not just a shopping destination, Morocco Mall features a large aquarium where kids can watch tropical fish swim by, and the Adventureland indoor amusement park.

• Parc Sindibad: This theme park has everything from thrilling rides to gentle carousels, and is ideal for a family day out.

• Tamaris Aquaparc: Just outside the city, this water park offers fun for all ages with a variety of slides, wave pools and lazy rivers.

Free things to do in Casablanca

Casablanca has some free attractions and events that give visitors a great feel for the city without breaking the bank.

• Free events: Throughout the year, Casablanca hosts several free public events, including music festivals and street performances. Look out for the Jazzablanca Festival, which often includes free concerts in outdoor venues.

• Corniche: Stroll along Casablanca’s Corniche, a long stretch of coastline lined with cafés, beach clubs and restaurants. While dining might come at a price, enjoying a stroll and the views of the Atlantic are free, and it's an ideal spot to watch the sunset.

Wellness in Casablanca

• Spas and thermal baths: For a luxurious spa experience, head to the Hammam Ziani, where you can indulge in a traditional Moroccan hammam. Their steam rooms, plunge pools and massages offer a perfect way to relax after a day of exploring the city. Another popular choice is O-Spa Cinq Mondes, in the Kenzi Tower Hotel, which provides a more modern spa atmosphere with an array of treatments.

Local dishes in Casablanca

One of the great joys of holidays to Casablanca is exploring the city’s diverse culinary scene, a mix of Moroccan traditional cooking and modern influences. From hearty tagines to fresh seafood, you’ll find plenty of options to suit every palate.

Some typical dishes

• Tagine: This iconic Moroccan slow-cooked stew is cooked in a tagine – a dish with a conical lid – and is a staple across the country. Made with vegetables and chicken, lamb or beef, often with olives or dried fruit plus spices like cumin and saffron for flavour, they're eaten with bread.

• Couscous: Morocco's most famous dish, Couscous is a fluffy grain served with vegetables, chickpeas and your choice of lamb, beef or chicken, all topped with a rich broth. At home, it's traditionally eaten on Fridays and on special occasions.

• Harira: A fragrant soup of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas and spices, it's available year-round, but is traditionally eaten to break the fast during Ramadan.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Chermoula Fish: Casablanca’s coastal location means there’s plenty of fresh seafood, with Chermoula – a tangy marinade made with garlic, coriander, cumin and lemon – used to flavour fish before grilling.

• Seafood Pastilla: This twist on the traditional Moroccan Pastilla (pigeon or chicken pie in delicate layers of filo pastry) is a sweet and savoury pastry filled with seafood, almonds and spices.

Street food

• Bisara: A thick and hearty fava bean soup, often served at street stalls, especially during the colder months. It’s drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with cumin for extra flavour.

• Msimmen: This flaky, layered flatbread – similar to a paratha – can be found at almost any market. It’s often served with honey or cheese and makes for a delicious snack on the go.

Sweets and desserts

Casablanca’s desserts are a treat for those with a sweet tooth. As well as a range of European-inspired pastries or crème caramel, local favourites include fruit or fruit salad; Chebakia, a fried sesame pastry coated in honey and orange-blossom water; and Sellou, a nutty, spiced mixture of almonds and sesame seeds served on special occasions.

Local drinks

• Mint tea: The quintessential Moroccan drink, mint tea is a must-try. It’s sweet, refreshing and often served with meals or as a welcome gesture.

• Fresh fruit juices: Casablanca’s markets are filled with stalls offering fresh juices. Orange juice is the most common, but pomegranate and mixed fruit options are also popular.