Casablanca Travel Guide 2026: Morocco's Largest City, Flights & What to Do

Casablanca is Morocco's economic capital and its largest city — a place that surprises almost every visitor. It isn't the labyrinthine medina tourism of Marrakech or the ancient spirituality of Fez. It's a modern, cosmopolitan North African metropolis with exceptional Art Deco and Mauresque architecture, a world-class mosque on the Atlantic, and a food scene that rivals any in the region.

It's also one of the best-connected cities in Africa. Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is Royal Air Maroc's hub — a gateway to the entire Maghreb, West Africa, and the Middle East.

Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)

Located 30 km southeast of the city centre. The Airport Express train (ONCF) connects CMN to Casa Voyageurs station in 35 minutes, MAD 43 (€4) — one of the best airport train connections in Africa. Petit taxi to the city centre: MAD 150–200 (€14–€18) depending on negotiation.

Airlines Flying to Casablanca

• Royal Air Maroc (AT): Hub carrier — extensive network across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Daily flights from Paris CDG, Lyon, Dubai, Riyadh, Montreal
• Air France: Paris CDG–CMN multiple times daily
• Transavia: Paris ORY and French regional cities (Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Bordeaux) — often cheapest option from France
• Air Arabia Maroc: Marrakech connections; partnerships with Air Arabia UAE for Gulf routes
• Emirates: DXB–CMN non-stop daily
• easyJet: London Gatwick, Amsterdam, Milan

What to See in Casablanca

Hassan II Mosque

The world's seventh-largest mosque and one of the most magnificent religious buildings anywhere. Built on a promontory over the Atlantic — the sea is visible through a glass floor section inside. Open to non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times. Guided tours available. An unmissable experience in North Africa.

The Corniche

Casablanca's Atlantic seafront — a long promenade with restaurants, cafés, and the city's best seafood. In summer this is where Casablancans go. The beach clubs are accessible and well-maintained. The area around Ain Diab is the liveliest section.

Old Medina

Small and manageable compared to Marrakech's medina — good for an afternoon's walk without the intense hawking. Less tourist infrastructure but more authentic. The neighbouring Habous quarter (New Medina) was built in the 1930s and has beautiful Mauresque architecture and good artisan shops.

Villa des Arts & Art Déco Architecture

The twin influences of 1930s French Protectorate architecture and Art Deco have left Casablanca with one of the finest collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. The area around Boulevard Mohammed V and Rue du Prince Moulay Abdallah rewards slow walking with a camera.

Rick's Café

The famous bar recreated from the 1942 film. Expensive by Moroccan standards, but worth one drink for the aesthetic. Live jazz most evenings. Advance reservation recommended for dinner.

Day Trips from Casablanca

• Rabat (1hr by train): Morocco's capital — more relaxed than Casablanca, with a beautiful medina and the Hassan Tower
• El Jadida (1hr by bus): Portuguese cistern is a stunning piece of colonial history
• Marrakech (3.5hr by TGV): Morocco's high-speed train (Al Boraq) connects CMN to Marrakech

Food in Casablanca

The city excels at seafood — the fresh catch from the Atlantic is extraordinary. Chez Paul and La Bodega in the Maarif neighbourhood are consistent recommendations. For traditional Moroccan cuisine, the Habous quarter has excellent tagine at very fair prices. The growing food hall scene around Quartier des Habous offers street food quality in a more comfortable setting.

Practical Information

• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Exchange at official bureaux de change — hotel rates are poor.
• Language: Darija (Moroccan Arabic), French, and increasingly English in tourist/business areas
• Best time: March–May and October–November. Summer is hot (28–32°C) but manageable on the Atlantic coast.
• Dress: More liberal than other Moroccan cities. Standard smart-casual appropriate for most areas.

Find Flights to Casablanca

Auronex Fly compares Royal Air Maroc, Air France, Transavia, Emirates, and easyJet across all departure cities. CMN fares from France are especially competitive — Transavia frequently runs Paris–Casablanca fares from €59 one-way. Use the date flexibility grid to compare fares across a full month and set a price alert for your target fare.