Casablanca Travel Guide

As Morocco’s largest metropolis and a working Atlantic port, Casablanca combines whitewashed Art Deco boulevards, bustling commerce and sea air that contrast with inland imperial cities. Modern districts sit beside centuries-old quarters. Visitors come to admire the monumental Hassan II Mosque, wander the narrow lanes of the Old Medina and drink mint tea while sampling fresh seafood and hearty tagines. Nightlife along the Corniche and atmospheric cafés like the film-inspired Rick’s Cafe round out the city’s unexpected urban charm.

Casablanca eats like a coastal city that grew up fast: seafood and simple grills sit beside generous Moroccan home cooking. Expect grilled sardines and fresh fish from the Central Market, hearty tagines and couscous in family-run restaurants, and sweet pastilla and harira when you wander the Old Medina. The Corniche is where locals and visitors go for seaside dining, while Place Mohammed V anchors older cafés and bakeries.

If you want reliable traditional spots, head to La Sqala for a laid-back fortress-courtyard meal or to Al Mounia for classic couscous and pastilla. For evening drinks and modern menus try Le Cabestan or Sky 28 on the Corniche; for the movie-set atmosphere Rick’s Café is a fun stop. For cheap, satisfying bites, the stalls around Marché Central and the Old Medina serve grilled fish, msemen and beghrir - excellent for exploring like a local.

Casablanca’s nightlife is a mix of hotel rooftops, Corniche beach clubs and a handful of long-running tourist favourites. Upscale venues (hotel bars, Le Cabestan, Sky 28) keep a smart-casual vibe and will charge accordingly; more local cafés and bars in Gauthier or the Old Medina are cheaper but usually close earlier. Weekend nights bring the biggest crowds and later hours along the Ain Diab Corniche when clubs and beach venues run until 3-4 AM.

Be direct about dress and safety: dress smart for rooftops and hotel bars, casual for cafés. Watch your belongings in crowded spots, and prefer registered taxis or ride-hail services late at night - avoid walking alone on poorly lit streets. Check weekend hours before you go: many places change schedules seasonally, and some cafés still close around midnight on weekdays.

Casablanca is a city of contrasts: gleaming malls and big-brand shopping sit alongside cramped souks and family-run workshops. It’s a practical place to source Moroccan leather, zellige tiles, spices, kaftans and seafood - but don’t expect every bargain to be authentic unless you shop carefully. Morocco Mall and Twin Center are convenient for air-conditioned browsing; Habous and the central markets are where the character and craftsmanship live.

Haggling is part of the game in markets and small shops - start around half the asking price and work up, keep it friendly, and be prepared to walk away. Use small-denomination dirhams for street purchases, and carry cash: many vendors in souks don’t accept cards. Inspect leather by smell and stitching, check zellige pieces for even glazing, and get a receipt for higher-value items.

A few practical notes: avoid bargaining in large malls and department stores, watch your belongings in crowded stalls, and be aware that Fridays and mid-day prayer times can affect opening hours. If a “helper” or guide appears unsolicited, decline politely - they often expect a kickback. In short, favor Habous and the central markets for craft and personality, and use the malls for convenience and climate-controlled shopping.

Long-term residence in Morocco typically starts with a national visa (long-stay visa) issued by Moroccan consulates for stays beyond 90 days, followed by a carte de séjour (residence permit) obtained locally; work contracts, family reunification, or student enrollment are common routes. Many nationalities can stay visa-free for up to 90 days-check your consulate; to work legally you generally need a work permit tied to a Moroccan employer.

Housing ranges from modest apartments in the medina to modern flats in Anfa and Gauthier, with one-bedroom rents roughly 2,500-10,000 MAD per month depending on area and quality. Public healthcare is available through CHU Ibn Rochd and other public hospitals, but expats often choose private clinics and international insurance; private specialist visits typically run 200-400 MAD, and comprehensive private insurance packages vary by provider and age.

Casablanca is a practical base for remote work in Morocco: there is no dedicated digital-nomad visa, so many remote workers arrive on a 90-day tourist visa (where applicable) or arrange a long-stay visa and residence permit for longer stays. Coworking spaces and business hubs around Sidi Maârouf and the centre cater to freelancers and founders, and monthly coworking passes and private offices are widely available.

Expect solid city internet: urban fibre plans commonly offer 100 Mbps and above, with reasonable pricing (roughly 250-400 MAD/month for standard fibre). Mobile 4G from Maroc Telecom, Orange or Inwi provides reliable backup for calls and hotspot use, and international insurance/health coverage is recommended for stays beyond a few months.