Casablanca
Photo: Manoa Angelo / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
April to June and September to November for mild, dry weather; July-August is warm and busy on the coast
Language
Arabic (Darija) and Amazigh/Berber (official); French widely spoken in business and tourism
Currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Time Zone
UTC+1 year-round (Morocco reverts to UTC+0 during Ramadan)
Airport
Mohammed V International (CMN), ~30 km southeast of the city (35-45 min by train or taxi)
Population
~3.7 million (city proper); ~4.3 million (Greater Casablanca) — Morocco's largest city
Climate
Mediterranean with Atlantic influence; mild wet winters (8-18°C), warm dry summers (18-28°C)
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1-2) — watch for pickpockets and touts in crowded areas and the medina
Famous For
The Hassan II Mosque, Art Deco and Mauresque architecture, and the 1942 film 'Casablanca'
Top Highlights
Hassan II Mosque
Morocco's grandest monument and one of the largest mosques in the world, built partly over the Atlantic with a 210 m minaret — the tallest religious structure on Earth. It is the only mosque in Morocco non-Muslims may enter, and only on a guided tour (~140 MAD, ~$14). Tours run several times daily except Friday mornings; dress modestly and expect airport-style security. Allow 1.5 hours; the seaside plaza is stunning at sunset.
The Corniche (Ain Diab)
Casablanca's breezy Atlantic seafront, a 3 km strip of beach clubs, seafood terraces, and sunset promenades stretching west from the mosque to the Morocco Mall. Free to stroll; beach clubs charge ~100-200 MAD for a day pass with a pool. Come at golden hour for the best light and liveliest cafés. Allow 2-3 hours.
Old Medina
The walled pre-colonial old town wedged between the port and the modern city, smaller and grittier than Fez's or Marrakech's but refreshingly untouristy. Wander its lanes for spices, leather babouches, and street food, then find the Sqala bastion and cannons overlooking the sea. Free; go by day and keep valuables secure. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
Rick's Café
A lovingly recreated version of the bar from the 1942 film, set in a restored courtyard mansion near the medina with a pianist playing 'As Time Goes By.' It's a themed restaurant rather than a historic site, but atmospheric and fun. Dinner mains ~180-350 MAD; reservations strongly recommended for evenings. Allow 2 hours over a meal.
Quartier Habous (New Medina)
A charming 1930s quarter built by the French in a romanticized Moorish style — orderly arcades of horseshoe arches sheltering bookshops, olive and pastry stalls, and craftsmen. Look for the Mahkama du Pacha courthouse nearby with its carved cedar and zellij-tiled halls. Free; best in the morning. A quieter, hassle-free alternative to the old medina. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur
A striking white Art Deco / neo-Gothic church from 1930, deconsecrated since independence and now an evocative empty shell of soaring concrete arches and stained glass. A caretaker may let you climb the tower for city views for a small tip (~20-30 MAD). It sits on the edge of the Parc de la Ligue Arabe. A hidden gem for architecture lovers; allow 30-45 minutes.
Place Mohammed V
The monumental civic heart of French-era Casablanca, ringed by grand Mauresque-Deco public buildings and centered on a large fountain that lights up in the evening. It's the best spot to appreciate the city's early-20th-century architecture. Free and open all day. Combine with a walk down the palm-lined Boulevard Mohammed V. Allow 30-45 minutes.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Casablanca Itinerary
Arrival & the Corniche
Land at Mohammed V International (CMN) and take the direct train into the city (~40 min, 40-45 MAD) rather than fighting airport-taxi traffic. Check in near downtown or the Corniche, then head to the Ain Diab seafront for your first Atlantic sunset and a seafood dinner.
Airport train to Casa-Voyageurs / Casa-Port(45 minutes)
Direct ONCF train every hour from the CMN basement platform; buy a ticket at the machine (~40-45 MAD)
Check in and settle(1 hour)
Base downtown near Place Mohammed V for architecture, or on the Corniche for the beach clubs
Sunset stroll on the Corniche (Ain Diab)(1.5 hours)
Walk the 3 km seafront promenade at golden hour; the mosque's minaret is floodlit to the east
Dinner at La Corniche seafood terrace(1.5 hours)
Grilled catch of the day with a chilled Moroccan Gris de Boulaouane; mains ~120-200 MAD
Hassan II Mosque & the Old Medina
The city's defining monument in the morning, then the gritty, atmospheric old medina and a legendary film-themed dinner. This is Casablanca's single unmissable day.
Hassan II Mosque guided tour(1.5 hours)
The only mosque in Morocco non-Muslims may enter, and only on a guided tour (~140 MAD). Tours run several times daily except Friday mornings; expect airport-style security and dress modestly
Lunch at La Sqala(1.5 hours)
Garden restaurant inside an 18th-century bastion at the medina's edge; the Moroccan breakfast/brunch and tagines are excellent (~120-180 MAD)
Old Medina wander(1.5 hours)
Lose yourself in the lanes of spices and leather babouches, then find the Sqala cannons overlooking the sea; keep valuables secure and decline unofficial guides
Dinner at Rick's Café(2 hours)
The lovingly recreated bar from the 1942 film, with a pianist playing 'As Time Goes By'; reserve ahead, mains ~180-350 MAD
Art Deco & Mauresque Casablanca
A walking day through the city's early-20th-century soul — the Moorish-arcaded Quartier Habous, an evocative deconsecrated cathedral, and the grand civic square of French-era Casablanca.
Quartier Habous (New Medina)(1.5 hours)
Orderly 1930s arcades of horseshoe arches sheltering bookshops and olive stalls; buy cornes de gazelle at the famous Pâtisserie Bennis Habous
Mahkama du Pacha(45 minutes)
A former courthouse near Habous with carved cedar ceilings and zellij-tiled halls (opening hours vary; a small tip may be expected)
Lunch at Le Petit Rocher or a Habous café(1 hour)
Grab a light tagine or brochettes between neighbourhoods
Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur(45 minutes)
Striking 1930 white Art Deco / neo-Gothic shell of concrete arches; a caretaker may let you climb the tower for city views (~20-30 MAD tip)
Place Mohammed V & Boulevard walk(1.5 hours)
The monumental Mauresque-Deco civic square with its illuminated fountain, then a stroll down palm-lined Boulevard Mohammed V
Day Trip to Rabat
Morocco's elegant capital is an easy hour up the coast by train — a compact, walkable city of a hilltop kasbah, a great unfinished tower, and Roman-and-Islamic ruins. A refined change of pace from Casablanca's bustle.
Train Casa-Port to Rabat-Ville(1 hour)
Frequent ONCF trains (~40 MAD each way); Rabat's sights are walkable or a short petit-taxi from the station
Kasbah des Oudayas(1.5 hours)
A whitewashed-and-blue clifftop kasbah above the river mouth, with Andalusian gardens and a café overlooking the Atlantic
Lunch in the Rabat medina(1 hour)
Tagine and mint tea along Rue des Consuls, the capital's carpet-and-craft street
Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V(1 hour)
The 12th-century unfinished minaret over rows of stone columns, beside the exquisite marble royal mausoleum (free)
Chellah necropolis(1 hour)
Romantic walled ruins of a Roman city and Merinid necropolis with storks nesting on the minaret; return to Casablanca by evening train
Day Trip to El Jadida
A relaxed coastal day trip ~1.5 hrs southwest to the UNESCO-listed Portuguese fortress town of El Jadida, famous for its extraordinary echoing underground cistern.
Train or grand-taxi to El Jadida(1.5 hours)
ONCF trains run from Casa-Voyageurs; or share a grand-taxi. The old town is a short walk from the station
Portuguese Cistern(45 minutes)
A cathedral-like 16th-century underground cistern whose thin film of water perfectly mirrors the vaulted arches — used in Orson Welles's 'Othello' (entry ~60 MAD)
Cité Portugaise ramparts walk(1 hour)
Walk the sea-facing Portuguese fortifications and bastions of the walled old town
Seafood lunch by the port(1.5 hours)
Grilled sardines and fresh fish at a harbour-side grill before returning to Casablanca
Beach, Morocco Mall & a Free Afternoon
A deliberately easy day to slow down — a morning at a Corniche beach club, the vast Morocco Mall, and a relaxed afternoon before your final evening in the city.
Morning at an Ain Diab beach club(3 hours)
Day pass (~100-200 MAD) at a Corniche club like Tahiti Beach for pools, loungers and Atlantic swimming
Lunch on the Corniche(1.5 hours)
Casual seafood or a burger at one of the beachfront terraces
Morocco Mall & aquarium(2 hours)
One of Africa's largest malls at the western end of the Corniche, with a musical fountain and a walk-through aquarium
Free evening(2 hours)
Rest, or a farewell mint tea at a rooftop café watching the sunset over the ocean
Departure
A gentle final morning for coffee and last souvenirs before the easy train back to the airport. Withdraw any last dirhams you need — the currency can't be changed back abroad.
Breakfast at Pâtisserie Paul or a local café(1 hour)
Msemen (flaky pancakes), orange juice and coffee to start the day
Last-minute souvenirs(1 hour)
Argan oil, spices and babouches from Habous or the medina — haggle in the medina, fixed prices in Habous
Airport train to CMN(45 minutes)
Direct train from Casa-Voyageurs or Casa-Port; leave ~3 hours before your flight
14-Day Casablanca Itinerary
Arrival & the Corniche
Land at Mohammed V International (CMN) and take the direct train into the city (~40 min, 40-45 MAD). Check in near downtown or the Corniche, then head to the Ain Diab seafront for your first Atlantic sunset and a seafood dinner.
Airport train to Casa-Voyageurs / Casa-Port(45 minutes)
Direct ONCF train hourly from the CMN basement platform (~40-45 MAD)
Check in and settle(1 hour)
Downtown near Place Mohammed V or on the Corniche
Sunset stroll on the Corniche (Ain Diab)(1.5 hours)
Walk the 3 km seafront at golden hour
Dinner at La Corniche seafood terrace(1.5 hours)
Grilled catch of the day, mains ~120-200 MAD
Hassan II Mosque & the Old Medina
The city's defining monument in the morning, then the atmospheric old medina and a legendary film-themed dinner.
Hassan II Mosque guided tour(1.5 hours)
The only mosque non-Muslims may enter, guided tour only (~140 MAD); not Friday mornings, dress modestly
Lunch at La Sqala(1.5 hours)
Garden restaurant in an 18th-century bastion; tagines ~120-180 MAD
Old Medina wander(1.5 hours)
Lanes of spices and leather; find the Sqala cannons over the sea; decline unofficial guides
Dinner at Rick's Café(2 hours)
The recreated film bar with live piano; reserve ahead, mains ~180-350 MAD
Art Deco & Mauresque Casablanca
A walking day through the city's early-20th-century soul — the arcaded Quartier Habous, a deconsecrated cathedral, and the grand civic square.
Quartier Habous (New Medina)(1.5 hours)
1930s Moorish arcades; cornes de gazelle at Pâtisserie Bennis Habous
Mahkama du Pacha(45 minutes)
Former courthouse with carved cedar and zellij (hours vary; small tip)
Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur(45 minutes)
1930 Art Deco / neo-Gothic shell; tower climb for a tip (~20-30 MAD)
Place Mohammed V & Boulevard walk(1.5 hours)
Mauresque-Deco civic square and fountain, then palm-lined Boulevard Mohammed V
Day Trip to Rabat
Morocco's elegant capital, an easy hour up the coast by train — a hilltop kasbah, a great unfinished tower, and Roman-and-Islamic ruins.
Train Casa-Port to Rabat-Ville(1 hour)
Frequent ONCF trains (~40 MAD each way)
Kasbah des Oudayas(1.5 hours)
Blue-and-white clifftop kasbah with Andalusian gardens and an Atlantic café
Lunch in the Rabat medina(1 hour)
Tagine along Rue des Consuls
Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V(1 hour)
Unfinished 12th-century minaret and the marble royal mausoleum (free)
Chellah necropolis(1 hour)
Roman-and-Merinid ruins with nesting storks; evening train back
Day Trip to El Jadida & Azemmour
A coastal day trip southwest to the UNESCO-listed Portuguese cistern of El Jadida and the sleepy, whitewashed riverside town of Azemmour with its street art.
Train / grand-taxi to El Jadida(1.5 hours)
ONCF from Casa-Voyageurs; old town a short walk from the station
Portuguese Cistern & Cité Portugaise(1.5 hours)
The echoing mirror-water cistern (~60 MAD) and a walk on the sea ramparts
Lunch by the El Jadida port(1.5 hours)
Grilled sardines at a harbour grill
Azemmour old town(1.5 hours)
Nearby whitewashed medina on the Oum Er-Rbia river, dotted with murals; quiet and untouristy before returning to Casablanca
Free Beach & City Rest Day
A deliberately easy day before the road trip south — a Corniche beach club, the Morocco Mall, and an unhurried afternoon to recharge.
Morning at an Ain Diab beach club(3 hours)
Day pass (~100-200 MAD) for pools and Atlantic swimming
Morocco Mall & aquarium(2 hours)
Musical fountain and walk-through aquarium at the Corniche's west end
Free evening & repack(2 hours)
Rest and pack a lighter bag for the Marrakech leg
Train to Marrakech & Jemaa el-Fnaa
Take the ONCF intercity train down to the Red City (~2h40) and dive straight into the sensory overload of Jemaa el-Fnaa square at dusk — snake charmers, storytellers, and smoking food stalls. Overnight in a riad in the medina.
ONCF train Casablanca to Marrakech(2 hours 40 minutes)
Comfortable first-class recommended (~140-200 MAD); trains depart Casa-Voyageurs
Check in to a medina riad(1 hour)
Stay in a traditional courtyard riad within the walls for the full experience
Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk(2 hours)
The UNESCO-listed square erupts at sunset; watch from a rooftop café terrace with a mint tea before descending into the crowd
Dinner at the square's food stalls(1.5 hours)
Grilled meats, harira soup and fresh orange juice from the numbered stalls — pick a busy one
Marrakech Monuments & Souks
A full day among the Red City's palaces, tombs, and labyrinthine souks. Wear comfortable shoes and expect to get lost — that's part of it.
Bahia Palace(1.5 hours)
A 19th-century palace of painted-cedar ceilings, zellij courtyards and tranquil gardens (entry ~100 MAD); arrive at opening to beat crowds
Saadian Tombs & Koutoubia(1.5 hours)
The ornate 16th-century royal tombs, then the exterior of the 12th-century Koutoubia mosque and its landmark minaret (non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque)
Lunch at a rooftop near the square(1.5 hours)
Tagine and a view over the medina at Café des Épices or Nomad
Souk exploration(2.5 hours)
Wind through the dyers', metalworkers' and leather souks; haggle hard (start around a third of the asking price) and browse the Ensemble Artisanal for fixed-price reference
Majorelle Gardens & Atlas Foothills
A calmer Marrakech morning in the cobalt-blue Majorelle Gardens, then an afternoon escape into the Ourika Valley in the Atlas foothills for river, waterfalls, and Berber villages.
Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum(2 hours)
Jacques Majorelle's electric-blue garden of cacti and the adjacent Yves Saint Laurent museum (book timed tickets online, ~170 MAD combined)
Drive to the Ourika Valley(1 hour)
~30 km into the Atlas foothills along a river lined with Berber villages
Setti Fatma waterfalls walk(2 hours)
A scramble up to the first of seven falls with a local guide, past riverside cafés with tables in the stream
Lunch by the river & return(1.5 hours)
Tagine cooked over coals at a riverside table before driving back to Marrakech
To the Coast — Essaouira
Trade the Red City for the windswept Atlantic port of Essaouira (~2.5 hrs by bus/car), a laid-back walled town of blue fishing boats, ramparts, and gnaoua music. Overnight within the ramparts.
Drive Marrakech to Essaouira(2.5 hours)
Supratours/CTM bus or a shared grand-taxi; stop at an argan-oil women's cooperative en route
Skala de la Ville ramparts(1 hour)
Walk the sea-facing 18th-century fortifications and cannons (a 'Game of Thrones' filming location)
Fishing port & grilled-fish lunch(1.5 hours)
Pick your fish fresh at the blue-boat harbour stalls and have it grilled on the spot
Medina wander & beach sunset(2 hours)
Browse the relaxed, hassle-light souks for thuya woodwork, then watch the sunset from the wide beach or a rampart café
Essaouira Morning & Back to Casablanca
A slow seaside morning before the return journey — bus back to Marrakech and the train up to Casablanca, arriving in the evening. A restful travel day.
Beach walk or water sports(2 hours)
Essaouira's steady wind makes it a kitesurf and windsurf hub; or simply walk the long sandy beach
Café breakfast in the medina(1 hour)
Msemen and coffee at a quiet courtyard café
Bus Essaouira to Marrakech(2.5 hours)
Afternoon Supratours/CTM back to the Red City
Train Marrakech to Casablanca(2 hours 40 minutes)
Evening ONCF train; check back into your Casablanca hotel for the last stretch
Casablanca Culture & a Slow Day
A gentle day back in the economic capital — a contemporary art villa, the Jewish-heritage museum, and time to simply enjoy the city's café culture.
Villa des Arts de Casablanca(1.5 hours)
An elegant Art Deco villa housing rotating modern-Moroccan art exhibitions, beside the Parc de la Ligue Arabe (free/low entry)
Museum of Moroccan Judaism(1.5 hours)
The only Jewish museum in the Arab world, tracing Morocco's centuries of Jewish heritage (entry ~50 MAD)
Lunch at Le Rouget de l'Isle or Blend(1.5 hours)
A refined Moroccan-French lunch downtown
Café culture & free afternoon(2.5 hours)
People-watch over a nous-nous coffee on Boulevard Mohammed V; rest up
Oualidia Lagoon Coastal Day
A final day trip southwest to the tranquil crescent lagoon of Oualidia — Morocco's oyster capital — for calm swimming, seafood, and birdlife. A serene close before departure.
Drive/grand-taxi to Oualidia(2.5 hours)
~180 km southwest past El Jadida; hire a car or driver for the day for flexibility
Oyster farm tasting(1 hour)
Visit one of the lagoon's oyster parks (Ostréa) for a dozen fresh oysters straight from the beds
Lagoon swim & beach time(2 hours)
The sheltered lagoon has calm, shallow water ideal for a relaxed swim and a walk on the dunes
Seafood lunch & return(2.5 hours)
A long seafood lunch overlooking the lagoon before the drive back to Casablanca
Departure
A gentle final morning for coffee and last souvenirs before the easy train to the airport. Spend down any remaining dirhams — they can't be exchanged abroad.
Breakfast at a downtown café(1 hour)
Msemen, orange juice and coffee
Last-minute souvenirs(1 hour)
Argan oil, spices and babouches from Habous (fixed price) or the medina (haggle)
Airport train to CMN(45 minutes)
Direct train from Casa-Voyageurs or Casa-Port; leave ~3 hours before your flight
21-Day Casablanca Itinerary
Arrival & the Corniche
Land at Mohammed V International (CMN) and take the direct train into the city (~40 min, 40-45 MAD). Check in near downtown or the Corniche, then head to the Ain Diab seafront for your first Atlantic sunset and a seafood dinner.
Airport train to Casa-Voyageurs / Casa-Port(45 minutes)
Direct ONCF train hourly from the CMN basement platform (~40-45 MAD)
Check in and settle(1 hour)
Downtown near Place Mohammed V or on the Corniche
Sunset stroll on the Corniche (Ain Diab)(1.5 hours)
Walk the 3 km seafront at golden hour
Dinner at La Corniche seafood terrace(1.5 hours)
Grilled catch of the day, mains ~120-200 MAD
Hassan II Mosque & the Old Medina
The city's defining monument in the morning, then the atmospheric old medina and a legendary film-themed dinner.
Hassan II Mosque guided tour(1.5 hours)
The only mosque non-Muslims may enter, guided tour only (~140 MAD); not Friday mornings, dress modestly
Lunch at La Sqala(1.5 hours)
Garden restaurant in an 18th-century bastion; tagines ~120-180 MAD
Old Medina wander(1.5 hours)
Lanes of spices and leather; Sqala cannons over the sea; decline unofficial guides
Dinner at Rick's Café(2 hours)
The recreated film bar with live piano; reserve ahead, mains ~180-350 MAD
Art Deco & Mauresque Casablanca
A walking day through the city's early-20th-century soul — the arcaded Quartier Habous, a deconsecrated cathedral, and the grand civic square.
Quartier Habous (New Medina)(1.5 hours)
1930s Moorish arcades; cornes de gazelle at Pâtisserie Bennis Habous
Mahkama du Pacha(45 minutes)
Former courthouse with carved cedar and zellij (hours vary; small tip)
Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur(45 minutes)
1930 Art Deco / neo-Gothic shell; tower climb for a tip (~20-30 MAD)
Place Mohammed V & Boulevard walk(1.5 hours)
Mauresque-Deco civic square and fountain, then Boulevard Mohammed V
Day Trip to Rabat
Morocco's elegant capital, an easy hour up the coast by train — a hilltop kasbah, a great unfinished tower, and Roman-and-Islamic ruins.
Train Casa-Port to Rabat-Ville(1 hour)
Frequent ONCF trains (~40 MAD each way)
Kasbah des Oudayas(1.5 hours)
Blue-and-white clifftop kasbah with Andalusian gardens and an Atlantic café
Lunch in the Rabat medina(1 hour)
Tagine along Rue des Consuls
Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V(1 hour)
Unfinished 12th-century minaret and the marble royal mausoleum (free)
Chellah necropolis(1 hour)
Roman-and-Merinid ruins with nesting storks; evening train back
Day Trip to El Jadida & Azemmour
A coastal day trip southwest to the UNESCO-listed Portuguese cistern of El Jadida and the whitewashed riverside town of Azemmour.
Train / grand-taxi to El Jadida(1.5 hours)
ONCF from Casa-Voyageurs; old town a short walk away
Portuguese Cistern & Cité Portugaise(1.5 hours)
The mirror-water cistern (~60 MAD) and sea ramparts
Seafood lunch by the port(1.5 hours)
Grilled sardines at a harbour grill
Azemmour old town(1.5 hours)
Riverside medina of murals and whitewash before returning to Casablanca
Free Beach & City Rest Day
A deliberately easy day before the big southern circuit — a Corniche beach club, the Morocco Mall, and an unhurried afternoon to recharge.
Morning at an Ain Diab beach club(3 hours)
Day pass (~100-200 MAD) for pools and Atlantic swimming
Morocco Mall & aquarium(2 hours)
Musical fountain and aquarium at the Corniche's west end
Free evening & repack(2 hours)
Pack a lighter bag for the Marrakech and desert legs
Train to Marrakech & Jemaa el-Fnaa
Take the ONCF intercity train to the Red City (~2h40) and dive into the sensory overload of Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk. Overnight in a medina riad.
ONCF train Casablanca to Marrakech(2 hours 40 minutes)
First-class recommended (~140-200 MAD) from Casa-Voyageurs
Check in to a medina riad(1 hour)
A traditional courtyard riad within the walls
Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk(2 hours)
Watch the square erupt from a rooftop café, then descend into the crowd
Dinner at the food stalls(1.5 hours)
Grilled meats and harira from a busy numbered stall
Marrakech Monuments & Souks
A full day among the Red City's palaces, tombs, and labyrinthine souks.
Bahia Palace(1.5 hours)
Painted-cedar ceilings and zellij courtyards (~100 MAD); go at opening
Saadian Tombs & Koutoubia(1.5 hours)
Ornate royal tombs and the landmark Koutoubia minaret (mosque interior closed to non-Muslims)
Rooftop lunch near the square(1.5 hours)
Tagine with a medina view at Nomad or Café des Épices
Souk exploration(2.5 hours)
Dyers', metalworkers' and leather souks; haggle hard, check the Ensemble Artisanal for fixed-price reference
Majorelle Gardens & Atlas Foothills
A calmer morning in the cobalt Majorelle Gardens, then an afternoon escape into the Ourika Valley for river, waterfalls, and Berber villages.
Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum(2 hours)
Electric-blue garden and the YSL museum (timed tickets online, ~170 MAD combined)
Drive to the Ourika Valley(1 hour)
~30 km into the Atlas foothills along a river of Berber villages
Setti Fatma waterfalls walk(2 hours)
Guided scramble to the first falls, past cafés with tables in the stream
Riverside lunch & return(1.5 hours)
Charcoal tagine by the river before driving back to Marrakech
Into the Sahara — Ait Benhaddou & Dades Gorge
Begin the classic 3-day desert circuit. Cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass to the fortified kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, then along the 'Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs' to overnight in the Dades Gorge.
Drive over Tizi n'Tichka to Ait Benhaddou(4 hours)
The dramatic 2,260 m Atlas pass to the UNESCO-listed mud-brick ksar of Ait Benhaddou (backdrop of countless films)
Ait Benhaddou kasbah walk(1.5 hours)
Climb through the earthen-fortress village to the granary at the top for valley views (~small entry/tip)
Ouarzazate & Atlas Studios pass-by(1 hour)
Morocco's 'Hollywood'; a quick look at the film studios and Taourirt Kasbah
Drive to Dades Gorge(2 hours)
Wind up the rose-red canyon to a gorge-side hotel for the night
Todra Gorge & the Erg Chebbi Dunes
Through the sheer Todra Gorge and out across the pre-Sahara to Merzouga, ending with a camel trek over the Erg Chebbi dunes to a night in a desert camp under the stars.
Todra Gorge walk(1 hour)
Walk the base of 300 m limestone cliffs where the canyon narrows to a few metres
Drive to Merzouga(4 hours)
Across the stony hammada to the edge of the Sahara; lunch en route
Camel trek into Erg Chebbi(1.5 hours)
Ride into the towering orange dunes at sunset with a Berber guide
Desert camp night & stargazing(2 hours)
Tagine, drumming around the fire, and an unforgettable night sky at a dune camp
Sahara Sunrise & Back to Marrakech
A dawn over the dunes, then the long drive back across the Atlas to Marrakech. A big travel day, rewarded by the desert sunrise and a return to a comfortable riad.
Sunrise on the Erg Chebbi dunes(1 hour)
Climb a dune for the sunrise before the camels carry you back to Merzouga
Drive Merzouga to Marrakech(8 hours)
A long haul with photo and lunch stops through the Draa Valley palm groves; break it up and relax on arrival
Evening rest in Marrakech(2 hours)
A quiet dinner at your riad — an easy end to the desert leg
To the Coast — Essaouira
Trade the desert for the breezy Atlantic port of Essaouira (~2.5 hrs), a laid-back walled town of blue boats, ramparts, and gnaoua music. Overnight within the ramparts — a restful change of pace.
Drive Marrakech to Essaouira(2.5 hours)
Supratours/CTM bus or shared taxi; stop at an argan-oil women's cooperative
Skala de la Ville ramparts(1 hour)
The sea-facing 18th-century fortifications and cannons
Fishing port & grilled-fish lunch(1.5 hours)
Choose your fish at the blue-boat harbour and have it grilled
Medina wander & beach sunset(2 hours)
Thuya woodwork in the hassle-light souks, then a beach or rampart sunset
Essaouira to Casablanca — Rest Day
A slow seaside morning, then the return to Casablanca via Marrakech. Treat the travel as downtime and recover before the northern leg.
Beach walk or water sports(2 hours)
Essaouira's steady wind is ideal for kitesurfing, or just walk the long beach
Bus Essaouira to Marrakech(2.5 hours)
Midday Supratours/CTM back to the Red City
Train Marrakech to Casablanca(2 hours 40 minutes)
Afternoon ONCF train; check back into your Casablanca hotel
Easy evening(1.5 hours)
A light dinner and early night before the high-speed train north
High-Speed Al Boraq to Tangier
Ride Africa's first high-speed train (Al Boraq) north to Tangier in just over two hours — the storied gateway between Africa and Europe, with its clifftop kasbah and a coastline where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
Al Boraq high-speed train to Tangier(2 hours 10 minutes)
The 320 km/h line from Casa-Voyageurs (~150-250 MAD); book ahead for the best fares
Tangier Kasbah & medina(2 hours)
Climb through the medina to the Kasbah Museum and the ramparts overlooking the strait; coffee at the Café Hafa where the Beats and Rolling Stones once sat
Cap Spartel & the Caves of Hercules(2 hours)
Drive to the lighthouse where two seas meet, then the sea-cave with its Africa-shaped opening; overnight in Tangier
Day Trip to Chefchaouen
A day (or overnight) trip to the famous blue-washed mountain town of Chefchaouen in the Rif — a photographer's dream of indigo lanes climbing the hillside. Overnight in the blue city for the quiet after the day-trippers leave.
Drive Tangier to Chefchaouen(2.5 hours)
South into the Rif Mountains; hire a driver or take a CTM bus
Blue medina wander(2.5 hours)
Climb the cobalt lanes to Plaza Uta el-Hammam and the kasbah; the best light for photos is early morning and late afternoon
Lunch on Plaza Uta el-Hammam(1.5 hours)
Rif goat cheese and tagine on the main square below the kasbah
Spanish Mosque sunset viewpoint(1.5 hours)
A 30-min uphill walk to the ruined mosque for the classic sunset panorama over the blue town; overnight in Chefchaouen
Over to Fez — the Imperial City
Drive from the Rif down to Fez, Morocco's spiritual and intellectual capital, and get oriented with a sunset panorama over the vast medieval medina from the Merinid Tombs. Overnight in a Fez riad.
Drive Chefchaouen to Fez(4 hours)
Through olive-covered hills; check into a restored riad in Fez el-Bali
Merinid Tombs sunset viewpoint(1.5 hours)
Ruined hilltop tombs with a sweeping view over the honeycomb of the medina as the call to prayer rises at dusk
Dinner at a riad restaurant(1.5 hours)
A traditional Fassi dinner — pastilla or a lamb-and-prune tagine
Fez el-Bali Medina
A full day inside the world's largest car-free urban area — a labyrinth of 9,000 lanes, ancient madrasas, and the famous tanneries. A local guide for the morning is genuinely worth it here.
Guided medina walk(3 hours)
Hire a licensed guide (~250-350 MAD/half-day) to navigate the maze; visit the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas and the exterior of Al-Qarawiyyin, the world's oldest continually operating university
Chouara Tanneries(1 hour)
View the medieval dye-pits from a leather-shop terrace; they hand you mint to counter the smell (a small tip expected)
Lunch at Café Clock or The Ruined Garden(1.5 hours)
A relaxed medina lunch — camel burger at Café Clock or garden tagines nearby
Souks & artisan quarters(2 hours)
Wander the coppersmiths' Seffarine Square and the ceramic and weavers' quarters; buy blue Fassi pottery
Volubilis & Meknes Day Trip
A day trip west to the finest Roman ruins in Morocco at Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes with its monumental gate and granaries — a rich mix of Roman and Moroccan history.
Drive Fez to Volubilis(1 hour)
~60 km west to the UNESCO-listed Roman city
Volubilis Roman ruins(2 hours)
Well-preserved mosaics, the basilica, capitol and triumphal arch amid olive-covered hills (entry ~70 MAD); a guide brings the mosaics to life
Moulay Idriss & lunch(1.5 hours)
A quick stop at the whitewashed holy town of Moulay Idriss, then lunch
Meknes — Bab Mansour & Heri es-Souani(2 hours)
The monumental Bab Mansour gate, El-Hedim square, and the vast royal granaries and stables before returning to Fez
Back to Casablanca — Farewell Evening
Return by train to Casablanca for a final relaxed evening — a last look at the ocean and the Hassan II Mosque floodlit at night, and a farewell Moroccan feast.
Train Fez to Casablanca(3 hours 30 minutes)
Direct ONCF train (~120-180 MAD) from Fez to Casa-Voyageurs
Check in and rest(1.5 hours)
Drop bags and take a slow afternoon
Hassan II Mosque plaza at night(1 hour)
Return to the seaside plaza to see the minaret and its laser beam pointing toward Mecca lit against the dark Atlantic
Farewell dinner at Le Cabestan(2 hours)
Cliffside restaurant above the ocean near the Corniche for a memorable last meal (mains ~180-300 MAD)
Departure
A gentle final morning after three weeks spanning coast, imperial cities, mountains, and the Sahara. Spend down remaining dirhams before the easy train to the airport.
Breakfast at a downtown café(1 hour)
Msemen, orange juice and coffee
Last-minute souvenirs(1 hour)
Argan oil, spices and babouches from Habous (fixed price) or the medina (haggle)
Airport train to CMN(45 minutes)
Direct train from Casa-Voyageurs or Casa-Port; leave ~3 hours before your flight
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Visa-Free for 90 Days
Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and many other countries enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days — just get the entry stamp at passport control. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months. Keep the entry stamp/slip, as it may be requested on departure.
transport
Take the Train from the Airport
A direct train links Mohammed V Airport to the city (Casa-Voyageurs and Casa-Port stations) every hour, taking ~40 minutes for around 40-45 MAD — far cheaper and often faster than a taxi in traffic. Casa-Voyageurs is also the departure point for high-speed and intercity trains to Rabat, Marrakech, and Tangier.
Insist on the Petit-Taxi Meter
Casablanca's small red 'petits taxis' are cheap and metered, but drivers often quote a flat 'tourist' price. Insist they run the 'compteur' (meter); a ride across the center should be 15-40 MAD. The modern tramway is also excellent value at ~6 MAD a ride for reaching the Corniche and city center.
Local Customs
Dress & Mosque Etiquette
Casablanca is fairly liberal, but modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) is respectful, especially in the medina and at the Hassan II Mosque, where it is mandatory for the tour. Remember only that one mosque admits non-Muslims. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
Budget
Cash, Haggling & Tipping
The dirham is a closed currency — you can't get it abroad, so withdraw from ATMs on arrival and keep small notes. Haggling is expected in the medina (start around half the asking price) but not in fixed-price shops or Quartier Habous. Small tips (a few dirhams) are customary for café waiters, guides, and the mosque-tour guardians.
Safety
Fake Guides & Common Scams
The main hassle is unofficial 'guides' who latch on near the medina or mosque, offer help, then demand payment or steer you to commission-paying shops. Politely and firmly decline ('la, shukran'). Watch pockets and phones in crowds and on the tram, don't flash valuables on the Corniche at night, and only use official, licensed guides booked through your hotel.
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