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1 Day in Casablanca Itinerary

I find myself in Casablanca a lot these days. Mostly because I run group my Mauritania Tours for the Iron Ore Train, and I also put together one of the best ultramarathons in the world aka the EYE OF THE SAHARA ULTRAMARATHON (JOIN ME!). That means flying through Morocco all the time, usually via Casablanca. The layovers are brutal, so I often end up with a spare day on either side of my trips. I go to Mauritania twice a year, so for the past 5–7 years, I’ve undertaken a 1 day in Casablanca Itinerary more than I’d ever planned.

The upside? I know the city well. The downside? Casablanca might sound glamorous thanks to the movie, but compared to Morocco’s gems like Chefchaouen, Marrakesh, the Atlas Mountains, frankly it doesn’t really compete. Still, it’s famous, it’s got a few highlights, and it’s definitely worth one day of your time. Just don’t expect to need much longer.

So yeah, while Casablanca doesn’t always top the Morocco bucket list. Marrakesh usually steals the show, Chefchaouen pops up on Instagram feeds, and Fez gets all the culture cred. But if you find yourself with just one day in Casablanca, don’t write it off. The city is modern, raw, and far more real than the polished medinas you’ll see elsewhere. This guide is my no-nonsense Casablanca Itinerary for squeezing the most out of a short stop.

Why Spend One Day in Casablanca?

Casablanca often acts as Morocco’s international gateway. If you’re flying into the country from Europe or further afield, chances are your flight lands here. Many travelers immediately bolt for Marrakesh or Rabat, but give Casablanca a chance. With just 24 hours you can see the highlights, eat like a king, and get a sense of Morocco’s biggest city. That’s why a solid casablanca 1 day itinerary is worth having in your back pocket.

Morning: Hassan II Mosque

Start your one day in Casablanca with the showstopper. The Hassan II Mosque is jaw-dropping, built partly over the Atlantic Ocean with a minaret that dominates the skyline. It’s one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, so don’t miss the guided tours.

• Get there early to avoid the tour groups.
• Dress respectfully — Morocco is relaxed, but this is still a place of worship.
• Take a slow wander along the seafront afterwards; the Atlantic breeze hits nicely.

This stop sets the tone for any proper Casablanca Itinerary.

Late Morning: Old Medina

It’s not Marrakesh, and it’s not supposed to be. Casablanca’s Old Medina feels more like a working neighborhood than a tourist showpiece. That’s part of the charm. Wander through the alleys, grab a mint tea, and haggle for small souvenirs. Don’t expect a picture-perfect market — expect normal Moroccan life in full flow.

This is also a good point to remind you that Morocco is perfect for road trips. I wrote about my adventure across the Sahara here.

Lunch: Rick’s Café

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s themed around the movie “Casablanca,” which wasn’t even filmed here. But Rick’s Café is fun. The art deco interior, piano music, and old-school vibes make it a unique lunch stop. The food is solid — Moroccan with an international twist — and if you’re into film history, it’s a must.

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, grab street food instead. Casablanca is famous for seafood, so look for little local joints serving fried fish and calamari.

Afternoon: Corniche and Ain Diab

After lunch, it’s time to chill. Head out to the Corniche, Casablanca’s coastal strip. It’s where locals hang out, families stroll, and the city shows off its beach clubs and cafes. Ain Diab is the beach itself, a mix of surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers. Even if you don’t dip into the Atlantic, it’s a cool place to watch city life play out.

For a longer Morocco trip, I’d normally suggest side-trips. On one journey, I made it all the way down to the Western Sahara, which I wrote about here.

Late Afternoon: Habous Quarter

Built by the French in the 1930s, the Habous Quarter is like a “new medina.” It blends Moroccan architecture with French planning, making it easier to navigate. You’ll find bakeries, bookstores, and some of the best pastry shops in town. This is the place to pick up Moroccan sweets for the train or flight out.

It’s also calmer than the Old Medina, making it a nice way to wind down your casablanca 1 day itinerary before evening kicks in.

Evening: Drinks and Dinner

Casablanca is more liberal than other Moroccan cities, and yes, you can get a drink here (but don’t expect a party!). Many rooftop bars in the city center serve cocktails with Atlantic views. For dinner, try a traditional tagine or couscous spot, or go full modern at one of the fusion restaurants popping up downtown.

By now you’ve hit the mosque, the medinas, the Corniche, and capped it with a good meal. That’s a pretty strong one day in Casablanca.

Practical Tips for Your Casablanca Itinerary

• Transport: Petit taxis are cheap but insist on the meter. For airport transfers, negotiate or pre-book.
• Safety: Casablanca is generally safe, but like any big city, keep your wits about you.
• Dress Code: Casual and respectful. Shorts are fine, but avoid beachwear in the city.
• Timing: If you’ve got a long layover, the airport train takes you into town in under an hour.

For perspective, Morocco has been featured in plenty of travel media over the years. A great overview can be found in this New York Times article.

A Sample Recap of your One Day in Casablanca Itinerary

To tie it all together, here’s how your day might look:

• 08:30: Hassan II Mosque tour.
• 10:30: Explore the Old Medina.
• 12:30: Lunch at Rick’s Café or street food.
• 14:00: Walk the Corniche and Ain Diab.
• 16:00: Explore the Habous Quarter.
• 18:30: Drinks and dinner in the city center.

Not bad for a day, right?

Extending Your Stay

If you’ve got longer, Casablanca makes a good jumping-off point. Rabat is just an hour away by train, Marrakesh around three hours, and Fez a bit further. With Morocco’s train network, it’s easy to build an adventure from here.

On another trip I looped north to Tangier, which turned out to be one of my favorite Moroccan cities. I shared that experience here.

Final Thoughts

Casablanca may not be Morocco’s top tourist city, but in one day you can see its highlights, eat its food, and get a feel for its energy. That’s what makes a casablanca 1 day itinerary worthwhile. It’s not about ticking endless boxes — it’s about getting a snapshot of a city that most people overlook.

So, if your travels land you here, don’t just skip through the airport. Give Casablanca a day, and you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

FAQs about Casablanca

Is one day in Casablanca enough?

Yes. While the city has more depth, a one day in Casablanca plan hits the main highlights: Hassan II Mosque, medinas, Corniche, and a good meal.

Is Casablanca safe for tourists?

Generally, yes. Like any big city, petty theft exists, but violent crime is rare. Stay aware in crowded areas.

What’s the best way to get around during a Casablanca Itinerary?

Petit taxis are cheap and everywhere. For longer distances, use the tram or train.