Solo Traveller’s Guide to Casablanca: Morocco’s Metropolis
Travelling solo to Casablanca? Discover the best things to do, where to stay and essential tips in this Solo Traveller’s Guide to Casablanca.
Casablanca is Morocco’s modern, business-oriented metropolis and a place that many travellers pass through, rather than stay to explore.
I was the same. It was only when I needed to visit Casablanca for visa purposes that I ended here. Well, longer than an airport transfer at least.
But I’ve since discovered that this coastal metropolis has a lot to offer, particularly if you’re a “big city person”. There are fantastic art museums, world-class restaurants and some of Morocco’s best nightlife, not to mention what I think is among the most impressive architectural landmarks in the country – the Hassan II Mosque.
In this guide to solo travel in Casablanca, I’ll explain everything you need to know about exploring Morocco’s biggest city, from transport to sightseeing and amazing places to stay.
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Getting to Casablanca
By Air:
- Fly into Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport — a 30-45-minute drive from the city centre.
- Taxis cost around 300-350 MAD (night rates are slightly higher).
- Trains connect from the airport to Casa Voyageurs and Casa Port railway stations.
By Bus:
- Casablanca is well-connected by bus to destinations across Morocco.
- CTM and Supratours are the two main companies used by tourists.
- Bus tickets can be purchased online, either directly with the companies or at 12Go.
Discover everything you need to know about travelling Morocco by bus here.
By Train:
- Casablanca is connected to Marrakech, Rabat, Fes and Tangier by train.
- High-speed Al Boraq services travel north to Tangier
- Tickets can be purchased via the ONCF website or at 12Go.
Discover everything you need to know about travelling Morocco by train here.
Getting around Casablanca
- Walking: Many of Casablanca’s attractions can be reached on foot, depending on where you are staying in the city.
- Petit taxis: Short rides within the city cost 10–50 MAD. Taxis should be metered, but if not, agree on the fare before riding.
- Trams: There are four different lines around the city with a set fare of 8 MAD.
- Local buses: Reach most destinations not covered by the tram lines (fares are between 5 and 8 MAD).
Safety note:
Casablanca is generally a safe city to visit – petty theft is rare and locals are used to solo tourists. That being said, I recommend keeping valuables stashed safely away and avoiding walking in unlit areas at night.
Where to stay in Casablanca for solo travellers
While Marrakech and Fes shine with their beautifully restored riads, Casablanca is the domain of international chain hotels. There’s a great choice of mid-range and luxury hotels, as well as a handful of budget options if you’re watching your dirhams.
As Casablanca is a large, sprawling city, I’d recommend selecting your hotel based on the sightseeing experiences you want to have. That way, you won’t spend a fortune on taxis trying to get around or end up stuck for hours in Casablanca’s notorious peak-hour traffic.
Budget beauty – Marly Boutique Hotel
Mid-range magic – Kaan Casablanca
High-end splurge – L’Hostel a Casablanca
You’ll find more hotel recommendations in Casablanca for solo travellers in my detailed article here.
Top things to do in Casablanca for solo travellers
1. Marvel at the Hassan II Mosque
If you only have time to do one thing in Casablanca, make sure you visit the city’s most iconic landmark, the Hassan II Mosque.
Finished in 1993, its beautifully adorned prayer hall can hold 25,000 worshippers, while the expansive courtyard can accommodate over 80,000 individuals. In short, it’s massive and an incredible sight to behold!
Every inch is richly decorated with zellige tiles and religious designs, topped by one of the tallest minarets in the world. The Hassan II Mosque’s dramatic location on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean adds to its allure. Personally, I think it’s breathtaking!
Non-Muslims can only enter the mosque during guided tours, which are available multiple times a day. Tours explore the immense prayer hall, the minaret hall and the ablutions area.
Solo tip:
I love listening to the Maghrib adhan (sunset call to prayer) ring out from the Hassan II Mosque – it’s such an atmospheric time to be there. You can sit on the steps outside the mosque and watch local families coming and going, all while enjoying the golden hour light.
2. Wander the Corniche and Ain Diab Beach
After exploring the Hassan II Mosque, take a leisurely walk westward along the Corniche. This pedestrian-friendly promenade offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Corniche stretches all the way to Ain Diab, which features luxurious hotels, globally-inspired restaurants and a public beach. At the private beach clubs in Ain Diab, you’ll find pools and lounge chairs, perfect for enjoying a serene, sun-drenched afternoon.
If you happen to visit on a warm weekend, you’ll have the chance to interact with local families who come to enjoy picnics and stroll along the Corniche. It’s an ideal spot for people-watching in Casablanca!
What to do on Casablanca’s Corniche:
- Walk or jog along the waterfront
- Stop for a coffee at a beach cafe
- Dip your toes in the Atlantic (or swim in summer)
3. Discover Casablanca’s Art Deco architecture
Casablanca is a paradise for architecture fans. As Morocco’s former French administrative hub, the city is filled with 1930s landmarks and decorative façades.
Place Mohamed V serves as the heart of Casablanca, housing many of its key institutions. These include the impressive Palace of Justice and the Bank of Morocco. Their neo-Moorish exteriors combine traditional Moroccan aesthetics with the refined elements of Art Deco and Art Nouveau.
This distinctive Mauresque architectural style was conceived by French Resident-General Lyautey. In the early 1900s, he aimed to modernise Casablanca while honouring its cultural legacy.
As you explore the city, you’ll encounter numerous blocks filled with these graceful structures. Essentially, they blend European and Moroccan styles into a unique Casablancan identity.
Must-see areas in Casablanca for architecture fans:
- Boulevard Mohammed V
- Place Mohammed V
- Rue Tahar Sabti
4. Shop in the Old Medina
Casablanca’s medina is much calmer than those in Fes or Marrakech and I think it’s far less touristy. This makes it ideal for adventurous solo travellers who want a traditional experience without sensory overload.
Rebuilt after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, the Old Medina blends Moroccan, Andalusian and French colonial influences. So even if you’re not interested in shopping, it’s an interesting place to wander.
What to see and do in Casablanca’s Old Medina:
- Stroll the labyrinthine alleyways lined with family-run bakeries, produce stalls and spice shops.
- Visit Bab Marrakech, the medina’s main gate and one of its most photogenic spots.
- Explore the artisanal souks, where you’ll find leather goods, argan oil, carpets, ceramics and handwoven baskets.
Top tip:
Visit the medina in the morning when the produce markets are at their liveliest. Be sure to dress modestly and keep valuables secure – it’s standard travel sense in any busy marketplace.
5. Discover the street art of Gauthier
The lively district of Gauthier has become a canvas for Casablanca’s artists, with colourful murals decorating its streets and the walls of apartment blocks. You’ll find everything from political commentary to whimsical characters and bold geometric patterns.
Some pieces are commissioned for urban-art festivals, while others are spontaneous expressions by up-and-coming artists. You’ll also see a lot of street art created by football fans of Casablanca’s two top division clubs – Wydad AC and Raja CA.
For more street art inspiration in Casablanca, check out this article. It highlights some of the artists you should keep an eye out for.
Why it’s great for solo travellers:
Gauthier is compact, easy to navigate and full of cafes where you can stop for a mint tea or espresso while enjoying some people-watching.
6. Experience the youthful energy of Maârif
Adjacent to Gauthier, Maârif is a bustling neighbourhood known for its mix of international brands, Moroccan designers and a strong creative scene. The vibe is more urban and fast-paced, but equally perfect for wandering solo.
Street art pops up here too – look for it on the sides of shopping streets and around construction sites.
What to do in Maârif:
- Shop local fashion at boutiques on Boulevard Anfa
- Grab a smoothie or specialty coffee at one of the many stylish cafes
- Browse vinyl, books or handmade crafts in the independent stores
Why solo travellers love it:
Maârif feels modern, busy and energetic – great if you enjoy a city vibe without the overwhelming crowds of central Casablanca.
8. Visit some of Morocco’s engaging museums
As Morocco’s biggest city, it’s only natural that Casablanca hosts some of the best museums in the country. In fact, this pulsing metropolis is rich in cultural institutions, both big and small.
Top museums in Casablanca for solo travellers:
- Abderrahman Slaoui Museum – impressive art collection and temporary exhibits
- Museum of Moroccan Judaism – housed within a former Jewish orphanage
- Dar ul-Aala – rare and antique instruments of the Moorish-Andalusian tradition
For more cultural inspiration, check out this list of the best museums in Casablanca.
9. Dine or drink at Rick’s Cafe
While the 1942 movie “Casablanca” wasn’t actually filmed in Morocco, this recreation of Rick’s Cafe captures the romance and mood of Casablanca’s golden era. It occupies a historic courtyard-style mansion that’s within easy reach of the Old Medina.
Rick’s Cafe is a safe and atmospheric spot for a solo dinner or a cocktail, accompanied by live piano or jazz.
Just a warning – the menu at Rick’s is NOT Moroccan! But if you’re craving Western classics, like char-grilled ribeye, seafood linguini and cheesecake, this is the place to head.
10. Take a day trip
Casablanca is well-connected, making it easy to embark on day trips, even without joining a guided tour. If you do want to share the experience with others, there are lots of Casablanca day trips available at Viator and GetYourGuide.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are 5 of my favourite day trips from Casablanca. Alternatively, check out these highlights below.
Top solo-friendly options:
- Rabat – calm, cultural and only one hour away by train
- El Jadida – relaxed seaside town with a UNESCO-listed Portuguese fort
- Azemmour – artsy village on a river bend
Trains and buses are reliable and inexpensive for getting to towns and cities near Casablanca.
Is Casablanca Safe for Solo Travellers?
Yes, I think Casablanca is safe for solo travellers – as safe as any other big city. That being said, there are areas that are best avoided and I wouldn’t recommend walking around in unfamiliar districts late at night.
Safety tips:
- Use petit taxis or Careem share-rides for getting around.
- Avoid walking around low-lit areas or unfamiliar neighbourhoods late at night.
- Dress modestly in traditional districts.
- Keep valuables in a secure bag or travel pouch.
Why Solo Travellers Shouldn’t Skip Casablanca
Casablanca may not be as atmospheric as Fes or as colourful as Marrakech, but it offers something different: a glimpse into Morocco’s modern identity. It’s a big, bustling city and the economic heart of the country…and its energy reflects that.
In Casablanca, you’ll find great restaurants, a good choice of international hotels and (arguably) the best nightlife in the country. Added to that are some fantastic museums and an architecture that is distinct to the city.
And with one of the only mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, Casa is a destination you shouldn’t overlook!
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVOURITE RESOURCES:
Find hotels via Booking
Book tours and attractions via Viator or GetYourGuide
Find a rental car via Discover Cars
Book flights via Kiwi or Booking
Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
Get travel insurance via SafetyWing
Buy a digital eSIM with Airalo
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