Casablanca
الدار البيضاء · CasaMorocco's big, modern city by the ocean, home of the giant new World Cup stadium.
Overview
Casablanca (everyone says 'Casa') is Morocco's largest city and business capital, with about 4 million people. It is the main gateway for international flights. It feels more modern and fast-paced than other Moroccan cities: wide boulevards, Art Deco buildings, a long seaside promenade, shopping malls and a lively food scene. Most World Cup visitors will land here.
What makes it unique
- The Hassan II Mosque stands partly over the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims can visit inside.
- One of the richest collections of 1920s–1950s Art Deco architecture in the world, along Boulevard Mohammed V and around the Central Market.
- The only museum of Jewish heritage in the Arab world (Museum of Moroccan Judaism).
- The future Grand Stade Hassan II, planned as one of the largest football stadiums on Earth.
- Football passion: the Raja vs Wydad derby is one of the most intense in the world.
Weather in June–July
June–July: mild and humid. Typically 20–27°C (68–81°F), often morning sea mist. Rarely very hot. Bring a light jacket for evenings.
Arriving
Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is about 30 km south of the city. A train runs from the airport station (under the terminal) to Casa Voyageurs and Casa Port stations in about 35–45 minutes. Official airport taxis have fixed fares displayed at the exit. From Rabat or Tangier, take the Al Boraq high-speed train to Casa Voyageurs.
Getting around
The tramway (4 lines) and busway cover the centre, the Corniche and the main stations; buy a card or ticket at the machines. Red 'petit taxis' carry up to 3 people inside the city; ask the driver to use the meter ('compteur'). Ride-hailing apps operate in Casablanca. Traffic is heavy at rush hour, so allow extra time.
Stadium
Grand Stade Hassan II
Under construction. Planned as one of the largest football stadiums in the world. Morocco is a candidate to host the 2030 final here; FIFA has not confirmed the final's venue yet.
- Capacity
- about 115,000 (planned)
- Location
- In Benslimane province (El Mansouria area), about 35–40 km northeast of Casablanca, between Casablanca and Rabat.
- Getting there
- Exact match-day transport (shuttles, train links, park-and-ride) will be announced closer to 2030. Plan extra time: this stadium is outside the city. To be confirmed
- Design inspired by the traditional Moroccan 'moussem' tent gatherings.
- Planned roof covering all seats, with a large hospitality and fan area around it.
Top sights
Hassan II Mosque
A masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship with one of the tallest minarets in the world (about 210 m). The prayer hall can hold 25,000 worshippers and the esplanade tens of thousands more.
Tip: Guided tours for non-Muslims run several times a day except during prayer times (fewer on Fridays). Buy tickets at the entrance. Cover shoulders and knees.
La Corniche (Ain Diab)
A long ocean-front promenade with beaches, cafés, surf schools and sunset views. Perfect for a walk or a run.
Old Medina
Smaller and calmer than Fes or Marrakech, with everyday markets and the restored Sqala bastion and gardens facing the sea.
Quartier Habous (New Medina)
A charming 1930s neighbourhood built in traditional style: olive stalls, bookshops, crafts and famous pastry shops.
Tip: Good place to buy crafts with less pressure than in big tourist souks.
Art Deco downtown
Walk along Boulevard Mohammed V, Place Mohammed V (United Nations Square area), the Central Market and the Sacré-Cœur Cathedral (now a cultural space).
Mahkama du Pacha
A grand administrative palace in the Habous quarter with beautiful carved wood, plaster and tile work. Opening for visits can be limited.
Rick's Café
A restaurant recreating the bar from the 1942 film 'Casablanca', in a mansion near the old medina walls. Booking recommended.
Museums
Museum of Moroccan Judaism
In the Oasis district. The story of Jewish life in Morocco through objects, clothing and photos.
Villa des Arts
A 1930s Art Deco villa hosting contemporary art exhibitions.
Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum
A small, elegant museum of jewellery, posters and decorative arts in a restored villa.
Casa Anfa & Casablanca Finance City architecture
Not a museum, but a showcase of modern Morocco: new towers, parks and the Anfa Park.
Food & restaurants
Seafood at the Central Market
Choose fresh fish and seafood at the stalls, then have it grilled at the small restaurants inside the market.
Fish and grill spots on the Corniche
From simple grills to upscale restaurants with ocean views.
Pastries in the Habous
Try cornes de gazelle, chebakia and other almond pastries at the historic pastry shops in the Habous quarter.
Maarif & Gauthier
International food, burgers, sushi, Lebanese, Italian and modern Moroccan cuisine.
Street snacks
Msemen (flaky pancakes), harira soup, grilled sardine sandwiches and fresh orange juice.
Shopping
Quartier Habous
Traditional crafts, leather, lanterns, tea sets, books and olives at reasonable prices.
Ensemble Artisanal
Government-supported craft centre with fixed prices. A good place to see real prices before bargaining elsewhere.
Morocco Mall
One of the biggest malls in Africa, by the ocean in Ain Diab: international brands, an aquarium and a food court.
Anfa Place & Marina Shopping
Modern malls near the Corniche and the marina.
With kids
Sindibad Park
Amusement park with rides and a zoo area, near Ain Diab.
Morocco Mall aquarium
A large cylindrical aquarium inside the mall, plus play areas.
Beaches of Ain Diab
Sandy beaches with lifeguards in summer. Watch for strong Atlantic currents and swim only where flags allow.
Arab League Park
A big central park with paths and playgrounds, renovated in recent years.
Day trips
Rabat
About 1 hour by train. Royal capital, gardens, museums and the Kasbah of the Udayas.
El Jadida
About 1.5 hours. Portuguese Cistern and fortified old town (UNESCO site), and beaches.
Azemmour
A small, artistic medina by the Oum Er-Rbia river.
Marrakech
About 2.5–3 hours by train. Possible as a long day trip, better with a night.
Where to stay
Downtown / Centre-ville
Art Deco streets, close to the tram, Casa Port station and the old medina. Practical and central.
Ain Diab & the Corniche
Seaside hotels, beach clubs, restaurants and nightlife. Close to Morocco Mall and the Hassan II Mosque.
Maarif & Gauthier
Lively, upscale neighbourhoods with cafés, shops and restaurants. Good for food lovers.
Near Casa Voyageurs / Casa Port
Best if you plan day trips by train to Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech or Fes.
Local tips
- Casablanca is a working city: dress is more relaxed than in old medinas, but modest clothing is still appreciated.
- Many shops close or slow down at lunchtime on Fridays.
- Keep a few coins and small notes for tram tickets, taxis and tips.
All questions · Casablanca
Where will the final be played? To be confirmed
How do I get from Casablanca airport to the city?
How long is the train from Casablanca to Marrakech?
How do I get to the Grand Stade Hassan II? To be confirmed
Can non-Muslims visit mosques?
What are the must-see sights in Casablanca?
All host cities
- Casablanca الدار البيضاء: Morocco's big, modern city by the ocean, home of the giant new World Cup stadium.
- Rabat الرباط: The calm, green royal capital, with a brand-new stadium and world-class museums.
- Tangier طنجة: Where Africa meets Europe: legendary port city facing Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar.
- Marrakech مراكش: The Red City: palaces, gardens, souks and the magic of Jemaa el-Fna square.
- Fes فاس: The spiritual and cultural capital: the world's largest living medieval city.
- Agadir أكادير: Sunny beach city with a huge bay, gateway to argan forests and surfing villages.