Casablanca
Morocco · Country profile
Casablanca is Morocco’s economic powerhouse and largest city, a modern Atlantic metropolis best known for the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque, whose minaret towers over the sea. Beyond its business skyline, the old medina, the Art Deco streets of the former European quarter and the buzzing Corniche beaches reveal a more relaxed, cosmopolitan Casablanca. It’s the country’s main air hub, making it the natural starting point for trips to Rabat, Marrakech and the coast. Less touristy than other Moroccan cities, Casablanca rewards visitors with good seafood, art-deco charm and a genuine feel for modern Morocco.
About Casablanca
Casablanca is a city in Morocco. The city's documented population is around 3,218,036 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) and Arabic and Amazigh are spoken; the dialling code is +212. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Mohammed V International Airport.
Modern Morocco on the Atlantic Shore
Casablanca is Morocco’s commercial heart and its biggest city, and it feels more like a working metropolis than a tourist resort. The headline draw is the immense Hassan II Mosque by the sea, but much of the city’s character lies in its art-deco streets, its Atlantic boulevards and its role as the country’s main gateway — you are far more likely to fly into Casablanca than to make it your whole trip. It is less touristic than Marrakech or Fés, which is exactly its charm: a genuine feel for modern, everyday Moroccan city life, with the coast close by.
Timed Mosque Tours, French Phrases and the High-Speed Train
Most visitors pass through Casablanca on the way to Marrakech, Rabat or the coast — a high-speed train links the airport and city and connects onward efficiently, so plan your onward legs ahead. The Hassan II Mosque has timed guided tours, so book a slot rather than just turning up. The weather is Atlantic-mild, and the winter can be cool and damp, in contrast to the desert heat inland. English is less widely spoken than French, so a few phrases and a translation app help. Many hotels and venues are cash-friendly even if cards are widely accepted.
Art-Deco Streets, Seafood on the Corniche and Friday Rhythms
The train station at Casa-Voyageurs is the hub for onward travel, and the new high-speed line (Al Boraq) makes Marrakech and Tangier much faster than before. Taxis are the main way around, but agree on the fare or use the local ride apps. The Corniche and the seafront are the relaxed face of the city, good for seafood and a walk. The old medina is smaller and less visited than Marrakech’s, and quieter for it. Be aware that many shops and offices shut on Friday prayer time and that service moves at its own unhurried pace. The airport is a short train ride from the centre.
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- Country
- Morocco
- Population
- 3,218,036
- Coordinates
- 33.3675, -7.5898
- Capital
- Rabat
- Region
- Africa
- Currency
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
- Languages
- Arabic, Amazigh
- Calling code
- +212
- Country code
- MA
Entry requirements for Morocco
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Morocco for tourism.
Getting to Casablanca
Airports we list for Casablanca:
Cities in Morocco
Other cities we cover in Morocco:
Frequently asked questions
Is Casablanca the capital of Morocco?
No — the capital of Morocco is Rabat.
What currency do I need in Casablanca?
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Languages spoken in Morocco include Arabic and Amazigh.
What is the dialling code for Morocco?
The international dialling code for Morocco is +212.
Which airport should I fly into for Casablanca?
Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is the airport we list for Casablanca.
Do I need a visa to visit Morocco?
It depends on your passport. Among the origins we track, travellers from Australia, Canada, France, Germany and Italy currently enter Morocco visa-free for tourism. Use the entry requirements tool to check your own nationality and purpose of travel.
Flying out of Casablanca? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.