Owais Crawford
With its stunning mosque, vibrant neighbourhoods, and rich history, Casablanca offers travellers a unique window into Moroccan life. The Mohammed V International Airport is where you'll arrive if you're stopping over in Casablanca, Morocco. The airport is relatively small and located outside the city, but with efficient public transportation, including a train station right at the airport, you can explore parts of Casablanca even with a few hours to spare. Here's a quick guide to help you make the most of your layover in Casablanca.
Things to do during a layover in Casablanca
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transport | Trains and taxis are available from the airport to the city centre |
| Time | If you have 2-3 hours, stay at the airport and relax. For 3-4 hours, explore the airport and try Moroccan treats. For 6-8 hours, visit the Mosque of Hassan II or the Old Medina. For 8+ hours, visit several of Casablanca's main sites, enjoy a meal, and stroll through different neighbourhoods. |
| Attractions | The Old Medina, the New Medina, the Cathédrale Sacré Coeur, Parc de la Ligue Arabe, the seafront, and the neighbourhoods of Bouskoura and Californie |
| Food | Moroccan street food and treats, as well as restaurants in Bouskoura |
| Shopping | The Medina and the New Medina have stalls and shops selling traditional handmade goods, souvenirs, and Moroccan rugs |
| Currency | Moroccan dirham (MAD); credit cards are sometimes accepted, but it's helpful to have cash for taxis and shopping |
| Clothing | No strict clothing laws, but if visiting a mosque, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered and be prepared to remove your shoes |
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What You'll Learn
Take the train to Casa Port to see the Old Medina
If you're spending a layover in Casablanca, Morocco, you can take the train from the airport to Casa Port to see the Old Medina. The train station is located one floor below the main arrivals hall and is clearly signposted throughout the airport. It's important to note that the airport train doesn't operate 24 hours a day. During the day, there is usually a train departing for Casa Port once every hour. The first train from Casablanca Airport is at 4:50 a.m., and the last train of the day is at 10:50 p.m.
Casa Port Station, located in the centre of Casablanca, is one of the city's main stations. It serves both the harbour and the city centre. The station has four platforms and a large travellers' hall with various stores and services, including restaurants, banks, and telephone service providers. From the station, it's just a short walk to the Old Medina.
The Old Medina is the walled city of Casablanca, with remnants of old city walls and forts still visible. It's a unique and authentic experience that offers a glimpse into the city's original character. Visitors can wander through its narrow alleyways and streets, admire the traditional architecture, and sample local cuisine at vibrant markets. It's a great place to buy souvenirs and traditional Moroccan goods. The Medina is a good spot to spend a few hours shopping and exploring.
After exploring the Old Medina, you can discover the New Medina, built by the French during the French Protectorate in 1912. Enjoy its wide streets and white buildings with a blend of European and Moroccan architecture. You can then take the train back to the airport from Casa Port Station.
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Explore the New Medina's wide streets and architecture
If you have a layover in Casablanca, Morocco, and you're arriving at Casablanca Airport, you might be wondering what to do in the nearby area. The airport is outside the city, with the nearest neighbourhoods being Bouskoura and Californie—both affluent suburbs. If you only have a few hours, you can grab a bite to eat in one of Bouskoura's many restaurants or check out Californie's small mall, which has fast food and a supermarket.
If you have more time to spare, you can take a train from the airport to the Old Medina stop at Casa Port and explore the narrow streets with endless stalls of traditional handmade goods. After spending a couple of hours in the Old Medina, you can walk over to the New Medina, built by the French during the French Protectorate in 1912. The New Medina features wide streets and white buildings with a unique blend of European and Moroccan architecture, including wooden doors and stairs. These buildings were designed by some of the best French architects of the early 20th century to showcase the French presence in Morocco.
The New Medina offers a distinct contrast to the Old Medina's narrow alleyways. Its broad avenues provide a more open and airy ambiance, allowing you to stroll leisurely and admire the architectural fusion. The white buildings, a signature feature, create a bright and luminous atmosphere under the Moroccan sun. As you wander through the New Medina, keep an eye out for the intricate wooden doors and stairs adorning the structures. They showcase the skilled craftsmanship of the time and add a warm and inviting touch to the streetscape.
After exploring the New Medina, you can easily catch a train back to the airport from Casa Port Station. If you have more time, you can visit Parc de la Ligue Arabe, a large park filled with palm trees and greenery, or admire the nearby Cathédrale Sacré Coeur, a Roman Catholic church built in the 1930s, featuring beautiful architecture and coloured glass.
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Visit the Mosque of Hassan II
If you're looking for something to do near Casablanca Airport, the Hassan II Mosque is a must-see. Located about 30 kilometres from the airport, it is one of the largest mosques in the world and can accommodate up to 105,000 worshippers at a time. The mosque is an incredible example of intricate Islamic architecture and boasts a towering 210-metre minaret that is a spectacular landmark on the Casablanca skyline.
The mosque was commissioned in 1980 by the former Moroccan King, Hassan II, who wanted to give the city a unique monument. Construction began in 1989 and was completed in just four years, in 1993. The mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau and built by a workforce of 10,000 Moroccans working around the clock. The mosque is set on a promontory over the Atlantic Ocean, with a glass floor in the great hall that offers a view of the seabed.
The interior of the mosque is just as magnificent as the exterior, with marble walls, roofs, and pillars surrounded by exquisitely carved patterns. The main prayer hall features towering marble columns and massive chandeliers, while the retractable roof allows for an open-air prayer space. The mosque is one of the few in Morocco that is open to non-Muslims, and guided tours are available in multiple languages. These tours provide fascinating insights into the mosque's history, architecture, and cultural significance, making it a great opportunity to learn about Moroccan and Islamic culture.
To get to the mosque from the airport, you can take a taxi or a private transfer, which should cost around 250 Dirham (25 EUR) and take about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train from the airport to Casa Port Station, which is about 2 kilometres from the mosque. From there, you can take a petit taxi (small red taxi) or a shared taxi for a short ride to the mosque.
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Enjoy Moroccan treats and street food
If you're looking to indulge in some delicious Moroccan treats and street food during your layover in Casablanca, there are a few options to consider. The airport itself is located outside the city, but that doesn't mean you can't venture out to find some tasty snacks.
For a quick bite, you can take a train from the airport to the Old Medina at Casa Port. Here, you'll find narrow streets filled with endless stalls offering a variety of traditional handmade goodies. You can spend a couple of hours exploring the Medina, haggling with vendors, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Keep an eye out for traditional Moroccan rugs, leather babouches, and henna tattoos. After you've worked up an appetite, grab some street food from the stalls or head to one of the nearby restaurants.
If you have more time, you can also explore the New Medina, built by the French during the French Protectorate in 1912. Enjoy the wide streets and admire the unique architecture that blends European and Moroccan styles. The New Medina is known for its white buildings, wooden doors, and stairs, showcasing the talent of the best French architects of the early 20th century. Here, you'll find a variety of restaurants and cafes serving Moroccan dishes and sweet treats.
For a more extensive layover, consider taking a taxi to Parc de la Ligue Arabe, a large park filled with palm trees and greenery. After a relaxing stroll, head to the nearby Cathédrale Sacré Coeur, a Roman Catholic church built in the 1930s. The area surrounding the cathedral offers a variety of dining options, including Moroccan restaurants and street food vendors.
If you're short on time and don't want to venture too far, the nearest neighbourhoods to the airport are Bouskoura and Californie. Bouskoura offers a variety of restaurants, while Californie has a small mall with fast food options and a supermarket. With their proximity to the airport, these suburbs can be a convenient way to get a taste of Morocco without going too far.
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Take in the view of the Atlantic Ocean
If you're spending a layover in Casablanca, Morocco, and want to take in the view of the Atlantic Ocean, there are a few places you can visit.
The Corniche
The Corniche is a walkway located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It is lined with restaurants, hotels, cafes, and nightclubs, making it a great place to enjoy the sun and the ocean breeze. "Sky 28", located on the 28th floor of the Kenzi Tower, offers a tranquil atmosphere and promises a relaxing evening with a view of the ocean.
Boulevard de la Corniche
This boulevard stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and offers the best view of the city. It is a great place to soak in the lively nightlife of Casablanca, with many local bars along the shore. "La Bodega" offers Spanish-inspired meals and drinks, along with a colourful dance floor and lovely interiors.
Old Medina
The Old Medina is the oldest part of the city and is located near the train station and the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a lovely place to explore on foot, with its narrow streets, traditional street shops, and historical attractions. The Hassan II Mosque, located next to the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the largest mosques in the world and offers guided tours for non-Muslim visitors.
Ain Diab Beach
Take the tramway from the New Medina towards the beach at Ain Diab. Enjoy the sun and the sea breeze, and if you're feeling adventurous, take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean!
Casa Port
Take a train from Casablanca Airport to Casa Port, which is located near the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. From there, you can visit the nearby Cathédrale Sacré Coeur, a Roman Catholic church built in the 1930s with beautiful architecture and coloured glass.
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Frequently asked questions
The name of the airport in Casablanca is Mohammed V International Airport.
The city of Casablanca is about a 30-minute drive from the airport.
During a short layover, it is best to stay at the airport. You can enjoy some Moroccan tea at one of the cafes and relax before your next flight.
With 6-8 hours to spare, you can venture out to nearby attractions like the Mosque of Hassan II or the Old Medina. You can reach the city centre fairly quickly as the airport has a train station.
With a layover of 8 hours or more, you can visit several of Casablanca's main sites, enjoy a meal, and stroll through different neighbourhoods before returning to the airport.
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