A Rough Guide on Road Tripping in Casablanca, Morocco

As the largest city in Morocco, Casablanca is also one of the most popular cities in Africa for travelers in search of a beautiful fusion of nature, local culture, architecture and sumptuous cuisines. What better way to explore this cosmopolitan city than setting out on a memorable road trip to fully discover what this city offers. To help you plan your road excursion to Casablanca, here are some rough guides to remember.

Best ways of entering Casablanca

Car rental companies are conveniently located just outside these airports in Morocco. You can easily hop into a brand new rental car and start your road trip the moment you arrive.

You would be amazed to see the fleet of cars that are available for hire in Casablance. Depending on how many are you in your group and your budget, you can choose from many different types of cars. But before you decide to hire one, do make sure that you get the best car rental service in Casablanca. Also make sure to compare the prices, the amenities they offer, and be sure to book it in advance so that all are set and ready when you arrive.

Fly in at Casablanca Airport: As the 6th busiest airport in the whole African continent, there won’t be any shortage of flights to Casablanca from most parts of the world.

Fly in at Rabat Airport: Rabat, the capital city of Morocco is only 83 kilometers away from Casablanca but it will surely give you chances to see other fascinating sights along the way. This airport flies to numerous destinations in Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East.

Via Marrakesh Airport: Only three hours away, this ancient city shall provide you many wonderful sights along the road en route to Casablanca.

By Train: If you choose to arrive in Casablanca aboard a train, there are rental car services found in Casa-Port Railway Station and Casa-Voyageurs Railway Station.

Must-see places in Casablanca

Hassan II Mosque: This mosque is the second-largest in the world and it is located on top of a hilly road overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Once you enter this mosque, you will surely satisfy both your interests for history and architecture. Check out the see-through glass floor which affords you to view the azure colored sea waters below. It is located along Boulevard de la Corniche. The best time to visit is from Saturday to Thursday, between 09:00 am to 02:00 pm. Visitors are expected to strictly follow the dress code, which is no shoes, knees and shoulders should be covered.

Museum of Moroccan Judaism: Centuries ago, Casablanca was the dwelling place of both Muslims and Jews. Despite the decrease in numbers of Jews living in present day Casablanca, their culture and history are in display at this arts center where you can learn more about Jewish art, clothing and history. Signifying Casablanca’s diversity, this museum is the only one in the Arab world which is dedicated to the Jewish people. It is located at Rue du chasseur Jules Cros. It is open to the public from Monday to Friday at 10:00 am to 5:00 pm / 6:00 pm, and on Sundays 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. It is closed every Saturdays for Shabbat.

The Arab League Park: This more than hundred year old park epitomizes Moroccan love for outdoors, nature and relaxation. Achieve your inner Zen among the park’s many palm trees and exceptional flower filled gardens. This is also a good place to observe local life as many residents come here especially during sunny days. It is located in the center of the city, east of Hassan II Boulevard.

The Old Medina: Get lost in the beautiful maze of intertwining alleys and narrow streets of the Old Medina. Be amazed at the beautiful architecture at every turn as you also witness the colorful way of life of the locals. It is located along Rue de Safi, Casablanca. The Medina offers a plethora of things to do and see; and definitely a must-visit when traveling to Casablanca.

King's Palace: Every city in Morocco has a King's Palace and the one in Casablanca is among the grandest of them all. This is a good place to stop by to further astonish yourself with Moroccan architecture. King's Palace is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture you should not miss when visiting Casablanca.

Other places you must see on your Casablanca road trip includes: Villa des Arts, Place Mohammed V, Sky 28 bar, La Corniche and many more for you to discover.

Day-trip Ideas from Casablanca

Azemmour: An hour’s drive away from Casablanca, Azemmour is a melting pot of Muslim, Portuguese and Jewish heritage. It is a good place to learn about Morocco’s hodgepodge of cultural influence and identity. In Azemmour, the summers are warm, muggy, arid, and mostly clear and the winters. Ideally, April and May are the best time to visit as for the majority of Morocco the weather is warm and dry.

Safi: Despite its two and a half hour distance from Casablanca, the fine road along the coast overlooking the Atlantic Sea makes up for a wonderful drive. Plus, you get to experience what this scenic coastal city has to offer: exotic beaches, local pottery, jaw-dropping mosques, quaint cafes, teeming fishing port and friendly people. The peak season of tourists visiting Morocco is between the months of July to September because on these months, many national holidays and festivals fall. This is the best time to visit if you want to experience and witness the local celebrations. But if you aren’t too fond of huge crowds, visiting during spring time maybe a better option for a quiet and more peaceful vacation.

Oualidia: Oualidia has one of the most beautiful landscapes you are likely to see. This seafood haven regarded for its world-class way of cooking oysters is a must-stop for foodies. From small restaurants to high-end dining places, you will surely satisfy your food cravings in this city. Aside from seafoods, it is also home to many flamingoes, warblers, storks, egrets and many others making Oualidia as their resting place. The best time visit Oualidia to catch the bird migrations is during the spring or autumn seasons.

Casablanca City Facts

Weather in Casablanca is generally warm but pleasant. Summertime brings in a hot and dry climate. Winter temperature is cold but rarely goes down below10 °C (50 °F).

Casablanca Metropolitan region is home to more than 6 million people.

Road trip tips

Plan your trip ahead. Know when is the best time to rent a car in Casablanca.

Speed limit are set at 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on non-motorways outside urban cities and 60 km/h in the populated parts of the city.

Most road signs are written in Arabic and French. A toll needs to be paid for using most of Morocco’s motorways or autoroutes. You pay either by cash or by credit card.

Alcohol limit is 0.00% so that means you cannot take any alcohol prior to driving or face charges of drunk driving.

In case of road emergency, dial 19 for police and 15 for ambulances or fire department.

Always bring your passport at all times when you are driving your rental car.

Car insurance and documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.

Be sure to get professional car rental service that will ensure that your trip is stress-free, secure, and convenient for you in every aspect.

If you got more time on your schedule, you can also set out on a road trip to Meknes, Fez and the Atlas Mountains from Casablanca.

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