What I Love Showing People in Casablanca in a Day

Casablanca, the city that always surprises

People often ask me: "Céline, is Casablanca really worth the trip from Marrakech?" And my answer is always yes, without hesitation. Casablanca is Morocco from a different angle — a modern, vibrant metropolis where Art Deco architecture stands alongside gleaming skyscrapers and, above all, the sea opens up right before you. After years of leading groups on private day trips, I've learned to build a full, well-balanced day that leaves real memories.

Departure is at 7:00 am from your accommodation in Marrakech — early, I know, but that's the price of making the most of the ~240 km between us and Casa (allow 2h30 to 3h on the road). The journey is in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a French-speaking driver: you can relax, chat or watch the Moroccan landscape roll by, and arrive in the city feeling refreshed.

First unmissable stop: the Hassan II Mosque

As soon as we arrive, I always take my groups straight to the Hassan II Mosque. It is one of the most impressive monuments on the African continent, its feet almost touching the Atlantic. Even from the outside, the sight is breathtaking. If you'd like to visit the interior, you'll need to budget for the entrance fee (not included in the excursion) and remember to cover your shoulders and knees — a rule of respect I always explain to my groups before we leave.

One tip: if your group wants a real deep-dive into the history and architecture, opt for adding a local guide on site (an option available at €60 per group). I've done this several times and the result is remarkable — the stories about the construction of this mosque are alone worth the whole day.

The corniche and the seafront

After the mosque, we stroll along the corniche. The salty air, the waves crashing against the rocks, the cafés facing the ocean… this is a side of Morocco that few visitors imagine from Marrakech. I love pausing here, letting everyone breathe, take photos and soak up this coastal atmosphere so different from the ochre Médina. It's also the perfect moment for lunch: the restaurants along the corniche offer fresh fish and seafood at reasonable prices (meals are not included in the excursion, each person pays as they wish).

Morocco Mall and the aquarium: the family favourite

In the afternoon, we head to the Morocco Mall, one of the largest shopping centres in Africa. I often keep this one for families with children, and it never gets old: the look on the little ones' faces when they see the giant aquarium is always a moment of pure joy. But even without children, it's an interesting stop for anyone who wants to understand modern Casablanca — the one looking towards the future.

Shopping enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy, from major international brands to Moroccan labels. Allow time to wander — it's easy to spend 1h30 to 2h here.

My advice for organising your day

A few practical points I always share with my groups before we set off:

• Book at least 5 days in advance — this excursion is very popular, especially in high season.
• Bring the balance in cash on the day: a deposit is required at the time of booking, and the remainder is paid in cash.
• Dress appropriately: comfortable shoes for walking, and suitable attire (shoulders and knees covered) if you wish to enter the Hassan II Mosque.
• Bring water: it's a long day (~12h in total, with an evening return), so it's best to be prepared.
• Flexible cancellation: you can cancel free of charge up to 5 days before departure — after that deadline, the deposit is retained.

Casablanca in a day is a brisk pace, but very much achievable and genuinely accessible to all levels — the city is modern and well laid out, with no particular physical demands. It's one of my favourite excursions to offer from Marrakech, because it opens a window onto a Morocco that many people hadn't imagined. I warmly recommend it.