Morocco | Part One: 1 Day in Casablanca to Start Our Journey
Last updated on : December 18, 2025
Part One: Casablanca
Casablanca, one of Morocco’s major metropolitan cities, is often the main point of entry for many travelers… and it was ours as well. Modern, dynamic, and full of contrasts, it blends urban energy, wide palm-lined avenues, and the impressive silhouette of the Hassan II Mosque rising over the Atlantic. It offers a more contemporary feel than the imperial cities, while still giving a first glimpse of Moroccan architecture, colors, and culture.
We spent only one night there during our November 2025 trip, mainly for two reasons: to rest between our transatlantic flight and our train ride to Fès… and, above all, to visit the famous Hassan II Mosque, which I absolutely wanted to see.
Even though our stay was short and we explored only a small part of the city, what I appreciated about Casablanca is that it allowed us to settle in and catch our breath before continuing our journey. In the end, it played exactly the role we had envisioned for it in our itinerary.
Day 1: One of the Largest Mosques in the World
🧳 Early Arrival… and a Few Unexpected Twists
We landed in Casablanca early in the morning, ready to begin our 10-day journey through Morocco. Getting out of the airport took longer than we expected, and the fatigue was already catching up with us. We were hungry, a bit jet-lagged… and the first hiccups appeared almost immediately.
At the airport train station, a few payment issues complicated the purchase of our tickets. By the time everything was sorted out, we missed the train by three minutes – and it only ran once an hour. Let’s just say it wasn’t the ideal start to the trip. 😓
Eventually, we boarded the train to Casa Voyageurs, a ride of about 40 minutes. Starving, we grabbed something to eat at the McDonald’s inside the station. Nothing glamorous, but it was exactly what we needed to “fill the gap” and get enough energy to keep going.
🍀 Another Hiccup… but a Little Bit of Luck Too
On our way to the hotel, an ATM gave us yet another headache. After the payment issues at the airport, this second incident really made it feel like the day was piling on us.
But then – our first real stroke of luck. When we arrived at the hotel, they handed us our room key before the official check-in time. I had emailed them the week before to mention our early arrival, and they were incredibly accommodating. A small victory, but one that felt really good.
We were able to sit down for a few minutes, breathe, freshen up… and finally head back out in much better shape than when we’d arrived.
🚶♀️🚶♂️ Heading Toward the Hassan II Mosque
After that much-needed break, we set off on foot toward the Hassan II Mosque. About an hour and fifteen minutes of walking through the city and along palm-lined streets. It wasn’t the most memorable stroll of the trip, but it was our way of gently easing into the journey.
Our visit to the Mosque was scheduled for 3:00 p.m., and we arrived about fifteen minutes early… just enough time to soak in the esplanade and breathe a little before going inside.
🤦♀️ Entering the Mosque Was… Not Exactly Smooth
Getting inside the Mosque wasn’t as easy as expected. We found ourselves in one of those slightly… let’s say disorganized moments. The kind where everyone waits around without really knowing where to go, groups seem to blend together, and you genuinely wonder if anyone is actually in control of the situation. And then, somehow… everything falls into place.
As soon as our French-speaking guide appeared – calm, smiling, and genuinely funny – the entire energy shifted. Suddenly, everything made sense, the group formed naturally… and from that moment on, everything went smoothly.
That contrast between the initial chaos and the quality of the visit really made us smile. It was exactly the kind of moment when you realize that sometimes, you just have to let things sort themselves out… and they eventually do. And funnily enough, this became a recurring theme throughout the entire trip, on every single excursion. At some point, you just expect it – and you get used to it.
🕌 An Unforgettable Visit
Visiting the Hassan II Mosque was the most memorable moment of our first day in Morocco. The architecture is absolutely breathtaking: a minaret rising 210 meters high, hand-carved details, delicate zellige tiles catching the light… and that overwhelming sense of immensity the moment you step onto the esplanade. It’s a place that commands respect, both for its beauty and for the serenity it carries.
The guided tour – charming and entertaining – helped us better understand the history of the site and the incredible craftsmanship behind every detail. It’s wild to think it took only six years to build something so monumental.
For us, it was the first true moment of wonder on this trip. A moment that instantly reconnected us to what really matters, after a somewhat chaotic arrival. If you pass through Casablanca, even briefly, the Hassan II Mosque is an absolute must-see.
🥗 A Well-Deserved Dinner and Rest
After this memorable visit, we took our time walking to La Sqala, a restaurant we had picked out in advance — I talk more about it in the “Where to Eat” section.
After this comforting meal, we headed back to the hotel and went to bed early. The travel fatigue was catching up with us, and we wanted to be well-rested for the next day’s train ride and the rest of our journey.
A short but intense first day — and one that set the tone for the rest of our Moroccan adventure.
Day 2: Train Departure to Fès
We woke up fairly early that morning, since our train was scheduled for 9:30 a.m., and we wanted to enjoy the breakfast included at the hotel. The continental buffet was simple but enough to start the day on the right foot before getting back on the road. Once we were ready, we left the hotel on foot, backpacks on our shoulders, and walked to Casa Voyageurs station, just a short distance away.
Once there, we bought a few snacks and waited for our train to arrive on the platform. Since it was our first time taking the train in Morocco, we were watching every train that passed… and two or three went by before ours. Let’s just say we were a little nervous about boarding the wrong one!
When our train finally arrived, we hopped on and made our way to first class, which we had chosen to make sure we’d have assigned seats. That’s when we discovered a way of doing things quite different from back home: people often sit wherever there’s space, even if it’s not their assigned seat. And when you show them your ticket, they get up without any issue and move… sometimes to another seat that isn’t theirs either, until the real ticket holder shows up. A very relaxed, very Moroccan system, where everything eventually falls into place naturally.
Once settled into our seats by the window, we enjoyed a peaceful ride. The scenery rolled by under a bright sun – shifting between urban areas, fields, and small villages. A calm moment before arriving in Fès, a city with a completely different character, more historical, more traditional… and where Morocco truly revealed itself to us.
If I Had More Time
Casablanca wasn’t meant to be the heart of our trip, and our stay there was intentionally very short. But if I had had a little more time, I would have loved to explore the Habous district, often described as one of the most charming areas in the city. With its Andalusian-inspired architecture, peaceful alleys, and small artisan shops, it seems to offer a more traditional atmosphere than the modern center where we stayed.
I also wish I had been able to walk more along the corniche and the coastal neighborhoods, to see another side of the city. But at the same time, we’re fully aware that Casablanca was mainly a transition stop for us, and in a single day, it was simply impossible to see everything.
How to Get Around Casablanca
Casablanca is a large, modern metropolis, and there are several ways to get around depending on your budget, comfort level, and how much time you have. Here are the main options to consider — including the ones we used during our short stay:
🚂 From the Airport: The Train – Practical and Affordable
One of the most popular ways to reach the city center is by train – operated by ONCF – which runs directly from Mohammed V Airport to four stations in Casablanca (Ain Sebaa, Casa Port, Casa Voyageurs and Oasis).
Trains run once per hour, and the 40-minute journey is comfortable, reliable, and very budget-friendly (60 dirhams per person in 2nd class and 80 dirhams per person in 1st class). This is the option we chose and, despite a few small payment hiccups at the start, it turned out to be a very practical way to avoid the city’s traffic.
🚌 Public Transport (Tramway / Bus)
Casablanca’s tramway is modern, clean, and well-organized. It covers a large part of the city and is a great way to move around quickly in the most popular areas (around 6 dirhams per ride).
As for the bus network, it does exist, but it’s often harder for visitors to navigate: schedules aren’t always clear, stops may not be obvious… It’s definitely possible to use it, but it’s not as intuitive as the tramway (around 5 to 8 dirhams per ride).
As for our own experience, I can’t really say much — we didn’t use either of these options.
🚕 Taxis
In Morocco in general—Casablanca included—there are two types of taxis:
- Grand taxis: These are used for longer distances, to travel between districts or even between cities. They are white and can take up to six passengers, meaning they often operate as shared taxis. Fares are usually negotiated before departure.
- Petit taxis: Smaller cars that carry up to three passengers and operate only within the city. In Casablanca, they are red and normally use a meter. Always make sure the meter is on; if it’s not, agree on a price before getting in.
🚗 Rent a Car
It’s absolutely possible to rent a car in Casablanca, either directly at Mohammed V Airport or in certain areas of the city. This option can be interesting if you’re planning a broader itinerary across Morocco, or if you want to explore regions that aren’t as well connected by public transportation.
That said, traffic can be dense, driving habits a bit unpredictable, and some areas require real comfort behind the wheel in busy urban environments – so it’s not necessarily the best choice for everyone.
🚶 Walking: A Great Way to Discover the City
For our part, we chose to walk everywhere during our time in the city, especially to reach the Hassan II Mosque. Walking allowed us to:
- take our time;
- observe local life;
- feel the atmosphere of the city;
- and find our bearings more easily.
Casablanca is large, but many areas can absolutely be explored on foot if you’re willing to walk a little.
Where to Stay in Casablanca
For our one-night stay in Casablanca, we chose the Relax Hotel Casa Voyageurs.
It’s not a charming boutique hotel, but rather a simple, clean, and practical place – exactly what we needed for a short stopover between our arrival in Morocco and our train journey to Fes. The only downside: the window didn’t seem to close completely, so we could hear some of the street noise. Nothing dramatic, but worth noting if you’re a light sleeper.
One of this hotel’s biggest advantages is its location. It’s about a ten-minute walk from Casa Voyageurs train station, which was a real time-saver after a long day of travel:
- arriving from the airport by train, we were able to walk to the hotel quickly
- and the next morning, we were already right by the station to catch our train to Fes
The hotel is attached to a small shopping center with a few stores and restaurants – convenient if you need anything last minute.
We also appreciated their flexibility: they gave us our room before the official check-in time, which made our lives much easier, especially with the luggage. Was it thanks to the email I sent them earlier that week? Maybe. Either way, it was very appreciated.
Finally, the continental breakfast was included in the price of our room. There was nothing extraordinary about it, but it was perfectly adequate. One of the positive points, however, was the early service time, starting at 7:30 a.m. – which seemed rather uncommon in Morocco, where breakfasts often begin later. Since we had a train to catch the next morning, this early breakfast was a real advantage.
💲 Rate in November 2025: approximately 601.50 dirhams (about $95) per night for a double room, breakfast and tax included.
Where to Eat in Casablanca
Our time in Casablanca was quite short, which means we didn’t get the chance to explore many restaurants. And I’m sure you’ll be perceptive enough to understand that I won’t be giving you a gourmet review of… the McDonald’s we grabbed at lunchtime when we arrived. 😅 At that moment, we were simply trying to survive the jet lag and the fatigue!
The only real restaurant we tried during our stay was La Sqala, a well-known spot in Casablanca. Located inside an 18th-century bastion, this historic site was once part of the old medina fortifications. Today, transformed into a restaurant, it has kept all its charm: high stone walls, traditional blue gates, old cannons still in place… You truly feel like you’re stepping into a small fortress, sheltered from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm, green, and lively. There are shaded terraces, mosaics, fountains, lanterns, and an overall very welcoming vibe. When we visited, musicians were playing Moroccan music. It was lovely… although in our case, we were perhaps a little too close to them to fully enjoy the volume. 😄
As for the menu, La Sqala offers a great selection of traditional Moroccan dishes: tajines, couscous, grilled meats, classic starters… After a long day and a few arrival mishaps, we decided to play it safe and ordered chicken skewers. A “safe” choice, as they say, but it absolutely did the job: good, nothing extraordinary, but exactly what we needed at that moment.
What struck us most was the mix of customers. We were there on a Sunday, and the place was filled with both tourists and locals. When you travel, that’s always a good sign: if the locals choose to eat there, it usually means the restaurant is reliable and appreciated.
In short, even though we were exhausted and couldn’t fully soak in the ambiance, La Sqala remains a charming, typical, and enjoyable place that I would recommend if you pass through Casablanca.
In conclusion
Casablanca wasn’t a love-at-first-sight kind of place for us – more of a necessary first step. A city that welcomed us a bit abruptly, giving us just enough time for our minds to catch up with the jet lag, the shift in pace, and everything this journey was about to bring.
We stayed only briefly, but long enough to be impressed by the Hassan II Mosque, enjoy our first traditional meal at La Sqala, and get a glimpse of Morocco’s more modern side.
This isn’t where the emotion of the trip took root. But it is where it began. And every adventure needs a beginning.
In Video
Because some emotions are better told through images, here is the video of our first moments in Casablanca… so you can experience the beginning of the trip with us.
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