Book hostels in Casablanca
Morocco's modern metropolis. Art-deco architecture and the Hassan II Mosque.
Casablanca isn't the Morocco most backpackers picture — it's bigger, modern, business-first. But the Hassan II Mosque alone is worth a stop, the art-deco Habous quarter is beautiful, and the oceanfront Ain Diab has a fun, slightly posh nightlife. One or two nights between flights is usually ideal.
Highlights
- Hassan II Mosque (guided tours in English/French)
- Corniche of Ain Diab
- Art-deco downtown walk
- Habous neighbourhood
- Morocco Mall for a rainy day
Best for
- Flight stopovers (Casablanca is the main airport)
- Modern-Morocco travellers
- Architecture fans
- Business + tourism hybrid trips
When to visit
Atlantic coastal climate: mild year-round. Summer maxes out around 28°C, winter bottoms around 10°C. November–March can be rainy. Best views of the mosque: sunset, any time of year.
Budget
Most expensive of Morocco's main cities. Dorms €12–18. Restaurants aim at business travellers — eat in the Habous for real Moroccan prices. Guided mosque tour: €13 (worth it).
Getting there
Mohammed V Airport (CMN) is Morocco's main hub — train to city centre in 40 min, €4. Al Boraq high-speed train: 50 min to Rabat, 2h to Tangier. Night train to Marrakech (3h).
Safety
As safe as any big city; avoid deserted areas around the old port at night. Pickpockets exist around the central train station. Ain Diab nightlife is well-policed.
Where to stay — neighborhoods
Not all hostels are in the same part of town. Here’s how each area compares.
Centre-Ville / Art Deco district
Best for: Architecture fans, train-station base
The heart of 1930s Casablanca, with the world's densest collection of Art Deco facades. Close to Casa-Voyageurs and budget hotels.
Habous (New Medina)
Best for: Craft shopping, pastries, slower pace
French-built 1920s 'new medina' with symmetric alleys, book-binders, traditional babouche shops and the best Moroccan pastries in town.
Corniche / Aïn Diab
Best for: Nightlife, beach clubs, sunset runs
The beachfront strip between the Hassan II Mosque and Morocco Mall. Pool clubs, seafood terraces and most of the city's nightlife live here.
Tips from us
- Book the Hassan II Mosque tour online — slots fill up, non-Muslims can only enter with the tour.
- Skip the Rick's Café 'Casablanca movie' trap unless you truly must.
- Habous neighbourhood > medina for most visitors.
- The art-deco walking tour is best on Sunday mornings when the streets are empty.
- Morocco Mall is genuinely world-class — and has the best rainy-day hostel-alternative for a morning.