24hrs in…. Casablanca, Morocco

I travelled with Royal Air Maroc, to their hub airport in Casablanca, With time to kill between flights , here’s is a mini guide in what to Eat, Sleep, See & Shop… stopover guide to making the most of your time in Morocco’s capital city.

EAT

For sweet treats in Casablanca there is only one place to head , Pâtisserie Bennis
2 Rue Fkih El Gabbas, Quartier Habous, Casablanca.

Patisserie Bennis is Casablanca’s most famous bakery, they have been delighting the locals with their speciality of cornes de gazelle (marzipan-filled pastries) and plenty of other traditional Moroccan sweets since the 1930’s. They sell by weight so grab a box and get some munchies for your hotel room.

For an authentic traditional Moroccan meal , I recommend dropping into Cafe La Sqala, in front of the Casablanca Marina.

SLEEP

If your only stopping over for one night , I highly recommend blowing the budget and staying in the best place in town. The Four Seasons Casablanca is the ultimate in five star luxury.

Located right on the oceanfront and a 10 minute taxi ride from the centre of town, be sure to ask for a room ( or suite !) with amazing views of the Atlantic .If you fancy it there’s also direct access onto the beach from the hotel.

If you like being pampered the service here is nothing short of impeccable, I genuinely didn’t want to leave. For more information check out their website https://www.fourseasons.com/casablanca/

SEE

The major sight to visit in Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque, its the largest mosque in Morocco, and second largest in Africa and fifth largest in the world. Its Minaret is the world tallest at 210 meters.

There are daily tours inside the mosque available for non muslims several times a day, as its located right by the sea front , so its a great place for a wander whilst you lust after the amazing tiles.

Guided tours are from Saturday to Thursday at :

9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 or 14:00, or daily at 14:30 in the summer.

Tours cost 120 dirhams and visitors should be aware before visiting that knees and shoulders should be covered when entering the mosque and shoes need to be removed.

SHOP

For authentic Moroccan souvenirs the place to head for is Quatier des Habous.

Here you can pick up tourist staples such as good quality handmade rugs , olives, leather goods and traditional moroccan slippers at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in Marrakech.

For more information and ideas about what to do on a visit to Morocco , check out the national tourist board website https://www.visitmorocco.com/en

Please note I flew to Morocco courtesy of Morocco’s national carrier Royal Air Maroc , but as usual all opinions are my own.

For information on Royal Air Maroc’s routes, fares and stopover programme check out their website https://www.royalairmaroc.com/int-en/