Casablanca is one of my favorite destinations in Morocco, along with Marrakech, Rabat, and Fes. In today’s article, I will help you to find the safe places to stay in Casablanca for first-time visitors.
I will share with you what I believe are the best and safest areas to stay in Casablanca for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map and areas to avoid. I’ll also share where I stayed in Casablanca and recommend some of the best hotels in Casablanca for various budgets.
Casablanca is a port city and the largest city in Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast. It serves as the economic and business hub of the country.
The city’s port is one of the world‘s largest artificial ports and is a significant gateway for trade between Africa and Europe. It handles a substantial portion of Morocco’s import and export activities.
Casablanca features a blend of modern and traditional architecture. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque is known for its stunning architecture and is situated on the coast.
Casablanca is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The Mohammed V International Airport serves as a major gateway to the country. The city also has a well-developed modern tram system.
Is Casablanca safe to visit?
Yes, Casablanca is generally considered safe for tourists, but like many cities around the world, there are petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching. It’s essential to remain vigilant, take common-sense precautions, and dark streets at night to ensure your safety.
There are also risks of terrorism attacks, public demonstrations and protests, so you should update the news from the media, avoid affected areas, and follow the advice from local authorities.
Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, and it’s essential to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, particularly in more conservative areas, and be mindful of local etiquette.
Where to stay in Casablanca?
The best and safest areas to stay in Casablanca for first-timers and tourists are the City Centre, Old Medina, Maarif, and Anfa/ Ain Diab. Remember that safety can vary from street to street, and it’s essential to stay vigilant wherever you are.
The city center is the best area to stay in Casablanca for first-time visitors who want a central location, easy access to the old town and its major sights. It is a bustling area with modern amenities, shopping malls, restaurants, and business districts. It’s well-connected with public transportation.
The Old Medina is the historic heart of the city, with narrow streets, traditional markets, and cultural attractions. It provides an authentic Moroccan experience. There are not many choices of accommodations in this area, you can find a hotel nearby with easy access to the old town.
Maarif is a vibrant and upscale neighborhood known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It offers a mix of modern and traditional elements. Anfa and Ain Diab are coastal neighborhoods known for their upscale vibe, beach clubs, and nightlife.
Many neighborhoods in Casablanca, especially the tourist area, are generally safe. However, it is recommended to avoid the areas of Hay Mohammadi, Sidi Moumen, and Ain Chock. These areas have been known for either higher crime rates in the past or not being tourist-friendly.
During my trip to Casablanca, I stayed in the old town at the Ryad 91. It was a good value for money Ryad, located close to everything, including tourist attractions, amenities, bus and train station. Breakfast on the rooftop was lovely. Be mindful there is a big flight of stairs and no elevator, it may be challenging to climb, but it is a part of the experience when staying in a traditional Moroccan inn.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Casablanca for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
4 Safe areas to stay in Casablanca
1. Casablanca City Centre
Casablanca City Centre, without a doubt, is the best area in Casablanca to book accommodations for first-timers. It offers a wide range of accommodation options, and easy access to major sights such as the old town, Rick’s Cafe, and the Hassan II Mosque.
This area is also home to Arab League Park, United Nations Square, Mohammed V Square, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and Church of Notre Dame of Lourde.
The City Centre is characterized by modern buildings, shopping malls, and commercial spaces. You’ll find a range of amenities, including international and local restaurants, cafes, and shops.
The City Centre is well-connected in terms of transportation. You can easily access taxis, buses, and the Casa-Port railway station, making it convenient for exploring other parts of the city or traveling to different regions of Morocco.
You’ll find a variety of accommodation options in the City Centre, ranging from luxury hotels to more budget-friendly choices. Many international hotel chains have a presence in this area.
Best places to stay in Casablanca City Centre for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): Suite Hotel Casa Diamond, great 5-star good value for money accommodations in a safe area in central Casablanca, within walking distance from many attractions and the main tram routes. It has spacious, beautifully appointed rooms, free parking, 24-hour front desk, and excellent breakfasts.
Luxury ($$$): Hôtel particulier Le DOGE – Relais & Châteaux, lovely 5-star boutique hotel, centrally located within walking distance to the medina and the mosque. It has comfortable rooms, a beautiful rooftop bar/restaurant, paid airport shuttle services, and free parking.
Mid-range ($$): JM Suites Hotel Eco-Friendly Casablanca, 4-star accommodation, conveniently located in the city center area, close to Mosque/Corniche, Sacre Cour, and UN Square. There are many shops, bakeries, and restaurants nearby. Easy access to buses and trams for further exploration. Taxis Meters are always available at the front of the hotel with a very reasonable price.
Budget ($): Hotel de paris, 3-star good value for money accommodation, in a central location close to everywhere, easy to walk to the tourist attractions, a great base to explore the city. It is easily reachable by tram T1 from Casa Voyageurs train station. It has family rooms, good breakfast, and paid airport transfer services.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN CITY CENTRE2. Old Medina
The Old Medina is a great base in Casablanca. It is the historic and traditional heart of the city, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s rich cultural heritage. There is limited accommodation here, so you can choose the hotels nearby.
The Old Medina is characterized by narrow winding streets, ancient architecture, and historic buildings. It provides a unique and authentic Moroccan experience, with traditional markets (souks), riads, and mosques.
The Old Medina’s location offers easy access to attractions such as the Mosquée Ould el-Hamra, Medina Market, the Clock Tower, Ettedgui Synagogue, and Hassan II Mosque Museum.
The Old Medina is known for its traditional crafts, including handmade carpets, leather goods, ceramics, and textiles. Exploring the souks gives you the chance to shop for unique, locally-made items.
Best places to stay in Casablanca in Old Medina for first-timers:
Budget ($): Ryad 91, good value for money traditional Moroccan inn, located right in the middle of the Medina, close to everything. Easy walking distance to Rick’s Cafe, Hassan II Mosque, and Casa Port Gare. Steps from plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. Taxis, trains, and buses are also nearby. There are lots of steps but it is unavoidable in riads.
Luxury ($$$): Barceló Anfa Casablanca, 5-star accommodation in a good location a few minutes walk from the Medina. Also close to attractions like Casablanca Cathedral and Arab League Park. It has an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, fitness center, and 24-hour front desk.
Mid-range ($$): Family Aparthotel, 4-star good value for money family-friendly accommodation in a great location, a walking distance to major attractions, close to the Hassan II Mosque and the Medina. Easy to call for a taxi by using Careem apps. It has delicious Buffet and halal breakfast options.
Mid-range ($$): ODYSSEE Boutique Hotel Casablanca, 4-star accommodation in a convenient location Easy to walk to the sights. It is only a 5-10 mins walk to the Central Market, Medina, train station, Rick’s Cafe, Marina Mall, Hassan II Mosque. It has free parking, 2 restaurants, and good breakfast.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN CASABLANCA3. Maarif
Maarif is a vibrant neighborhood known for its modern amenities, shopping districts, and a mix of traditional and contemporary elements.
Maarif is a popular shopping destination with numerous boutiques, stores, and shopping centers. Twin Center, a prominent landmark, features shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment options.
The neighborhood boasts a diverse culinary scene, offering a range of international and Moroccan restaurants. In the evenings, Maarif comes alive with various cafes, bars, and nightlife options.
Maarif is centrally located and well-connected, making it easy to access other parts of Casablanca. It’s a convenient base for both business and leisure travelers, with proximity to transportation hubs.
Best places to stay in Casablanca in Maarif for tourists:
Luxury ($$$): Kenzi Tower Hotel, 5-star hotel, located close to almost everything, in one of Casablanca’s Twin Center towers offering stunning views of the city, port and Hassan II Mosque. It has free parking, good breakfast, and family rooms.
Mid-range ($$): Aparthotel Adagio Premium, 4-star accommodation in central location, featuring a rooftop pool, free parking, elevator, and luggage storage. The Two-Bedroom Apartment can accommodate up to 6 adults, a great base for family and a group of friends.
Budget ($): StayHere Casablanca City Center Apartments, good value for money accommodation, situated in a nice central location, 5 mins walk from Bus, Tram, big market place, and restaurants.
Budget ($): Privilège Oasis Hôtel, 3-star hotel in Maarif, easy access to the Tramway and Casa Oasis Train Station, easily accessible from the airport by train. You can take a tram to the city center. The rooms are very comfortable and clean.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN MAARIF4. Anfa/ Ain Diab
Anfa and Ain Diab are situated along the coastline, offering beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. The area is known for its beaches and seaside promenades, providing a more relaxed and leisurely environment compared to some other parts of the city.
Ain Diab is famous for its beach clubs, restaurants, and nightlife. The area comes alive in the evenings with people enjoying seaside dining, live music, and the vibrant atmosphere along the beach.
The coastal location provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as beach walks, water sports, and enjoying the pleasant climate.
This area is home to modern malls like Morocco Mall and Anfa Place Shopping Center. These malls offer a range of international and local brands, as well as entertainment options.
Best places to stay in Casablanca in Anfa/ Ain Diab for visitors:
Luxury ($$$): Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca, great 5-star beachfront accommodation in a nice location close to the sea and La Corniche. Located next to Anfa Place Living Resort, this hotel has a year-round outdoor pool, 3 restaurants, and family rooms.
Luxury ($$$): Le Casablanca Hotel, 5-star accommodation in Anfa, close to everything, featuring a an outdoor pool, air-conditioning rooms, and nice buffet breakfasts.
Mid-range ($$): Ocean Park Appart Hotel, 4-star accommodation, located in Ain Diab, Anfa, a great base if you want to stay close to the beach, and don’t mind using a taxi to get around. It is a 10-15 mins walk to get to the beach, shops, and restaurants. It has free parking, which is great for travelers with a car.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN ANFA/ AIN DIABIn conclusion, the City Centre, Old Medina, Maarif, and Anfa/ Ain Diab are the best places to stay in Casablanca for first-timers and tourists. These are generally safe areas for visitors to book their accommodations, but it’s always recommended to practice common sense wherever you stay.
You can continue reading other popular destinations in Morocco in these articles:
- Safe areas to stay in Marrakech for first time
- Safe areas to stay in Fes for first time
- Safe areas to stay in Rabat for first time
There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safest neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to Casablanca. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.