TranslateOverview
Region 07 in Morocco's administrative division corresponds broadly to the Casablanca-Settat region, one of the country's most populous and economically significant. Anchored by Casablanca — Morocco's largest city and its commercial capital — the region stretches inland through the Chaouia plains toward Settat and encompasses a stretch of Atlantic coastline.
Casablanca is often mischaracterized as a purely industrial city, but it holds a layered urban identity: Art Deco and Mauresque architecture line the city center, the Corniche offers an animated seafront, and the Hassan II Mosque stands as one of the world's largest and most architecturally striking mosques. Beyond the city, the region's towns and rural areas offer a quieter look at Moroccan agricultural and small-town life.
The region accounts for a large share of Morocco's GDP and is home to the country's main port and stock exchange. For travelers, this means excellent infrastructure — reliable transport links, a wide range of accommodation, and strong dining and cultural options — alongside the energy of a city that feels genuinely global without being a theme park version of Morocco.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements vary significantly by nationality. For current, accurate visa information specific to your passport, please consult TravelerPulse's Visas section and check directly with Morocco's official immigration authority or your nearest Moroccan consulate before travel.
Health
No specific vaccinations are legally required for entry from most countries, but routine immunizations should be up to date. Tap water quality varies; bottled or filtered water is commonly used by visitors. Travelers with specific health concerns should consult a travel health clinic before departure.
What to Pack
- Light layers are useful year-round; evenings can be cool even in summer
- Modest clothing is respectful in older neighborhoods, markets, and religious sites
- Sunscreen and a hat for the Atlantic coast and inland plains
- A small amount of local cash for markets and smaller establishments
Getting There
By Air
Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is Morocco's busiest airport and its primary international gateway. It receives direct flights from across Europe, the Middle East, West Africa, and North America. The airport is located roughly 30 km southeast of the city center. Train and bus connections link the airport to downtown Casablanca; verify current schedules and fares locally or through ONCF (Morocco's national railway operator).
By Train
Casablanca is the hub of Morocco's national rail network operated by ONCF. High-speed rail (Al Boraq) connects Casablanca with Tangier in under two hours. Regular intercity services connect to Rabat, Marrakech, Fès, and Oujda. Trains are generally reliable and comfortable.
By Road
The region is well connected by motorway (autoroute) to major Moroccan cities. Long-distance buses operated by companies such as CTM and Supratours serve routes to destinations across the country. Verify current schedules and fares directly with operators.
Getting Around
Within Casablanca, the city operates a tramway (Tramway de Casablanca) network with multiple lines covering key urban corridors — a practical and affordable option for getting between districts. Petit taxis (small, metered cabs) operate within city limits; confirm the meter is running before departure. Grand taxis connect Casablanca to surrounding towns and are shared by convention.
Ride-hailing apps are available and increasingly used in the city. Car rental is straightforward for those wishing to explore the wider Casablanca-Settat region, including smaller towns like Settat, Berrechid, and the coast around Mohammedia. Roads are generally in good condition on main routes.
Buses (operated by Casa Transport) cover a wide urban network but can be crowded during peak hours. For most short-stay visitors, a combination of tram and petit taxi covers the majority of tourist-relevant areas comfortably.
Things to See & Do
Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque is the region's single most visited landmark. Built on a promontory over the Atlantic, it can accommodate tens of thousands of worshippers and features a retractable roof and an illuminated minaret visible from far out at sea. Non-Muslim visitors are permitted entry on guided tours at designated times — verify current hours and tour availability locally or at the mosque's official channels.
Architecture and City Walks
Casablanca's city center (particularly around Boulevard Mohammed V and the Old Medina) contains a notable concentration of early 20th-century Art Deco and Mauresque (Franco-Moroccan) architecture. The Mauresque style fused European modernism with Moroccan decorative motifs, and the results are distinctive. The Habous quarter (New Medina), built in the 1930s, offers a more ordered, planned version of a traditional medina.
Corniche and Ain Diab
The Corniche along the Atlantic seafront is a popular leisure strip with cafés, restaurants, and beach clubs. It is more animated on weekends and during summer months. The water quality and specific access arrangements at beach clubs vary — check locally.
Day Trips
- Mohammedia: A smaller coastal town north of Casablanca with a calmer atmosphere and local beaches
- Settat: The administrative seat of the broader region; a working Moroccan city with less tourist infrastructure but an authentic local character
- El Jadida: Slightly south of the region boundary, the UNESCO-listed Portuguese Cistern and old fortified town make it a worthwhile excursion (verify travel time locally)
Food & Drink
Casablanca's food scene reflects its cosmopolitan character. You will find traditional Moroccan cuisine alongside French bistros, Lebanese restaurants, and modern Moroccan-fusion dining. The city's seafood is a particular strength given its Atlantic location — fresh fish, sardines, and shellfish appear widely on menus.
What to Eat
- Tagine: Slow-cooked stew of meat or fish with vegetables and spices, foundational to Moroccan cooking
- Couscous: Typically served on Fridays and at family-oriented restaurants; usually lamb or chicken with vegetables
- Pastilla: A flaky pastry filled with pigeon (or chicken) and almonds, with a sweet-savory balance
- Harira: A hearty tomato and lentil soup, especially common during Ramadan
- Grilled sardines: Widely available near the port and seafront areas
Drink
Morocco is a Muslim-majority country; alcohol is available in licensed restaurants, hotels, and some bars in Casablanca, but is not universally available and is absent in many traditional or family-oriented establishments. Mint tea (atay) is the national social drink — sweet, strong, and served with ceremony. Fresh-squeezed orange juice is excellent and widely sold.
Shopping
Casablanca is Morocco's commercial capital, which means it offers the country's broadest range of shopping environments — from traditional souks to modern shopping malls.
The Habous quarter is the most visitor-friendly area for traditional goods: embroidered textiles, leather slippers (babouches), ceramics, and spices. Prices are more fixed here than in some medinas, though gentle bargaining remains customary in smaller stalls. The Old Medina is smaller and more chaotic than those in Fès or Marrakech but offers everyday goods alongside crafts.
For contemporary retail, the city has several large shopping centers in the western districts. These stock international brands and are air-conditioned — useful during hot summer months. Argan oil products, Moroccan thuya wood crafts, and hand-woven rugs are popular purchases; quality and provenance vary, so buy from reputable sellers when possible.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are widely available throughout Casablanca and accept major international cards. Currency exchange offices (bureaux de change) operate in the city center and at the airport. The dirham is not freely convertible outside Morocco, so plan accordingly and retain exchange receipts if you wish to reconvert on departure.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage in the region is strong. Local SIM cards from Moroccan operators (Maroc Telecom, Orange, Inwi) are available at the airport and throughout the city and offer affordable data packages. Wi-Fi is standard in hotels and common in cafés.
Emergency Contacts
Verify current emergency numbers locally on arrival. Generally in Morocco: Police 19, Gendarmerie 177, Ambulance/SAMU 15 — confirm these are current before relying on them.
Electricity
Morocco uses 220V/50Hz with Type C and Type E plugs (standard European two-pin). Travelers from North America will need both a voltage converter and a plug adapter.
Safety
Casablanca is a large urban environment and the usual city-travel precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight, and use reputable taxis. Petty theft (bag snatching, pickpocketing) can occur in crowded areas and near tourist sites.
Harassment of tourists — including persistent approaches by unofficial 'guides' — is less intense here than in cities like Fès or Marrakech, but it does occur, particularly near the Old Medina. A firm, polite refusal is generally effective.
Check your government's current travel advisory for Morocco before departure, as assessments can change. The region has no particular elevated risk compared to other major North African urban centers, but staying informed is always advisable.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Casablanca-Settat is Morocco's most urbanized region but Islamic culture and tradition remain deeply important in daily life. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or traditional neighborhoods — shoulders and knees covered is a reasonable baseline for both men and women. The Hassan II Mosque requires modest dress for all visitors on tours.
During Ramadan, the rhythm of the city shifts considerably: many restaurants close during daylight hours, street food and activity surge after sunset (Iftar), and noise and music in public spaces may be more restricted. Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours during Ramadan is considered disrespectful and may be illegal.
Friday is the holy day; some businesses, particularly government offices and smaller traditional establishments, may have reduced hours on Friday afternoons. Greetings matter — a simple 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) is widely appreciated, though not expected of foreign visitors.
