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explore Casablanca Guides
Typical Souvenirs from Casablanca (2026)
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First Time in Casablanca: Complete Guide 2026
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Casablanca on a Budget: Tips 2026
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Casablanca on a Budget: Tips 2026
For budget stays, consider hostels like the Casablanca Hostel near the city center, with dorm beds starting at 120 MAD per night. Hotels in the Derb Sultan area offer pβ¦ π¨ Affordable Accommodation
For budget stays, consider hostels like the Casablanca Hostel near the city center, with dorm beds starting at 120 MAD per night. Hotels in the Derb Sultan area offer private rooms from 250 MAD. Booking in advance and staying outside the tourist hub can save you up to 30%.
π½οΈ Eating Like a Local
Street food is your best friend: a bowl of harira soup costs 10 MAD, and a sandwich from a local stall runs 15-20 MAD. For sit-down meals, head to restaurants like La Sqala in the medina, where a full tagine is 50 MAD. Avoid the overpriced cafes on the Corniche.
π Getting Around Cheaply
The Casablanca tramway is the most efficient budget option, with a single ride at 6 MAD. Buses cost 4 MAD but can be crowded. Taxis are affordable if you negotiate: a short ride within the city center should be 20-30 MAD. Avoid taxis near the train station as they overcharge.
π« Low-Cost Attractions
The Hassan II Mosque is a must-see; entrance for non-Muslims is 130 MAD, but the exterior and surrounding esplanade are free. The Old Medina and the Habous Quarter cost nothing to explore. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism has a 50 MAD entry fee and offers a fascinating glimpse into local history.
π Free Things to Do
Stroll along the Corniche promenade for free ocean views and people-watching. Visit the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, the city's largest park, with no entrance fee. The Notre-Dame de Lourdes church is free to enter and features stunning stained glass windows.
π° Money-Saving Tips
Locals shop at the MarchΓ© Central for fresh produce and seafood at half the price of tourist markets. Use the tramway's rechargeable card for discounted fares. Bargaining is expected in souks, so start at 50% of the asking price. Avoid exchanging money at airports; use banks in the city center for better rates.
πΊ Budget Nightlife
For a cheap drink, head to the CafΓ© Maure in the medina, where mint tea is 8 MAD. Bars in the Gauthier district offer happy hour deals on beer from 20 MAD. Avoid clubs with cover charges; instead, enjoy live music at Le Petit Rocher for a 30 MAD entry fee.
π Timing Your Visit
Visit during the shoulder seasons (March-May or September-November) for lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends for accommodation. Check local festivals like the Casablanca Jazz Festival in June, which often has free outdoor concerts.
honestly this is a solid guide, just one thing i'd add: the tram card is actually 20 MAD for the card itself then u load money on it. worth it if you're here more than a couple days cause single tickets add up fast
also the suggestion about avoiding taxis near the train station is spot on. i made that mistake once and paid 60 MAD for what shoulda been a 25 MAD ride. if u need a cab from there just walk a block or two away first
for food, La Sqala is good but honestly i prefer the street stalls near the Habous Quarter. there's a guy who does brochettes for 15 MAD and they're way better than any sit-down place i tried. just follow the smell of charcoal
and yeah the Hassan II Mosque exterior is free and honestly that's the best part anyway. the tile work is insane, you can spend an hour just walking around the outside taking pics
the tram tip is solid, but one thing the guide kinda skips is how useful the train station lockers are. if you're doing a day trip or have a late checkout, Casa Port has lockers for like 20 MAD for the whole day. saved me from dragging my bag around the medina
also for free stuff, the Mohammed V Square at night is lowkey better than during the day. all the fountains are lit up and there's way less crowds. i sat there for like an hour just watching people
and if you're into photography, the art deco buildings
fwiw the guide's right about MarchΓ© Central being cheap but heads up it closes around 1pm for lunch and doesnt reopen til late afternoon. i showed up at 2 once and everything was shut lol. also if you're into seafood the grilled sardines from the stalls right outside are like 5 MAD each and insane value
one thing nobody mentioned: the free walking tours that start from Place des Nations Unies on weekends. they're tip-based so you pay what you want, the guides are usually locals who know all the hidden alleyways. did one last year and got shown
Typical Souvenirs from Casablanca (2026)
A Berber carpet is a meaningful piece of Amazigh heritage, often woven with geometric patterns that tell stories of tribal life. Visit the Ensemble Artisanal on Bouleva⦠𧡠Handwoven Berber Carpets
A Berber carpet is a meaningful piece of Amazigh heritage, often woven with geometric patterns that tell stories of tribal life. Visit the Ensemble Artisanal on Boulevard de la Corniche, where artisans work on-site and prices range from 300 to 1,500 MAD depending on size and complexity. For a more authentic experience, head to the MarchΓ© Central on Rue Mohamed V, where you can watch weavers and negotiate directly.
π« Argan Oil and Cosmetics
Argan oil, produced only in Morocco, is a staple of local beauty routines and cuisine. Buy pure, cold-pressed oil at the Cooperative Argane on Boulevard de la Corniche, where a 250 ml bottle costs around 80 MAD. For cosmetic-grade products, try the Argane Women's Cooperative in the Anfa district, which supports local female cooperatives and offers small jars for 50 MAD.
π΅ Moroccan Tea Glasses
Mint tea is the heart of Moroccan hospitality, and a set of decorated tea glasses makes a beautiful, practical souvenir. The Old Medina's souk, near the Bab Marrakech gate, sells hand-painted glasses for 20 to 60 MAD per set of six. Look for glasses with gold or silver filigree, a style that dates back to the 19th century and reflects Andalusian influence.
𧴠Rose Water and Perfumes
Rose water from the Dades Valley is a fragrant reminder of Morocco's floral traditions, used in cooking and skincare. At the MarchΓ© Central, you'll find small bottles for 15 to 30 MAD, while the Anfa Place shopping center offers higher-end versions from local perfumers. The scent of rose is deeply tied to Moroccan weddings and festivals, making it a culturally rich gift.
π‘ Babouches (Leather Slippers)
Babouches, the traditional pointed slippers, are a comfortable and stylish take-home item. The tanneries in the Old Medina, near Rue des Consuls, sell them for 50 to 150 MAD, with options in soft leather or embroidered styles. These slippers have been worn for centuries across North Africa, and Casablanca's artisans are known for their fine craftsmanship.
πͺ Handmade Ceramics and Pottery
Moroccan ceramics, from tagines to decorative plates, are famous for their blue-and-white patterns inspired by the city of Safi. The Ensemble Artisanal has a wide selection, with small bowls starting at 30 MAD and larger platters up to 200 MAD. Each piece is hand-painted, often using techniques passed down through generations of potters.
πΏ Misbaha (Prayer Beads)
Misbaha, or prayer beads, are a common sight in Casablanca's markets, often made from amber, coral, or olive wood. You can find them at the Old Medina's souk, with prices from 20 to 100 MAD depending on the material. These beads are used for daily prayers and meditation, reflecting the city's deep Islamic heritage.
π― Local Honey and Sweets
Moroccan honey, especially from the Atlas Mountains, is a sweet souvenir that captures the country's diverse flora. The MarchΓ© Central sells jars for 40 to 80 MAD, often alongside chebakia, a sesame cookie coated in honey. These treats are traditionally served during Ramadan, offering a taste of local festivities.
Solid list, and I'd add that the tea glasses are worth hunting for in the smaller stalls behind the Bab Marrakech gate, not just the main souk lane. I found a set with a faded gold pattern that the seller said was from his grandmother's shop, 35 MAD for six, and they've survived two years of daily use without a chip. For the misbaha, skip the amber unless you're ready to pay triple, the olive wood ones are lighter and smell better over time, plus they're harder to break if you're throwing them in a carry-on. One thing the guide doesn't mention: the Ensemble Artisanal closes for a good two hours around lunch, so go early morning or after 3 PM or you'll be standing outside watching the cats.
honestly the leather slippers are the move but skip the medina ones if you're short on time. the Ensemble Artisanal has a quieter workshop upstairs where an old guy named Hamid makes them to order, 100 MAD and he'll size them perfectly while you watch. also for the rose water, don't bother with the fancy mall stuff, the marchΓ© central bottles are the real deal, just check the lid is sealed tight or it'll leak all over your luggage like mine did. the guide's price range is spot on but you can usually get a set of tea glasses for 40 MAD if you buy two sets at once, they'll throw in a free copper tray if you're not in a rush.
The guide nails the Ensemble Artisanal, but don't skip the small stalls tucked along Rue des Consuls just past the tanneries. I picked up a pair of embroidered babouches there for 70 MAD and they've held up way better than the touristy ones near the main square. Also, if you're buying argan oil, ask for the unroasted kind for cooking, the roasted version is only for cosmetics and you'll taste the difference in a salad dressing. One thing they missed: haggle hard on the carpets, the asking price is usually double what they'll take, and paying in cash gets you another 10% off.