Casablanca or Fes: Which Should You Visit?

Go to Fes if you want the "authentic" Morocco of labyrinthine alleyways and medieval history; go to Casablanca if you want a modern, functional business hub with ocean views. If you only have time for one, choose Fes. Most travelers fly into Casablanca and find it underwhelming because it feels like any other Mediterranean metropolis. Fes is the cultural soul of the country. It is dense, intense, and car-free. Casablanca is about 20th-century architecture and luxury malls. One is a living museum; the other is a commercial engine.

Quick verdict

• Choose Casablanca if…

  • You want high-end dining and a modern nightlife scene.
  • You prefer wide boulevards and Art Deco architecture.
  • You need a convenient base near the international airport.

• Choose Fes if…

  • You want to disappear into the world’s largest medieval urban zone.
  • You are interested in traditional crafts, tanneries, and Islamic history.
  • You want a sensory-heavy, car-free experience.

Casablanca vs Fes: at a glance

Things to do

Top things to do in Casablanca

• Hassan II Mosque: Visit one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims; it features the world’s second-tallest minaret.
• The Corniche: Walk the oceanfront boardwalk for Atlantic views and high-end beach clubs.
• Habous Quarter: Explore the "New Medina" built by the French for a cleaner, quieter shopping experience.
• Art Deco Architecture: Walk Boulevard Mohammed V to see 1930s colonial buildings that define the city center.
• Rick’s Café: Have a drink in the recreated set of the 1942 film; it’s touristy but executed with high quality.

Top things to do in Fes

• Fes el-Bali: Enter through Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate) into the oldest walled part of the city.
• Chouara Tannery: Watch the traditional leather-dyeing process from a balcony overlooking stone vats.
• Al-Attarine Madrasa: See world-class Marinid architecture with intricate tilework and wood carving.
• Bou Inania Madrasa: Visit one of the few religious sites in Fes that allows non-Muslim visitors inside.
• Merenid Tombs: Hike to the ruins on the hill at sunset for the best panoramic view of the entire city.

Food and nightlife

Casablanca has the most diverse food scene in Morocco. You can find high-end French bistros, Italian trattorias, and fresh seafood along the Corniche. It is the only city in Morocco where "nightlife" feels Western, centered around the Gauthier and Maarif districts. Expect rooftop lounges and ocean-view cocktail bars. In contrast, Fes is about deep-rooted tradition. The food is heavier and more complex—this is the home of the pastilla (a sweet and savory pigeon pie). Nightlife in Fes is quiet. You will mostly be drinking mint tea in a riad courtyard, as alcohol is primarily served only in larger hotels or specific tourist restaurants.

Budget and prices

Casablanca is more expensive. A mid-range hotel costs 800–1,200 MAD per night, and a meal at a decent restaurant will run you 150–300 MAD. Fes offers better value, especially for accommodation. You can stay in a stunning traditional Riad for 500–900 MAD. A casual meal in the Fes medina, like a tagine or a bowl of harira, often costs less than 100 MAD. Budget roughly 600 MAD per day in Fes and 900 MAD in Casablanca for a similar standard of travel.

When to visit

Both cities are best in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October). However, May is the standout month. Fes can become an oven in July and August, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C (104°F) in the narrow streets. Casablanca stays cooler due to the Atlantic breeze. If you are traveling in the peak of summer, Casablanca is significantly more comfortable than the dry heat of Fes.

Which is better for first-time visitors?

Fes is better for first-time visitors because it delivers the Morocco you expect. When people imagine Morocco, they imagine the sights and sounds of Fes: the smell of spices, the call to prayer echoing through ancient streets, and the vibrant colors of the souks. Casablanca feels like a large European city that happens to be in North Africa. While Casablanca is easier to navigate physically (it has a modern tram system), Fes is the more rewarding destination. It forces you to disconnect from modern technology and immerse yourself in a different century. If you want a "vacation," go to Casablanca. If you want an "experience," go to Fes.

Can you do both in one trip?

Yes. They are connected by the Al Boraq high-speed train and the standard ONCF rail network. The train ride takes roughly 3 hours and 20 minutes. If you have a week, spend the first night in Casablanca after landing to recover from your flight, then take the train to Fes for three nights. Use Fes as a base for a day trip to Meknes or Volubilis before returning to Casablanca for your flight home.