The Moroccan port city of Casablanca is also known by its Arabic name Dar al-Bayda. This enchanting city offers vibrant history, rich culture, and modern sophistication. The charm of the city lies in its unique blend of tradition and progress, and on a free walking tour of Casablanca, you can explore this special destination’s journey through the ages.

From the labyrinthine alleys of the old medina, ancient mosques and lively souks, to the cosmopolitan skyline boasting contemporary skyscrapers, this captivating North African city has welcomed pilgrims, explorers and travelers for centuries.

Diverse, dynamic, and open-hearted inhabitants embody the essence of Moroccan hospitality, allowing you to immerse yourself in the warmth of the culture, cuisine, tradition and innovation.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Casablanca.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Casablanca have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours differ from standard Casablanca walking tours in that they are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Casablanca?

Wandering through Casablanca in the company of an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide is an ideal way to familiarize yourself with the city. Here are a few of the most popular types of free walking tours:

Casablanca: Free walking tour

The best way to get to know a city is through the eyes of a local on a free walking tour. Your enthusiastic guide will show you some of the city’s most well-known sites as well as some of its best-kept local secrets. Most tours last 2 to 3 hours, beginning in the mid to late afternoon, and cover the highlights of this historical destination.

Tours commonly begin at either the Old Medina, La Corniche or Mohammed V Square. Your guide will share stories of the city’s history and you will pass sites like Sacre Coeur Church, Rick’s Café and the Hassan II Mosque. Some tours do enter these attractions and landmarks, while on others, you will pass by and have a chance to come back and explore at your leisure.

Casablanca by night: Free walking tour

At night, the city of Casablanca assumes a different atmosphere, and a walking tour after dark is the perfect way to experience the sights and sounds of this enchanting city.

Different guides offer different itineraries, but on a night tour, you will typically focus on the sights and culture of Casablanca. Old Medina is a popular starting point for walks and includes the bustling night markets or souks. At the United Nations Square, you will begin to see the city metamorphosize from the historic to the modern and you will pass by Art Deco neighborhoods as you head towards the end point of the walk – Mohammed V Square. There may be time for a snack along the way.

Free bike tour in Casablanca

If you would like to cover more ground than on a walking tour, you can opt to join a free bike tour of Casablanca. The carefully designed circular route is planned to ensure that you receive a great orientation of the city and its highlights and pass by some of the most interesting and recognizable parts of Casablanca. This small group activity is suitable for confident bike riders but does not require an extreme level of skill or fitness as the tour is comfortably paced.

A free guided bike tour offers visitors an approximately 11-kilometer circular route passing many popular landmarks and attractions. You can expect to see the 30-acre urban Arab League Park along the ride. The meandering maze-like alleys of Old Medina, the splendor of Hassan II Mosque, the glamorous La Corniche, and the Pigeon Fountain on Mohammed V Square are among the sites you can expect to encounter on your excursion.

Moroccan flavors: Free walking tour

A Moroccan walking tour that centers around the tastes of Moroccan cuisine is ideal if you want to delve into the culture of the country and its traditional delicacies. This type of tour usually lasts less than two hours and you will need to cover the cost of any foods or drinks you buy in addition to tipping your guide. With no shopping stops, you can be assured of maximizing your time finding some of the city’s best food spots.

Free walking tours combined with a food tour are centered around the cultural flavors of Morocco. On your route, you will have the chance to sample freshly squeezed juice, the famous Moroccan soup, Harira, traditional Tagine, and a delicious pastry which can be enjoyed with a cup of Green Moroccan Tea with mint.

Depending on your tour, you can expect to stop at between 4 and 6 food stops along your route, and in addition to sampling some Moroccan specialties, you will also have time to absorb the atmosphere and immerse yourself in your surroundings.

In which languages is it operated?

English is the primary language spoken on most of the free walking activities in Casablanca. Some tours operate in Arabic or French. These tours are multilingual, with the guide speaking some or all of the languages offered throughout the tour.

You can be relatively confident that your guide will speak English, but if you want a tour in Arabic or French, you should confirm that that specific tour is available in those languages at the time of booking.

Where does it start?

Starting points for each type of free walking tour vary, although they typically are within an easy walking distance from Casablanca’s main hotel district. Tours focussing on food generally start downtown, while free tours by bike follow a route that begins close to the bike rental location along Boulevard Mohamed Smitha.

How long does it last?

Free walking tours in Casablanca average around 2.5 hours from start to finish, although some tours are slightly shorter, while others can extend for up to 3.5 hours.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Casablanca?

The best time to visit Casablanca for a walking tour is generally during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is typically mild, making it comfortable for outdoor activities.

Most walking tours are typically most enjoyable in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is usually cooler and more comfortable. These timings also work well to beat the crowds that generally occur around midday.

Should you book tickets online?

Booking a free walking tour online in advance is the best way to secure your space on the tour of your choice. Many tours require a minimum number of people before they are finalized, so you need to reserve your space to help ensure that the excursion is confirmed.

With no upfront payments, the tour guides rely on participants to communicate in good time if they want to cancel their participation. No booking fees are charged either, allowing you the freedom to structure your sightseeing to your preference.

Additional or optional costs such as entrance fees, refreshments or food tastings will be for your own account on the day. These additional costs will be included in the tour description.

Free Walking Tours in Casablanca