20 hour flight connection wait in Morocco. Can I sightsee?
I'm a Brazilian citizen traveling to Portugal with a connection in Casablanca, Morocco (CMN) that will make me wait 20 hours and 20 minutes for my next flight.
I know that no visa is needed to enter Morocco if you're staying less than 90 days.
The question is: would you recommend sightseeing around considering the time I would have to spend in customs, and moving from one tourist attraction to another? The airport isn't inside the city. It is located 33km south from downtown.
I'm looking for an experienced traveler's opinion to make my decision if is really valuable to get to know Casablanca or it's more logical to stay inside the airport and wait for my next flight. Do you think there is a high probability of losing the flight to Lisboa, Portugal? Also, it would be interesting to hear from someone who knows the place, the local attractions and moral that would interfere the sightsee.
EDIT:
Another important thing. I'm arriving at 17PM. My next flight leaves the next day at 13PM. Is it unsafe to be on the streets at night? Is sleeping in the airport a better alternative than staying in a hotel or something?
Best Answer
If you have a so long connection, yes I suggest you to get around Casablanca ,you can visit :
- The Royal Palace
- The Old Medina
- The Habous Zone
- Mohammed V Square
- The exterior of Hassan II Mosque
- The Cathedral of Sacre Coeur
You can spend about 8 hours to visit it , afterwards I suggest you to have a traditional meal in one of the many coffe or restaurant that you can find beside the main square .
Anyway Take care to come back to the aiport on time for your flight , remember that the airport check in process will be longer once you go out from the terminal area
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Answer 2
If I were you I would definitely get out of the airport. It is easiest if you pack all the stuff you need for this day in your hand luggage, so that you don't need to go around with your main luggage (just check it in directly to Lisboa).
I haven't been to Casablanca myself, so I can't give you specific hints what to do during this time, but there are some guides online, e.g. http://wikitravel.org/en/Casablanca
If you are worried you will miss your plane, just make sure you are at the airport early :)
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