8 Highly-Rated Shore Excursions in Casablanca: Morocco Cruises
Looking for the best shore excursions in Casablanca? Discover 8 incredible ways to spend your time if you’re visiting on a Morocco cruise.
Not only is Casablanca the largest city in Morocco but it’s a popular cruise ship port on the country’s Atlantic coastline. It has an energised feel that I notice immediately when I step into its streets.
In Casablanca, you’ll find a unique blend of Moroccan, French and modern influences that set it apart from Marrakech and Fes. If you’re visiting this Maghreb metropolis on a cruise ship, I’m here to help you explore the city.
In this article, I’ll highlight 8 of the best shore excursions in Casablanca. Aside from embarking on a guided tour of Morocco’s biggest mosque and delving into the local food scene, I’ve included a couple of easy day trips to the nearby cities of Rabat and El Jadida.
To learn more about Morocco’s largest city, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Casablanca.
If you’re cruising the Moroccan coast, you’ll find additional shore excursion recommendations in Tangier and Agadir.
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Both Viator and GetYourGuide are great resources for finding Casablanca shore excursions. Both feature star ratings and reviews from previous guests. This first-hand feedback can help you decide if a tour or day trip is right for you. Plus, you can book directly through both sites, without having to hunt down providers online.
From Rick’s Café to Royal Palaces: A Casablanca Adventure
Best half-day Casablanca shore excursion
Taking in some of Casablanca’s most iconic sights (and a Hollywood-inspired cafe), this 4 to 5-hour private tour is ideal for cruisers.
Throughout the experience, you’ll have the undivided attention of your personal guide. Plus, you can customise the itinerary to suit your interests.
The tour begins with a convenient pickup from either the port or your preferred address in Casablanca.
Stops on the itinerary include the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque – one of the largest mosques in the world and a true architectural marvel. This Casablanca shore excursion includes entrance to this stunning religious site so you can get an up-close look at its intricate detailing and grandeur.
From there, stroll along the picturesque Corniche promenade to admire the blending of modern and Moorish architectural styles.
Then, delve into the sights, sounds and smells of the Marché Central. It offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s cultural fabric, with bustling stalls selling an array of local produce, handicrafts and traditional delicacies.
Other stops on this highly-rated Casablanca tour include the colonial-era Quartier Habbous, the Church of Notre Dame of Lourdes and the Parc de la Ligue Arabe.
No visit to Casablanca is complete without a stop at Rick’s Cafe. It recreates the watering hole made famous by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.
“Abdullah was amazing and so accommodating. Took us wherever we wanted to go.” – Fadi (read more reviews here)
Market Visit + Moroccan Cooking Class
Best cooking class Casablanca shore excursion
As the custodians of a region’s culinary heritage, home cooks are the standard bearers of traditional cuisine. This makes them the ideal teachers!
This private Casablanca cooking class offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of these culinary masters, rather than relying solely on written recipes. By stepping into the home of a Moroccan family, you’ll be immersed in the daily lives and routines of the local people.
This Casablanca shore excursion begins with a visit to a local souk. Here, you’ll browse stalls overflowing with seasonal produce and fragrant spices essential to Moroccan cuisine.
Under the guidance of your host, you’ll select the finest ingredients to craft a traditional meal in their home kitchen.
As you work alongside your instructor, rolling couscous by hand and layering the complex seasonings of a simmering tagine, you’ll learn the closely guarded secrets passed down within Moroccan families.
Beyond the act of cooking, this immersive Casablanca shore excursion allows you to forge a personal connection with your host, swapping stories over a shared meal.
By the end of the class, you’ll not only have mastered the preparation of iconic Moroccan dishes, but you’ll depart with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the country’s culinary heritage.
“Inas and her family were such a pleasure! My mother and I had a wonderful time learning how to cook authentic Moroccan food and it was so delicious. I would recommend this experience for anyone interested in cooking with a local.” – Nadia (read more reviews here)
Casablanca Tour including Hassan II Mosque
Best Casablanca shore excursion with Hassan II Mosque
With consistently 5-star reviews and the Viator Badge of Excellence, this Casablanca shore excursion has been tried and tested.
Its focus is on the monumental Hassan II Mosque, with skip-the-line entry included in the price. However, it also includes an exploration of some of the city’s other famous landmarks.
Your journey begins at the largest mosque in Morocco (it’s also the fifth-largest in the world). It’s topped by a 210-metre-high minaret, which is the tallest in the country.
Constructed at an enormous expense on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, this architectural masterpiece showcases exceptional Moorish design. It features intricate tile work, ornate columns and a retractable roof that allows worshippers to pray beneath the sky.
After taking in the mosque’s grandeur, you’ll venture into the Old Medina. Here, your guide will lead you on a walking tour through the winding alleyways of this historic neighbourhood.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional Moroccan life as you explore the lively souks and listen to the call-to-prayer ringing out from the mosques.
This small-group Casablanca tour can be customised to include a visit to Rick’s Cafe, the Royal Palace and the Church of Notre Dame of Lourdes. There’s also the opportunity to explore Mohammed V and United Nations Squares.
You can select your choice of morning or afternoon departures, depending on your cruise ship schedule. There’s also the option to include a delicious Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant.
“Highly recommended! Youssef was on time, knowledgeable, accommodating and helpful.” – Darryl (read more reviews here)
Casablanca Food Tour
Best Casablanca shore excursion for foodies
Escape the well-trodden tourist trail and immerse yourself in the authentic street food scene of Casablanca on this captivating culinary adventure.
Taking place over the course of three hours, it offers unique insights into Moroccan gastronomy that you just can’t get dining at a restaurant.
On this Casablanca food tour, your guide will lead you through the historic Habbous neighbourhood. It’s known for its traditional bakeries, bustling spice markets and lively olive stalls.
As you weave through the maze of narrow alleyways and archways, you’ll rub shoulders with the locals, soaking up the sights, sounds and aromas that make this neighbourhood so special.
Throughout this Casablanca shore excursion, you’ll sample over 10 tastings at more than six different stops. Each offers a glimpse into the unique flavours and preparation methods that define Moroccan cuisine.
Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into the integral role food plays in Moroccan culture and daily life. Discover how it brings people together, celebrates traditions and reflects the country’s diverse heritage.
Nezha and Hasma who run these Casablanca foodie tours are an absolute delight. Trust me, they have a great rapport with the store owners they visit.
If you want to extend the experience into lunch, they also make it possible to select your own meats and vegetables to be cooked to perfection at a local restaurant.
“This was our best day out of our entire cruise!” – Carrie (read more reviews here)
Medina and Beyond Cultural Walking Tour
Best Casablanca shore excursion to Mahkama du Pacha
If you’re less into ticking off iconic landmarks and more about venturing off the beaten tourist track, then this highly-rated Casablanca shore excursion is for you.
It invites you to peel back the layers and get to know the heart and soul of this dynamic Moroccan metropolis, with a knowledgeable local guide leading the way.
It’s worth mentioning straight up that this experience doesn’t include a visit to the Hassan II Mosque. So if that’s high on your agenda, consider one of the other Casablanca guided tours on this list.
Instead, you’ll discover hidden gems and gain insights into the daily lives of Casablanca’s residents that many visitors miss.
During this four-hour Casablanca shore excursion, you’ll explore the bustling Old Medina, navigating the maze-like alleyways alongside locals going about their daily routines. This is your chance to connect with Casablanca’s cultural fabric in an authentic way.
One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to the Mahkama du Pacha, a palace that is typically off-limits to independent travellers. With the help of your guide, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to this architectural gem. Marvel at its ornate design and imagine the regal history that has unfolded within its walls.
The journey continues in the Quartier Habbous, also known as the “New Medina.” Here, French and Moroccan influences seamlessly blend in the architecture and atmosphere.
No Casablanca cultural tour would be complete without a visit to the Pâtisserie Bennis Habbous, one of the city’s most famous bakeries.
“Wonderful tour of Casablanca. We were able to see everything on our list. The pace was relaxing which was refreshing.” – Christopher (read more reviews here)
Private day trip to Rabat
Best Casablanca shore excursion to Rabat
Serving as the nation’s capital and exuding a wonderfully laid-back vibe, Rabat is the perfect destination for a day trip from Casablanca.
The winding Bou Regreg River serves as a natural divider between Rabat and its sister city of Salé. The latter is also home to a wealth of historical gems.
While it’s possible to jump on a train between Rabat and Casablanca, this private tour offers a more comfortable experience. Plus, it will ensure you’re back at your cruise ship with plenty of time to spare.
It includes air-conditioned transport from the port and plenty of insights as you drive between attractions, as well as time to explore them independently.
Not-to-miss sights in Rabat include the ancient ruins of Chellah, a former Roman and medieval settlement. Towering above the city is the Kasbah of the Oudaias, a fortified complex that offers panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean.
On this Casablanca shore excursion to Rabat, you’ll also have the opportunity to marvel at the unfinished grandeur of the Hassan Tower. This immense minaret was intended to be part of one of the largest mosques in the world. Unfortunately, construction was abandoned in the 12th century.
Also not to miss is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, an elaborate piece of architecture manned by rifle-wielding guards.
To learn more about things to see and do in the Moroccan capital, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Rabat.
“I can truly say that it was one of the most pleasant experiences and tours I have ever taken.” – Konstantin (read more reviews here)
Full day shore excursion cultural tour
Best full-day Casablanca shore excursion
Designed specifically with cruisers in mind, this full-day Casablanca shore excursion offers a comprehensive insight into what makes this city tick. It’s a great option for those who want a longer exploration of the city. In total, the tour takes roughly eight hours.
The day begins with a visit to the mind-blowing Hassan II Mosque. Here, you’ll have the option to take a guided tour or simply marvel at the intricate tilework, towering minaret and sheer scale of the building.
Afterward, visit the historic El Hank Lighthouse, the oldest in Casablanca, offering panoramic views of the city’s scenic coastline.
Next, step through Bab Marrakech, which serves as a gateway to Casablanca’s historic medina. Be transported back in time as you stroll through the labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.
Along the way, there will be plenty of time to browse the stalls filled with Moroccan wares, chat with local stall holders and sample some of the delicious olives for sale.
This Casablanca shore excursion includes a visit to the Quartier Habbous, where you can marvel at the blend of Moorish and colonial architecture. There’s also time to stop at the stately Mohammed V Square.
Throughout the day, you’ll be transported in air-conditioned comfort, with ample time to explore each destination at your own pace.
“Outstanding tour.” – Stanley (read more reviews here)
Private tour of El Jadida
Best Casablanca shore excursion to El Jadida
At just over 100 kilometres away, El Jadida is another city that can easily be visited during a shore excursion in Casablanca. It’s famed for its Cité Portugaise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will appeal to any traveller with a passion for the past.
During this guided tour of El Jadida, you’ll be transported back to the 16th century. This is when the Portuguese first established a fortified trading post in this strategic coastal location.
The ancient ramparts reveal panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean that have inspired countless artists and explorers over the years.
As you wander the citadel’s winding lanes, you can admire the uniquely Portuguese architecture, including the ornate carvings adorning the Church of the Assumption.
At the heart of this living museum lies the atmospheric Portuguese Cistern. This series of stunning arched chambers famously served as the backdrop for a classic Orson Welles film.
Please note:
The Portuguese Cistern has been closed for ongoing renovations. Check its opening status before booking this tour if it’s on your must-visit list!
In my opinion, El Jadida offers a unique insight into the diverse cultural influences that have shaped this captivating corner of North Africa. Whether you’re a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, a visit to the Cité Portugaise is sure to be rewarding.
To learn more about visiting this fascinating city, check out my Essential Travel Guide to El Jadida.
“El Jadida was a really beautiful sight to see and our tour guide was fantastic!” – Dyuti (read more reviews here)
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About Me
I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.
Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.
I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.
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