Not only is Casablanca the largest city in Morocco but it’s a popular cruise ship port along the country’s Atlantic coastline. It exudes a dynamic energy and showcases a unique blend of Moroccan, French and modern influences that have shaped its streets since being founded in the 18th century.
If you’re visiting this Maghreb metropolis on a cruise ship, I’m here to help you explore the city with 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 Ultimate Travel Guide to Casablanca.
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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 and 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, ensuring a seamless start to your adventure. 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 details 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, which 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)
Best cooking class Casablanca shore excursion
As the custodians of a region's culinary heritage, home cooks are the standard bearers of traditional cuisine, making them the ideal teachers for those seeking to uncover the secrets behind local dishes. 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.
The experience begins with a visit to a local souk where you'll browse the stalls overflowing with fresh, seasonal produce and fragrant spices essential to Moroccan cuisine. Under the guidance of your gracious host, you'll navigate this lively market, selecting 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 time-honoured techniques and 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 flavoured with the warmth of hospitality.
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 vibrant 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)
Best shore excursions in Casablanca
Best Casablanca shore excursion with Hassan II Mosque
With consistently 5-star reviews and awarded 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), although it also includes an exploration of some of the city’s other famous landmarks.
Your journey begins at the largest mosque in Morocco and the fifth-largest in the world, boasting a stunning 210-metre minaret that 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, with 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, where 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, as well as Mohammed V and United Nations Squares. You can select your choice of morning or afternoon departures (depending on your cruise ship schedule) and opt 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)
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.
Your guide will lead you through the historic Habbous neighbourhood, 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 tantalising tastings at more than six different stops, each one offering 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 - 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 and have a great rapport with the store owners they visit. 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)
Best Casablanca shore excursions
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 truly 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 it doesn’t include a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, so if that’s high on your agenda, consider one of the other guided tours of Casablanca on this list. Instead, you’ll discover hidden gems and gain insights into the daily lives of Casablanca's residents that many casual visitors miss.
During this four-hour Casablanca shore excursion, you’ll venture into the bustling Old Medina, navigating the maze-like alleyways alongside locals going about their daily routines. This is your chance to truly connect with Casablanca's cultural fabric in an authentic way.
One of the tour's highlights is a visit to the Mahkama du Pacha, an opulent palace that is typically off-limits to independent travellers. With the help of your guide, you'll enjoy exclusive access to this architectural gem, marvelling at its ornate design and imagining the regal history that has unfolded within its walls.
The journey continues in the Quartier Habbous, also known as the "New Medina," where 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 renowned 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)
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, which is also home to a wealth of historical charms and architectural delights.
While it’s possible to jump on a train between Rabat and Casablanca, this private tour offers a more comfortable experience and 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 attractions in Rabat include the ancient ruins of Chellah, a former Roman and medieval settlement that now stands as a haunting yet beautiful reminder of the city's storied past. Towering above the city is the Oudaias Kasbah, 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, an immense minaret that was intended to be part of one of the largest mosques in the world before construction was abandoned. Also not to miss is the Royal Palace (the official residence of the Moroccan royal family), just be sure to bring your passport to gain entry!
To learn more about things to see and do in the Moroccan capital, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Rabat.
"I can truly say that it was one of the most pleasant experiences and tours I have ever taken. Morocco is now one of my favorite destinations and I will definitely be back with my family and friends and book another tour with these guys.” - Konstantin (read more reviews here)
Best Casablanca shore excursions
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, with the tour taking roughly eight hours.
The day begins with a visit to the mind-blowing Hassan II Mosque, where you'll have the option to take a guided tour and 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, admire the enchanting Bab Marrakech, which serves as a gateway to Casablanca's historic medina and 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 the local stall holders and sample delicious olives.
This Casablanca shore excursion also includes a visit to the Quartier Habbous, where you can marvel at the blend of Moorish and colonial architecture, as well as a 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)
Best Casablanca shore excursion to El Jadida
At just over 100 kilometres from Casablanca, El Jadida is another city that can easily be explored during a shore excursion. It’s famed for its Cité Portugaise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a true gem for any traveller with a passion for the past. During this guided tour of El Jadida, you’ll be transported back in time to the 16th century, when the Portuguese first established a fortified trading post in this strategic coastal location.
Stepping through the ancient ramparts, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, a view that has no doubt inspired countless artists and explorers over the centuries. As you wander the citadel's winding lanes, you can admire the uniquely Portuguese architecture, from the ornate carvings adorning the Church of the Assumption to the former prison that now houses the city's synagogue.
At the heart of this living museum lies the atmospheric Portuguese Cistern, a series of stunning arched chambers that famously served as the backdrop for a classic Orson Welles film. Please note: The Portuguese Cistern has been closed for ongoing renovations, so check its opening status before booking this tour if it’s on your must-visit list!
El Jadida offers a unique insight into the diverse cultural influences that have shaped this captivating corner of North America. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast or seeking to venture off the beaten tourist track, a visit to the Cité Portugaise in El Jadida is an absolute must.
To learn more about visiting this fascinating city, check out my Ultimate 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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