Casablanca Cruise Port

Port of Casablanca Overview

Casablanca’s cruise pier is in a large industrial port. From the ship you take a shuttle or taxi to reach the Hassan II Mosque area or the city center; walking through the port isn’t allowed. The city is busy, modern, and more commercial than touristy.

A Little History

Casablanca grew from a small settlement into a French-planned colonial city with broad boulevards and Art Deco buildings. Its huge port and later financial role made it Morocco’s economic capital, though Rabat remains the political capital. The Hassan II Mosque symbolizes its modern ambitions.

Museums

Casablanca’s light museum scene includes Villa des Arts and small galleries. The big cultural site is the Hassan II Mosque, which offers guided tours at set times. The mosque interior is the main “museum-level” experience.

• Tip: Check mosque tour times before leaving the ship; tours run at specific windows.

Major Parks and Attractions

Hassan II Mosque on the waterfront is the key sight. The old medina is small and more local than photogenic. Mohammed V Square and Art Deco streets show the colonial layout. The Corniche (beachfront) is farther west with cafés and views.

Nearby Places (Easy Day Trips)

Rabat (full day by train or tour), or a focused Casablanca day including the mosque, Art Deco walk, and Corniche. On shorter calls, stick to Casablanca itself.

Shopping

Souvenirs in Casablanca are more scattered than in Marrakech or Fes. The medina has basic stalls, while modern malls and Art Deco streets have higher-end shops.

• Note: If you want classic Moroccan crafts, consider Rabat or wait for another port; Casablanca is less traditional.

Food and Drink

Tagines, couscous, grilled meats, pastries, and mint tea dominate. International restaurants and cafés are common in the Corniche and downtown. Tipping around 10 percent is normal.

Practical eating tips:

• For a quick local meal, look for simple tagine places or cafés off main boulevards.
• Avoid overpaying near the mosque; compare menus.
• Mint tea is everywhere; ask for no sugar or less sugar if you prefer.
• If unsure, stick to bottled water.

Currency, Payments, ATMs

Moroccan dirham. Cards accepted in many restaurants and shops; cash needed for small vendors. ATMs widely available in the city center.

Opening Hours and Holidays

Shops open late morning to evening, with prayer and lunch breaks. Mosque tours follow set times and close during prayers.

Holidays that may affect hours or services:

• Eid al-Fitr
• Eid al-Adha
• Islamic New Year (dates vary)
• National holidays like Throne Day (Jul 30)

Practical City Notes

Expect heavy traffic. Use official taxis from the port shuttle area. The mosque area is spacious but can be windy. In markets, expect bargaining. French is widely spoken; English varies.

Quick Plans

1. 3–4 hours: Hassan II Mosque tour, short seaside walk, quick café stop, and return.
2. 6–8 hours: Mosque, downtown Art Deco loop, lunch, and Corniche stroll.
3. Full day: Casablanca highlights in the morning, then a trip to Rabat for its kasbah and medina if time allows.