Casablanca

In November 2025, Casablanca's port was moved to a newer facility described as "state of the art". Detailed information about the development remains limited, and at present the cruise terminal still appears to offer few shops or amenities.

As you approach the port, look out for the striking Hassan II mosque.

Depending on the berth, the city centre is only about 1000 -1250 metres away and can be reached on foot. The route crosses an industrial area, however, so it is not an attractive walk; walking is also inadvisable when conditions are hot, as they often are.

Shuttle services run into the town centre, either free of charge or for a nominal fee.

Alternatively, agree a price with one of the dockside taxi drivers. The ride into the centre costs about 10 euro and is often cheaper when returning to the ship. Taxis have no meters, so negotiate.

Casablanca stands on the Atlantic and contains one of the world's largest artificial ports.

Hassan II mosque was planned and designed by the French architect Michel Pineau as a colossal temple. Its scale was intended to make it the world's second-largest Muslim temple after the mosque at Mecca, and the prayer hall can accommodate 25.000 people.

Set just behind the waterfront, the old medina contains some attractive examples of Moorish architecture.

Away from these sights, the rest of Casablanca is not especially interesting.

There are no commercial excursion operators close to the port.

Your best option is to walk to the Medina and explore from there. Losing your bearings is difficult because the harbour can be seen from almost anywhere.

Be aware that the cobbled streets and alleyways are fairly steep.

The most popular ship excursion crosses the desert to Marrakesh, an 11th-century city known for palaces, gardens and a captivating market filled with snake charmers, jugglers, acrobats, fire-eaters and fortune-tellers. Marrakech is considerably more interesting than Casablanca and makes an impressive, though tiring, day because it lies far from the port; a tour is strongly recommended, while independent visitors are best travelling by train. The countryside along the way is also worth seeing.

Marrakesh (250 km) and Rabat (90 km) are popular trips. Casa Port, a new railway station, is a 20 minute walk or $5 taxi ride from the harbour. Trains for Rabat Ville depart about every 60 minutes and accept credit cards; one-way fares are roughly $4 in second class and $8 in first class, with the journey taking about 75 minutes.

Casablanca's Central Market is just inland from the harbour. Follow Boulevard Maoulay Abderrahmane to the left, then turn right into Avenue Pasteur.

Argan oil is available as a cosmetic product for women.

The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the currency, and it contains 100 centimes.

Exporting Moroccan currency is prohibited and it cannot be exchanged, so aim to use all remaining local money before departure.

Foreign currency may be brought in without any limit on the amount. Banknotes come in 10, 50, 100 and 200 DH denominations. City banks have cashpoints and open between 8 and 11,30 a.m., then between 2 and 4,30 p.m.; during summer, some remain open through lunchtime.

Credit cards are taken by most hotels, restaurants and antique shops.

Arabic, Berber and French are spoken.

Numerous cafés stay open late and give customers free WiFi, charging very reasonable fees. Although their keyboards appear international, they are not, so you will need to ask for help.

Emergency numbers: Police 19; Fire Service 15.

Most shops trade 7 days a week without fixed hours. They close for major national and Islamic holidays, when Casablanca has little to offer.

Ramadan is the most significant month in Morocco's calendar: Muslims fast by day and feast at night. Most restaurants shut at lunchtime, apart from those serving tourists, and daily life generally slows. Travel remains entirely possible and the rules do not apply to non-Muslims, but visitors should respectfully avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours.