Destination guide · Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
Rabat Travel Guide
Morocco’s calm, green capital by the Atlantic
- Best time
- April to June, September to October
- Region
- Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
- Getting there
- Rabat–Salé Airport (RBA), or 1 h by train from Casablanca
- Known for
- Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, museums
Overview
Why visit Rabat, Morocco
Rabat, Morocco is the country’s capital and one of its most relaxed cities: tidy boulevards, gardens, a blue and white kasbah above the ocean and a medina where you can shop without pressure. The city is listed by UNESCO as a “Modern Capital and Historic City”. It is an easy stop between Casablanca, Fes and Tangier, especially now that the high speed train makes the north so close. The main sights, like the Hassan Tower, the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Chellah ruins, fit into one or two unhurried days. Most of the old city is close together and easy to see on foot.
Gallery
Rabat, Morocco in pictures
A quick look at the places in this guide.
When to go
Best time to visit Rabat
The best months to visit Rabat, Morocco are April to June, September to October.
Best
Spring (April to June)
Mild and sunny, 20 to 25°C, perfect for walking.
Good
Summer (July to August)
Warm but pleasant thanks to the ocean; busy beaches.
Best
Autumn (September to October)
Warm and settled.
Wet
Winter (November to March)
Mild but rainy.
Our picks
Top 10 attractions in Rabat
Our pick of the ten places not to miss in Rabat, Morocco, each with a local tip.
Kasbah of the Udayas
A 12th century fortress with white and blue lanes above the mouth of the Bouregreg River.
Local tip: Walk to the platform at the top for ocean views.
Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hassan Tower
The unfinished 12th century minaret surrounded by rows of ancient columns.
Local tip: Visit at golden hour.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The richly decorated royal tomb next to the Hassan Tower, guarded by the royal guard.
Local tip: Free to visit; dress respectfully.
Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Andalusian Gardens
Peaceful gardens inside the kasbah walls.
Local tip: A quiet spot for a break.
Photo: Omalihy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chellah
Roman ruins and a medieval Marinid necropolis, home to storks.
Local tip: Check opening hours; the site has been renovated.
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rabat Medina
A relaxed, easy to navigate medina with everyday shops.
Local tip: Rue des Consuls is great for crafts and rugs.
Photo: Véronique Dauge, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO, via Wikimedia Commons
Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Morocco’s leading modern art museum.
Local tip: Check the temporary exhibitions.
Photo: Boubloub, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Royal Palace (exterior)
The official royal residence, seen from its grand gates.
Local tip: Photography is limited near the gates.
Photo: Yair Haklai, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Café Maure
A classic café inside the kasbah garden with river views and pastries.
Local tip: Try the gazelle horn pastries.
Photo: Davide Cesare Veniani, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bouregreg Marina & Salé
The riverfront between Rabat and its twin city of Salé.
Local tip: Cross by small rowing boat for a local experience.
Photo: Herbert wie, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Experiences
Things to do in Rabat
Cross the river by boat
Row across to Salé and explore its medina.
Surf at Rabat beach
Surf schools operate below the kasbah.
Ride the tram
An easy way to link Rabat and Salé.
Shop on Rue des Consuls
Rugs, leather and crafts with little pressure.
Walk the Corniche
A seafront path with sunset views.
Visit the national library and museums
Rabat is Morocco’s cultural capital as well.
Tours
Tours for your trip to Rabat, Morocco
Want to add Rabat, Morocco to a wider trip? Choose a short, medium or long private tour with our local team, with your own driver and a route planned around you. These tours are run by Travel to Morocco, our own local travel agency in Marrakech. We plan every trip ourselves, with drivers, guides and desert camps we know and trust. An organised tour simply makes Morocco easier: your driver knows every road and mountain pass, your riads and desert camps are booked before you arrive, you skip bus timetables and taxi haggling, and a local team is there to help from your first day to your last.
2 days / 1 night
2 day trip from Casablanca to Chefchaouen
Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen
Two days from Casablanca to the blue town of Chefchaouen, with the Hassan II Mosque, the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of…
7 days / 6 nights
Morocco itinerary 7 days, a 1 week tour
Casablanca, Fes, Merzouga, Marrakech
One week from Casablanca to Marrakech: Rabat, Volubilis, a guided day in Fes, a night in the dunes of Merzouga, the Dades…
14 days / 13 nights
14 days tour from Casablanca
Casablanca, Marrakech, Merzouga, Fes, Chefchaouen, Casablanca
A loop of 14 days around Morocco from Casablanca: Essaouira, Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, the Dades Valley, the dunes of Merzouga, Fes,…
7 days / 6 nights
7 days tour from Tangier
Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Rabat, Tangier
One week from Tangier and back: Chefchaouen, Volubilis, a guided day in Fes, a night in the dunes of Merzouga, then Rabat…
Transport
Getting to and around Rabat
Getting there
Rabat–Salé Airport (RBA) serves Rabat, Morocco, with some flights from Europe. Trains connect Rabat Ville station with Casablanca (about 1h), Tangier on the Al Boraq high speed line (about 1h20), Fes (about 2h40) and Marrakech (about 4h).
Getting around
The tram and blue petit taxis cover the city, and the historic centre is walkable.
Accommodation
Where to stay in Rabat
Walkable
Hassan & city centre
Close to the train station, medina and sights.
Riads
Medina & kasbah
Traditional houses near the ocean.
Quiet and modern
Agdal & Souissi
Residential areas with hotels and cafés.
Nearby
Day trips from Rabat
- 15 min
Salé
Rabat’s historic twin city across the river.
- 1 h
Casablanca
Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.
- 1 h 45
Meknes
Imperial city and gateway to Volubilis.
- 1 h 30
Moulay Bousselham
A lagoon known for birdwatching.
Good to know
Rabat FAQ
Is Rabat, Morocco worth visiting?
Yes. It is calm, clean and full of history, a nice contrast to busier cities.
How long should I stay in Rabat, Morocco?
One full day covers the highlights; two days is relaxed.
Is Rabat, Morocco safe?
It is considered one of the safest cities in Morocco.
Rabat or Casablanca?
Rabat has more historic sights; Casablanca has the Hassan II Mosque and more nightlife.
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