Rabat is Morocco’s capital and its calmest big city, with a walkable medina, the blue and white Kasbah of the Udayas above the Atlantic, the unfinished Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Roman and Marinid ruins of the Chellah. Half a day covers the highlights, and it fits easily into the first day of a trip from Casablanca, about 1.5 hours away.
Rabat is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and one of the best cities to visit in Morocco for travelers who want history without the crowds. It has been the capital since 1912, and its old and modern districts were listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012. Here is what to see and how to fit Rabat into your trip.
Best Things to Do in Rabat
1. The Kasbah of the Udayas
This 12th-century fortress sits on a hill where the Bou Regreg river meets the ocean. Enter through the carved Bab Oudaia gate, wander the quiet blue and white lanes, and stop at the terrace cafe for mint tea and almond pastries with a view over the river to Salé. The Andalusian garden inside the walls is a peaceful place to rest.
2. The Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The Almohad sultan Yaqub al-Mansur began the Hassan Tower at the end of the 12th century as the minaret of what was meant to be one of the largest mosques in the world. It was never finished, and the tower and rows of columns still stand on the esplanade. Facing it, the white Mausoleum of Mohammed V holds the tombs of King Mohammed V and King Hassan II, watched over by royal guards. Visitors can enter the mausoleum when dressed modestly.
3. The Chellah
A walled site on the edge of the city, with the ruins of the Roman town of Sala Colonia and a later Marinid royal necropolis. Storks nest on the old minaret and walls, and the gardens are among the most atmospheric places in Rabat.
4. The Medina and Rue des Consuls
Rabat’s medina is small, calm and easy to explore on your own. Walk Rue des Consuls for rugs, leather and crafts, and the market streets for spices and everyday life, with far less pressure from sellers than in Marrakech or Fes.
5. Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Morocco’s main museum of modern art, in the Ville Nouvelle, shows Moroccan painters and international exhibitions. It is a good stop on a hot afternoon.
6. The Royal Palace
The official residence of the King, Dar al-Makhzen, is closed to visitors, but you can see its gates and grounds from the outside on a drive through the city.
7. The Bou Regreg Riverfront and Salé
Walk along the river below the Kasbah, look across to the walled town of Salé, and see the new landmarks of the capital: the Grand Theatre designed by Zaha Hadid and the Mohammed VI Tower across the river, the tallest building in Morocco.
8. The Ville Nouvelle
The French-era new town has wide avenues, Art Deco buildings around Avenue Mohammed V and the railway station, and good cafes and restaurants. It is a pleasant place for an evening walk.
How Many Days in Rabat?
Half a day is enough for the Kasbah, the Hassan Tower and the Chellah. Stay one night if you want time for the medina and the riverfront, or to break the drive north. On most trips, Rabat is a stop on the first day after Casablanca, on the way to Chefchaouen or Tangier.
Where to Stay in Rabat
We ranked these stays using guest review scores on Booking.com together with the number of reviews, checked in October 2026. Stay in the medina for character and walking distance to the Kasbah, or in a hotel for space, a pool and a spa.
| Stay | Why we like it | Score | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dar Shâan | A riad inside the medina with a terrace, a pool, a spa and a restaurant, the best-reviewed stay in Rabat. Rated 9.1 from 992 reviews. | 9.1 (992 reviews) | Check prices |
| Conrad Rabat Arzana | A five-star resort with sea views, pools, a spa and family rooms. Rated 9.0 from 842 reviews. | 9.0 (842 reviews) | Check prices |
| Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé | On the Bou Regreg marina facing the Kasbah, with three restaurants, a bar and a rooftop pool. Rated 9.0 from 725 reviews. | 9.0 (725 reviews) | Check prices |
| La Tour Hassan Palace | A classic palace hotel in the city center, built in Moorish-Andalusian style, with a pool and a spa. Rated 9.0 from 627 reviews. | 9.0 (627 reviews) | Check prices |
| Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses | Set in large rose gardens near the Royal Palace, with a pool, a spa, restaurants and a bar. Rated 8.9 from 632 reviews. | 8.9 (632 reviews) | Check prices |
| STORY Rabat | A boutique hotel with an outdoor pool, a spa and a hammam. Rated 9.4 from 429 reviews. | 9.4 (429 reviews) | Check prices |
| La Villa Mandarine | A calm boutique hotel set in an orange grove, with a pool, a spa and a restaurant. Rated 9.1 from 344 reviews. | 9.1 (344 reviews) | Check prices |
| The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam | The luxury choice in Rabat, with a spa and pools in large grounds. Rated 9.0 from 279 reviews. | 9.0 (279 reviews) | Check prices |
New to riads? Read what it is like to stay in a riad.
Rabat on Your Trip
A classic northern route starts in Casablanca, visits Rabat about 1.5 hours later, and continues to Chefchaouen. From there, it goes to Volubilis (about 2 hours), Meknes (about 1 hour) and Fes (about 1 hour), before the drive to the Sahara. On our 14 day tour, Rabat is followed by Asilah and Tangier.
Rabat is also on the high-speed train line to Tangier and on the main line to Fes and Marrakech. Compare the options in our private driver vs train guide.
How to Get to Rabat and Get Around
Getting to Rabat
- By car with a private driver. Casablanca to Rabat is about 1.5 hours, which is why Rabat fits so well on the first day of a trip from Casablanca. Your driver meets you at the airport and you stop in Rabat on the way north.
- By train. Rabat has two main stations, Rabat Ville in the center and Rabat Agdal. Trains connect Rabat with Casablanca, including the station at Casablanca Mohammed V airport, and with Fes, Marrakech and Tangier, which is on the Al Boraq high-speed line.
- By air. Rabat-Salé airport is a short drive from the city. Most travelers from the USA arrive in Casablanca, and your driver meets you there.
Getting Around Rabat
- On foot. The medina, the Kasbah of the Udayas and the riverfront are close together and easy to walk.
- By tram. The Rabat-Salé tramway has two lines. Useful stops include Mohammed V-Gare de Rabat opposite Rabat Ville station, Médina Rabat and Bab El Had at the old town, and Bab Lamrissa for the medina of Salé. Buy a ticket before you board, from a machine, a kiosk or the Tram Mobile app.
- By petit taxi. Rabat’s small city taxis are blue. Ask the driver to use the meter or agree on the fare before you set off.
- With your driver. On our private tours, your driver takes you between the sights, so you can save your walking for the Kasbah and the medina.
Not sure whether to drive or take the train? Compare the options in our private driver vs train guide.
Best Time to Visit Rabat
Rabat has a mild Atlantic climate, so it is pleasant most of the year. Spring and autumn are ideal, summers are warm but cooler than the inland cities, and winters are mild with some rain. See the best time to visit Morocco.
Visit Rabat FAQ
Yes. It is the calmest of the imperial cities, with the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower, the Chellah and a relaxed medina.
Half a day for the highlights, or one night to explore at a slower pace.
About 1.5 hours by car.
Yes, Rabat has been the capital since 1912. Casablanca is the largest city.
Yes, when dressed modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.
Walk the medina and the Kasbah, take the Rabat-Salé tram between the main districts, or use the blue petit taxis. On a private tour, your driver takes you between the sights.
Plan Your Visit to Rabat
Rabat is part of our northern routes and our 14 day tour from Casablanca. Compare routes in our 7, 10 and 14 day Morocco itinerary and see what a private tour costs.
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