Things to Do in Rabat: A One-Day Guide to Morocco's Capital
Rabat, Morocco's capital, can be explored in one relaxed day. Start at the blue-and-white Kasbah of the Udayas, walk through the medina, visit the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, explore the ruins of Chellah, and finish with a stroll along the Bouregreg river or the ocean corniche. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco's four imperial cities.
Top 10 things to do in Rabat
- Kasbah of the Udayas: a 12th-century fortress above the river mouth, with painted lanes, the Andalusian Gardens and ocean views from its terrace.
- Hassan Tower: the unfinished minaret of a 12th-century Almohad mosque, surrounded by rows of column bases.
- Mausoleum of Mohammed V: the resting place of King Mohammed V and King Hassan II, guarded by royal guards and richly decorated inside; visitors may enter respectfully.
- Chellah: a walled site combining Roman ruins and a medieval Marinid necropolis, with storks nesting on the minaret.
- The medina: smaller and calmer than Fes or Marrakech, ideal for relaxed shopping.
- Rue des Consuls: the historic street of carpet and craft shops near the kasbah.
- Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: Moroccan and international art in a modern building.
- The Bouregreg marina and Salé: cross the river by small boat to Salé's old medina.
- The ocean corniche: walk or drive along the Atlantic coast at sunset.
- The ville nouvelle: Art Deco buildings along Avenue Mohammed V.
One-day Rabat itinerary
| Morning | Kasbah of the Udayas and Andalusian Gardens; medina and Rue des Consuls |
| Midday | Lunch in the medina or by the marina |
| Afternoon | Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V; Chellah |
| Evening | Sunset on the corniche or at the kasbah terrace |
Getting to Rabat
Rabat is about 1 hour from Casablanca by train, 1 hour 20 minutes from Tangier on the Al Boraq high-speed train and around 4 hours from Marrakech by train. See our Morocco train guide. Rabat is part of our 7-day imperial cities tour and can be added to the 10-day grand tour.
Compare Rabat with the other royal capitals in the imperial cities of Morocco. Rabat's heritage listing is described on the UNESCO page for Rabat.
Book it with a local operator
- From Casablanca: 7-Day Private Imperial Cities Tour of Morocco — from €690 per person, pay on the day.
- Casablanca: Private City Tour with Hassan II Mosque Visit — from €35 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: 10-Day Private Grand Tour of Morocco & Sahara — from €1190 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Things to Do in Tangier: Kasbah, Caves of Hercules and Cape Spartel
- Volubilis and Meknes Day Trip from Fes: Roman Ruins and an Imperial City
- Hassan II Mosque Visit: Tour Times, Tickets and Dress Code in Casablanca
Frequently asked questions
Is Rabat worth visiting?
Yes. It is calm, clean and walkable, with UNESCO-listed monuments, a relaxed medina and the Atlantic coast.
How many days do you need in Rabat?
One day covers the main sights; two days let you add Salé, museums and the beaches.
Can you go inside the Mausoleum of Mohammed V?
Yes, visitors can enter respectfully, dressed modestly, outside official ceremonies.
How far is Rabat from Casablanca?
About 90 km, roughly 1 hour by train or by car on the motorway.
Main photo: Petar Milošević, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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