Looking for a Moroccan city with fewer crowds but lots to see? Rabat might be your perfect match! This beautiful coastal capital mixes old and new in a way that feels both peaceful and exciting.
Rabat sits on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, about 90 kilometers (56 miles) north of Casablanca. As Morocco’s capital city, it’s home to around 2 million in the greater area.
The city has a wonderful location where the Bou Regreg River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Across the river is Rabat’s sister city, Salé, connected by a modern bridge.
Rabat enjoys a mild climate all year. Summers (June-August) are warm but not as hot as inland cities, with temperatures between 18-28°C (64-82°F). Winters (December-February) are mild and sometimes rainy, with temperatures around 8-18°C (46-64°F).
Why Visit Rabat?
Most tourists rush to Marrakech or Fes, leaving Rabat wonderfully uncrowded! Here’s why you should add Rabat to your Morocco trip:
- Clean and organized – Rabat is one of Morocco’s most modern and well-kept cities
- Authentic feel – Fewer tourists mean more real local experiences
- Coastal beauty – Lovely beaches and ocean views
- Rich history – Ancient ruins beside modern buildings
- Royal city – See the King’s palace and ceremonial guards
- Easy to explore – Compact city center you can walk around
5 Top Places in Rabat
Rabat might not be as famous as other Moroccan cities, but it has some real treasures! Here are the best places to see in Morocco’s capital city.
Kasbah of the Udayas
This small walled city sits where the river meets the ocean. Built in the 12th century, it has blue and white walls that make great photos.
Inside you’ll find:
- Gardens with orange trees
- Cafés with views of the water
- A small museum
- Quiet streets with few tourists
The main gate, Bab Oudaia, has beautiful old carvings from the 1100s. Many people say this is one of the prettiest doors in Morocco.
Visit late in the day when the sun makes the walls look golden.
Hassan Tower
This tall tower was supposed to be the biggest in the world when they started building it in 1195. But when the sultan died, work stopped.
Now it stands half-finished at 44 meters tall. Around it, about 200 columns show what would have been a huge mosque.
Even unfinished, it’s still amazing to see. It makes you wonder how big it would have been if completed.
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Right next to Hassan Tower is this beautiful building built in 1971. It holds the tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons.
Inside, you’ll see:
- Colorful tiles covering the walls
- A wooden ceiling with detailed carvings
- Royal guards in bright red uniforms
It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in Rabat and it’s free to enter!
Chellah
Just outside the city center is this special place where history comes in layers. It was first a Roman city, then an Islamic burial ground.
Now, big birds called storks build nests on the old walls. When you walk through, you’ll see:
- Roman roads and buildings
- Islamic tombs
- Flowers growing among the ruins in spring
It’s peaceful and much less crowded than similar old sites in other countries.
The Medina
Rabat’s old city is smaller and more relaxed than those in Fes or Marrakech. You can shop without pressure and walk without getting lost.
Look for:
- Rue Souka street with its small shops
- Food markets with fresh fruits and vegetables
- Handmade carpets and leather goods
- The Grand Mosque in the center
The whole medina has walls from the 1600s. Enter through the Bab El Had gate and just follow what looks interesting.
Our private tours take you to all these amazing places with guides who know the best times to visit. We handle everything so you can just enjoy Rabat’s beauty!
4 Fun Activities in Rabat
After seeing the main sights in Rabat, you might wonder what else to do. Good news – this city has plenty of fun activities that many tourists miss!
Relax at the Beach
Did you know Rabat has beaches right in the city? You don’t need to travel far to enjoy the ocean!
The main city beach sits just below the Kasbah. In summer, it fills with local families playing in the sand and water. Joining them gives you a taste of real Moroccan life that many tourists never see.
Want more space? Try these nearby beaches:
- Temara Beach (south of the city) has soft sand and good swimming spots
- Plage des Nations (north of Rabat) offers more room to spread out
Beaches in Rabat are clean and safe. Many have small cafés nearby where you can get drinks and snacks.
See Modern Moroccan Art
Morocco isn’t just about old buildings and markets! The Mohammed VI Museum shows the creative side of today’s Morocco.
This modern museum opened in 2014. Inside, you’ll find art by both Moroccan and international artists. The building itself mixes new design with traditional Moroccan styles.
Walking through the museum, you’ll see that Morocco has a lively modern culture alongside its rich history. The art here tells stories about life in today’s Morocco.
Tickets cost about 40 dirhams ($4), and the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Visit Rabat’s Sister City
Cross the bridge over the river to discover Salé, Rabat’s neighbor city. While they sit right next to each other, Salé feels very different!
Salé is more traditional and sees far fewer tourists. Walking through its streets gives you a more authentic experience.
Don’t miss:
- The Great Mosque of Salé – one of Morocco’s most important mosques
- The old religious school (Medersa) with its pretty courtyards
- The old city walls facing the ocean
Many locals take the small boats across the river instead of the bridge – you can try this too for just 2 dirhams!
Shop for Better Deals
Want to buy Moroccan crafts without tourist prices? Rabat is perfect for this!
The city is known for:
- Beautiful handmade carpets
- Traditional Moroccan robes called “jellabas”
- Leather goods like bags and shoes
Since fewer tourists visit Rabat, prices are often better than in Marrakech or Fes. Sellers are usually less pushy too, so you can shop in peace.
For a special experience, visit the Oulja Craft Complex in Salé. Here, you can watch artisans making pottery, weaving textiles, and carving wood. Best of all, you can buy directly from the people who make these beautiful things!
When you book with us, our guides can help you find the best shops and get fair prices on all your souvenirs.
These activities show you sides of Morocco that many visitors miss. Add them to your Rabat trip for a more complete experience of this wonderful capital city!
Day Trips and Places to Stay in Rabat
Three Easy Day Trips From Rabat
Want to see more of Morocco while staying in Rabat? Here are three easy trips you can take in just one day!
Casablanca:
Casablanca is only 90 minutes away by train. It’s Morocco’s biggest city and feels very different from quiet Rabat.
The most famous spot is Hassan II Mosque. This huge building:
- Is one of the biggest mosques in the world
- Has a tower that’s 210 meters tall
- Sits partly over the ocean
- Lets non-Muslims visit inside (most Moroccan mosques don’t)
Tours cost about 120 dirhams ($12) and take 45 minutes. You’ll see the prayer room that fits 25,000 people!
Casablanca also has pretty old buildings, big shopping areas, and lots of cafes. The train ride is cheap and simple.
Volubilis:
About 120 km from Rabat are the old Roman ruins of Volubilis. These are so special that UNESCO protects them.
Walking around Volubilis is like stepping back 2,000 years. You can see:
- Floor pictures made of tiny stones
- Old Roman streets
- Houses where Romans lived long ago
- Tall columns still standing after all this time
The best part is that you can walk right up to everything. Many tours also take you to the nearby holy city of Moulay Idriss and the old royal city of Meknes.
Beach Towns Along the Coast
For a more relaxing day, visit one of the small towns on the coast near Rabat.
Asilah, about 2 hours north, has white buildings with blue trim. Artists paint colorful pictures on the town walls every summer.
Mohammedia, just 30 minutes south, has wide sandy beaches where local families go on weekends. You’ll find good fish restaurants by the beach.
These small towns show you how Moroccans enjoy their own country.
Where to Sleep in Rabat
Rabat has places to stay for all budgets:
Fancy Hotels
- Sofitel Rabat: This hotel has pretty gardens, a nice pool, and sits near the Royal Palace
- The View Hotel: New hotel with big windows looking out at the city
- Riad Dar El Kebira: Old Moroccan house fixed up with a pretty courtyard
Medium-Priced Places
- Hotel Le Diwan: Good spot near the train station
- Riad Kalaa: Beautiful old home in the old city
- Dar Yanis: Lovely place with home-cooked food
Budget Options
- Riad Meftaha: Simple but clean rooms in a traditional house
- Ibis Rabat: Basic but reliable hotel
- Medina Surfing Association: Friendly hostel for travelers
We can help you pick the best place based on what you like and how much you want to spend. Our tours include nice hotels that match the type of trip you want.
Day trips let you see more of Morocco while keeping your stuff in one place. You don’t need to pack and unpack every day.
When you travel with us, we handle all the driving and timing so you can just enjoy your trip!
Rabat Travel Tips
Morocco’s capital city is easy to get to and fun to explore! Here’s what you need to know before you visit.
Getting to Rabat
You can reach Rabat in a few simple ways. Fly into Rabat-Salé Airport, just 15 km from the city center. From the airport, taxis take about 20 minutes to reach downtown.
Trains are another great option. Rabat connects to all major Moroccan cities by rail. From Casablanca, it’s just a quick one-hour ride. Coming from Fes takes about 2.5 hours, while Marrakech is a longer 4-hour journey. The trains are clean and run on time.
For the easiest trip with no stress, book a private tour. We pick you up wherever you are in Morocco and take care of all the travel details for you!
Getting Around the City
Moving around Rabat is super easy. The city has a modern tram system that goes to all the main places you’ll want to visit. It costs just 6 dirhams (about 60 cents) per ride and is clean and safe.
Small blue taxis are everywhere in Rabat. These “petit taxis” are cheap for short trips around town. Most rides cost between 20-30 dirhams ($2-3). Just make sure the driver turns on the meter!
Walking is great in Rabat’s city center. The streets are clean, and most main sights are close to each other. You can walk from the Kasbah to the Hassan Tower in about 30 minutes.
If you want to take day trips, the train station sits right in the middle of town. It’s modern and easy to find.
When to Visit
Rabat has nice weather all year round, but some times are better than others.
Spring (April to June) might be the best time to visit. The weather is perfect – not too hot or cold. The parks are green, and there aren’t too many other tourists around.
Fall (September to November) is another great time. Days are warm but nights cool down nicely. The air isn’t humid, so walking around is pleasant.
Winter (December to March) is mild but can be rainy. Bring a light jacket and maybe an umbrella. The good news is you’ll have many places almost to yourself!
Summer (July and August) gets busy in Rabat. Many Moroccans who live in Europe come home for vacation. But unlike Marrakech or Fes, Rabat stays cooler thanks to ocean breezes.
Why Visit Rabat With Us
Exploring Rabat is easy and fun with a private tour. Our local guides know all the hidden spots that most tourists never find. They’ll take you straight to each place without you having to figure out maps or taxis.
Ever wondered what those symbols on palace gates mean? Or why some doors in the old city are painted blue? Our guides explain everything in simple English. No more feeling confused about what you’re seeing!
Language problems disappear too. Morocco uses Arabic, French, and Berber, but your guide helps you talk with shop owners and learn a few fun local words.
The best part is meeting real Moroccans. Our guides introduce you to their friends – people who make pottery, bake bread, or play music. These special meetings make your trip much better than going alone.
Rabat shows you the real Morocco without the crowds of other cities. In the morning, see fishermen bringing in their catch. At lunch, watch office workers and craftsmen eating side by side. In the evening, join families walking on the beach at sunset.
This city has a perfect mix of old and new. You can see ancient ruins and modern art museums on the same day! Nobody rushes you or pressures you to buy things like in other tourist spots.
Want to experience the real Morocco? We’d love to help plan your Rabat adventure. Call us today to start planning!