How to Spend One Day in Rabat: Things to Do & See
Are you looking for the best things to do in Rabat, Morocco? Rabat is one of the most underrated travel destinations in Morocco, but we think it’s worth adding to your Morocco Itinerary. Most people only take a day trip from Casablanca to Rabat, but for the best experience, spend at least 2 days there.
Wondering what to do in Rabat? Visit the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, stroll around the Medina, see the Andalusian Gardens, and explore the Kasbah of the Udayas.
This ultimate guide to visiting Rabat includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Rabat.
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- How to Spend One Day in Rabat: Things to Do & See
- Where is Rabat?
- Best Time to Visit Rabat
- How to Get to Rabat, Morocco
- Where to Stay in Rabat
- Things to Do in Rabat in One Day
- 1. Visit Hassan Tower & Mohammed V Mausoleum
- 2. See Andalusian Gardens
- 3. Visit Kasbah of the Udayas
- 4. Walk Through Old Medina
- 5. Visit Chellah
- Is it Safe to Travel to Rabat?
- How many Days do you Need in Rabat?
- Where to Eat in Rabat
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Where is Rabat?
It is located on the Atlantic coast in the north-west of Morocco. Rabat is the capital of Morocco, about a 1-hour drive from Casablanca, 2.5 hours from Fes, and 3 hours from Tangier.
Best Time to Visit Rabat
Morocco is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit Rabat is spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the nearby attractions.
Rabat has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average annual temperature in Rabat is 18°C.
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In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!
Recommended post → Ultimate Morocco Itinerary
How to Get to Rabat, Morocco
You can easily get to Rabat by train, bus, taxi, car, plane, or private transfer. Most people come to Rabat from Casablanca. The distance between the two cities is about 90 km, which is 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
We have a detailed post on how to get from Casablanca to Rabat with all the information you need.
Rabat-Salé Airport (airport code RBA) is the nearest airport, just 15 km from the city, serving domestic and international flights.
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Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights.
Rabat is a blend of a modern capital and a historic city that can be easily explored by walking.
Where to Stay in Rabat
Rabat has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. Alternatively, stay in Casablanca and take a day trip to the vibrant cultural city. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Casablanca
- Luxury: Radisson Blu Hotel Casablanca
- Mid-Range: Idou Anfa Hôtel & Spa or JM Suites Hotel Eco-Friendly Casablanca
- Budget: Hotel Majestic
Best hotels in Rabat
- Luxury: La Tour Hassan Palace
- Mid-Range: Flower Town Hotel & Spa or Malak Hotel
- Budget: Imperial Boutique Hotel Rabat
Things to Do in Rabat in One Day
1. Visit Hassan Tower & Mohammed V Mausoleum
Good morning! Catch one of the morning trains from Casablanca Port or Casa Voyageurs and travel to Rabat Ville station. Travel time by train is about 1 hour.
When you arrive, walk a few minutes to the nearby tram stop, which will take you to Hassan Tower. Get off at the Place du 16 Novembre stop, from where you can walk to the entrance of Hassan Tower in just 5 minutes.
Good to know
A tram ticket costs 6 MAD (6 USD) for a single trip.
The tower was intended to be the largest mosque in the world. But construction stopped when Sultan Yacoub al Mansour died suddenly in 1199, and the mosque was finally destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. But the 44-meter-high minaret still stands today and is well worth a visit.
Hassan Tower is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM and is free to visit. At the entrance, mounted royal guards are offering a fantastic photo opportunity. When you arrive, you can easily walk around the site and visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
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As this is a popular place, we recommend arriving early and avoiding the crowds.
See also → How to Visit Hassan II Mosque
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Right in front of Hassan Tower stands the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a beautiful monument. The construction of the mausoleum of Mohammed V was ordered by King Hassan II in 1962 and completed in 1971. The mausoleum contains the tombs of the late King of Morocco and his two deceased sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah.
Mohammed V Mausoleum is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. (Usually, the mausoleum is closed for midday prayers between noon and 2 PM.) Visiting the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is also free. To learn more about the Hassan Tower and mausoleum, join a guided tour.
Around the mausoleum, the royal guards wear traditional costumes, so you will have a unique experience when visiting this fascinating site.
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Wear conservative clothing that covers your shoulders, torso, and below the knees.
2. See Andalusian Gardens
After visiting the Hassan Tower and the mausoleum, go to the Andalusian Gardens. Pass the busy main road and walk along the waterfront promenade for around 20-25 minutes. This is a great way to get an insight into the life of fishermen and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.
Are you hungry? You’ll pass Le Dhow restaurant on the way, located on a pirate ship.
No admission fee to the Andalusian Gardens, and we think it’s worth a visit. It’s a peaceful garden surrounded by ancient walls where you can escape the heat and spend a few relaxing hours sitting on the benches. The garden has citrus trees, cypresses, palm trees, and some beautiful flowers.
3. Visit Kasbah of the Udayas
One of the best things to do in Rabat is to visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, located next to the Medina. The historic fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy a stunning panorama of the city of Salé and the ocean.
We loved exploring the charming blue and white streets and enjoying the views. We recommend you take at least 1 hour to wander around, buy souvenirs, and have a coffee in one of the cozy cafés.
See also → Marrakech Guide
4. Walk Through Old Medina
The Old Town is one of the best places to visit in Rabat. There are fewer tourists than in Marrakech. So you can enjoy a pleasant stroll through the Medina.
Discover the hidden gems, shop the souks (typical bazaars), and try traditional Moroccan dishes. You can buy handmade ceramic tagines, Moroccan spices, carpets, dried fruits, shoes, leather bags, clothes, and much more.
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Book a food tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
5. Visit Chellah
If you have time, visit Chellah, a fascinating ancient archeological site just a 10-minute drive from the Medina. Chellah is one of the most popular attractions in the city and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. Archaeological excavations in the 20th century uncovered the remains of the ancient Roman town.
The entrance fee to the Chellah costs 70 MAD (7 USD) for foreign tourists and 10 MAD (1 USD) for locals.
Good to know
Chellah is currently closed for renovation, but you can still admire it from the outside.
After exploring the Medina, we recommend walking to Rabat Ville train station. While walking, you can enjoy some fantastic photo opportunities (mosque, post office, etc.) and then travel back to Casablanca.
Is it Safe to Travel to Rabat?
Yes, it is generally safe. But small thefts and pickpockets can happen everywhere. So always take care of your valuables!
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.
How many Days do you Need in Rabat?
Most people only take a day trip to Morocco’s capital. However, we recommend spending 2 days and enjoying the best things to do in Rabat, then traveling to Marrakech or Casablanca.
Where to Eat in Rabat
In Rabat, you can find many local restaurants, vegetarian options, national foods, and the best places to eat with all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best restaurants in Rabat
- Dar El Medina (Best place for lunch)
- Dar Zaki Restaurant (Delicious Moroccan dishes)
- Le Petit Beur (Cozy place for dinner)
- Ty Potes (Tasty French food – salads, toasts, and pancakes)
- Sufra Restaurant (Palestin and vegan food)
- Café ByBou (Perfect place for breakfast)
- Golden Fish (Seafood dishes)
- Le Dhow (Fine dining on a pirate ship)
Join a Moroccan Cooking Class.
We hope our list of the best things to do in Rabat will help you plan your next trip to Morocco. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM: – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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