Rabat is Morocco’s calm, green capital and one of its most underrated cities. Its historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012, and its main sights fit comfortably into one day, which makes it an easy trip from Casablanca, an hour away.
The main sights
- The Kasbah of the Udayas. A 12th-century fortress above the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, with white and blue lanes, a cliff-top terrace over the Atlantic and an Andalusian garden.
- The Hassan Tower. The minaret of a vast mosque begun by the Almohad sultan Yaqub al-Mansur in the 1190s and never finished, standing among rows of broken columns.
- The Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Facing the tower, the white marble tomb of King Mohammed V and his sons, guarded by soldiers in ceremonial uniform. Visitors may enter.
- The Chellah. A walled necropolis built by the Marinids on the ruins of the Roman town of Sala Colonia, with gardens, tombs and storks nesting on the old minaret.
- The medina. Small and relaxed, good for shopping without pressure, especially along Rue des Consuls.
- The Royal Palace grounds, seen from outside, and the modern Avenue Mohammed V with its colonial-era buildings.
- The riverside. The Bou Regreg promenade and marina, facing the old town of Salé, with the Grand Theatre designed by Zaha Hadid on the river bank.
- Museums: the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Archaeological Museum.
A one-day itinerary
- Morning: the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum, then the Kasbah of the Udayas and mint tea in its garden café.
- Lunch: grilled fish near the river or in the medina.
- Afternoon: the Chellah, then a walk on Avenue Mohammed V or along the river.
Prefer a guide and a driver? Our private Rabat day trip from Casablanca covers all of this with hotel pick-up.
Getting there
- From Casablanca: about 1 hour by car or train.
- From Tangier: just over 1 hour by the Al Boraq high-speed train.
- From Fes: about 2.5 hours.
Rabat on a longer trip
Rabat is the natural first stop on the way north to Chefchaouen and Fes, as on our 5-day tour with a night in Rabat and the 7-day imperial cities tour. Read more about the four imperial cities and the best day trips from Casablanca.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rabat worth visiting?
Yes. It is calm, clean and full of monuments, and it shows a modern side of Morocco that complements Fes and Marrakech.
Is one day enough for Rabat?
Yes for the main sights. Stay a night if you want to enjoy the riverside and the medina in the evening.
Can you visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V?
Yes. Visitors can enter respectfully, dressed modestly. Entry is free.
How do I get from Casablanca to Rabat?
By train in about an hour, or by car on the motorway. A private driver lets you combine Rabat with Casablanca sights on the same day.
Want to see Rabat with a local guide? Book a private day trip from Casablanca.