Is Rabat worth visiting?

Yes. Rabat is the most relaxed of the imperial cities, with a beautiful kasbah by the ocean, important monuments and very little hassle. It fits easily into a day between Casablanca and Fes or Tangier.

How many days do you need in Rabat?

One day covers the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Chellah and the medina. Stay a night if you want a slower pace.

Is Rabat the capital of Morocco?

Yes. Rabat has been the capital since 1912 and is home to the royal palace, parliament and government. Its historic and modern quarters together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How far is Rabat from Casablanca?

About 90 km, roughly one hour by train or by road on the motorway.

A walled site on the edge of Rabat containing the ruins of the Roman town of Sala and a 14th-century Marinid necropolis, with gardens and nesting storks.

Rabat Travel Guide: Kasbah of the Udayas, Things to Do

Why Visit Rabat

Rabat is Morocco’s capital and one of its four imperial cities, yet it is often the most relaxed: clean, green, on the Atlantic and without the bustle of Marrakech or Fes. Its history runs from the Roman town of Sala through the 12th-century Almohads, who began the giant Hassan mosque, to the modern capital founded in 1912.

That layered history is recognised by UNESCO, which lists the old and new city together as a World Heritage Site. In a single day you can walk the blue-and-white lanes of the Kasbah of the Udayas, stand among the columns of the Hassan Tower and wander through the ruins of the Chellah.

Rabat sits on the main train line, so it is easy to visit between Casablanca and Fes or Chefchaouen.

Kasbah of the Udayas

A 12th-century fortress above the mouth of the Bouregreg river, with blue-and-white lanes, the Andalusian Gardens and a terrace café looking out over the ocean.

Hassan Tower

The unfinished minaret of a mosque begun in 1184 that would have been one of the largest in the world, surrounded by the stumps of its original columns.

3. Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Facing the Hassan Tower, the white marble tomb of King Mohammed V and King Hassan II, guarded by royal guards in ceremonial uniform. Visitors are welcome, dressed modestly.

4. The Chellah

Roman ruins of the town of Sala and a Marinid necropolis inside honey-coloured walls, with gardens, fig trees and storks nesting on the old minaret.

5. The Medina

Rabat’s medina is small, calm and easy to explore, with everyday markets and Rue des Consuls, known for carpets and crafts.

6. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

The Mohammed VI Museum shows Moroccan and international art from the 20th century to today, in a building that blends modern and traditional design.

Planning Your Time in Rabat

Best Time to Visit

Like the rest of the Atlantic coast, Rabat is mild all year. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant; summer is warm but tempered by the ocean breeze. See the best time to visit Morocco.

Getting There & Around

Trains connect Rabat with Casablanca in about 1 hour, Tangier in about 1 hour 20 minutes on the Al Boraq high-speed line, and Meknes and Fes in about 2 to 2.5 hours. Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) has flights from several European cities. The tram is an easy way to move between the main sights.

Local Tips

Visit the Kasbah of the Udayas early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light.
Cover shoulders and knees for the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
Rabat is a good, quieter place to stay a night between Casablanca and the north.
Read our imperial cities guide to see how Rabat compares with Fes, Meknes and Marrakech.