Rabat

Travel Guide

Rabat
Rabat which includes heritage elements
Rabat
Rabat
Rabat

See the royal palace, relax near storks on the beach and stroll through the magnificent 12th-century citadel in the city whose name means Fortified Place.

As Morocco’s capital, Rabat is a cultural hub of art galleries, museums and theaters. One highlight, the modern Bouregreg Marina, is known for its array of historical architecture and spectacular harbor views. Stroll along the shores of the Bou Regreg River, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Head east along the marina to reach the Hassan Tower, an impressive minaret surrounded by lone-standing pillars on a plaza.

Expect to encounter many birds, especially storks, as you wander through the city. Sunbathe on Dahomey Beach or Harhoura Beach and enjoy a typical Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summer days and mild winters.

At the mouth of the river is the spectacular Kasbah of the Udayas citadel complex, dating back to the 1100s. Enter the fortress through the Almohad gate of Bab Oudaya. Browse impressive works of art in the Galérie d’Art Miloudi Nouiga within this walled complex.

Wander through the Medina old town area for its quaint alleys and souk markets. Purchase traditional souvenirs from the shops near the citadel.

Outside the fortified walls, the Mohammed V National Theatre is among the city’s most renowned arts hubs. Learn about the region’s history in the acclaimed Rabat Archaeological Museum. It is just across the street from the Mohamed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Travel south against the flow of the river to the medieval necropolis of Chellah. Near here is the Royal Palace of Rabat, where Morocco’s royal family resides.

Morocco’s capital city faces the Atlantic Ocean on the country’s northwestern coast. Rabat is about 50 miles (85 kilometers) northeast of Casablanca and 155 miles (250 kilometers) south of Tangier. Marrakech is 4 hours away by train. Fly to the Rabat-Salé Airport on the northeastern side of the river and take the 30-minute airport shuttle to the city center.

Rabat is a picturesque coastal city with fascinating cultural and historical sights. UNESCO recognizes the city as a modern capital successfully incorporating its 12th-century heritage.

Where to stay in Rabat

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Agdal

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Agdal is well-liked for its golf courses and festivals. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco and Al Barid Stadium are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Ibn Sina Tram Stop or Agdal-Avenue de France Tram Stop to get around.

Agdal
One of the prettiest doors I saw on this trip was in the medina.  Someone's home I suspect.

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Medina of Rabat

Shopping, historic sites, and beaches are just a few things travelers like about Medina of Rabat. Sights like Grand Mosque and Rue des Consuls are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Rabat area at Bab Chellah Tram Stop.

Medina of Rabat
The Parliament Avenue.

Souissi

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

Unique features of Souissi include the gardens and restaurants. Make a stop by Royal Golf Dar Es Salam or Foret Hilton while you're exploring the area.

Souissi
Hassan Tower showing heritage elements

Quartier Hassan

The museums and gardens are just a few things visitors like about Quartier Hassan. Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Place du 16 Novembre Tram Stop or Tour Hassan Tram Stop to get around the larger area.

Quartier Hassan
Wondering who painted Skhirat's sky  today... //Analogue shot on Kodak200 #LifeatExpedia

Skhirat Plage

5/5(2 area reviews)

The beaches and restaurants in Skhirat Plage are a few notable things to experience while you're in town.

Skhirat Plage
San Juan de Dios

Hassan

While you're in Hassan, take in top sights like Moroccan Parliament or Hassan Tower, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Medina Rabat Tram Stop or Mohammed V Gare de Rabat Tram Stop.

Hassan
Hôtel Oscar

Hôtel Oscar

3.5 out of 5
429 Avenue Hassan 2, Rabat
$60 nightly
The price is $70 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$70 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Rabat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Jardin d'Essais Botaniques and National ...
4.6/10 (56 reviews)
Comfort
"fiarly good"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Hôtel Oscar
Dawliz Rabat Art & Spa

Dawliz Rabat Art & Spa

5 out of 5
Avenue du Prince Héritier, Bouregreg, Salé
$136 nightly
The price is $159 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$159 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Salé. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Marina Bouregreg Salé and Hassan Tower are ...
7.8/10 Good! (159 reviews)
"Great staff! Good view of the River!"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Dawliz Rabat Art & Spa
Rabat Marriott Hotel

Rabat Marriott Hotel

4.5 out of 5
AVENUE INAOUIN, ARRIBAT CENTER AGDAL, Rabat
$210 nightly
The price is $235 total per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
$235 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rabat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
"The hotel staff and accommodations were excellent. I could not have asked forester service."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Rabat Marriott Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dayet Ifrah by Rent Inn

Dayet Ifrah by Rent Inn

3.5 out of 5
Rue Dayet Ifrah, Agdal Riyad, Rabat, Rabat
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Rabat. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Al Barid Stadium and Jardin ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (140 reviews)
"Overall, the stay was good. The apartment was comfortable, and Karima was helpful—she explained everything clearly to us. However, one thing I didn’t like was the additional tourist tax of 43 MAD per person, per day, regardless of whether it’s an adult or a child. I understand it’s a city policy, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Dayet Ifrah by Rent Inn
First Suites Hôtel

First Suites Hôtel

4 out of 5
4 Av. de France, Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Rabat. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Al Barid Stadium and National Library ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (24 reviews)
"The First Suites Hotel is a great option for business travelers. The rooms are very spacious and comfortable. The air conditioning worked very well and the location is excellent. Very close to Arribat Center in the upscale Rabat neighborhood of Agdal. Highly recommend and looking forward to going ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

First Suites Hôtel
Marina Rabat Suites & Apartments

Marina Rabat Suites & Apartments

3.5 out of 5
Marina Bouregreg, Avenue de Fes, Salé
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Salé. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Marina Bouregreg Salé and Hassan Tower are ...
7.8/10 Good! (52 reviews)
"Amazing experience and professional customer service"

Reviewed on May 9, 2025

Marina Rabat Suites & Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Rabat

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
32
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
39
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Rabat was a bit disappointing after visiting Fes and Marrakesh.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

If Rabat is your starting point in Morocco you'll enjoy it. For us it was our last stop. I would say don't go out of your way to visit but if things just work out that way (for us it was a flight to Spain) it's not a bad place to spend a day.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great first stop in Morocco with plenty to do!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Much nicer than Casablanca. A much cleaner andess smelly city. Was a nice visit overall.

5/5 - Excellent

EC

Fantastic time in Rabat, people are friendly, walkable city, felt safe,,people out and about well into the late evening, if you like a vibrant city spend a couple days here.

5/5 - Excellent

Mar

It’s a city

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