Rabat.
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Overview

Rabat (Arabic: الرباط; Berber: ⵕⵕⴱⴰⴹ), literally "Fortified Place", is the capital city of Morocco. The city of Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Understand

Rabat is on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. On the facing shore of the river lies Salé, Rabat's bedroom community. Together with Temara the cities account for a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million. It is an easy-going city by Moroccan standards. Rabat visitor information

Get in

By train There are two stations Rabat Ville. in downtown and Rabat Agdal. 3 km south of it. There are a tram and a taxi station next to Rabat Ville train station. Visit OCNF website for the timetable.

Rabat is well served by train and you can get frequent connections to most places:

Marrakesh is a pleasant 4 hr journey Fez 2½ hr, 115 dirham 2nd class (May 25) Casablanca 1 hr, 45 dirham 2nd class (May 25) Tangier 1 hr 20 min.

The Al Boraq high speed train operates hourly between Casablanca (Casa Voyageurs station) and Tangier with stops at Rabat (Rabat Agdal only) and Kenitra.

It's possible to get a bus from almost any town in the country to Rabat, but the buses often do not stop at the centre, but instead go through the city. It may be a good idea to use GPS, to ask someone which is the correct stop, or use a decent street map to work out where you are and when to get off. It is easy to miss a central stop and find yourself heading out into the suburbs again, which is not too bad—about a 20-25 dirham ride into the centre.

Rabat–Salé Airport. There are flights every day between Rabat and Paris CDG, Brussels Airport and a lot of domestic destinations. There are also a handful of seemingly random, ever-changing destinations served by Ryanair. However, most tourist fly into nearby Casablanca and then come into Rabat by train or coach.

Getting there: when exiting the airport, tourists are funnelled towards a group of parked white taxis that quote 100 - 200 dirham or more. This is unnecessarily expensive. Instead wait for a petit taxi to arrive (blue for Rabat, cream coloured for neighbouring Salé.) One of these will arrive, dropping someone else off for departure. These run on a meter ("compteur" in French) and will be nearer 30 dirham for the same journey. Beware, some of the petit taxi will refuse to use meter.

Directly outside the exit of the airport, you will also see a bus stop for AE bus, it connects Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) with Rabat-Ville train station and Rabat-Agdal train station. First bus leave Airport at 07:10, then every 30-45 mins till last bus leave at midnight. First bus leave Gare Agdal at 06:00, then every 30-45 mins till last bus leave at 23:00.

Currency changing offices at the airport open at 7 am. ATM available in the airport building. Not all bank charge fees for withdrawal on foreign debit/credit card, could try Al Barid Bank's ATM machine.

There are telecommunications companies operate in Rabat Airport where you could buy local SIM card.

Get around

On foot If you aren't in a hurry, walking around the area of Centre Ville, Agdal, the University, the Medina, the Ocean/River and the monuments is easy and pleasant. The new Corniche on the river, leading to the Oudaias, has been re-done, and there are expected openings of cafes soon. The route cotiere, or coastal road, past the cemetery and the Oudaias has dramatic ocean-side views, especially charming at sunset.

There are two lines between Rabat and Salé. There is a tram every 10 min during the week and every 20 min during Sunday. One of the stations (Mohammed V - Gare de Rabat) is located exactly just in front of the downtown train station (Gare de Rabat-Ville). It is a good way of getting around. Maps are available in every station.

By taxi Petit Taxis, all blue in color, mostly Fiat Uno and Renault Dacia. Be sure to check the meter is running to avoid being over charged at the end of the trip, although this is much less of a problem than in other cities. Don't be surprised if the taxi stops to pick someone else up. Also Uber works in Rabat, but it's 20-30% pricier than regular taxis.

Avoid the Grand Taxis when traveling around Rabat—they are much more expensive and less safe than blue petit taxis.

By bus There are now official bus routes listed and bus stops have signs showing at least the bus lines that stop there. Costing 5 dirham (Sep 2019), they are a cheap way to get to know the several layers of Rabat. Bus #4 goes from Ocean, to Bab El Had to Avenue Fal Oueld Omair (one of the major streets in the Agdal neighborhood) all the way to its terminus in the upscale and calm new development of Hay Riad. If the bus is crowded watch out for pickpockets.

By car Driving around yourself is not recommended. Driving doesn't necessarily mean you are going to have an accident but Moroccans recommend great caution when driving.

See

Kasbah of the Oudaias. The Kasbah is the oldest part of Rabat. It has narrow streets with cute white and blue houses, the Andalucian Gardens, the Oudaias Museum housed in a 17th century palace, and a great view of the Atlantic Ocean. The district is enclosed by old fortifications, including a large and beautiful 12th-century stone gate.

Old Medina. A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with atmospheric narrow streets and a sizeable market. It is less crowded and maze-like than the medinas of Fes and Marrakesh, making it easy to explore.

Chouhada Cemetery. Huge and often colorful cemetery by the sea

The Beach. Rather small and not particularly appealing one. There are a couple of rustic cafes. Also surfing gear is available for rent here.

Hassan Tower and the Royal Mausoleum. Exquisite mausoleum of the current king’s grandfather, the father of Moroccan independence. Designed by a Vietnamese architect it opened in 1967. The mausoleum was built next to the 12th century Hassan Tower, which other than many columns, is all that remains of what would have been one of the largest mosques in the world at that time

National Archaeological Museum. This museum houses artifacts from various periods of Morocco's history, including ancient Roman and medieval objects.

The Currency Museum of the Bank Al-Maghrib.

St. Peter's Cathedral. The city's own beautiful art-deco cathedral.

Royal Palace. It is huge, you cannot really visit it (but it is a nice walk), the armed guards might allow you walk from one entrance to another especially if you look like a tourist. Bring your passport.

Chellah. A city possibly founded by Phoenicians, then occupied by Romans, before becoming a royal necropolis in the Islamic era. After being abandoned for centuries, it is now settled by a huge colony of storks. This breeding ground bubbles with bird life in spring, including a stork nest on the top of old minaret. Both Roman remains and a ruined 14th-century Islamic complex can be visited. You can walk there from the city centre, but it is a long walk.

Bab er-Rouah. One of the old city's best medieval gates, located close to downtown and the Royal Palace. Not worth a special detour if you've already seen Chellah or the Kasbah (which both have similar gateways), but interesting if you're walking in the area and have time to spare. Sometimes the interior is open for shows or art exhibits.

Rabat Zoo. Contains more than 100 species of Moroccan, Saharan and other African animals in open spaces simulating their natural habitats (mountains, desert, savanna and rain forest).

Salé (across the river) Salé is a separate municipality located across the river, but it is easy to reach by tram from Rabat.

Medina of Salé. This medina here is generally older than the medina of Rabat, with narrower and more winding streets. It is mostly residential, but includes several religious sites (usually closed to non-Muslims), some historical buildings, and a set of medieval walls and gates.

Marinid Madrasa. A small but very pretty 14th-century madrasa (college), located next to the city's Grand Mosque. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims, but the madrasa can be entered. It is similar in style to the madrasas of Fez.

Do

There are many things to do here. As in most Moroccan cities, it is enough just to wander around and go where something takes your fancy.

There is also a large and tranquil park next to the Hotel Sofitel, where people run and play football, etc. You can also use the pool at the Sofitel for a charge. The park is a 10-15 dirham taxi ride (10 minutes) from la Gare Central.

Théâtre National Mohammed V. Theatre in Downtown Rabat, nothing absolutely outstanding but there are performances each month.

Jazz au Chellah is a jazz festival organized each year in June by the ministry of culture, the city and the European delegation. The website might have some issues. Mawazine is a festival of world music that takes place annually in Rabat featuring Arab, African and international musicians during May. It is controversial as some of the country's Muslim politicians have criticised the event for "encouraging immoral behaviour". Artists such as Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Elton John and B.B. King have performed at Mawazine. There are various scenes around the city. Football: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, opened in Sep 2025, is 7 km southwest of city centre. With a capacity of 69,500 it's the home stadium of the men's national football team, and in 2025/26 hosted games in the Africa Cup of Nations including the final. The complex also includes an athletics track and field stadium, the indoor Salle Moulay Abdellah arena and an Olympic swimming pool.

Royal Golf Dar es Salaam. The domain is spread over 440 ha of trees, flowers, and water. If you have enough money, a car and are desperately looking for a quiet area to walk around or to play golf you will like it.

Buy

Rue des Consuls an interesting place to wander. This street is so named because foreign diplomats were required to reside here in the seventeenth century until 1912. At that time the main activity of the area was piracy and taking slaves, who were then auctioned. Under a treaty with the Sultan, they were to be redeemed by diplomats from their countries who then had a budget for such purchases. For convenience, these diplomats were thus a few tens of meters from the place of "negotiation". This street was already very active one of the few to be paved. Louis Chenier, the father of the poet Andre Chenier was there representing the King of France from 1768 to 1781. Trading in the redemption of captives was his main activity and he excelled so much that even the Sultan, exhausted, sent him back to France by military force. From the Rue des Consuls, opens a number of alleys housing small shops, enabling craftsmen to maintain their expertise and their art, in often difficult circumstances. Although the medina here is not as extensive as that of Fez or Marrakesh there are still some bargains. You will find the normal array of babushka shoes, baggy pants, ornate mirrors and plates etc. Interestingly all the Moroccans can be found in the section of the market that sells imported western-style clothing from Asia and all the tourists can be found in the 'traditional' section. The lovely woollen djellabas are well worth a look and the carpet shops near the end of the medina are also very nice.

Mega Mall. A modern mall with many expensive shops, such as Lacoste along with a food court. Also contains amenities such as a bowling alley and an ice-skating rink.

Eat

In the centre there are often inexpensive food stalls around the medina, serving delicious fish and salad sandwiches. Especially found right around the perimeter of the Marche Centrale, these places also serve fresh and simple salads, hot bowls of lubia (beans) or lentils, rotisserie chicken, and home-made tagines. There are also lots of stalls selling pancakes and pains au chocolat.

Cafe Maure. Amazing cafe that looks over the sea, where you can drink mint tea and eat sugary treats. The staff are very friendly and you can stay as long as you like soaking up the atmosphere.

Le P'Tit Resto. Cafe and sandwich shop with lunch specials and desserts. 35 dirham for a sandwich.

Le Petit Beur. Delicious bstilla. Intimate setting.

El Rancho. Temporarily closed as of May 2022. Tex-Mex restaurant. Good food and one of the few places where you can get a decent beer.

Mega Mall Food Court. Free Wi-Fi hotspot.

La Mamma’s Pizza. One of the oldest pizzerias in town.

Patisserie La Comedie. Fancy pastries. Croissants 4 dirham. Ice cream 6 dirham per scoop.

Villa Mandarine. Considered as one of the best restaurants in the city

Paul. Traditional French bakery that serves as a restaurant. Can be quite pricy, but the food is magnificent. Worth a visit for their olive bread.

Drink

Amnesia. If you like clubbing then dress up, this is the hippest club in Rabat.

Upstairs. Irish/English theme pub in Agdal. Women will feel comfortable here as it's not men-only. The food is typical pub-grub, with some vegetarian options. Live music is on every now and then.

Le Bistrot Pietri. Located on the first place of Hotel Urban Pietry. It's a quite modern chic restaurant and bar. On Tuesday and Friday night, there are live jazz performance and on Saturdays, rock and roll. It's usually packed on weekends. To get a table, reservation is required.

Le Deux Palais. 31 dirham drafts and 17 dirham small beers. Good food and the perfect place to watch a football match, inside or on the patio. Food is pretty good as well, 10 dirham for a plate for fries.

Learn

French Institut. Offers a variety of books in French and sometimes shows.

Goethe Institut. A non-profit German cultural institution operational worldwide, promoting the study of the German language abroad and encouraging international cultural exchange and relations. The Goethe-Institut also fosters knowledge about Germany by providing information on German culture, society and politics. It is named after German polymath Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

The Institute for Language Communication Studies. The institute is a centre with accelerated and intensive courses starting from 3,000 dirham.

A worldwide non-profit organization created by the Spanish government. It is named after Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616), the author of Don Quixote and perhaps the most important figure in the history of Spanish literature. The Cervantes Institute is the largest organization in the world responsible for promoting the study and the teaching of Spanish language and culture.

Qalam wa Lawh Center for Arabic Studies. Offers courses in Modern Standard Arabic, Colloquial Moroccan Arabic, Arabic Calligraphy, Moroccan Culture, and Islamic History. The quality of Qalam Center Arabic courses is supported by a partnership with Moulay Ismail University in Meknes. The facility includes a library; language labs; and large, comfortable classrooms.

Sleep

Budget Most budget accommodation is found in the Old Medina of Rabat. Walking on Mohammed V street, you’ll see a lot of signs pointing to hotels. On some days these fill up quickly, so it’s good to be early. A double room will set you back about 120–150 dirham.

HI Hostel Rabat. A youth hostel on the edge of the medina walls. Four large dorm rooms with 16 bunks. A 10-minute walk from the train station. Breakfast is included.

Hotel Splendide. In the Ville Nouvelle, an easy walk from the train station. Large rooms and big windows, lots of light, around a central courtyard. Quiet and clean. They offer meals which are just food from the place across the street brought across on a tray. The shared bathrooms are generally clean. Showers 10 dirham, hot water only after 12:00.

Hotel de la Paix. Dingy and dank. If you don't get a room with an en suite shower, you don't get to take one at all.

Hotel Central. Bright room with shower and sink, toilet outside. 10-minute walk to Medina. 2-minute walk from Rabat Ville Train Station. Next to main street Ave. Mohammed V.

Medina Surfing Association. Hostel in an old home in the Medina. Comfortable, free breakfast and occasional dinners on the terrace. 150 dirham per person. Staff are helpful and friendly, beds should be booked in advance. Surfing lessons every day for 250 dirham/person.

Hôtel Balima. 3-star hotel. Closed for renovation as of Jan 2018.

Hotel Sofitel Jardin Des Roses. 5-star hotel close to the Royal Palace and a park, considered by some the best (and one of the most expensive) hotel in the city.

Golden Tulip Farah Rabat. 192 rooms on the banks of the Bourgreg river. Practically within the city centre, next to some of the most recognized monuments within Rabat: the Hassan Tower, and the mausoleum of the late King Mohamed V. It's next to an extremely noisy area of the city.

Villa Mandarine. Set in an exotic orange grove hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city, quite expensive