Rabat is the capital most travellers skip – and that’s exactly why I like it. It’s clean, green and calm, the medina is easy to explore without being followed by guides, and in one day you can see a blue-and-white kasbah above the ocean, the unfinished Hassan Tower, Roman ruins full of storks and a long promenade along the river.
This is my one-day route for Rabat in 2027, with the practical details you need. Building a bigger trip? See my Morocco travel guide and combine Rabat with one day in Fes or Chefchaouen.
Rabat at a glance
- Best for: a calm, hassle-free introduction to Morocco – history, gardens and the ocean
- Getting there: Al Boraq high-speed trains from Tangier and regular trains from Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech
- Getting around: on foot, by petit taxi (red in Rabat) or the tram that links Rabat and Salé
- Free highlights: the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V
- Paid highlight: the Chellah necropolis – 70 MAD, or 120 MAD with an audio guide (prices after the 2024 reopening)
- UNESCO: Rabat’s historic and modern city is a World Heritage Site
My one-day Rabat itinerary
| Time | Stop | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Kasbah of the Udayas | Blue-and-white lanes before the crowds |
| 10:30 | Andalusian Gardens & ocean view | Mint tea with a view of the river mouth |
| 11:30 | Medina & Rue des Consuls | Relaxed shopping, little hassle |
| 13:00 | Lunch in the medina | Try a tagine or fresh seafood |
| 14:30 | Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V | Free; dress modestly |
| 16:00 | Chellah | Roman and Merinid ruins with nesting storks |
| 18:00 | Bou Regreg promenade | Sunset by the river |
Morning: the Kasbah of the Udayas
Start at the top of the old town, at the Kasbah of the Udayas. You enter through the monumental Bab Oudaia gate into narrow lanes painted white and blue – a small, quiet version of Chefchaouen right in the capital. At the end of the main street a terrace looks out over the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, the beach and the Atlantic.
Below the walls, the Andalusian Gardens are a peaceful spot for a stroll, and the traditional café on the terrace is the place for a glass of mint tea and Moroccan pastries.
Late morning: the medina
Walk down into Rabat’s medina. It’s far less overwhelming than Marrakech or Fes – vendors rarely chase you, and the streets are wide enough to breathe. Rue des Consuls is the best street for carpets, leather, ceramics and souvenirs, and the main market streets are where locals do their everyday shopping.
Afternoon: the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The Hassan Tower is the minaret of a giant mosque started in the 12th century and never finished. Today the red tower stands over a field of broken columns – a strange, beautiful place. Across the esplanade is the white Mausoleum of Mohammed V, with royal guards in ceremonial uniform at the gates. Both are free to visit; dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
Late afternoon: the Chellah
Finish your sightseeing at the Chellah, a walled site with Roman ruins, a medieval Merinid necropolis and gardens, where storks nest on every minaret and wall. It reopened in 2024 after renovation with a new visitor route; tickets were 70 MAD (120 MAD with an audio guide) and can be bought on the official website.
Sunset: the river promenade
End the day along the Bou Regreg riverside, looking across to Salé, or on the beach below the kasbah. It’s where Rabat’s families come out in the evening, and it’s a lovely, local way to close your day.
How to get to Rabat
- From Tangier: the Al Boraq high-speed train runs at up to 320 km/h on the Tangier–Kenitra section and reaches Rabat in roughly 1.5 hours.
- From Casablanca: frequent trains take about an hour.
- From Fes: regular trains take around 3 hours.
- From Marrakech: trains take about 4 hours; a high-speed extension to Marrakech is under construction but not expected before the end of the decade.
- Stations: Rabat Ville is the most central; Rabat Agdal is the main stop for Al Boraq.
Practical tips
- Rabat is a working capital – it feels local and relaxed, and prices are often lower than in tourist hubs.
- Use petit taxis with the meter on or the modern tram for longer distances.
- Fridays: mosques and some shops pause around midday prayers.
- Dress code: Rabat is more liberal than many Moroccan cities, but cover shoulders and knees at religious sites.
More one-day trips in Morocco
From Rabat it’s easy to continue to Fes or north to Chefchaouen. In the south, plan 3 days in Marrakech and a breezy day in Essaouira. All my guides are collected in my Morocco travel guide and on the Africa page.
Chefchaouen in one dayThe Blue Pearl: blue lanes, rooftop breakfasts and a sunset viewpoint.
Marrakech in 3 daysSouks, palaces, Jardin Majorelle and how to avoid scams.
Fes in one dayThe world’s largest car-free medina, madrasas and the tanneries.
Essaouira in one dayBlue boats, ocean ramparts and horse riding on the beach.Work with me
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I create honest, practical one-day itineraries read by travellers planning their next trip – plus photos, drone shots and Instagram stories from the road. I’m open to collaborations with hotels, apartments, restaurants, wineries, tour operators and destinations across Morocco: sponsored itineraries, destination features, press trips and social media campaigns.
Work with me Get in touchRabat FAQ
Is Rabat worth visiting?
Yes. Rabat is calm, clean and easy to explore, with the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Chellah – and much less hassle than Marrakech or Fes.
Is one day in Rabat enough?
One day is enough to see the main sights on foot: the kasbah, the medina, the Hassan Tower, the mausoleum and the Chellah. Stay longer if you want to add Salé or the beaches.
How much is the Chellah ticket?
After the 2024 reopening a regular ticket cost 70 MAD and an audio-guided visit 120 MAD, with discounts for Moroccans and residents. Check the official website before you go.
How do I get from Tangier to Rabat?
Take the Al Boraq high-speed train, which reaches Rabat in roughly 1.5 hours. Book on the ONCF website or app, especially at weekends.
Is Rabat safe for tourists?
Rabat is considered one of the safest cities in Morocco. Use normal precautions with your phone and wallet in crowded places.
Miki Kokica
Travel blogger behind One Day Itinerary. I test every route myself and write honest, practical guides so you can make the most of a single day anywhere.
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