2 Days in Rabat
The perfect weekend in Morocco's capital — Kasbah des Oudaias, Hassan Tower, Chellah necropolis, world-class art, and sunset over the Atlantic.
At a Glance
Day 1: Kasbah, Hassan Tower & Chellah
Kasbah des Oudaias
Start at Rabat's jewel — the 12th-century kasbah perched above the Bouregreg estuary. Walk through Bab Oudaia (the monumental gate), wander the blue-and-white streets (reminiscent of Chefchaouen), visit the Andalusian Gardens with their orange trees and fountains, and take in panoramic views over the river and Salé.
Café Maure
Perched on the kasbah walls above the Atlantic, Café Maure is Rabat's most scenic café. Mint tea and almond pastries with views over the estuary mouth and the ocean. Simple, traditional, and unforgettable.
Hassan Tower & Mohammed V Mausoleum
Walk 15 minutes to the Hassan Tower — the unfinished minaret of a 12th-century mosque that would have been the world's largest. The 44m tower stands among 200 remaining columns. Adjacent is the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a masterpiece of modern Moroccan architecture with zellige tilework, carved cedar, and royal guards.
Rabat Medina
Rabat's medina is one of Morocco's most pleasant — organised, calm, and hassle-free. Walk Rue des Consuls (the main commercial street) for leather goods, carpets, and antiques. The medina has a UNESCO-listed status and is well-maintained. End at Rue Souika for spices and street food.
Lunch in the Medina
Eat at one of the medina restaurants near Place Bab Chellah. Try the fish tagine (Rabat is a coastal city) or a traditional Rbati bastilla (pigeon pie). Le Dhow, a restaurant on a boat on the Bouregreg, is a unique alternative.
Chellah Necropolis
Rabat's most atmospheric site — a walled medieval necropolis built on the ruins of the Roman city of Sala Colonia. Roman columns, Islamic tombs, wild gardens, and a resident stork colony nesting on the minaret. The site is peaceful, overgrown, and hauntingly beautiful — more like a secret garden than a ruin.
Avenue Mohammed V
Walk Rabat's grand French Colonial boulevard — Art Deco buildings, the main post office, Bank al-Maghrib, and the Parliament. The avenue captures Rabat's identity as a modern, elegant capital. Stop for a coffee or pastry at one of the boulevard cafés.
Sunset at the Kasbah Beach
Return to the Kasbah des Oudaias area and walk down to the beach at the mouth of the Bouregreg. Watch the sunset over the Atlantic with the kasbah walls above you and fishing boats returning to port. Locals gather here for the evening — it is Rabat at its most relaxed.
Day 2: Art, Salé & Marina
Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Morocco's first modern art museum, opened in 2014 in a striking contemporary building. The collection spans Moroccan art from the 20th century to today — painting, sculpture, photography, and video. Rotating exhibitions bring international art. A world-class museum that many visitors to Morocco miss entirely.
Ville Nouvelle Walk
Explore Rabat's Ville Nouvelle — the French-designed modern city with wide boulevards, Art Deco architecture, and the city's best cafés and restaurants. Walk through the Parc du Triangle de Vue for green space, then along Avenue Allal Ben Abdellah for bookshops and galleries.
Tram to Salé
Take the tram across the Bouregreg to Rabat's sister city Salé. Walk through Salé's quieter, more traditional medina, visit the Grande Mosquée (exterior), and explore the Mellah. Salé sees almost no tourists and offers a more authentic Moroccan city experience. The view back across the river to Rabat is excellent.
Lunch in Salé or Back in Rabat
Option A: Eat in Salé medina — cheaper and more local than Rabat. Try a hole-in-the-wall tagine or couscous restaurant. Option B: Tram back to Rabat and lunch at Cosmopolitan (French-Moroccan) or Dar Zaki (traditional Moroccan) in the Ville Nouvelle.
Royal Palace (Exterior) & Dar al-Makhzen
Walk past the Royal Palace — the official residence of the King. The palace grounds are vast and the main gate is ornate, flanked by royal guards. You cannot enter, but the scale and ceremonial architecture are impressive from the exterior.
Souvenir Shopping
Return to the medina for final shopping. Rabat is known for carpets (the Rabat knot is a distinctive weaving style), leather goods, and handmade jewellery. Rue des Consuls has the best selection. Prices are more reasonable than Marrakech and bargaining is gentler.
Bouregreg Marina
Walk along the redeveloped Bouregreg Marina — modern architecture, boat moorings, cafés, and a promenade linking Rabat to the new Hassan II Bridge. This is modern Rabat at its best — a glimpse of the capital's cosmopolitan future alongside its medieval past.
Farewell Sunset from Oudaias Terrace
End your Rabat weekend where you started — the Kasbah des Oudaias terrace. Mint tea, the Atlantic turning gold, the call to prayer echoing across the estuary. Rabat is Morocco's most underrated city, and this view is why people who visit once always come back.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2 days enough for Rabat?
Yes — two days covers Rabat thoroughly. Day 1: Kasbah des Oudaias, Hassan Tower, Mohammed V Mausoleum, medina, and Chellah. Day 2: Mohammed VI Museum of Modern Art, Ville Nouvelle, Bouregreg Marina, and optional Salé day trip. Rabat is compact and well-connected by tram, making it easy to see everything without rushing.
How do I get to Rabat?
By train: Rabat Ville station is on the main Marrakech–Tangier line. From Casablanca: 1 hour (frequent departures). From Fes: 2.5 hours. From Marrakech: 4 hours. From Tangier: 2 hours via Al Boraq high-speed train. By air: Rabat-Salé Airport has limited international connections; Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (1 hour by train) is the main gateway.
What is the budget for 2 days in Rabat?
Expect 400–800 MAD ($40–80) per person for 2 days, covering meals, entrance fees, tram rides, and incidentals. This excludes accommodation (300–800 MAD/night for a good hotel or riad). Rabat is moderately priced — more affordable than Marrakech, slightly pricier than Fes or Meknes for dining.
Is Rabat safe?
Rabat is widely considered the safest major city in Morocco. As the political capital, it has a significant security presence. The medina is calm and hassle-free compared to Marrakech or Fes. Solo travellers, including women, generally feel very comfortable. Standard urban precautions apply — watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.