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Day Trips
Best Day Trips from Rabat
From the pirate city of Salé to Roman ruins at Volubilis — the best excursions from Morocco's capital, all reachable by train, tram, or taxi.
Salé
The pirate city across the river
3 km 20 min by tram 6 MAD tram
Rabat's twin city across the Bou Regreg river. Once the base of the notorious Salé Rovers (Barbary pirates), Salé retains a traditional atmosphere with far fewer tourists. The medina is larger and busier than Rabat's, the 14th-century Medersa of Salé is exquisite, and Bab Mrisa (the 13th-century sea gate) is architecturally impressive. The pottery workshops are a local specialty.
Highlights
Medersa Abou el Hassan — as beautiful as Fes madrasasBab Mrisa — 13th-century sea gateTraditional medina with very few touristsPottery workshopsGreat Friday Mosque
Casablanca
Hassan II Mosque & Art Deco
87 km 50 min by train 75 MAD each way
Morocco's economic capital is under an hour by high-speed train. The Hassan II Mosque (one of the world's largest, open to non-Muslims, guided tours 130 MAD) is reason enough. Add the Art Deco downtown, Rick's Café, the old medina, and the Corniche waterfront. Leave by 9 AM, return by 7 PM — a full day of contrasts with Rabat.
Highlights
Hassan II Mosque — guided tours at 9, 10, 11, 14:00Art Deco architecture — largest collection in AfricaRick's Café — the Casablanca movie experienceMarché Central — fresh seafood grillsCorniche Atlantic waterfront
Meknes & Volubilis
Imperial city + Roman ruins
140 km 2.5 hours by train 95 MAD each way
A long but rewarding day trip. Meknes has Bab Mansour (the finest gate in North Africa), the massive Heri es-Souani granaries, and an excellent medina. From Meknes, grand taxis reach Volubilis (30 km, 40 min) — Morocco's best Roman ruins with stunning floor mosaics. Stop at Moulay Idriss Zerhoun (Morocco's holiest town) on the way.
Highlights
Bab Mansour — finest gate in North AfricaVolubilis — UNESCO Roman ruins with mosaicsMoulay Idriss Zerhoun — Morocco's holiest townHeri es-Souani — imperial granaries for 12,000 horsesDamascene metalwork shopping
Kenitra & Mehdia Beach
Atlantic beach & Kasbah ruins
40 km 45 min by train 30 MAD each way
A quick escape to the Atlantic coast. Kenitra is a working city, but the nearby Mehdia beach (10 km from Kenitra) has wide golden sand, surf-worthy waves, and the atmospheric Kasbah des Oudaias ruins overlooking the river mouth. Much quieter than Rabat's beach. The Sidi Boughaba lake and nature reserve is a birdwatching paradise nearby.
Highlights
Mehdia Beach — wide, golden, and quietKasbah Mehdia ruins — 17th-century fortressSidi Boughaba — birdwatching lake and reserveSurf conditions — consistent Atlantic wavesVery few tourists
Moulay Bousselham
Lagoon, flamingos & pilgrimage
150 km 2 hours by car 300–500 MAD private taxi
A beautiful lagoon town on the Atlantic coast. The Merja Zerga ("Blue Lagoon") is a Ramsar-listed wetland — home to flamingos, spoonbills, and migrating birds. Boat trips on the lagoon cost 100–200 MAD. The town's beach is wild and uncrowded. The shrine of Moulay Bousselham draws Moroccan pilgrims. A peaceful escape from the capital.
Highlights
Merja Zerga lagoon — flamingos and migratory birdsBoat trips on the lagoon (100–200 MAD)Wild Atlantic beachMoulay Bousselham shrine — pilgrimage siteFresh fish restaurants at the harbour
Jardins Exotiques de Bouknadel
Botanical gardens 15 min from Rabat
17 km 20 min by car 10 MAD entry
A hidden gem just north of Rabat. These exotic gardens were created in 1951 with plant collections from around the world — bamboo groves, Japanese gardens, tropical plants, and Amazonian lily ponds. Quiet, shaded, and rarely visited by tourists. Perfect for a half-day escape combined with a beach visit at nearby Plage des Nations.
Highlights
Exotic plant collections from 5 continentsJapanese garden sectionQuiet and rarely visitedCombine with Plage des Nations beach10 MAD entry — incredible value
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Rabat?
The best day trips from Rabat are: Salé (across the river, 20 min by tram), Casablanca (under 1 hour by train), Meknes & Volubilis (2.5 hours by train), Kenitra & Mehdia Beach (45 min by train), and Moulay Bousselham lagoon (2 hours drive). Salé is the easiest — just hop on the tram. Casablanca is the most popular, especially for Hassan II Mosque.
How do I get from Rabat to Casablanca?
The Al Boraq high-speed train connects Rabat Ville to Casa Voyageurs in under 1 hour (75 MAD each way). Trains depart roughly every 30 minutes. The regular train is slightly cheaper (55 MAD) but takes 1 hour 15 minutes. Both are comfortable and reliable. No reservation needed — buy tickets at the station.
Can I visit Meknes and Volubilis from Rabat in one day?
Yes, but it's a long day. The train from Rabat to Meknes takes 2.5 hours (95 MAD). From Meknes, hire a grand taxi (250–350 MAD) for Volubilis and Moulay Idriss. You'll have 3–4 hours for sightseeing before the return train. Leave by 7 AM and you'll be back by 9 PM. A private driver from Rabat (1,200–1,800 MAD) is more comfortable.