Rabat Morocco is the capital of the country, an Atlantic city at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river with a World Heritage listing, an unfinished Almohad minaret and a seaside kasbah. This Rabat Morocco guide covers the history, the best things to do in Rabat, how many days to give it and when to go, so you can plan your visit. It fits into a 7 days in Morocco route, and it is easy to compare with the largest city in Morocco.
Rabat Morocco at a glance
According to Wikipedia, Rabat sits on the Atlantic coast across the Bou Regreg river from Salé and had 515,619 residents in 2024, making it the seventh largest city in the country. The French protectorate made it the administrative center in 1912, and the article says it became the capital at independence in 1956, although it dates the capital status to both years in different places. Its heritage is listed by UNESCO as “Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage”, inscribed in 2012.
A short history of Rabat Morocco
Wikipedia says the Almohads founded the city in the 12th century and named it Ribat al-Fath in 1170 as a naval base. After the death of the caliph Yaqub al-Mansur the city declined, and in the 17th century it became a corsair base, with the Republic of Bou Regreg formed in 1627. The Alawi dynasty conquered the area in 1666. The Almohad walls were completed in 1197. If you wonder where Morocco sits on the map, read is Morocco in Africa.
Things to do in Rabat Morocco
Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat Morocco
The Kasbah of the Udayas is the oldest part of present-day Rabat, built by the Almohad caliph Abd al-Mu’min in 1150 to 1151 to replace an Almoravid ribat, according to Wikipedia. It was expanded under the 17th and 18th century corsairs and the Alawi dynasty, and it is residential today, with a 20th century Andalusian garden. GuruWalk describes narrow lanes, blue and white houses and views over the Atlantic, and mentions Café Maure between the kasbah and the river overlook. Expect restrictions at the kasbah mosque.
See the Hassan Tower in Rabat Morocco
The Hassan Tower is the unfinished minaret of an enormous mosque planned by the Almohad caliph Yaqub al-Mansur, who reigned from 1184 to 1199, and it was never completed, according to Wikipedia. It stands on an open esplanade among rows of columns. GuruWalk advises against assuming you can climb it, so treat it as an outdoor monument. We could not confirm its height from our sources.
Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat Morocco
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V stands across from the Hassan Tower. Wikipedia says it was completed in 1971 in a Moroccan revivalist style, designed by the Vietnamese architect Cong Vo Toan, and that it holds the remains of Mohammed V, who died in 1961, and Hassan II. GuruWalk says it is an active memorial, so dress modestly and keep your voice down. See what to wear in Morocco for women for clothing tips.
Visit Chellah near Rabat Morocco
Chellah is an archaeological site just south of the walls with a 13th to 14th century Marinid funerary and religious complex and the ruins of the Roman city of Sala Colonia, per Wikipedia. GuruWalk says stork visibility there depends on the time of year, and that Chellah lies outside the central neighborhoods.
Wander the medina and the riverfront
Wikipedia says the old medina lies below the kasbah and above the Andalusian Wall. GuruWalk names Rue des Consuls as the main shopping street, and describes a riverfront and marina walk with views toward Salé. Carry small notes; see cash in Morocco and tipping in Morocco. For dishes to try, read our Moroccan food guide.
Museums and the Royal Palace
Wikipedia lists the Museum of History and Civilizations and the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which opened in 2014. GuruWalk says the interior of the Royal Palace, Dar al-Makhzen, is generally not open to the public, so the exterior and main gate are the realistic stop. We could not confirm museum opening hours.
How many days in Rabat Morocco
GuruWalk says two days cover the Kasbah, the Hassan Tower, the mausoleum and the medina, and three days add Chellah, the museum and the riverfront. Plan your time with how many days you need in Morocco, and compare with Fes Morocco and Fes versus Marrakech.
Getting around Rabat Morocco
GuruWalk mentions petit taxis, walking and the tram, and says to check current tram and route information locally. Wikipedia says the tramway opened on 11 May 2011 and had 26.9 km and 43 stations as of 2022. Our sources do not give train times from other cities, so check locally; see train versus bus versus rental car in Morocco.
The best time to visit Rabat Morocco
Wikipedia describes a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot dry summers and mild damp winters. Winter highs are typically about 17 °C and summer highs about 27 °C, with occasional heat waves above 40 °C and about 2,916 hours of sunshine a year. Compare Morocco in summer, Morocco in November and Morocco in winter, or the full best time to visit Morocco.
Rabat Morocco events
The Mawazine festival is a week-long music event first held in 2001 under the auspices of the king, according to Wikipedia, and most areas are free while some stages charge admission. Dates change, so confirm them.
Rabat Morocco and the rest of your trip
Combine Rabat Morocco with Volubilis, the Roman site, or Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech, and see whether Marrakech is worth visiting. For heritage, read our Jewish heritage tour of Morocco. Many travelers stay in a riad; see riad versus hotel. For romance, see the best places in Morocco for couples. Heading for the dunes? Read about a night in a Sahara desert camp. Solo? Read the solo female travel guide, and learn a few Darija phrases.
Rabat Morocco FAQ
Is Rabat Morocco worth visiting?
Yes, for the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower and the mausoleum. The UNESCO listing recognizes the city’s heritage.
How many days do you need in Rabat Morocco?
Two days for the main sights and three if you add Chellah, according to GuruWalk.
Who built the Hassan Tower in Rabat Morocco?
The Almohad caliph Yaqub al-Mansur, in the late 12th century, as the minaret of a mosque that was never finished, per Wikipedia.
Is Rabat Morocco the capital of Morocco?
Yes. Wikipedia describes it as the country’s capital, with the French protectorate making it the administrative center in 1912.
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Message us on WhatsAppNavigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family. We will be glad to help you plan your Rabat Morocco stop and the rest of your route, from the coast to the dunes.
More Navigate Morocco guides: Largest city in Morocco, Fes Morocco, Volubilis Morocco, 7 days in Morocco, Hassan II Mosque Casablanca, Things to do in Tangier, Meknes Morocco, El Jadida Morocco.
