Where to stay in Rabat
Rabat is Morocco's capital, a calm, green city on the Atlantic at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, facing Salé. Its main sights are close together, so the main choice is between a riad in the medina near the Kasbah of the Udayas and a modern hotel in the Ville Nouvelle or the Agdal and Hassan districts.
Medina and Kasbah of the Udayas
Riads in the medina and near the Kasbah of the Udayas have courtyards and roof terraces. You can walk to the Andalusian Gardens, the blue-and-white lanes of the kasbah and the beach. It is atmospheric and quiet at night compared with Marrakech or Fez.
Ville Nouvelle and Hassan
The French-built centre around Avenue Mohammed V has hotels, cafes and the Rabat Ville train station. The Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V are a short walk away. The tram network makes it easy to get around.
Agdal
Agdal is a modern district south-west of the centre, with hotels, shopping streets, cafes and the Rabat Agdal train station for high-speed trains to Tangier and Casablanca. It is calm and comfortable, a short tram or taxi ride from the medina.
One thing to think about
Many riads are reachable only on foot through the medina lanes, so ask for directions or a pick-up from the nearest gate. Note which station your train uses: Rabat Ville is central, while high-speed trains also stop at Rabat Agdal.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Rabat are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Common questions
Is Rabat worth visiting?
Yes. Rabat is calmer and less hectic than Marrakech or Fez, with a UNESCO-listed old city, the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower, the Chellah ruins and good museums. It is easy to walk around and makes a relaxed introduction to Morocco.
How do I get from Rabat to Casablanca or Tangier?
Regular trains connect Rabat with Casablanca in about an hour. The Al Boraq high-speed train links Rabat with Tangier in around one and a half hours. Trains also continue to Fez and Marrakech, making Rabat a convenient base on a Moroccan rail trip.
Can I visit Salé from Rabat?
Yes. Salé is just across the Bou Regreg River, connected by bridges and the tram. It has an old medina with a great mosque and the Medersa Abu al-Hassan. The riverside marina and the boats across the estuary are also pleasant to explore.
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