Rabat in 1 Day: the Ideal Itinerary
Morocco's capital, Rabat, is calmer than Marrakech or Casablanca, yet packs major monuments into a small area. One well-organised day is enough to see the essentials.
To visit Rabat in 1 day, start the morning at the Kasbah of the Udayas, with its white-and-blue lanes and Andalusian garden overlooking the mouth of the Bouregreg. Then head to Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret, and the Mohammed V Mausoleum right opposite. In the afternoon, visit the Chellah necropolis, between Roman and Marinid ruins (tickets from €6), then stroll through the medina and Rue des Consuls. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. A private tuk-tuk tour (4.8/5, from €33) links these sites without tiring you out. Rabat is about 1 hour by train from Casablanca, making it an easy day trip.
At a Glance
| Time | Stop | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|
| 9 am | Kasbah of the Udayas and Andalusian garden | 1.5 h |
| 11 am | Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum | 1 h |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch in the medina | 1.5 h |
| 2:30 pm | Chellah necropolis | 1.5 h |
| 4:30 pm | Medina, Rue des Consuls, seafront | 2 h |
Morning — Oudayas, Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum
Enter the Kasbah of the Udayas through its monumental gate, wander its lanes, then have tea facing the ocean. Next, cross to the esplanade of Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum, watched over by the royal guard. See what to do in Rabat.
Afternoon — Chellah and the Medina
The Chellah blends Roman remains, a Marinid necropolis and storks nesting on the ruins. Finish in the medina, calmer than those of Fes or Marrakech. See the Chellah and the mausoleum and Rabat's food tour.
Tours to Book
| Activity | Rating | Reviews | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided tour with the Mohammed V Mausoleum | 4.6 | 100 | 4 h | €91 |
| Private tuk-tuk tour | 4.8 | 82 | 3 h | €33 |
| Medina food walk | 5.0 | 62 | 3 h | €64 |
| Moroccan cooking class | 5.0 | 35 | 3 h | €57 |
| Chellah entry ticket | 4.5 | 20 | 1-2 h | €6 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they vary with the season.
See tours in Rabat· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
Getting There from Casablanca
Trains link Casablanca and Rabat in about 1 hour, with frequent departures. Organised tours also include transport. See the Rabat day trip from Casablanca and trains in Morocco.
Where to Stay
To stay longer, pick a riad in the medina or a hotel in Agdal. See where to stay in Rabat and the best riads in Rabat.
See accommodation in Rabat· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
FAQ — Rabat in 1 Day
Is one day enough to visit Rabat?
What should you not miss in Rabat?
How do you get from Casablanca to Rabat?
How much is entry to the Chellah?
Can you visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum?
Conclusion
Rabat is easy to visit in a day from Casablanca. To continue, see Casablanca in 1 day and Tangier in 2 days.
