Rabat event weekends: what to do between sessions
The calm, green capital on the Bou Regreg river: a blue-and-white kasbah, royal monuments and a riverfront that has been rebuilt for 2030.
Events we cover in Rabat
9 Apr 2027*Rabat International Marathon
Rabat, MoroccoMarathon18 Jun 2027*Mawazine
Rabat, MoroccoFestival8 Jun 2030World Cup 2030 in Rabat
Rabat, MoroccoWorld Cup 2030
Rabat, MoroccoMarathon18 Jun 2027*Mawazine
Rabat, MoroccoFestival8 Jun 2030World Cup 2030 in Rabat
Rabat, MoroccoWorld Cup 2030
Arriving
Rabat-Salé (RBA) is 10 km from the centre, about 20 minutes and 100 to 150 dirhams by taxi. Many visitors fly into Casablanca (CMN) and take the train: airport to Casa Voyageurs, then 55 minutes to Rabat Ville.
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Medina and Rabat Ville station area | Riads and simple hotels inside the walls, walking distance to the kasbah and trains. |
| Mid-range | Hassan and Agdal | Modern hotels on the tram line with cafés and easy access to the stadium district. |
| Splurge | Souissi and the river | Palace hotels with big gardens, quiet and close to the royal golf course. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Riad Kalaa
- Mid-range: Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses
- Splurge: The Ritz-Carlton Rabat
Tours
Half day · Family · Low walking
Rabat imperial city tour
Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V mausoleum, Chellah ruins and the Kasbah of the Udayas.
Half day · Family
Kasbah of the Udayas walking tour
Blue lanes, the Andalusian garden and ocean views.
Full day · Family
Day trip to Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss
Roman mosaics, a holy town and an imperial capital.
Half day · Low walking
Bou Regreg boat crossing and Salé medina
Row across the river to the quieter medina of Salé.
Where to eat
With kids
- Rabat zoo (Jardin zoologique national) has Barbary lions.
- Beach time at Plage de Rabat or the calmer Temara beaches.
- Nouzhat Hassan and Jardin d'Essais botanical gardens for picnics.
Rainy-day backups
- Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
- Museum of History and Civilisations.
- Arribat Center and Rabat Marina shops.
Free things to do
- Walk the Kasbah of the Udayas and sit in the Andalusian garden.
- Visit the Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V mausoleum with its guards.
- Stroll the Bou Regreg riverfront promenade and Marina of Salé.
Getting around
- Rabat-Salé tram lines link the centre, Agdal, the university area and Salé for about 6 dirhams.
- Petit taxis run inside each city on the meter: ask the driver to switch it on, or agree the fare before you get in. Grand taxis are shared and run fixed routes between towns.
- Careem and inDrive work in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Tangier and Agadir. Expect to pay in cash in dirhams in most places.
- Al Boraq high-speed trains link Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat and Casablanca. Classic ONCF trains continue to Marrakech and Fez. Book on the ONCF app; first class is cheap and worth it on busy days.
- Fridays around midday prayers and the evenings during Ramadan change opening hours and traffic.