Capital · Morocco
Rabatالرباط
Give Rabat 1–2 nights: Kasbah of the Udayas and Chellah in a half day, Hassan Tower in an hour, then move on by train.
Rabat is Morocco's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city on the Atlantic at the mouth of the Bou Regreg, facing Salé across the river. It is calmer and easier to walk than Fes or Marrakech, with a compact historic core. Most travellers use it as a 1–2 night stop on the Tangier–Casablanca train line, or a half-day from Casablanca.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MAD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (coastal heat and crowds)
- Airports
- RBA · CMN
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- North Africa ↗Plan links between North African countries by air or by ferry via Europe; the only regularly usable land borders for visitors are Tunisia–Algeria and Morocco–Mauritania via Western Sahara.
- North Africa ↗Book Saharan nights (dunes, desert camps, oasis tours) between October and April; from May to September desert day temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C and many tours stop.
- Morocco ↗Check entry rules for your passport with the Moroccan consulate or official government sources before booking; visa exemptions depend on nationality.
- Morocco ↗The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency: you normally obtain it on arrival (ATMs, exchange desks) and change leftovers back before departure, keeping exchange receipts.
- Morocco ↗Do not bring a drone without prior authorisation: drones are routinely confiscated at customs.
- Morocco ↗During Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in the street in daylight; tourist restaurants and hotels still serve.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Rabat19 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Rabat, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD).Morocco-wide
- SIM or eSIMMaroc Telecom, Orange and inwi sell tourist SIMs at airports and shops with a passport; 20–50 GB costs about MAD 100–200.Morocco-wide
- Tap waterTap water is treated in cities but most visitors drink bottled; carry water in the south.Morocco-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10%.Morocco-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Morocco-wide
- SafetyRabat is one of Morocco's calmer big cities and generally safe for tourists by day and in the main districts.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels and restaurants; squat toilets in older cafés and on the road.Morocco-wide
- Emergency numbers19 police · 177 Gendarmerie · 15 ambulance and fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidayscheckFriday midday prayers slow business; many shops shut on Eid holidays; museums often close one day a week (usually Tuesday — check).Morocco-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportRBA Rabat–Salé Airport (In Salé, about 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of the centre.RBA Rabat–Salé Airport (In Salé, about 6.2 mi (10 km) northeast of the centre.
- Getting aroundThe centre, medina, Kasbah and monuments are walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealFish or salad sandwich from a market stallMAD 20–40
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Petit taxi across the centreMeter; minimum fare about 5–6 MAD.MAD 15–30
- Metro or bus rideTram rideMAD 6
- Museum or sight ticketChellah entryMAD 70
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personMAD 120
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomMAD 700
- High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomMAD 1,600
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MAD 400 · Mid MAD 800 · High MAD 1,600
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- RBA Rabat–Salé Airport (In Salé, about 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of the centre. AE bus to Rabat-Ville and Rabat-Agdal stations, about 25 MAD; petit taxi on the meter nearer 30 MAD.) · CMN Casablanca Mohammed V (Main international hub; train to Rabat Ville about 1 h, 45 MAD 2nd class.)RBA Rabat–Salé Airport (In Salé, about 6.2 mi (10 km) northeast of the centre. AE bus to Rabat-Ville and Rabat-Agdal stations, about 25 MAD; petit taxi on the meter nearer 30 MAD.) · CMN Casablanca Mohammed V (Main international hub; train to Rabat Ville about 1 h, 45 MAD 2nd class.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Feb
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Mar
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Dec (9 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Rabat: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Feb
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
0 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
1 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
2 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Dec
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre, medina, Kasbah and monuments are walkable. Two tram lines link Rabat and Salé, about 6 MAD a ride, roughly 06:00–23:00. Blue petit taxis run on the meter, minimum fare about 5–6 MAD and rarely over 25–30 MAD in town; check the meter is running. Buses cost about 5 MAD. Driving yourself is not recommended.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1.5 h
Train from Rabat Ville or Rabat Agdal, about 1 h
Hassan II Mosque and the old medina; easy return by train.
Salé medina
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Tram across the Bou Regreg, about 15 min
Older, quieter medina and the Marinid madrasa; half a day.
El Jadida
overnightDoor to door: 2.5–3 h
Train toward Casablanca then onward, or bus
Portuguese cistern and ramparts; better as an overnight than a day return.
Asilah
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h
Train north via Kenitra and Tangier
Whitewashed coastal town; pair with Tangier.
Larache
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h
Train or bus north
Atlantic port with a small medina; too far for a comfortable day trip.
Moulay Bousselham
overnightDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Bus or shared taxi north
Lagoon birdwatching; needs a night to be worth it.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Medina and Kasbah of the Udayas
Oldest quarter, walkable to the river and ocean; guesthouses in the lanes. Best for atmosphere and short stays.
Centre Ville (around Rue des Consuls and Ave Mohammed V)
Downtown hotels, cafés and the tram; 5–10 min walk to the medina and Rabat Ville station.
Agdal
Modern district around Rabat Agdal station; chain hotels, restaurants and the Al Boraq high-speed stop. Good for one night with bags.
Salé (across the river)
Cheaper, quieter, older medina; reachable by tram from Rabat in about 15 min.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- MAD 350–600 excl. bed
- Mid
- MAD 600–1,100 excl. bed
- High
- MAD 1,100+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × MAD 700 | MAD 1,400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × MAD 800 | MAD 3,200 |
| AE bus, airport both ways2 × MAD 50 | MAD 100 |
| Tram day of rides2 × MAD 12 | MAD 24 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MAD 150 | MAD 300 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MAD 502 |
| Trip total≈ MAD 1,382 per person per day, bed included | MAD 5,526 |
2026 estimate in dirhams; flights and long-distance trains excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Mint tea at a medina café | MAD 10–20 |
| Fish or salad sandwich from a market stall | MAD 20–40 |
| Tagine or rotisserie chicken plate | MAD 50–90 |
| Petit taxi across the centreMeter; minimum fare about 5–6 MAD. | MAD 15–30 |
| Tram ride | MAD 6 |
| Chellah entry | MAD 70 |
| Rabat Zoo entry | MAD 50, students 35 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Petit taxis at the airport may refuse the meter and quote 100–200 MAD; wait for a metered blue taxi or take the AE bus.
- Some airport taxi drivers and a few in town refuse the meter: agree the fare or insist on the compteur before you set off.
- Pickpockets on crowded buses and in the medina market; keep bags in front.
- Summer heat and strong Atlantic sun on the coastal walk; carry water.
- Chellah and some museums close for restoration at times: check before you go.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 19
- Gendarmerie
- 177
- Ambulance and fire
- 15
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
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Rabatالرباط
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
لهذا العنوان عافاكTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police19
- Gendarmerie177
- Ambulance and fire15
- From mobiles112
Embassy
Most embassies are in Rabat as the capital; the US embassy is in Agdal (check the address). Others: consulates in Casablanca.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- RBA airport → Rabat Ville, AE bus: about MAD 25, roughly 30–40 min
- RBA airport → centre, metered petit taxi: nearer MAD 30; white taxis may quote 100–200
- Train Rabat → Casablanca, 2nd class: about MAD 45, about 1 h
Say or show
- السلام عليكم — Hello / Peace be upon you (as-salaam alaykum)
- شكرا — Thank you (shukran)
- بشحال؟ — How much is it? (bech-hal)
- الكونتور عافاك — Please use the meter (le compteur afak)
- الحساب عافاك — The bill, please (l-hisab afak)
- فين البيتو؟ — Where is the toilet? (fin l-bitou)
Tipping is expected for small services: MAD 10–20 for porters and guides' helpers, 5–10% in restaurants.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Rabat. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (coastal heat and crowds) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for RBA: AE bus times, metered petit taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Kasbah and medina, Hassan Tower and Chellah, Agdal, Salé.
- Place pages with verified hours and prices (Kasbah, Chellah, Hassan Tower, Marinid madrasa) and eat pages with last orders.
- Train and tram fixtures so the Tangier–Rabat–Casablanca corridor can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit Morocco — Rabat
- officialONCF (Moroccan railways)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Rabat, revision 5300803 (CC BY-SA 4.0)