Kasbah of the Udayas
Blue-and-white lanes, an Andalusian garden and a terrace café above the river mouth.
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Host city guide · The Capital
Rabat
الرباط، مدينة الأنوار
Gardens, ocean views and a blue-and-white kasbah: the capital is green, safe and easy to get around by tram.
Airport
Rabat-Salé (RBA), or Casablanca (CMN)
Stadium
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
Summer weather
Warm, cooled by the ocean
By train
Al Boraq to Tanger, trains to Casablanca & Fès
Match day
The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was rebuilt in the green Souissi district, south of the centre. Allow time for the crowds on the way back.
- 1
Head out early. Roads around Souissi fill up before big matches. [Add official shuttle info when announced]
- 2
Use the tram. Two lines link Rabat and Salé; buy a rechargeable card at the station machines.
- 3
Blue taxis use the meter. Rabat's blue petit taxis run on the meter inside the city. Larger groups can take a white grand taxi.
Don't miss
Hassan Tower & Mohammed V Mausoleum
An unfinished 12th-century minaret facing the royal mausoleum and its guards.
Chellah
Roman ruins and a medieval necropolis in a garden full of storks.
The medina
Calmer than most: rugs on Rue des Consuls, juice stalls and everyday shopping.
Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Moroccan painting and sculpture of the last century, in a cool white building.
Bouregreg & Salé
Walk the marina, then cross to Salé's old medina by rowing boat or tram.
Eat like a local
بصحتك
Rabat cooks like a royal city: five dishes to look for, from pastilla to a glass of tea above the river.
- PastillaSweet-and-savoury pie of chicken, almonds and cinnamon
- RfissaShredded msemen with chicken, lentils and fenugreek
- Grilled sardinesFresh from the Atlantic, with tomato and cumin
- SfenjHot ring doughnuts, best in the morning
- Tea at the Café MaureMint tea and almond biscuits in the Kasbah's garden café
Where to stay
Medina
Small riads a few steps from the Kasbah and Rabat Ville station.
Agdal
Modern apartments, cafés and Rabat Agdal station, where the high-speed train stops.
Souissi
Leafy and quiet, with large hotels close to the stadium.
Run a riad or hotel in Rabat?
Get listed for free in this guide and reach fans planning their trip.
Day trips from Rabat
Half day
Salé
Rabat's twin across the river: an old medina, a grand mosque and pottery workshops.
Half day
Temara beaches
Sandy beaches and seafood cafés just south of the city.
Full day
Casablanca
Under an hour by train: the Hassan II Mosque and the corniche.
Full day
Meknès & Volubilis
An imperial city and Morocco's best Roman ruins, by train and taxi.
Local tips
Rabat is relaxed: touts are rare, and a simple "la, shukran" is enough when they're not.
Respect official buildings: don't photograph the guards, palaces or ministries up close.
Friday is different: many shops close around midday prayers, and couscous is on every family table.