Rabat Morocco 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Rabat Itinerary:

This itinerary offers a taste of Rabat’s highlights, combining historical sites, cultural experiences, and delicious food.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: The luxurious Hôtel La Tour Hassan offers stunning views and a rooftop pool with panoramic city sights.
  • Boutique: For a charming stay, consider Riad Dar Zaman or Riad El Maaden, both offering traditional Moroccan architecture and hospitality.

Day 1: Exploring the Historic Core

  • Morning:

    • Arrive in Rabat at Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA).
    • Take a taxi to the Medina, the historic heart of the city. (~30 MAD from the airport)
    • Check into your accommodation.
    • Wander through the narrow streets and alleys of the Old City, taking in the traditional architecture and atmosphere.
    • Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a historical fortress on the banks of the Bou Regreg River. Enjoy the stunning views from the top and visit the beautiful Andalusian-style gardens.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch: Dine at Dar el Kebira, a traditional restaurant in the heart of the Medina, known for its delicious Moroccan cuisine and charming ambiance.
    • Discover the iconic Hassan Tower and the unfinished minaret that symbolizes Rabat’s history.
    • Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a majestic building with intricate mosaics and a blend of Moorish and Andalusian architecture.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Enjoy a sunset dinner at La Maison du Thé, a charming restaurant specializing in Moroccan tea ceremonies and pastries.

  • Explore the Kasbah: Wander through its whitewashed streets, visit the Musée Mohammed VI d’Art Moderne et Contemporain for a taste of local art and culture, or simply relax by the Cafe Maurestaque while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Oudayas Kasbah.

Day 2: Immerse in Culture

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Chellah, a fascinating archaeological site with Roman ruins and ancient tombs. Explore the ancient necropolis and its blend of history and architecture.
    • Hike to the top of the Oudayas Kasbah: Enjoy stunning views of the city and the ocean while exploring the historical ruins, traditional houses, and the charming Oudayas Museum in Rabat’s old town.

  • Explore the Mausoleum: Immerse yourself in the intricate details and beauty of the mausoleum.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch: Indulge in a delicious lunch at Cafe Maison Blanche, a popular restaurant with a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean.

    • Wander through the streets: Explore the charming streets and alleyways of the Oudayas Kasbah and discover its hidden gems, such as:

      • The Kasbah Mosque: Immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of this beautiful mosque.
      • The Andalusian Gardens, a serene oasis with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
      • The Museum of El-Maghreb: Dive into the history and culture of Morocco through its rich collection of artifacts.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal at Dar Zerhouni, a renowned restaurant known for its authentic tagine dishes.

  • Day 3: Coastal Charm

    • Explore the Oudayas Kasbah: Visit the Royal Gardens and the Gardens of the Botanical Museum, both offering beautiful landscapes and captivating scenery.

Enjoy:

  • A day trip to the charming seaside town of Essaouira: This vibrant city is known for its windswept beaches, beautiful sunsets, and delicious fresh seafood.
  • Explore the charming streets: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the Medina, admiring the traditional architecture and visiting the local shops.

Things to Know:

  • Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) as currency. It’s best to exchange money at banks or official exchange bureaus for the most favorable rates.

  • Arabic is the official language, but French is widely spoken. Knowing some basic phrases in either language will be helpful.

  • Haggling is a common practice in Morocco, especially in the souks (markets). Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices for souvenirs and goods.

  • Dress conservatively: While Rabat is generally a moderate city, it’s still respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like the Chellah.

Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal with a view at Le Dhow, a restaurant known for its delicious seafood dishes and rooftop terrace.

  • Day 4: Modern Exploration
    • Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Cafe El Maaden before heading out on a shopping spree in the Souks.
    • Explore the Medina: Discover local artisans, indulge in traditional Moroccan treats, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Things to Know:

  • Respectful attire is important: While you’re exploring the modern side of Rabat, consider dressing in a more modern style.
  • Bargaining etiquette: When shopping in the souks, remember that prices are often negotiable, but be polite and respectful when haggling.

Transportation:

  • Petit taxis: Small and inexpensive, these blue taxis can be hailed throughout the city. They are great for getting around within the city.

  • Grand taxis: Larger and less frequent, these shared taxis are a good option for traveling to nearby towns or villages.

  • Train travel: The train station in Rabat is well-connected with other major cities in Morocco.

Food:

  • Cafe Culture: Immerse yourself in the local coffee culture by enjoying traditional mint tea and snacks like chebakia (sesame cookies), harira (soup)), or bread and pastries from a bakery.

  • Try local delicacies:

    • Harira: This hearty soup, often served during Ramadan, is a delicious way to experience the culinary traditions of Morocco.

Tips for Tourists:

  • Learn basic Arabic phrases: While French is widely spoken, knowing some basic greetings and expressions like “thank you” (shukran) or “hello” (salam) in Arabic will enhance your interaction with the local culture.

  • Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites: This shows respect for the culture and traditions of Morocco.

  • Respect personal space:

Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, so it’s important to be mindful of cultural norms.

  • Carry small denominations:

Taxis and taxis drivers may not have change for larger bills.

  • Dress appropriately: While you can dress more freely in other areas, it’s advisable to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

Food:

  • Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine:

Try dishes like “tajine” (a slow-cooked stew), “couscous” (a staple dish made with semolina), and “harira” (a traditional soup).

  • Explore the street food scene:

The souks are a great place to find delicious and affordable local treats.

  • Dress for the occasion:

Things to Consider:

  • Dress code: Wear modest clothing in Morocco.

Remember: This is just a sample itinerary. You can customize it to fit your own interests and schedule.