Kasbah of the Udayas
A 12th-century fortified quarter of blue-washed lanes above the river, with an Andalusian garden and café overlooking the Atlantic.
Merzouga, MoroccoDesert Concierge · 7 Days · 9–21H GMT+1
Capital · Atlantic coast
Rabat, Morocco
A calm Atlantic capital to ease into Morocco before the long road south to the dunes.
Best time
April–June and September–October
Recommended
1 day
Airport
Rabat-Salé (RBA) or Casablanca (CMN) + 1h train
Region
Capital · Atlantic coast
Why Rabat
Rabat is not a desert town, but it makes a calm, easy first or last stop on a longer Sahara itinerary — especially for travellers arriving via Casablanca and heading on to Fes and the desert road. The political capital is one of Morocco's most relaxed cities: a UNESCO-listed blend of Almohad ramparts, French-era avenues and Atlantic light. The blue-and-white kasbah of the Udayas sits above the river mouth; the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V anchor the skyline; and the medina is gentle and hassle-free — a soft landing before the heat and distance of the south.
What to see
Highlights of Rabat.
Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The minaret of a mosque never finished, facing the exquisitely decorated royal mausoleum guarded by mounted sentries.
Chellah necropolis
Roman and Merinid ruins reclaimed by storks and gardens — one of the most atmospheric sites in the country.
Medina & ville nouvelle
A low-key medina for carpets and crafts, plus the art-deco and modernist avenues of the French protectorate.
Itineraries
Our Rabat tours.
Every itinerary below is privately operated, fully customisable, and includes a deep stop in Rabat. Click any tour for the day-by-day plan, the map, dates and pricing.
8 days
North to desert: the royal route south
Rabat opens a long route that runs through the imperial cities to Fes and on down the desert road to the Merzouga dunes.
from $2,450Enquire →
1 day
Casablanca & Rabat arrival day
Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, then the kasbah and monuments of Rabat — an easy first day before turning south toward Fes and the desert.
from $260Enquire →
Before you go
Practical notes.
- Getting there: 1h by train from Casablanca, 2h30 from Tangier on the Al Boraq high-speed line; the usual northern stop en route to the Fes desert road
- Best for: An easy arrival or departure day on a longer north-to-Sahara itinerary
Concierge
Have your Rabat trip designed by a local
Tell us your dates, group size and pace. We'll send back a written proposal within 24 hours — private guides, transfers, riads, the lot.
Request a proposalFAQ
Rabat — common questions.
Does Rabat fit on a Sahara desert itinerary?+
Yes, as a calm bookend rather than a desert stop. Travellers arriving via Casablanca or Tangier often spend a day here before continuing to Fes and the Fes–Merzouga desert road. Its monuments and the Chellah ruins make a rewarding, low-key first day.
How long do you need in Rabat?+
A full day covers the kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower and mausoleum, the Chellah and the medina — enough before pushing on toward the desert.
Closest destinations
Pair Rabat with.
These destinations are closest to Rabat — easily combined on a private itinerary.
85 kmAtlantic coast · Central Morocco
Casablanca
The main international arrival point — where many desert journeys touch down before the road south.
Explore
108 kmAtlantic coast · Northern Morocco
Moulay Bousselham
Morocco's premier birdwatching lagoon between Rabat and Tangier — a watery northern contrast to the desert.
Explore
119 kmNorthern Morocco · Meknès-Tafilalet
Volubilis & Moulay Idriss
Roman mosaics beneath a hilltop holy town near Fes — a historic day to add before the desert road south.
ExploreRead more
From the journal.
Stories, guides and practical notes to help you plan a richer trip to Rabat.
Journal