Day 1: Hassan Tower, Mausoleum, the Udayas & the Medina
Rabat
Rabat, Morocco's capital, is a calm, leafy contrast to Marrakech and Fes — its monuments and 20th-century city core earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2012. Start at the iconic Hassan Tower and the marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V, then lose an hour in the blue-and-white Kasbah of the Udayas, finishing with mint tea above the river. The afternoon belongs to the walled medina and the craft stalls of Rue des Consuls, before a seafood dinner near the Bouregreg.
Morning
1.5 hoursHassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Begin at the Hassan Tower, the 44m unfinished minaret of a vast mosque begun in 1195 by Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour, surrounded by rows of broken columns. Opposite stands the marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the lavishly decorated tomb of the late king and his sons, watched by royal guards.
Afternoon
2.5 hoursKasbah of the Udayas & Andalusian Gardens
Enter the 12th-century Kasbah of the Udayas through the great Almohad gate of Bab Oudaia and wander its blue-and-white Andalusian streets to the cliff edge. Stroll the Andalusian Gardens and pause at the Café Maure overlooking the river mouth and Salé.
Evening
2.5 hoursRabat Medina & Rue des Consuls
Explore Rabat's relaxed, hassle-light medina and the Rue des Consuls, the city's historic carpet and craft street. Shop for rugs, leather and babouches, then dine on Atlantic seafood near the Bouregreg waterfront.
Meals
- BreakfastAt hotel · At your riad or hotel
- LunchRecommended · Café Maure in the Kasbah of the Udayas (tea and pastries) or a medina grill
- DinnerRecommended · Dar Naji (traditional Rabati) or seafood at the marina
Where you sleep
Riad in the medina or a hotel near the kasbah
Riad · Rabat Medina · $$
Travel note · Rabat is one of Morocco's calmest, safest cities and very walkable. Dress respectfully at the mausoleum — it is an active royal memorial.