Rabat Itinerary 10 Days: A Journey Through Morocco's Coastal Capital (2026)

Arrive at Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) and transfer to your accommodation. After settling in, begin your Moroccan adventure with a visit to the magnificent Kasbah of the Udayas. This 12th-century fortress offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bou Regreg River. Get lost in its charming, narrow streets, painted in iconic blue and white. Discover hidden courtyards, ornate doorways, and the tranquil Andalusian Gardens, a perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle. Don't miss the Musée des Oudaïas, housed in a 17th-century palace, which showcases a collection of traditional Moroccan jewelry. As the sun begins to set, make your way to Café Maure for a traditional mint tea and Moroccan pastries while enjoying the stunning panoramic views. For dinner, indulge in a delicious tagine at Dar Zaki, a highly-rated restaurant known for its authentic Moroccan cuisine and cozy atmosphere. This first day provides a perfect introduction to the history, beauty, and flavors of Rabat.

Today, delve into Rabat's imperial past. Start your day at the Hassan Tower, the impressive, unfinished minaret of a mosque that was intended to be the largest in the world. Standing at 44 meters, it offers a glimpse into the grand vision of its 12th-century builder, Yacoub al-Mansour. Adjacent to the tower is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture. Admire the intricate details of the mausoleum, which houses the tombs of the Moroccan king and his two sons. In the afternoon, journey back in time at the Chellah, a medieval fortified necropolis built on the site of an ancient Roman city. Explore the fascinating ruins, where Roman and Islamic history intertwine. Wander through the remains of temples, a triumphal arch, and a mosque, and spot the storks that have made the Chellah their home. For lunch, enjoy a casual meal at a local café near the Chellah. In the evening, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Le Dhow, a restaurant and lounge on a boat in the Bou Regreg marina, offering stunning views of the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Rabat with a full day dedicated to exploring the city's old medina. Unlike the chaotic medinas of other Moroccan cities, Rabat's is more relaxed and easier to navigate. Start your journey at the Rue des Consuls, famous for its traditional carpets and leather goods. Wander through the labyrinthine alleys, discovering hidden squares, fountains, and traditional riads. Don't be afraid to get lost; every corner reveals a new surprise. Explore the various souks within the medina, each specializing in different crafts. Find fragrant spices, colorful babouches (leather slippers), handcrafted jewelry, and beautiful ceramics. Practice your bargaining skills and enjoy the friendly banter with the local shopkeepers. For lunch, sample some delicious Moroccan street food, such as grilled meats, tagine, or bissara (a fava bean soup). In the afternoon, visit the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, located just outside the medina, to admire the works of Moroccan artists. For dinner, head to Dar Naji, a popular restaurant that serves a wide variety of traditional Moroccan dishes in a lively atmosphere.

Today, explore the modern side of Rabat, the Ville Nouvelle (New City), built by the French in the early 20th century. Admire the elegant colonial architecture, wide boulevards, and green spaces. Start your day with a visit to the St. Peter's Cathedral, a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture. Then, stroll down the Avenue Mohammed V, the city's main thoroughfare, lined with shops, cafes, and government buildings. In the afternoon, escape the city's hustle and bustle at the Jardin d'Essais Botaniques, a peaceful botanical garden with a vast collection of plants from around the world. Take a leisurely walk through the gardens, relax by the fountains, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. For lunch, try a French-inspired meal at a café in the Ville Nouvelle. In the evening, catch a performance at the Théâtre National Mohammed V, the city's premier cultural venue, or enjoy a movie at a local cinema.

Discover the coastal beauty of Rabat and its sister city, Salé. Start your day with a walk along Rabat's picturesque coastline. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze, watch the waves crash against the shore, and admire the views of the Kasbah of the Udayas from a different perspective. You can also visit the Rabat Lighthouse for even more stunning panoramic views. In the afternoon, take a traditional boat across the Bou Regreg River to Salé, Rabat's historic rival. Explore Salé's authentic medina, which is less touristy than Rabat's and offers a glimpse into traditional Moroccan life. Visit the Great Mosque of Salé, one of the oldest and most important mosques in Morocco, and the Medersa Abu al-Hasan, a beautifully preserved 14th-century Islamic college. For lunch, enjoy fresh seafood at a restaurant in Salé's marina. In the evening, return to Rabat and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Embark on a day trip to the imperial city of Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage site located about an hour and a half from Rabat by train. Meknes was the capital of Morocco under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century and is known for its impressive city walls, monumental gates, and vast underground prisons. Start your visit at the Bab Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco. Explore the vast Heri es-Souani, the sultan's former granaries and stables, and the Agdal Basin, a large reservoir that was once used to irrigate the royal gardens. In the afternoon, wander through the lively medina of Meknes, which is smaller and less crowded than those of Fez and Marrakech. Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and the Dar Jamai Museum, which houses a collection of Moroccan arts and crafts. For lunch, enjoy a traditional meal at a restaurant in the medina. In the evening, return to Rabat by train.

Today, take a day trip to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss. Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was once a thriving Roman city and is now one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Morocco. Explore the extensive ruins, including the remains of a basilica, a triumphal arch, and several villas with beautiful mosaics. The mosaics depicting scenes from Roman mythology are particularly impressive. After visiting Volubilis, continue to the nearby town of Moulay Idriss, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Morocco. The town is named after Moulay Idriss I, the founder of the first Moroccan dynasty. Wander through the charming streets of the town, visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss (from the outside, as non-Muslims are not allowed to enter), and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. For lunch, enjoy a simple but delicious meal at a local café in Moulay Idriss. In the evening, return to Rabat.

After several days of sightseeing, it's time to relax and enjoy the sun and sand. Head to Plage des Nations, a beautiful and wild beach located about 20 kilometers north of Rabat. This beach is known for its powerful waves, making it a popular spot for surfing and bodyboarding. If you're a beginner, you can take a surfing lesson from one of the local surf schools. If you prefer to relax, you can simply sunbathe on the golden sand, swim in the ocean (be mindful of the strong currents), or take a long walk along the beach. For lunch, enjoy a fresh seafood meal at one of the beachside restaurants. In the afternoon, you can try your hand at horseback riding on the beach or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. As the sun begins to set, find a comfortable spot to watch the spectacular sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. In the evening, return to Rabat and enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Spend your last full day in Rabat revisiting some of your favorite spots and discovering new ones. Start your day with a visit to the Royal Palace of Rabat (Dar al-Makhzen). While you can't enter the palace itself, you can admire its impressive gates and the surrounding gardens from the outside. The palace is the official residence of the King of Morocco, and the changing of the guard ceremony is a sight to behold. Afterward, return to the Kasbah of the Udayas and spend some more time in the beautiful Andalusian Gardens. Find a quiet bench to relax, read a book, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. For lunch, have a picnic in the gardens or try a different restaurant in the Kasbah. In the afternoon, do some last-minute souvenir shopping in the medina or the Ville Nouvelle. In the evening, enjoy a final Moroccan dinner at a restaurant that you haven't tried yet, savoring the flavors of this delicious cuisine one last time.

Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast at your hotel or a local café. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a final stroll through the city. Then, transfer to Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) for your departure, filled with unforgettable memories of your 10-day adventure in Rabat and its surroundings.