RabatCapital
Morocco · Country profile
Rabat is Morocco’s capital, a calmer, greener counterpoint to the country’s busier cities, set where the Bouregreg river meets the Atlantic. The kasbah of the Udayas, the 12th-century Hasan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V sit in a clean, palm-lined city with a UNESCO-listed old town and wide seaside promenades. It’s home to embassies, universities and a growing arts scene, and its museums and cafés are genuinely rewarding. Rabat is compact, walkable and easy to combine with the neighbouring city of Salé — an underrated, comfortable Moroccan capital for a slower-paced trip.
About Rabat
Rabat is the capital of Morocco. The city's documented population is around 515,619 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) and Arabic and Amazigh are spoken; the dialling code is +212.
Morocco's Quietest Capital on the River and the Sea
Rabat is Morocco’s calm, green administrative capital, the opposite of the hustle of Marrakech — a city of tree-lined boulevards, historic monuments and a walkable riverside seam. The kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower and the royal mausoleum sit within easy reach of each other, and the UNESCO-listed old city is pleasant rather than hectic. It is compact enough to cover on foot and relaxed enough to linger in cafés and gardens. Many travellers pass through on the way between Casablanca and the northern coast, making it an easy, laid-back stop rather than a base of operations.
A Walkable City That Needs Less Planning Than You Think
Rabat is small enough that most sights are walkable or a short tram or taxi hop apart, so you need less forward planning than in a larger capital. The mausoleum and kasbah have modest dress codes — cover shoulders and knees. The weather is Atlantic and milder than inland Morocco, with a pleasant sea breeze, though evenings can feel cool, especially in winter. The train from Casablanca takes under an hour and the high-speed line connects the capital smoothly, so it works as a day trip or a staging point. French and Arabic dominate, so a little French helps.
Riverside Strolls, Mint Tea and the Tram to Salé
The city is laid out along the river, and the best way to appreciate it is a leisurely walk between the kasbah by the water, the Hassan Tower and the royal complex. The neighbouring city of Salé across the river is a short hop and offers a more everyday Moroccan scene worth an afternoon. The tram connects the capital cheaply and is useful for covering ground. Cafés are central to the rhythm — take time over mint tea like the locals. Friday lunchtime fills cafés and restaurants, and the weekend atmosphere differs from the workweek. It is an easy, unhurried city to navigate.
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- Country
- Morocco
- Population
- 515,619
- Coordinates
- 34.0218, -6.8409
- Capital
- Rabat
- Region
- Africa
- Currency
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
- Languages
- Arabic, Amazigh
- Calling code
- +212
- Country code
- MA
Entry requirements for Morocco
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Morocco for tourism.
Getting to Rabat
The nearest airports we list:
Cities in Morocco
Other cities we cover in Morocco:
Frequently asked questions
Is Rabat the capital of Morocco?
Yes — Rabat is the capital of Morocco.
What currency do I need in Rabat?
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Languages spoken in Morocco include Arabic and Amazigh.
What is the dialling code for Morocco?
The international dialling code for Morocco is +212.
Which airport is nearest to Rabat?
The nearest airport we list is Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), about 100 km away.
How far is Rabat from the nearest airport?
Rabat is about 100 km from Mohammed V International Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit Morocco?
It depends on your passport. Among the origins we track, travellers from Australia, Canada, France, Germany and Italy currently enter Morocco visa-free for tourism. Use the entry requirements tool to check your own nationality and purpose of travel.
Flying out of Rabat? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.