After strolling through the narrow streets of Rabat’s medina, admiring the Kasbah des Oudayas or gazing at the Tour Hassan, why not set off on an adventure? As a well-connected capital, Rabat is an ideal base from which to explore the treasures of northern France Maroc.
From fascinating ancient sites to imperial cities, artistic villages and nature walks, there’s something for everyone!
Use our practical tips and our many photos to plan your ideal getaway. Discover our selection of the 10 best excursions from Rabat to make your choice!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions in Rabat
Rabat is strategically located between the Atlantic and the mountains, and is perfectly connected to the most beautiful cities in the north of France Maroc.
To simplify your discoveries, you can opt for organized day trips. Before we present our opinions on each excursion, here are our 3 favorites:
- Get lost in the medina of Fez: experience an unforgettable immersion in the most fascinating city of Maroc – see prices, availability and book.
- Go back in time at Volubilis: explore the best-preserved Roman remains at Maroc – see info, prices and availability.
- Wonder in the Sahara desert: get away from it all and trek for several days to admire the changing colors of the dunes and sleep under the stars – see prices, program and book.
1. Marvel at the archaeological ruins of Volubilis
Why do we recommend this tour?
A 2h30 drive from Rabat, the archaeological site of Volubilis is well worth a visit. This ancient Roman city, founded in the 3rd century BC, reached its apogee under the Roman Empire before being abandoned in the 11th century, but is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. We loved our walk around the site, between the romantic ruins, the abundant vegetation and the sublime panoramic views over the valley!
What you will see
- Temples, baths and patrician houses
- TheCaracalla triumphal arch, emblem of the site
- A splendid panorama of the surrounding hills
How much time to allow
To get the most out of Volubilis, allow half a day on site!
You can add a visit to Meknes or the village of Moulay Idriss (see below) for an exciting, full day: See info, prices and availability.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
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Read our tips (coming soon)
2. Discover the vibrant city of Casablanca
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just an hour from Rabat, Casablanca offers a striking contrast to the capital. It is the largest metropolis on Maroc, a lively mix of Art Deco architecture, urban culture and Moroccan traditions. Above all, it’s home to one of the country’s most impressive monuments: the Hassan II Mosque, built on the edge of the ocean.
For a first glimpse of the city, a guided tour from Rabat is the ideal way to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the must-sees, which you’ll find in our article on what to do in Casablanca!
What you will see
- The Hassan II Mosque, a contemporary masterpiece open to visitors
- The Art Deco district and downtown boulevards
- The central market and the Habous district, with its traditional atmosphere
- La Corniche and its terraces overlooking the Atlantic
How much time should I allow?
Casablanca can easily be reached in 1h to 1h30 by road or train from Rabat.
Plan a full day to visit its emblematic sites without hurrying.
Several tour operators offer tours of the old town, the Mosque, the Habous district and the more modern corners!
Book this guided tour that includes the must-sees: see info, prices and availability or opt for a gourmet tour: see prices, info and availability.
3. Dive into the fascinating labyrinth of Fez
Why do we recommend this tour?
Fès is the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, a veritable open-air museum. Its UNESCO-listed medina, one of the world’s largest pedestrian zones, is packed with architectural marvels, bustling souks, splendid medersas and colorful tanneries. Getting lost in its labyrinthine alleyways is an experience in itself, but a guided tour will allow you to grasp its full richness. It’s the ideal excursion if you love history, craftsmanship and authenticity.
What you will see
- The medina of Fès el-Bali, a tangle of vibrant, timeless alleys
- The Bou Inania medersa and other jewels of Arab-Andalusian art
- Artisan workshops: potters, coppersmiths, weavers…
- Panoramic view of the city from the Borj Nord fortifications
How much time to allow
Fès deserves at least a full day, especially if you opt for a guided walking tour of the medina. The journey from Rabat takes around 2h30.
Discover this immersive tour of the city: see prices, info and availability.
For a more immersive experience, you can also spend the night in a traditional riad, and discover the city in the evening, when it’s empty of visitors.
WHERE TO STAY IN Rabat
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Hassan District –
La Tour Hassan Palace Hotel – see prices, photos and availability
Historic Center of Rabat –
Riad Meftaha Hotel – see prices, photos and availability
Marina Rabat-Salé –
Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé Hotel – see prices, photos and availability
4. Take a trip to Tangier
Why do we recommend this tour?
Thanks to the Al Boraq TGV, Tangier can now be reached in just 1h20 from Rabat, making it as easy as it is exotic.
A crossroads between Europe and Africa, Tangier has always inspired artists and writers.
It has a unique energy! It’s a city that mixes atmospheres, and we loved discovering both its trendy boutiques and its authentic medina.
What you will see
- The white medina and its charming alleyways
- The mythical Grotte d’Hercule, facing the ocean, with its Africa-shaped opening
- The Kasbah Museum, as much for its architecture as for its collections
How much time to allow
With the Al Boraq high-speed train, Tangier is easy to visit on a day trip. Leave early in the morning to take in the sights, enjoy lunch on the terrace and stroll through the medina.
Discover this tour departing from Rabat: see info, prices and availability.
5. Taste the excitement of Marrakech
Why do we recommend this tour?
Because Marrakech is a world apart! As soon as you arrive, the colors, smells and sounds of the city grab you. It’s a sensory shock and a vibrant interlude! Mosques with majestic minarets, peaceful gardens, endless souks and fascinating museums: the red city has a thousand faces. From Rabat, it’s the perfect weekend excursion to immerse yourself in the bubbling soul of Maroc.
What you will see
- The mythical Place Jemaa el-Fna, especially at night!
- The Jardin Majorelle, a green setting once owned by Yves Saint Laurent
- The Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Arab-Andalusian architecture
- And so much more to see!
How much time to allow
Unlike some of the other excursions on this list, Marrakech doesn’t lend itself to an express one-day visit from Rabat (allow 3h30 to 4h by train or road). To make the most of it, plan an extended weekend, combining cultural discoveries, immersion in the city’s vibes and relaxation in a hammam or garden.
6. Wander the charming streets of Assilah
Why do we recommend this tour?
Assilah is a very small but very pleasant town to visit. Consider it a pleasant stopover on your way to Tangier! Located about 2h30 north of Rabat, this charming coastal town won us over with its peaceful, artistic atmosphere.
We enjoyed the walk along the ramparts built by Alphonse V of Portugal in the 15th century, which offer splendid views of the Atlantic Ocean. What’s more, the surrounding sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing after a visit.
What you will see
- An immaculate medina punctuated by colorful frescoes
- The imposing Portuguese ramparts, which encircle the town and offer a striking contrast with the whiteness of the houses.
- Local art galleries and artists’ studios
How much time to allow
Assilah lends itself perfectly to a day trip from Rabat (approx. 3h drive). Most tour operators offer a combined tour of the village and Tangier. Find out more about this combined tour: see prices, info and availability.
7. Seeing life in blue in Chefchaouen
Why do we recommend this tour?
Clinging to the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is undoubtedly the most photogenic town on Maroc. Its bright blue alleyways, peaceful atmosphere and local crafts make it an unforgettable excursion from Rabat, especially if you’re looking for a moment out of time. Although the road is a little long, the beauty of the drive through the mountains is well worth the detour.
What you will see
- A labyrinth of alleyways, each more blue than the next
- Beautifully decorated doors, staircases and patios
How much time to allow
Chefchaouen can be visited on a day trip from Rabat, provided you leave early (the journey takes 4 hours by car) and don’t plan any other stops.
Find out more about this excursion from Rabat: See prices, availability and book!
If you really want to get the most out of your visit, an overnight stay is ideal. This way, you can enjoy the panoramic view at sunset from the Bouzzafar Mosque (20min walk). A magical moment!
8. Discover the village of Moulay Idriss
Why do we recommend this tour?
Perched on two green hills, Moulay Idriss is one of the holiest villages in Maroc. Moulay Idriss I, founder of the country’s first Islamic dynasty, is buried here. Still relatively untouristy, the village offers a peaceful atmosphere and a beautiful harmony between spirituality, traditional architecture and Moroccan daily life.
What you will see
- The only circular minaret on Maroc, both astonishing and magnificent
- The mausoleum of Moulay Idriss I (not accessible to non-Muslims, but visible from the outside)
- Spectacular panoramic views from the village heights
How much time to allow
The village of Moulay Idriss can be visited in 1 to 2 hours, making it an excellent complement to Volubilis, less than 10 minutes away by car. Allow a day to see both. Find out more about this combined tour: See info, prices and availability.
9. Let Meknes surprise you
Why do we recommend this tour?
Often overshadowed by Fès or Marrakech, Meknes is a discreet gem, captivating visitors with its authenticity, calm and exceptional historical heritage. A former imperial capital under the reign of Moulay Ismaïl, the city offers a harmonious blend of grandiose monuments, lively alleyways and peaceful squares. Less touristy, it offers a gentle and pleasant immersion in the historical Maroc.
What you will see
- The monumental Bab Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl
- The royal granaries and stables of Heri es-Souani, impressive for their architecture
- Place El Hedim, more intimate than Jamaa el-Fna but just as lively
How much time to allow
Meknes is about a 2-hour drive from Rabat, making it a perfect day trip. For those wishing to explore further, it’s also possible to combine Meknes with Volubilis and Moulay Idriss in an organized tour: see info, prices and availability.
10. Escape to the beach
Why do we recommend this option?
The area around Rabat is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, which are still little-known to travelers. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, surfing or untamed panoramas, just a few kilometers away is a complete change of scenery. Find out more in our article dedicated to the best beaches in Rabat!
What you will see
- Large sandy beaches ideal for swimming (Plage de Skhirat or Bouznika)
- Accessible surf spots(Mehdiya Beach)
- A friendly local atmosphere, especially at weekends
How much time to allow
Half a day is enough to enjoy the beaches around Rabat.
It will take you a maximum of 40 minutes by car, but we strongly recommend that you plan a full day and take advantage of the opportunity to organize a picnic on the beach.
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Other excursion ideas
A bucolic escape in Rabat
Looking for nature without leaving the outskirts of the capital? Just a few kilometers from Rabat, several green spaces promise a breath of fresh air. Even if we haven’t yet explored them ourselves, we’d still recommend a day trip:
- Jardins exotiques de Bouknadel: just 35 minutes away, these gardens offer an exotic stroll through lush vegetation (more information here).
- Ifrane National Park: nestled in the Middle Atlas mountains, this park is home to centuries-old cedar trees and unique wildlife, including the famous magot monkeys. Ideal for hiking at altitude, away from the heat.
- The Maâmora Forest: one of the largest cork oak forests in the world, perfect for a picnic in the shade or a bike ride…
The Meknes wine route
If you’re a wine lover, we highly recommend this excursion! Few travelers know that Maroc produces wine, yet the green hills around Meknes are home to some of the country’s finest vineyards. The Mediterranean climate and gentle altitude make this an ideal region for vine-growing. It’s the perfect opportunity to combine oenological discovery with bucolic landscapes!
Wonder in the Sahara desert
Experiencing the Sahara is much more than seeing the dunes: it’s feeling the silence, walking in the immensity and sleeping under the stars. From Rabat, it’s possible to set off on a multi-day adventure in the Moroccan desert, with transport, bivouac and even camel trekking!
For a truly unforgettable experience, we recommend a 4-day trek with overnight stays in nomad tents: See prices, program and book here!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
Where to Stay in Morocco
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
SHE MADE THE TRIP Myriam
