Want to visit Morocco and wondering where to go: Casablanca or Rabat?
We love both destinations. It’s a tough choice, but we’ll help you with our opinions on specific criteria.
Here’s our Casablanca vs. Rabat battle, with tips and photos:
- Atmosphere
- Monuments and museums
- Location
- Hotels and restaurants
- …
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Casablanca or Rabat: comparison summary
Short answer
Head for the Atlantic coast, where these two Moroccan cities offer complementary yet distinct experiences!
Casablanca seduces with its economic dynamism, modernity and, in particular, its magnificent Hassan II Mosque overlooking the ocean. It’s a cosmopolitan metropolis that blends Art Deco heritage with Moroccan tradition.
Rabat, the kingdom’s capital, charms with its gentle way of life, unique historical heritage and numerous UNESCO-listed sites. Andalucia’s gardens and ancient ruins offer a more peaceful atmosphere.
Depending on what you’re looking for…
- to easily explore the region: equality
- for the most beautiful beaches: Rabat
- for families: equality
- for the most beautiful hotels: Casablanca
- for museums: Rabat
- for gastronomy: Casablanca
- for culture: equality
- for the good life: Rabat
- for modernity: Casablanca
- for nightlife: Casablanca
- …
See the best rated accommodations in Casablanca
See top-rated accommodations in Rabat
Access + Location to explore the region
Both cities are located on Morocco’s Atlantic coast and are excellent bases for exploring the country.
They are well-connected and offer quick access to the main tourist destinations.
Here are some travel times to help you make a better assessment:
- Casablanca to Rabat = 1h by train (classic) and 1h10min by road
- Casablanca to Marrakech = 3h drive
- Casablanca to El Jadida = 1h15min drive
- Rabat to Fez = 2h30 drive
- Rabat to Meknes = 1h50min drive
Both cities are well served by the Moroccan ONCF rail network, notably the Casablanca-Rabat line, which offers frequent connections by conventional and high-speed trains.
Casablanca’s Mohammed V international airport is Maroc’s main air hub. Rabat also has an international airport
Mohammed V airport in Casablanca: 35min drive from downtown
Rabat Salé airport in Rabat: 25min drive from downtown
Compare available flights.
Renting a car between cities can also be a good option if you want to get around on several major roads and motorways. Please note that traffic inside large conurbations can be very dense and complex for inexperienced drivers.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN MOROCCO
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Not too wide
- A good engine
- For more choice, book early.
Hotels: Casablanca vs Rabat
Hotels in Casablanca
Casablanca’s hotel offer is interesting for its diversity and quality standards. Morocco’s dynamic metropolis offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets. A memorable night in a prestigious hotel in Casablanca? An unforgettable stay in a luxury establishment with beachfront swimming pool? A boutique hotel in an Art Deco building? what will you choose?
We particularly recommend:
- Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
- Charming: Hôtel particulier Le DOGE – Relais & Châteaux – See prices, photos and availability
- Spa: Hotel Art Palace Suites and Spa – See prices, photos and availability
- Practical: Stayhere CIL Aparthotel – See prices, photos and availability
The Four Seasons Hotel was our favorite: its timeless elegance and privileged access to the Plage Lalla Meryem make it a choice accommodation in Casablanca. We particularly appreciated the panoramic view from the breakfast room, where you can enjoy local specialties against the backdrop of the waves and the El Hank lighthouse.
Discover our article on where to stay in Casablanca.
Hotels in Rabat
Rabat, Morocco’s elegant and discreet capital, offers a wide range of accommodation combining traditional charm and modern comfort. We were seduced by the peaceful atmosphere and the quality of the welcome in the establishments we visited. A unique panorama of the Bouregreg River and the Hassan Tower? A night in a contemporary hotel with hammam and Andalusian garden? An intimate riad decorated with zelliges and carved woodwork? You’re sure to find what you’re looking for!
We particularly recommend:
- Luxury: Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
- Charming: Hotel Riad Meftaha – See prices, photos and availability
- Business chic: Rabat Marriott Hotel – See prices, photos andavailability
- Functional and colourful: Stayhere Agdal 4 Aparthotel – See prices, photos and availability
From the rooftop of the Fairmont Hotel, we were dazzled by the unique view of the Hassan Tower and Mohamed V Mausoleum on one side, and Rabat’s ancient medina on the other, at the mouth of the Bouregreg River on the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll discover a luxurious setting where contemporary art blends subtly with traditional Moroccan craftsmanship!
Read our article on the best hotels to stay in Rabat.
Our review
It really depends on what you’re looking for. Casablanca offers a wider range of luxury hotels, particularly on the beach. Rabat also offers excellent establishments with a more traditional charm and superb riads in the medina. Our winner: Casablanca for the diversity of its offer.
Attractions, museums and monuments
Casablanca Attractions
The economic engine of Maroc, Casablanca elegantly combines tradition and modernity. You’ll see its streets teeming with contrasts between its Art Deco colonial heritage, traditional districts such as the Habous and its majestic Hassan II Mosque.
Casablanca’s main attractions are:
- Marvel at the Hassan II Mosque
- Rejuvenate at the Parc de la Ligue Arabe
- Experience the authenticity of the Habous district
- Visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism
- Push open the doors of the Church of Notre-Dame de Lourdes
- Immerse yourself in the city’s Art Deco heritage
- Escape to the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum
- Discover the local flavours of the Central Market
- Take a stroll along the Corniche
- Strolling through its markets
As you can imagine, the Hassan II Mosque is without doubt the jewel of Casablanca! We were impressed by this architectural marvel, standing majestically facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Discover our article on all the attractions in Casablanca.
Rabat Attractions
Rabat, this imperial city, is full of treasures that will transport you through the history of the country!
We were charmed by its unique blend of history and modernity, between authentic medina, picturesque kasbah, remarkable historic sites, and fascinating museums.
Rabat’s main attractions are:
- Stroll through the Kasbah des Oudayas and explore its Andalusian garden
- Discover the collections of the Mohammed VI Museum
- Admire the Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum, symbols of Rabat
- Explore the remains of Chellah, an ancient Roman necropolis
- Getting lost in Rabat’s medina
- Stroll the Esplanade du Palais Royal in Rabat and its gardens
- Take a walk along the Bouregreg
- A breath of fresh air at the Botanical Gardens
- Visit the Museum of History and Civilization
Discover our article on the best attractions in Rabat.
Our review
We’re bound to give you a qualified answer, as we love both destinations for their cultural richness and varied activities! Rabat is the clear winner in terms of history, with its many UNESCO-listed sites and museums. Casablanca seduced us more with its modernity and unique Art Deco heritage. So, what’s your verdict?
Most beautiful beaches
Casablanca beaches
Casablanca boasts a dynamic coastline along its famous Corniche. The main beaches include Plage Aïn Diab, the city’s largest, and Plage Lalla Meryem, which won us over with its more peaceful setting near the El Hank lighthouse. We also enjoyed the beaches of Tamaris and Dar Bouazza, which are a little more out of the way, but ideal for families with several dining options nearby.
Beaches of Rabat
Although Rabat, the administrative capital of Maroc, is primarily known for its rich historical heritage and cultural offerings, the city is also a charming seaside destination. The Moroccan capital offers a varied choice of beaches, from the Plage des Oudayas in the city center to the seaside resorts of Bouznika and Skhirat, where the blue of the water will leave you speechless! We fell in love with the Plage de Bouznika, with its combination of accessibility and natural beauty.
Read our article on Rabat’s most beautiful beaches.
Our review
Casablanca benefits from more direct access to beaches from the city center via the Corniche. However, Rabat offers more varied and often less crowded beaches a little further from the city center. Our winner: Rabat for the beauty of its off-center beaches such as Bouznika and Skhirat.
Excursions around the cities
Excursions from Casablanca
From Casablanca, we also appreciated the variety of day and half-day excursions available. Here is our selection:
- Rabat: capital of the Kingdom with a rich historical heritage (1h by train)
- Oualidia: the “Pearl of the Atlantic” and its crystal-clear lagoon (2h15min drive)
- El Jadida: UNESCO Portuguese heritage city (1h15min drive)
- Bouznika and Skhirat: authentic seaside resorts (less than 1h drive)
We particularly enjoyed the excursion to El Jadida to discover its unique Portuguese architecture and beautiful beaches such as Sidi Bouzid.
Excursions from Rabat
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 Morocco.
From fascinating ancient sites to imperial cities, artistic villages and nature outings, there’s something for everyone!
- Marvel at the archaeological ruins of Volubilis
- Discover the vibrant city of Casablanca
- Dive into the fascinating labyrinth of Fez
- A trip to Tangier
- Taste the excitement of Marrakech
In our opinion, the ruins of Volubilis are a must-see excursion from Rabat. This perfectly preserved Roman archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important in North Africa.
Read our article on the best excursions from Rabat.
Our review
Both cities offer excellent starting points for exploring Maroc. Rabat offers quicker access to historic sites in the north, while Casablanca facilitates seaside and cultural getaways. Perfect equality!
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
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Best gastronomic offer
Restaurants in Casablanca
Casablanca’s diverse, cosmopolitan gastronomic offering reflects its rich, multicultural history. From traditional Moroccan flavors to world cuisines and creative fusions, Morocco’s economic capital offers a wide culinary spectrum. You’ll find legendary restaurants, trendy bistros and authentic addresses. All in all, a great tasting experience!
Among our favorite restaurants:
- Restaurant Rick’s Café: refined cuisine in a mythical setting inspired by the cult film
- Café culturel Papers Club restaurant: a literary café offering an excellent Moroccan brunch
- Restaurant La Sqala: Moroccan specialties in an 18th-century fortress
We enjoyed a timeless moment at Restaurant La Sqala, where we sampled authentic Moroccan specialties in the heart of an ancient fortress.
Discover our selection of the best places to eat in Casablanca.
Restaurants in Rabat
The Moroccan capital is as seductive for its cultural richness as it is for its refined flavors. From gourmet restaurants tucked away in the palaces, to fish restaurants by the marina, to traditional tea rooms, Rabat is bursting with good addresses.
Among our favorite restaurants:
- Restaurant Le Laurier: elegant surroundings and cuisine subtly inspired by French tradition
- Restaurant Le Grill Robuchon: service excellence and mastery of flavors
- Restaurant Le Golden Fish: sublime seafood in a peaceful setting
We sat down at Restaurant Le Grill Robuchon for a culinary experience that subtly blends French savoir-faire with local Moroccan produce.
Read our article on the best restaurants in Rabat.
Our review
Both cities offer a high-quality culinary scene. Casablanca seduces with its cultural diversity, which is reflected in its dishes, and Rabat with its refinement. Our winner remains Casablanca for the variety of its tables, so you really will have something for everyone!
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Easy to get around these cities
Getting around Casablanca
Casablanca has a modern streetcar network that makes it easy to get around the city. We found it to be an efficient way of getting to the main districts. Cabs are also plentiful and affordable for more specific journeys.
Getting around Rabat
Rabat also has a tramway serving the main tourist areas. We appreciated the opportunity to explore the historic center on foot, distances being shorter than in Casablanca. The bus network completes the public transport offer.
Our review
Rabat is easier to get around thanks to its smaller size and concentration of sites of interest. Casablanca, on the other hand, is a large, sprawling conurbation with longer distances to cover, even if you also have tramway lines and numerous cabs. Our preference: Rabat for ease of travel.
And why not other cities/regions?
Maroc is full of other fascinating destinations. You might also consider:
- Marrakech for all its excitement
- Fez for its medieval heritage
- Chefchaouen for its emblematic blue houses
- But also Agadir or Taghazout
- …
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Top Destinations
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
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
