Capital city in Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, Morocco
Rabat
Calm, clean capital with a seaside kasbah, tram, embassies and a sizable expat community. Fewer touts than Marrakech or Fes and good for slow stays; less nightlife and fewer headline sights.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,210–1,920Comfortable, one person · DH12,000–19,000Details
- Value for money62/100Better value than 61% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 29°CDetails
- Air quality11 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · ModerateDetails
- Internet57 MbpsFixed broadband, Morocco medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated and chlorinated; many locals drink it, but visitors usually choose bottled or filtered.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$25–51Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in malls, chains, hotels and Agdal cafés; cash for taxis, markets and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Rabat
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Agdal | Cafés, restaurants, shops and student life; central |
| Kasbah of the Udayas and Medina | Historic atmosphere and sea views; for visits or short stays |
| Hassan / Ville Nouvelle | Hotels near the station, Hassan Tower and cafés |
| Souissi / Hay Riad | Quiet, upscale residential areas with embassies |
Apps that work in Rabat
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Glovo | Widest restaurant and grocery choice |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ONCF: Train times and e-tickets
- CTM: Intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: Blue petit taxis must use meters. App drivers may be unlicensed and ask you to sit in front.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Morocco.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in malls, chains, hotels and Agdal cafés; cash for taxis, markets and small shops.
- Currency: Dirham (MAD). US$1 ≈ DH9.88 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Plentiful in cities, scarce in desert and mountain villages; dirhams can't be bought abroad, so withdraw on arrival.
- Tipping: Expected: about 10% in restaurants, 10–20 DH for porters and small help, more for guides and drivers.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at contactless terminals in cities; local wallets need a Moroccan account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-required nationalities can often apply online through the official eVisa portal (acces-maroc.ma); avoid paid look-alike sites.
- Passport must be valid at least 3 months on arrival and undamaged; damaged passports have been refused entry.
- Make sure your passport gets an entry stamp; travellers without one have had trouble leaving.
Emergency numbers
Police 190 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 150
Plugs
Type C, E · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Maroc Telecom, Orange and inwi kiosks at airport arrivals and shops everywhere; data top-ups are cheap. Passport needed to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Morocco
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.