Rabat & Casablanca
Where most Morocco journeys begin — an imperial capital and an ocean city, each worth a day before you head inland.
Two cities, two characters
Rabat, the capital, is Morocco's most relaxed imperial city: the blue-and-white lanes of the Kasbah des Oudaias above the river mouth, the unfinished Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and wide seaside boulevards. Half a day with a guide covers the essentials.
Casablanca is the economic engine — modern, fast, ocean-facing. Its one unmissable sight is the Hassan II Mosque, rising over the Atlantic on reclaimed land: one of the very few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors, with guided tours of its vast prayer hall. Add the Art Deco downtown, the Corniche and a seafood lunch, and the city earns its day.
Most of our Classic Morocco and Imperial Cities journeys start in one of these two cities — we arrange airport pickup, first-night riads and city touring as part of any itinerary.
Highlights
- Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca — guided tour inside one of the world's largest mosques, ocean at its feet.
- Kasbah des Oudaias, Rabat — blue lanes, Andalusian garden and river views.
- Hassan Tower & Mausoleum — Rabat's 12th-century minaret and the royal mausoleum beside it.
- Art Deco Casablanca — Mohammed V Square and the 1930s boulevards on a short walking loop.
- Corniche seafood — lunch by the Atlantic before heading inland.
Where they are
Rabat the capital and Casablanca the ocean city, an hour apart on the Atlantic coast. Drag to explore.
Start your trip on the coast
Flying into Casablanca or Rabat? We meet you at arrivals and take it from there.