Rabat Day Trip from Fes

• Scenic drive through the Moroccan countryside to the Atlantic coast.
• Walk among the peaceful ruins and lush gardens of Chellah.
• Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas with its imposing walls and grand gate.
• Visit the Udayas Museum, showcasing Moroccan folk art and traditions.
• Admire the unfinished Hassan Tower and the magnificent Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
• Discover the Royal Palace and its traditional Islamic architecture.
• Experience the Ville Nouvelle (new city) for a taste of modern Moroccan life.
• Enjoy Rabat’s calm, laid-back atmosphere in contrast to bustling Fes.

Although the journey takes around two and a half hours, Morocco’s capital city is well worth the trip. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, Rabat is a place of culture, education, and history, often less crowded than Casablanca yet equally rich in heritage and beauty.

The day begins with a scenic drive through the countryside before reaching Rabat, a city known for its broad, tree-lined avenues, elegant domes and minarets, and peaceful green spaces. One of the most enchanting stops is the Chellah necropolis, a serene garden built among the ruins of a once-flourishing Roman town. With its overgrown walls, stork nests, and lush vegetation, it feels both atmospheric and tranquil, perfect for a leisurely walk.

Next, explore the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, built during the Almohad dynasty as a stronghold overlooking the river. Walk along its dramatic walls, admire the monumental Bab Oudaia gate, and visit the museum housed in a former palace, showcasing a fine collection of Moroccan art and traditions.

After a relaxing lunch, continue to one of Rabat’s most iconic landmarks: the Hassan Tower. This incomplete 12th-century mosque, with its towering minaret crowned by storks’ nests, stands next to the exquisite Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Built in dazzling white marble with intricate details, colorful stained-glass windows, and a grand dome, it is a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship.

The excursion also includes a stop at the Royal Palace, official residence of Morocco’s King. Its grounds feature impressive gates, traditional Islamic architecture, and the adjoining mosque, offering insight into the country’s living traditions.

Before heading back, stroll through the Ville Nouvelle, the modern district, where contemporary Moroccan life blends with colonial-era architecture, chic cafés, and bustling streets.

Rabat offers a calmer, more relaxed rhythm compared to many of Morocco’s larger cities, making it a refreshing contrast after time spent in Fes.

By evening, you will make the return journey, arriving back in Fes with lasting memories of the capital’s cultural treasures.