Located just one hour from one another on Morocco’s Atlantic coastline are the sister cities of Rabat and Casablanca. Despite their close proximity, each has its own distinct charm and allure. We've visited both and while I have a favourite, it's highly subjective and yours might be completely different.
The capital, Rabat, is the smaller of the two and enchants with its old-world ambiance and well-preserved kasbah. Casablanca, on the other hand, is a pulsing metropolis and economic powerhouse with gleaming skyscrapers and a cosmopolitan feel.
If you only have time to visit one, deciding between Rabat and Casablanca can be tricky. This article is all about defining what sets them apart to help you decide which is right for you.
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Rabat vs Casablanca: Reasons to visit Rabat
With a population of around one million people, Rabat serves as Morocco's capital and seat of government. It emanates a quiet dignity, with wide avenues lined with palm trees watched over by the towering ramparts of the Kasbah of the Oudaias. The rhythm of life here flows at a leisurely pace, inviting contemplative strolls down streets lined with elegant French colonial buildings and perfumed by jasmine and orange blossoms.
Highlights of Rabat include the towering 12th-century Hassan Tower and the evocative ruins of Chellah, a medieval fortified city. For a taste of daily life, head to the vibrant medina, packed with fragrant spice stalls and traditional Moroccan eateries serving comforting tagines and couscous. Art lovers can explore the world-class collections of the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art before relaxing amidst the tranquil fountains and orchards of the Andalusian Gardens.
While Casablanca throbs to the beat of commerce and industry, Rabat's historic sites harbour ancient intrigue. It’s not a destination for nightlife, so if you’re seeking that, Casa is the better choice. Despite its status as the nation’s capital, Rabat is a relaxed coastal city and the perfect place to appreciate the country’s graceful charms.
Rabat vs Casablanca
Accommodation in Rabat
Rabat offers an outstanding array of riad hotels that rival even the famous riads of Marrakech, providing visitors with an unparalleled chance to experience traditional Moroccan architecture and design. While not impossible, it’s harder to find to riads in Casablanca, which is peppered with modern hotels and apartments.
The riads of Rabat have undergone meticulous restorations, celebrating the craftsmanship of the past through exquisite details like hand-carved cedarwood doors, intricate zellige tile work and tadelakt-plastered walls in earthy rose and cream hues. Staying in one of these intimate hotels feels like stepping back in time while still enjoying modern luxuries.
For more accommodation inspiration, check out my list of 7 incredible riads in Rabat.
Getting around Rabat
Rabat's compact size makes it an ideal city to explore on foot. With many of the main sights and attractions clustered together in the historic heart of the city, visitors can easily walk from place to place while soaking up the atmosphere. For those who love to walk when exploring new destinations, the Moroccan capital wins in the Rabat vs Casablanca debate.
Rabat's compact urban plan also lends itself well to public transportation. Trams glide efficiently up and down the major avenues, while petit and grand taxis are abundant and affordable. The tram line conveniently connects the historic points of interest in the city centre to the more modern districts like Agdal and Hay Riad, home to wide leafy boulevards, government ministries, and many hotels and restaurants.
For more Rabat inspiration, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Rabat, including information on things to do, accommodation recommendations and the best time to visit.
Rabat vs Casablanca
Rabat vs Casablanca: Reasons to visit Casablanca
With over 3.5 million people, Casablanca dwarfs Rabat in size and energy. For first-time visitors, the sheer scale of the city can feel overwhelming - the crowds, the traffic, and the constant hum of activity. It’s like nowhere elsewhere in Morocco! This sprawling metropolis features a unique blend of European and Moroccan influences, reflected in its diverse neighbourhoods and architectural styles.
Once you overcome the initial culture shock, you’ll find that Casablanca has a lot to offer. The city boasts a thrilling nightlife, with trendy bars, clubs, and late-night restaurants catering to locals and tourists alike. In terms of dining, Casa has a huge choice, with everything from authentic Moroccan restaurants to internationally recognised restaurants serving Italian, French and Lebanese cuisine.
During the day, you can haggle in crowded markets or shop in modern boutiques frequented by Casa’s wealthy. When it comes to landmarks, there are few Moroccan marvels that rival the Hassan II Mosque, which boasts one of the tallest minarets in the world. Beyond its architectural marvels, the coastline invites long walks on the beach or sunset views while sipping a mint tea at a seaside cafe.
For a taste of Casablanca's 20th-century history, head to the Quartier Habous neighborhood to see prime examples of Art Deco buildings from the city's days as a French protectorate. Other attractions include the expansive Parc de la Ligue Arabe, the bustling Marche Central, and the Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur, a stunning church built in the 1930s.
Rabat vs Casablanca
Accommodation in Casablanca
Bustling Casablanca lacks the storied riads found in Rabat and other Moroccan cities but it does abound with modern hotels and apartments catering to all budgets. In the downtown area, you’ll find no shortage of mid-range international chain hotels with well-appointed rooms, conveniently located near top attractions.
Casablanca also boasts several budget-friendly hostels and affordable hotels with clean and comfortable rooms catering to backpackers and those watching their dirhams. If money’s not an issue, you can splurge at one of Casa’s boutique hotels offering luxurious rooms with old-world charm. Additionally, the city has a large choice of spacious apartment rentals with fully equipped kitchens, ideal for families or longer stays.
For more accommodation inspiration, check out my list of the best hotels in Casablanca.
Getting around Casablanca
With the largest airport in the country, Casablanca serves as the gateway to Morocco for many travellers. Its convenient location and transport links to destinations across the globe make it easy to reach, no matter where you’re travelling from. While this could be an argument to choose Casablanca over Rabat, the truth is that you can easily reach Rabat in 1.5 hours from Casablanca Mohamed V International Airport, either by taxi or train.
As Morocco's largest city, Casablanca offers travellers a variety of public transportation options that are relatively easy to navigate. The most popular and efficient is the modern Casa Tramway system, which debuted in 2012 and now includes over 70 stations across its 29-mile network. The trams themselves are clean, comfortable and safe, making this a convenient way for tourists to get around.
For reaching areas beyond the tram network, Casablanca's extensive bus system provides an inexpensive, if more chaotic, alternative. Taxis offer the most flexibility for tourists and are available 24/7, unlike the tram and buses. Petit taxis can be hailed or found at designated ranks, while grand taxis offer shared rides along set routes, often to destinations outside Casablanca. Compared to Rabat, the city is less suitable for walking, largely due to its sheer size and the distances between attractions.
For more Casablanca inspiration, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Casablanca, including information on things to do, accommodation recommendations and the best time to visit.
Rabat vs Casablanca
Should I visit Rabat or Casablanca?
If you only have a few days and need to decide between Rabat and Casablanca, the choice comes down to personal preference. Rabat has cultivated a reputation of being a little more tourist-friendly, especially for first-time visitors to Morocco. It’s smaller, quieter and more laidback than its bustling neighbour, making it easier for travellers to navigate. With its slower pace and wealth of historical sights, Rabat is ideal for those seeking a relaxing intro to Moroccan culture.
On the flip side, Casablanca beckons those in search of a livelier urban vibe. As Morocco's largest city, it brims with cosmopolitan energy and boasts a plethora of restaurants, bars and nightclubs that make it ideal for after-dark activities. It’s also a great place to experience a modern Moroccan city, whether it’s cruising around on the trams or strolling the beachfront promenade at sunset.
If you have time, I’d recommend visiting both to get a taste of both worlds. Remember, Rabat and Casablanca lie just an hour away by train, so it’s easy to day trip from one to the other if your itinerary allows.
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