Rabat sits on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, facing its commuter neighbour Salé across the water. As Morocco's capital, it mixes a walled medina and a kasbah with a French-built new town, and it is reachable by train and by plane through the nearby Rabat–Salé Airport.
For a visitor, the practical split is between the old city on the south bank — the medina and the Kasbah of the Udayas — and the Ville Nouvelle, the newer colonial-era quarter where the main train station sits. The two are close enough to walk between. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what each one is like for different kinds of travellers.
Best areas to stay in Rabat
1. Ville Nouvelle
The Ville Nouvelle is the newer quarter, built during the French protectorate, and it is where you find the main train station, Rabat Ville, along with the wide Avenue Mohammed V. It is the most convenient base for a first visit: you can walk to the medina in about ten minutes, and the station puts the rest of the city and the coast within easy reach.
This area suits travellers who want an easy arrival by train, a central position, and a choice of accommodation levels. Budget and mid-range places are found here, including simple rooms around a central courtyard and hotels a short walk from the station. It is a practical, walkable base rather than a scenic one.
2. The Old Medina
The medina is the walled old city, and it holds most of the budget accommodation in Rabat. Walking along Mohammed V street you will see plenty of signs pointing to places to stay, though rooms can fill up quickly on some days, so it pays to arrive early.
This area suits budget travellers and anyone who wants to be inside the historic core, close to the beach and the Kasbah des Oudaïas. You will find hostels and inexpensive rooms here, some in old homes with terraces. One practical point: the medina sits on the south bank near the river mouth, so it is well placed for the kasbah and the waterfront, and it is roughly a ten-minute walk from the train station.
3. Around the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower
The area near the Royal Palace and the Hassan Tower, along the river, is where the higher-end accommodation is concentrated. It is close to some of the city's best-known monuments, including the Hassan Tower and the mausoleum of the late King Mohamed V.
This suits travellers who prefer a quieter, more upscale base and do not mind being a little away from the medina. You will find larger, more expensive hotels here, some on the banks of the Bou Regreg. One practical point: parts of this area can be extremely noisy, so it is worth checking where exactly a place sits before you book.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Most budget accommodation is in the Old Medina, with signs along Mohammed V street pointing to rooms. Expect simple doubles and hostel bunks, some with shared bathrooms and limited hot water. Rooms can fill quickly, so arrive early.
- Mid-range: A smaller category in Rabat, with a few established hotels, including some rated three-star. These sit mainly in the Ville Nouvelle and offer more comfort than the cheapest medina rooms.
- Splurge: The top end is concentrated near the Royal Palace and the river, with five-star hotels close to the monuments and, further out, quieter places set in gardens away from the city centre.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the Ville Nouvelle. It puts you within an easy walk of the train station and about ten minutes from the medina, so you can reach the old city and the kasbah without depending on transport. It also gives you the widest choice of accommodation levels while keeping you central.
Frequently asked questions
Where is most of the budget accommodation in Rabat?
Most budget accommodation is found in the Old Medina of Rabat, particularly along Mohammed V street, where many signs point to places to stay. Rooms can fill up quickly on some days, so it is good to arrive early.
How close is the Ville Nouvelle to the medina and the train station?
The Ville Nouvelle is an easy walk from the Rabat Ville train station, and the medina is roughly a ten-minute walk away. That makes it a convenient base if you are arriving by train.
Where are the more expensive hotels located?
The higher-end accommodation is concentrated near the Royal Palace and the river, close to the Hassan Tower and the mausoleum of the late King Mohamed V. Some parts of this area can be extremely noisy, so check the exact location before booking.
Do I need to book budget rooms in advance?
Budget rooms in the medina can fill up quickly on some days, so arriving early helps. For hostels in particular, beds are best booked in advance.
Compare live prices for the area you choose with the booking tools on this page.