Is Rabat expensive to visit?
In Rabat, budget travelers spend $25 (MAD222) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $59 (MAD528) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $127 (MAD1,145) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Rabat.
Rabat is a smaller destination that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Rabat to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
Within Africa, Rabat is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Africa for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Merzouga, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Dar es Salaam.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Rabat Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Rabat?
The average Rabat trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Rabat travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Rabat cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Rabat. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $25 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Rabat offers plenty of hostels, including Dar Oussama, Kayezer, and Auberge de Jeunes Rabat. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A significant number of visitors to Rabat will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $59 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Rabat. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Riad Dar Zouhour is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Hotel Le Diwan Rabat - MGallery is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Rabat here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $127. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Rabat
Prices for hotels in Rabat vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $86, but during peak season, average prices climb to $160. With options ranging from $55 to $338, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Rabat for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $60 (MAD540). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $30 (MAD270) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Rabat? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Rabat include:
- La Villa Mandarine starting at $167
- Belere Hotel Rabat starting at $104
- Hotel Le Diwan Rabat - MGallery starting at $80
- Riad Dar Zouhour starting at $57
- Le Pietri starting at $78
Choosing to travel outside of and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Transportation Budget in Rabat
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $2.34 (MAD21) per person, per day, on local transportation in Rabat. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Rabat is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$2.34
MAD21
Getting around Rabat couldn't be easier, with several options for transportation. The tram, for example, is cheap and one runs every ten minutes – every twenty minutes on Sundays. There are two lines between Rabat and Sale. Maps are available in every station.
Another option is to hail one of the small blue cars that make up the petit taxi system. This option is also fairly inexpensive, but be sure you check that the meter is running to avoid being overcharged. This isn't as big a problem in Rabat as it is in other cities. If you see the white Mercedes Grand Taxis, avoid them. They tend to be more expensive and less safe than the petit taxis.
There are also official bus routes around Rabat. The buses vary in their quality, but provide a very cost-effective way to get around time. The lines have many stops that may interest a tourist, but if the bus is crowded watch out for pickpockets.
Walking around central Rabat is pretty easy, if you're not in a hurry to get anywhere. Driving yourself, however, is not recommended. Drivers will avoid you given the high insurance rates, but Morocco still has the second highest rate of car accidents in the world. Drivers generally don't abide by the laws so it might be best to walk or have someone else drive you.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from or to Salé and Rabat for $36 details
- Rabat to Casablanca Private Transfer for $71 details
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport : Private Transfer for $65 details
How much does it cost to go to Rabat? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Rabat will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Some typical prices for transportation in Rabat are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Rabat. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
Food Budget in Rabat
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Rabat can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Rabat is $24 (MAD214) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$24
MAD214
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Rabat is around $24 (MAD214) per person, with previous travelers spending from $10 to $45. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Rabat are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $4 to $10
- Dinner: $7 to $17
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Rabat has along tradition of French and Spanish culture. In the medina area, there are often inexpensive food stalls serving fish and salad sandwiches. Particularly found around the Marche Centrale, the stalls also serve fresh salads, hot bowls of lubia (beans) or lentils, fresh rotisserie chicken and home-made tagines. If you're looking to quench that sweet tooth, some of these stalls also sell pancakes or pain au chocolat.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Rabat, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Rabat Authentic Moroccan Cooking Class with Expert Chefs for $65 details
- Rabat Restaurant Cooking Class for $71 details
- Private Food Tour of Rabat’s Old Medina by Green Taxi for $35 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Rabat
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Rabat typically cost an average of $3.15 (MAD28) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$3.15
MAD28
Like many cities in Morocco, Rabat is home to some spectacular ancient architecture. The Kasbah of the Oudaias, for example, is the stunning medieval Almohadan citadel that gives visitors breathtaking ocean views from the acropolis. When you're done, have a stroll through the calming Andalusian gardens at the base of the Kasbah.
For a day of charming sightseeing, visit old medina and its various street markets. The side streets leading to Kasbah are full of history and traditional shops full of unique Moroccan gifts.
The abandoned and overgrown old Merenid necropolis of Chellah is one of Rabat's most interesting attractions. First settled by Phoenicians, the town grew into the city of Sala Colonia under Roman control in 40 AD. The city was then abandoned in 1154, but in the 14th century the Merenid Sultan Abou al-Hassan Ali built a necropolis on top of the Roman city. Today, the city is overgrown by fruit trees and wild flowers. It is a beautiful place to wander and relax. From the moment you enter the main gate, a path leads you through fig, olive and orange trees to a platform overlooking the ruins of the Roman city. You won't be disappointed by an afternoon at the Chellah.
Shopping is one activity many tourists can't get enough of. While the markets in Rabat aren't as impressive as the ones in Fez or Marrakesh, there are still plenty of good deals to find. Shop the medina for the normal array of babouche shoes, baggy pants, ornate jewelry and more.
For the bold, adventurous traveler, head to the Oudayes Surf Club to try our some surfing on the beach. The Oudayes beach by the Kasbah is home to a continuous set of small waves perfect for beginner surfers and children.
If you happen to plan your visit for the month of May, check out the listings for the Mawazine festival of world music. Featuring Arab, African and other international music icons, the festival is a bit controversial with some of the country's Muslim politicians for "encouraging immoral behavior." Previous performers include Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Elton John and B.B. King,
A nice way to explore destinations in Rabat is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Surf Experience in Rabat for $48 details
- Walking Tour Rabat, City of lights by night for $36 details
- Private tour in flap with local Guide (private driver included) for $72 details
Rabat
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.