Can You Do Mawazine and Rabat in One Weekend?
Yes — and it is one of the best weekend trips in Morocco.
Mawazine concerts run every evening from June 19 to June 27. During the day, the same city that hosts the world’s second-largest music festival also offers a UNESCO-listed historic centre, Atlantic coastline, exceptional food, and a relaxed pace that makes it easy to explore between concerts.
This itinerary is designed for a Friday–Saturday weekend, but the structure works for any two consecutive days during the festival. Start on Thursday for a 3-day plan, or extend to Monday if your schedule allows.
U0001f4dd Before you go: Start with our Mawazine 2026 Main Guide for dates and lineup, then read the First-Time Visitor Guide for practical tips. Book your accommodation early — Rabat fills up fast.
Quick Reference: Your Weekend at a Glance
| Time | Day 1 (Friday) | Day 2 (Saturday) |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Arrive in Rabat, check in | Breakfast, visit Oudayas |
| Midday | Explore Hassan Tower area | Lunch in medina |
| Afternoon | Chellah or Rabat medina | Free time / rest |
| Evening | Pre-concert dinner | Pre-concert dinner |
| Night | Concert — choose one stage | Concert — choose one stage |
Day 1 — Friday: Arrival + Mawazine Opening Night
Morning: Arrive in Rabat
Rabat is well connected by train from all major Moroccan cities:
| From | Duration | Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Casablanca | 1 hour | Al Boraq high-speed train |
| Marrakech | 3 hours | ONCF train |
| Fes | 2 hours | ONCF train |
| Tangier | 1.5 hours | Al Boraq high-speed train |
| Rabat-Salé Airport | 15 min | Taxi |
Arrival tip: If arriving at Rabat-Ville station, you are in the city centre. If arriving at Rabat-Agdal, you are near OLM Souissi and the Agdal district. Both connect to the tram network.
Midday: Explore the Hassan District
Start your weekend at the most iconic landmark in Rabat:
Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The Hassan Tower is an unfinished minaret from the 12th century, standing at 44 metres. Next to it, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is a masterpiece of modern Moroccan architecture with a green tiled roof visible from across the city. Entry is free.
- Location: Avenue Tour Hassan, city centre
- Time needed: 45–60 minutes
- Entry: Free
- Nearby: The Bouregreg riverfront is a 5-minute walk away
From Hassan Tower, walk down to the Bouregreg river for views across to Salé. Our Rabat Travel Guide has more detail on all the city’s top sights.
Lunch: Eat Near the City Centre
The Hassan district and surrounding streets have some of Rabat’s best restaurants. Options include Moroccan tagines and couscous, fresh seafood, and French-Moroccan fusion.
🍽️ Find the best spots: Our Rabat Food Guide covers the top restaurants, street food stalls and cafés near every major monument and Mawazine stage.
Afternoon: Choose One
Option A — Chellah
The Chellah historic site is a 15-minute walk from the city centre. This 2,000-year-old site contains Roman ruins and a 14th-century Merinid necropolis, all within peaceful gardens. It is also one of Mawazine’s paid stages — during the day, you can explore it without crowds.
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
- Entry: 70 MAD (standard admission)
- Note: Mawazine paid concerts also take place here at 17:30
Option B — Rabat Medina
Rabat’s medina is smaller and more relaxed than Marrakech or Fes. Wander the narrow streets, browse traditional crafts, and enjoy the unhurried atmosphere. The medina is directly between the Hassan district and the Oudayas.
Late Afternoon: Rest and Prepare
Concert evenings can be long (stages run until 01:00 or later). Head back to your accommodation to rest, charge your phone and power bank, and change for the evening.
If you are attending the Chellah stage (17:30 start) or the Théâtre National (19:30 start), plan your afternoon accordingly.
Evening: Dinner Before the Concert
Have dinner at a restaurant near your chosen stage. Good areas for pre-concert dining:
- Hassan / Centre-Ville — Wide choice, walkable to Bouregreg and Théâtre National
- Agdal — Close to OLM Souissi, good casual options
- Nahda area — Local eateries near the stage
Allow at least 1 hour between dinner and concert start time for travel and arrival.
Night: Mawazine Opening Night — Friday June 19
Stage Options for Friday Night
| Stage | Artist | Genre | Time | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OLM Souissi | Ninho | French rap | 21:30 | Free |
| Nahda | Hassan Chakouch | Oriental | 21:00 | Free |
| Bouregreg | TBC | World rhythms | 21:45 | Free |
| Théâtre National | Mayada El Hennawy | Oriental | 21:00 | Paid |
| Salé | Lineup not announced yet | - | 20:45 | Free |
| Chellah | Lineup not announced yet | - | 17:30 | Paid |
Our recommendation for opening night: OLM Souissi (Ninho) for the biggest production, or Nahda (Hassan Chakouch) for a more relaxed opening night.
🎶 Full schedule: See the complete Mawazine 2026 stage schedule for artist times and stage addresses.
After the Concert
- Tram: Last tram times vary. Check schedules on the day.
- Petit taxi: Available near major stages. Agree fare before getting in.
- Walking: If staying in Hassan or central Rabat, walking to Bouregreg and back is easy.
Day 2 — Saturday: Culture + Second Concert Night
Morning: Kasbah des Oudayas
Start your second day at Rabat’s most beautiful spot: the Kasbah des Oudayas.
This 12th-century Almohad fortress sits at the mouth of the Bouregreg river, painted in white and blue. Walk through the Andalusian garden, climb to the platform for panoramic views of the Atlantic and Salé, and explore the narrow blue-and-white streets — reminiscent of Chefchaouen but with an ocean breeze.
- Location: At the north end of the medina, by the Bouregreg river
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
- Entry: Free
- Best time: Morning (before it gets busy, and the light is beautiful)
The Bouregreg stage is directly below the Kasbah — you can see where you will be dancing later that night.
Midday: Brunch or Lunch by the Water
The area around the Oudayas has several cafés with terrace views of the river and ocean. Traditional Moroccan breakfast options include msemen (Moroccan pancakes) with honey and mint tea.
Afternoon: Free Time Options
Visit the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Morocco’s premier modern art museum, located on Avenue Moulay Hassan in the city centre. The permanent collection includes works by Moroccan and international artists.
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
- Entry: Approximately 40–80 MAD
Walk the Bouregreg Riverfront
A pleasant 2-km walk from the Oudayas to Hassan Tower along the river, with views of Salé across the water. Benches, cafés and green spaces along the way.
Or simply rest
If you were out late at the opening night concert, do not feel pressured to fill every hour. Afternoon rest before a second concert evening is a smart move.
Evening: Dinner + Saturday Night Concert
Pre-concert dinner: Try a different neighbourhood than Day 1. If you ate near the centre on Friday, explore Agdal or the Oudayas area on Saturday.
Stage Options for Saturday Night — June 20
| Stage | Artist | Genre | Time | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OLM Souissi | Major Lazer | Electronic / Dancehall | 22:30 | Free |
| Bouregreg | Stonebwoy | Afrobeats / Dancehall | 22:30 | Free |
| Nahda | TBC | - | 21:45 | Free |
| Salé | Lineup not announced yet | - | 20:45 | Free |
| Théâtre National | Rest day (no concert listed) | - | - | - |
| Chellah | Lineup not announced yet | - | 17:30 | Paid |
Our recommendation for Saturday night: Major Lazer at OLM Souissi for a high-energy Saturday, or Stonebwoy at Bouregreg for a riverside Afrobeats night with the Oudayas lit up behind the stage.
⚠️ Planning tip: The Saturday night concerts at OLM Souissi and Bouregreg start later (22:30). Use the extra afternoon time for sightseeing or a longer dinner.
After the Concert
Make your way back to your accommodation using the same options as Day 1. If you are leaving Rabat on Sunday, consider a late checkout.
Sunday Morning: Bonus Exploration
If your schedule allows a Sunday morning before departing:
Morning Option: Salé
Cross the Bouregreg river via tram to explore Salé, the historic twin city of Rabat. Salé’s medina is less touristy than Rabat’s, with a traditional atmosphere and the Mausoleum of Sidi Ben Acher as a cultural highlight.
- Getting there: Tram from central Rabat to Salé (15–20 min)
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
- Entry: Free
Brunch and Departure
Have a final Moroccan breakfast before heading to the train station or airport. The cafés near Rabat-Ville station are convenient for a last mint tea before departure.
Optional 3-Day Itinerary Extension
Add Sunday June 21 to your weekend for a third concert night:
Day 3 — Sunday June 21
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Late breakfast, visit anything missed (museum, Chellah if skipped) |
| Afternoon | Rest, pack, early dinner |
| Evening | Concert: choose |
| Night | Concert + departure next morning |
Concert Options for Sunday June 21
| Stage | Artist | Genre | Time | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nahda | Nacim Haddad | Moroccan | 22:30 | Free |
| Théâtre National | Marwa Nagy | Oriental | 21:00 | Paid |
| OLM Souissi | TBC | - | 20:45 | Free |
Sunday recommendation: Nacim Haddad at Nahda for a Moroccan music experience, or Marwa Nagy at the Théâtre National for an intimate paid concert.
Customising the Itinerary for Your Dates
This itinerary uses Friday–Saturday as an example, but the same structure works for any consecutive days:
| Day Pair | Best Headliners Available |
|---|---|
| Fri 19 – Sat 20 | Ninho + Major Lazer / Stonebwoy |
| Sat 20 – Sun 21 | Major Lazer + Nacim Haddad |
| Mon 22 – Tue 23 | Nicky Jam + Serge Beynaud |
| Wed 24 – Thu 25 | REMA / Hatim Ammor + Orchestra Baobab |
| Fri 26 – Sat 27 | TYGA / Oumou Sangaré + Tamer Hosny |
[Check the full Mawazine 2026 schedule to match your exact dates.]
Practical Tips for Your Mawazine Weekend
Getting Around
- Tram is the most reliable option for reaching OLM Souissi, Bouregreg and Salé
- Petit taxis are good for short trips. Always agree the fare in advance
- The Hassan district, Oudayas and Bouregreg are walkable between each other
What to Pack for a Weekend
- Light layers (warm days, cool evenings by the river)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Power bank for your phone
- Small cross-body bag for concerts
- Camera or phone with good low-light performance
Booking Timeline
- Accommodation: Book as early as possible (prices rise 1.5–3x during Mawazine)
- Train tickets: Book in advance via ONCF website or app for best prices on Al Boraq
- Restaurant reservations: Recommended for popular dinner spots before concerts
[See our complete where-to-stay guide for area-by-area accommodation recommendations.]
Combining with a Longer Morocco Trip
Mawazine is an excellent mid-point for a longer Morocco itinerary. From Rabat you can:
- Take the train to Casablanca (1h) for the Hassan II Mosque
- Connect to Marrakech (3h) for souks and desert trips
- Travel north to Tangier (1.5h) and Chefchaouen (3h)
- Head south to Essaouira for the Atlantic coast
[Use our Morocco Trip Planner 2026 to design your full route. Check the best time to visit Morocco for seasonal tips.]
Weekend Packing Checklist
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Light jacket or sweater | Evening concerts (18–22°C) |
| Comfortable walking shoes | Sightseeing + standing at concerts |
| Power bank | Phone charging during long evenings |
| Cross-body bag | Safety in crowds |
| Sunscreen | Daytime exploration |
| Small cash (MAD) | Taxis, food stalls, tips |
| Train tickets (pre-booked) | Arrival and departure |
| Accommodation address in Arabic | For taxi drivers |
| Download offline Rabat map | Phone signal may be slow in crowds |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see Rabat’s main sights and attend Mawazine concerts in one weekend? Yes. Rabat’s main attractions (Hassan Tower, Oudayas, Chellah, medina) can be visited during the day, leaving evenings free for concerts. This itinerary is designed for exactly that balance.
What is the best day to arrive for a Mawazine weekend? Friday June 19 is the opening night with Ninho at OLM Souissi and Mayada El Hennawy at the Théâtre National. Arriving Friday morning gives you a full day of sightseeing and opening night.
How do I get from Rabat train station to my accommodation? Rabat-Ville station is in the city centre near Hassan district. Rabat-Agdal station is near OLM Souissi. Both connect to the tram and taxis.
Can I attend concerts on both Friday and Saturday nights? Yes. The itinerary is designed for two consecutive concert nights. Rest during the afternoon between them.
What if I cannot stand for hours at a concert? The Théâtre National Mohammed V and Chellah stages offer seated or limited-capacity settings. Book paid tickets for these when they go on sale.
Is Rabat safe at night after concerts? Yes. Rabat is one of Morocco’s safest cities. Main avenues and concert exit routes are well-lit and have security presence. Use taxis for longer distances.
What restaurants are near the main stages? Our Rabat Food Guide has recommendations near every stage and landmark.
Can I extend this to a 3-day weekend? Yes. The optional 3-day extension adds Sunday June 21 with Nacim Haddad at Nahda or Marwa Nagy at the Théâtre National.
Is Rabat expensive for a weekend trip? Accommodation prices rise during Mawazine, but food and transport remain affordable. Free concerts mean entertainment costs are minimal.
When should I book accommodation and transport? Accommodation should be booked as early as possible. Train tickets can be booked via the ONCF app in advance for the best rates.
© Trimyo — Original Morocco tourism intelligence. This article was researched and written by the Trimyo editorial team. If you find this content useful, please link to the original article rather than copying it.
Published · Updated · Original article on trimyo.com
Sources & Verification
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see Rabat's main sights and attend Mawazine concerts in one weekend?
Yes. Rabat's main attractions (Hassan Tower, Oudayas, Chellah, medina) can be visited during the day, leaving evenings free for concerts.
What is the best day to arrive for a Mawazine weekend?
Friday June 19 is the opening night. Arriving Friday morning gives you a full day of sightseeing and opening night.
How do I get from Rabat train station to my accommodation?
Rabat-Ville station is in the city centre near Hassan district. Rabat-Agdal station is near OLM Souissi. Both connect to the tram and taxis.
Can I attend concerts on both Friday and Saturday nights?
Yes. The itinerary is designed for two consecutive concert nights. Rest during the afternoon between them.
What if I cannot stand for hours at a concert?
The Théâtre National Mohammed V and Chellah stages offer seated or limited-capacity settings.
Is Rabat safe at night after concerts?
Yes. Rabat is one of Morocco's safest cities. Main avenues and concert exit routes are well-lit and have security presence.
What restaurants are near the main stages?
Our Rabat Food Guide has recommendations near every stage and landmark.
Can I extend this to a 3-day weekend?
Yes. The optional 3-day extension adds Sunday June 21 with Nacim Haddad at Nahda or Marwa Nagy at the Théâtre National.
Is Rabat expensive for a weekend trip?
Accommodation prices rise during Mawazine, but food and transport remain affordable. Free concerts mean entertainment costs are minimal.
When should I book accommodation and transport?
Accommodation should be booked as early as possible. Train tickets can be booked via the ONCF app in advance for the best rates.