20 Unmissable Things To Do in Rabat Morocco
Rabat is one of Morocco’s most underrated destinations, and honestly - I really don’t know why.
The relaxed and pristine medina is probably the best in the country, there’s a dramatic coastline with sandy beaches and the city is awash with fascinating history and culture. But all without the tourist crowds and pushy sellers that are synonymous with the likes of Marrakech or Fez.
There’s also a very modern side to the city, with lots of recent investment into arts and sports facilities. We honestly fell in love with it the first time we visited and each time we return, we discover something new and exciting to do.
So in no particular order, here’s all of our favourite things to do in Rabat Morocco.
Map of Rabat Morocco
We’ve also plotted all the best things to see in Rabat Morocco on a handy map too so you can easily find your way around this gorgeous city.
Things To Do In Rabat Morocco
1. Explore the Historic Kasbah of the Oudayas
Located on top of a hill at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, the site has long since been a defensive stronghold for whomever occupied the city. However it was the Almohad Empire who in the 12th century began building the Kasbah of the Udayas, which still stands today.
Over the centuries it was further developed with a palace, a mosque and even an underground canal running through it. These days the citadel’s main purpose is however residential, with around 2000 of Rabats residents living within the walls of the UNESCO listed old fortress.
But with its grand elaborate entrance gate (Bab Oudaya), stunning coastline views, and pretty white and blue houses, it is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rabat.
While you are wandering around the charming streets of the Kasbah in Rabat, don’t miss the peaceful escape of the Andalusian Gardens. And if you’re in need of a refreshment the mint tea and moroccan cookies at the beautiful Cafe Maure are always a good shout.
Within the Rabat Kasbah you’ll also find the small but fascinating Oudayas Museum. It houses an impressive collection of jewellery and costumes from across the different ages and regions of Morocco.
It’s open Wednesday to Monday, from 10:00 to 16:30, closed on Tuesdays. The entrance fee for foreigners is 60 MAD (£5 GBP / $6 USD) per adult.
2. Visit Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The Hassan Tower is one of the most prominent landmarks in Rabat. However you might be surprised to learn that it is in fact the minaret of an unfinished mosque.
Commissioned by the ruler of the Almohad Caliphate towards the end of the 12th century, it was intended to be the largest minaret in the world. But, upon his death, the project was abandoned.
This does not however take away from how impressive the feat of architecture is in its own right. And it looks especially impressive at dusk when it is lit up against the backdrop of a pink sunset.
Right in front you will also find the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which is the final resting place of Moroccan royalty. Owing to King Mohammed V’s role in the independence of Morocco, the monument is considered a symbol of liberation and is hence of huge cultural importance.
The architectural design and traditional Moroccan artwork are so exceptionally intricate, it took nine years to construct. It really is breathtakingly beautiful and definitely a must see in Rabat.
It’s open everyday from 9am - 6pm and is completely free to enter, even for foreigners.
3. Walk Through the Medina of Rabat
Rabat medina is the old walled part of the city. The labyrinth of car-free narrow streets contains markets, shops, hammans, fountains, offices, bread ovens, a mosque, hotels and residences.
Just as it has done for hundreds of years, time appears to stand still. And it continues to balance residential, commercial, and religious spaces all existing in harmony.
But Rabat doesn’t have the same shopping reputation of other Moroccan cities, and I’m really not sure why. Because having travelled all over the country, I think Rabat Medina is the best.
It’s really clean, the prices are more affordable and the quality of handicrafts is first rate. But most of all it offers visitors an authentic slice of Moroccan life, without the incessant chaos and aggressive sales tactics associated with the likes of Marrakech or Fez.
That’s not to say that Rabat old town doesn't get seriously busy because it does, but the lively atmosphere is full of a unique charm where tourists and locals shop alongside each other.
The best shopping streets/areas within Rabat medina for truly immersive shopping experiences are; Rue des Consuls, Souk es Sebat, Rue Souika, Rue Boukroune and Marché Central.
Rue des Consuls is jam packed with a 500 year old history of hand making colourful textiles, ceramics and jewelry. While Souk es Sebat truly captivates the senses with its heady mix of aromatic spices and handmade leather goods. Rue Souika, on the other hand, offers a mix of more upmarket boutique and contemporary shops. Then there’s the unmissable Marché Central bursting with life, selling fresh produce, seafood and meats. Rue Boukroune is also great for this in the early morning.
4. Stroll Along the Bouregreg River
Separating Rabat and the next door city of Salé is the beautiful Bouregreg River. And there’s nothing much more pleasant on a warm day than taking a stroll along the wide picturesque waterfront. And of course stopping off for a refreshment at one of the cafes that run along it.
You’ll find a ferry stop along there where you can jump on a boat to the other side of the river to visit Salé - more on that in a bit. But it’s an inexpensive treat. The newly developed Bouregreg Marina on the Salé side of the river is also worth a wander around while over there.
If you are looking for romantic things to do in Rabat, taking a sunset boat cruise with a traditional Moroccan dinner afterwards is pure magic.
5. Discover the Chellah Necropolis
Further around the bend of the River Bouregreg is the Chellah Necropolis. The resting place for the elite was built in the 14th century by the Marinid dynasty upon the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia.
The tombs and mosque were adorned with exquisite ornamental Islamic architecture and literally built right amongst the ruins. It’s a pure convergence of different civilizations.
There’s also an impressive viewpoint out over the water and a tranquil garden oasis. The lush green vegetation is home to a variety of birds, most markedly white storks. You will also see them perched up high where they nest on top of the still standing columns of the ruins.
And while it’s a tad out of the way, the historical richness and serene beauty of the Rabat Chellah make it one of the most underrated places to visit in Rabat.
Adult self guided tickets are 70 MAD (£5.60/ $7) or 120 MAD (£9.60 / $12) for an audio guide. You can purchase them online here, buy them on the day.
It’s open everyday from 9am and until 7pm in summer, 5pm in winter and 3pm during Ramadan.
There is a parking area outside, but taxis are also a convenient way to get there or you can of course just walk as we did.
Alternatively, you can experience this top Rabat attraction as part of a guided tour with several of the other awesome things to see in Rabat. This one has a multilingual guide, A/C transport and has great reviews.
6. Relax at Rabat’s Best Beaches
If you are staying in the city, Rabat Beach will be the most accessible, however there are nicer ones nearby such as Nations Beach and Skhirat Beach. There’s also a Sale Beach, just across the river. So you have plenty to choose from.
Plage de Rabat
Best for surfing and other watersports. The Rabat Surf School is right there and there’s also other watersports on offer such as kayaking and windsurfing too. The rock barriers break the strong Atlantic Ocean to cause long waves so it’s suitable for swimming too.
It does have its limitations though. It is only 2.5km long, so it gets really packed in summer. And unfortunately there’s a real problem with people leaving their rubbish on the beach. It’s backed by a cemetery - I’ll leave you to make your mind up about that.
Top Rabat Tip: Walk out along the small pier to the Ocean Viewpoint to watch the sunset.
Plage de Salé Ville
Best for sunbathing and relaxing. Just across the River Bouregreg is Rabat’s twin city, Salé. This urban U-shaped beach is bigger and has a gorgeous view of Kasbah des Oudayas. It also has a long breakwater, so is safe for swimming.
But it could also be cleaner, the beach goers here have bad habits and there just aren’t enough rubbish bins around. The prime real estate backing the beach also belongs to another huge cemetery. There’s no amenities and you should pack your own refreshments.
How to get there: From Rabat either take a rowing boat across or jump on the Orange L3 bus.
Plage des Nations
Best for advanced surfers and seaside dining. Just around 25 km north of Rabat is what many regard as one of the best beaches in the country. And it is really beautiful and clean.
Plus there’s lots of lovely cafes and restaurants along the beachfront to choose from.
Be warned though, the waves are huge and powerful. So whilst they are awesome for serious surfers, the currents can be dangerous for swimmers. Best to stay in the shallows here.
How to get there: From Rabat take the Orange L3 bus that goes up through Sale too. It takes around 45 minutes to the stop on the main road. Then it's just over a 2km (30 minute) walk. Alternatively you can jump in a cab and that will take you down to the beach. There is also parking if you have a car.
Plage de Skhirat
Best for swimming and families. Located around 25 km south of Rabat, Skhirat Beach is clean, supervised by lifeguards and has toilets. The reason? Simple, there’s quite a few high quality hotels nearby.
So there’s places to eat a meal, but also vendors selling snacks and drinks on the sand.
But it is also only 1.5km long and as well as holidaymakers is popular with surfers and anglers.
How to get there: From Rabat get on the Green L33 bus which takes just under an hour to get to the drop off. From there it’s less than a 10 minutes walk to the waterfront.
For more info on how to get around the city you can read our complete guide to Rabat here.
7. Take a Day Trip to Salé
Just across the Bouregreg River is Rabat’s twin sister, Salé. And even though it’s just a few minutes away by boat (or bus) life moves at a notably slower pace here. Think less of a bustling city and more of a chilled traditional Moroccan working-class town.
But not that chill as it was in fact in Salé that the first 1950’s demonstrations against the French began. They were the fuse that sparked political uprisings across the country which eventually led to Morocco gaining its independence.
It also has a very colourful history of Barbary pirates who operated from here to raid the south coasts of England and Ireland.
Anyway things to do in Salé today are wander around the walled mazes of Salé medina, take in the beautiful and intricate artwork decorating the Great Mosque of Salé and and visit the Madrasa of Abu al-Hasa - a stunning building that is a medieval school for studying the Quran.
Salé is also known for its exceptional craftsmanship. Pottery, ironwork and basketry are second to none. You’ll also find much cheaper prices than in Rabat too.
Boats will take you over from Rabat to Salé for just a few dirham per person and sail all day.
8. Visit the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Opened in 2014, this is the first modern museum in Morocco and is a testament to both the country’s vibrant history and its aspiring future. It houses an extensive collection of artwork, spanning the early 20th century to modern day contemporary work.
On a smaller scale, the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is fostering cultural tourism in Rabat, but on a larger scale it’s putting Moroccan art on the global stage.
There’s also lots of temporary exhibitions by international artists and a calendar of cultural events. So if you are interested in art this simply has to be on your list of things to do in Rabat.
Opening hours are 10am - 6pm everyday, except Tuesday when it is closed. The entrance price is 60 MAD (£4.70 / $6) per adult for foreigners. For under 18’s it’s just 15 MAD.
9. Experience Rabat’s Vibrant Café Culture
Mint tea isn’t just a refreshment, it’s a way of life in Rabat and something you simply must experience while in the capital. Pouring traditional Moroccan mint tea is also an artform that you should brush up on before you go too.
The most famous cafe to have mint tea in Rabat is Café des Oudayas in the Kasbah. It’s really good plus there’s views out over the Atlantic Ocean. Be sure to have a cookie or pastry with it too.
But cafe culture in Rabat isn’t just about tea. There is also a serious coffee scene. So if that’s more your thing try Ty Potes and La Table du Réservoir for a seriously good brew.
10. Explore the Royal Palace of Rabat
As the primary and official residence of the king of Morocco, the Royal Palace of Rabat is an extremely important landmark in the city.
Within the palace complex, there is the Collège Royal, which is an exclusive school for senior members of the royal family. And also accommodation for the Moroccan Royal Guard.
You can however only visit the Royal Palace of Rabat from the outside. What you will see though is a fine example of Moroccan architecture with ornate gates and intricate tile work.
The main entrance overlooks a vast esplanade called the Mechouar, which is used for the outdoors royal ceremonies. You can wander around this area and take some photos, but don’t get too close to the guards - there’s basically an invisible line that you should not cross.
Definitely interesting and worth stopping by if you are walking around the Touarga area.
11. Discover Rabat’s Street Art Scene
There is a growing urban art movement in Rabat and every year the city hosts a vibrant street art festival. If you are in the city during this time it is definitely one of the most awesome things to see in Rabat Morocco.
The JIDAR Street Art Festival in Rabat happens each April. And over 10 days international artists from all over the world transform a selection of the Moroccan capital’s facades with colourful and inspirational art.
Of course it isn’t just during the festival that you can appreciate Rabat’s street art because it stays all year round. So you’re a fan of urban art, strap on your trainers, grab your camera and spend a few hours wandering and gazing at the huge murals.
They are all around the city, but you will find a concentration in the Bouregreg Creative District, Hassan II Park, along Avenue Mohamed V, Avenue Kifah and all down Avenue Hassan II.
As a bonus, it’s also one of the completely free things to do in Rabat, Morocco.
12. Visit St. Peter’s Cathedral
Located in Golan Square in downtown Rabat, you will find a rare example of Catholic architecture in Morocco. the building has a unique art deco style which is rather in contrast with the surrounding architecture in the city.
It was built during the French era in Morocco but these days is a perfect illustration of Morocco's pluralism and religious tolerance. Mass is celebrated daily so if you wish you can also go inside to experience its peaceful ambiance.
Being one of only three Cathedrals in the entire country, the unusualness of its presence makes St. Peter’s Cathedral a must see in Rabat Morocco.
13. Try Traditional Moroccan Cuisine
Of course you simply can’t visit Rabat without trying some traditional Moroccan cuisine.
You can take your pick of bubbling tasty tagines, from meat, chicken, fish or vegetables. Then there’s Rfissa, a slow-cooked chicken dish with lentils and delectable msemen bread. Piled high steaming couscous with slow cooked meat and vegetables is traditionally served on Fridays.
Harira, which is a hearty tomato based soup, made with lentils, chickpeas, fresh herbs and warm spices is a particular favourite of ours. As is Bissara Soup, a thick and creamy soup made from mashed split fava beans, garlic, cumin, and olive oil.
Fried sardines are also a hugely popular dish to eat in Rabat.
But while there’s loads of great restaurants in Rabat serving the above, the street food in the medina is also where it’s at.
You’ll find BBQ’s smoking up merguez sausages and skewers, hot buttery msemen sizzling away on hot plates and crispy khringo donuts that pair perfectly with mint tea or coffee.
A couple of things very local to Rabat are also Maakouda, a fried potato snack and Habricha, which is a mixture of minced meat, onions, garlic, spices and eggs with hot pepper sauce. Both are served in bread as sandwiches so make for perfect lunches or quick dinners.
Throughout the market you’ll also find freshly squeezed sugar cane or pomegranate juices. Plus loads of other delicacies such as juicy dates and more variety of olives than you’ll know what to do with.
Top Restaurants In Rabat Morocco
Chez Lhaja ($) | Tucked away in the medina, this small eatery serves truly delicious food at affordable prices. It’s well known for perfectly cooked Friday couscous and excellent tagines.
Opening times: Monday - Saturday 12pm - 5pm (closed Sunday)
Address: 7 Derb Cherkaoui, Rue Lalla Oum Kanabeach
Restaurant Dar Larsa ($$) | This place has a busy but lovely outside seating area and serves complimentary harira soup to start. The calamari and meat with prunes tagines are very good.
Opening times: Open every day from 9am until late
Address: Bab El Ahad, No.12 Hassan II Street
Dar Naji ($$$) | Amazing decor, cozy atmosphere and excellent service. Be sure to try a tanjia, one of the dishes slow cooked inside a clay pot. It’s similar, but different to a tagine.
Opening times: Open everyday from 12pm until late
Address: Avenue Jazirat Al Arabe
14. Enjoy Rabat’s Nightlife and Live Music
Whilst Rabat isn’t known for having a party scene, there are plenty of places to hang out later into the evening where you’ll often find live music (and alcoholic drinks if that’s your thing).
Le Dhow | This floating bar-restaurant that’s docked on the Bouregreg River. It’s a gorgeous setting with lovely views and is one of only a handful of places in Rabat that serves alcohol.
Upstairs | An Irish pub that’s great for a casual night out with friends. The vibe is lively and inviting with great service. They also serve typical pub style food such as burgers and pizzas.
Le Chill | This small bar is known for its music scene. There’s a live band on Friday nights, DJ on Saturday and Karaoke on Sundays. They also serve decent food and alcoholic drinks.
La Bodega Toro Loco | An authentic Spanish tapas bar with reasonably priced tapas dishes, wine and beers. It has a really fun atmosphere, shows football and get very busy on weekends.
There’s also Shoko Lounge, El Cielo, Havana Lounge and Amnésia Club, but to be honest the service can be really hit and miss at them, especially from the door staff.
15. Attend a Music Festival or Cultural Event
One of Africa’s largest music festivals, Mawazine, is held each summer in Rabat, Morocco. Meaning ‘rhythms of the world’ in Arabic, the event features international and local music artists.
Over 10 days there’s around 90 different acts on 7 stages all over the city. Previous big names include Rihanna, Bruno Mars, The Weekend, Alicia Keys, Calvin Harris, Burna Boy and Avicii.
Then there’s the hugely popular Jazz a Rabat, which is a jazz music festival blending Moroccan and European styles. It’s been taking place annually over 3 days since 2005.
One of its main aims is to strengthen intercultural dialogue between the EU and Morocco. But even more interesting is that it is held within the ruins of the atmospheric Chellah Necropolis.
There’s also lots of other local film, dance, and art festivals going on throughout the year.
16. Watch a Show at The Grand Theatre of Rabat
Just inaugurated in October 2024, the Grand Theatre of Rabat is part of a wider national initiative by King Mohammed VI to promote the arts and cultural development of Morocco.
The futuristic construction took a whopping ten years to complete, but the venue is massive. It includes an 1800-seat interior theatre and a 7000-seat open-air amphitheatre.
The design of the structure is said to be inspired by a mix of the winding course of the nearby Bouregreg River and the cursive aesthetics of Arabic calligraphy.
You can find the programme of events for the Grand Theatre of Rabat here.
17. Attend a Football Match
The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat is the home ground of ASFAR Football Club, who competes in Botola, the top tier of Moroccan football. The team is very popular in and outside the country and in fact is one of the most widely supported teams in Africa. They’re a big deal.
As Rabat is set to be one of the host cities for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, there will also be lots of high profile international games also being played here.
So for football fans catching a match while visiting the city, should be high on your list of things to do in Rabat. You can buy tickets from the stadium, but need to get them before match day.
18. Watch a Movie at Cinéma Renaissance
The Cinéma Renaissance in Rabat is an art-house theater spread over three floors. It has a multi-purpose room for live shows and the venue also hosts regular film festivals.
There’s a cafe with a lovely atmosphere and great food on the top floor. Which also has the best views from its tiny balconies down over the prettiest boulevard in Rabat, Avenue Mohammed V.
The building in itself is very iconic and they have a good selection of local and international films. A great idea for things to do in Rabat when the weather isn’t so good.
19. Stop By Some of Rabat’s Museums
We’ve already covered a couple of museums; Oudayas Museum and the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. But rest assured, if you’re a museum nerd you’ll be able to get your fix in Rabat, Morocco. Here’s a few more of our favourites:
The National Photography Museum
Located in the Ocean neighbourhood within the remains of the repurposed 19th century Burj Kebir Fortress, you’ll find the National Photography Museum. It’s a really lovely setting.
It has everything from portraits to urban documentary photography with work from esteemed photographers as well younger up and coming artists. A definite must see in Rabat Morocco.
Opening times: Wednesday to Monday from 10am until 6pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Entrance fee: Adults are 20 MAD (£1.60 GBP / £2 USD) and children 10 MAD.
Address: Mokhtar Gazoulit Avenue, Ocean District
Museum of History and Civilisations
Despite being modest in size, the collections at the Museum of History and Civilisations in Rabat offer a wealth of information about Morocco’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Unless you read French or Arabic, you will however need Google Translate to understand. Alternatively you can ask if an English speaking member of staff can provide a guided tour.
Opening times: Wednesday to Monday from 10am to 6pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Entrance fee: Adults are 20 MAD (£1.60 GBP / £2 USD) and children 10 MAD.
Address: Avenue Moulay Abdelaziz
Exposition Poupées du Monde
The museum of dolls in Rabat is tucked away in the bustling streets of the medina. It showcases dolls through the ages from all over the world, not just Morocco and Africa.
And while it’s unusual, it’s definitely one of the fun things to do in Rabat - especially with kids. Many happen upon it just by chance, but the impressive collection is well worth looking in on.
Opening times: Saturday to Thursday from 10am to 7pm. Closed on Fridays.
Entrance fee: Adults are 20 MAD (£1.60 GBP / £2 USD) and children 10 MAD.
Address: 3 Impasses Nakhla, Rue Bouqroune
Bank Al-Maghrib Museum
This Rabat museum is actually inside the headquarters of Morocco’s central bank and has a huge collection of banknotes and coins dating back to prehistoric times.
Commentary takes you through how modern day Moroccan banknotes and coins are produced, but fascinatingly how they are also destroyed. There’s a cool art exhibition area there too.
Opening times: Open Tuesday to Friday from 9 to 5:30pm, Saturday 9 to 12pm and 3 to 6pm.
Entrance fee: Adults are 20 MAD (£1.60 GBP / £2 USD) and children 10 MAD.
Address: Angle Avenue Allal Ben Addellah et Rue el Kahira
20. Spend a Few Hours at Rabat Zoo
Even though I’ve never been, because I just don’t like zoos in general, I’m adding this final Rabat tourist attraction in because it is just that. And lots of people do enjoy it.
Naturally Rabat Zoo is one of the popular things to do in Rabat with kids. And there is a huge variety of exotic wild animals including lions, elephants, hyenas, monkeys, crocodiles, hippos and buffalos just to name a handful.
The price is pretty reasonable too. It’s 70 MAD (£5.60 GBP / $7.00 USD) for an adult and 50 MAD for under 3 -12 year olds. Under 3’s go free.
From March to October it’s open 10am to 5:30pm and November to February 10am to 4:30pm.
It is a little way out of town though so you’ll either need to grab a taxi or jump on a bus if you don’t have a car. If you do, there is parking. Once there, you can either walk around or hire one of the Zoo taxi’s to get about quicker. The bus lines it is on are 7, 18, 40, 45.
If you have anything else to add to this list of awesome things to do in Rabat, drop them in a comment below so we or others can look them up next time we’re there!
