Things to Do in Rabat: The Ultimate Morocco Travel Guide
Morocco’s captivating capital often gets overshadowed by its more famous siblings like Marrakech and Fes, but Rabat offers travelers a perfect blend of historical richness and modern charm without the overwhelming tourist crowds. Situated along the stunning Atlantic coastline, Rabat seamlessly combines its ancient heritage with contemporary Moroccan life, creating a unique destination that deserves a spot on every traveler’s itinerary.
In this comprehensive Rabat travel guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit in Rabat, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to hidden gems, helping you discover why this coastal capital should be your next Moroccan adventure.
Explore the Historic Kasbah of the Udayas
The iconic blue and white-washed streets of the Kasbah of the Udayas transport visitors back to another era. This ancient fortress, built during the 12th century by the Almohad dynasty, stands majestically overlooking the Bou Regreg River and the Atlantic Ocean.
As you wander through the narrow, winding alleyways, you’ll discover charming residential houses adorned with blue doors and windows that contrast beautifully against the whitewashed walls. The architectural style reminds many visitors of Santorini or Chefchaouen, creating picture-perfect photo opportunities at every turn.
Practical Information:
- Address: Kasbah des Oudaïas, Rabat
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Entrance Fee: Free for the Kasbah area
- Getting There: A short taxi ride from downtown Rabat or a 20-minute walk from the Rabat Ville train station
- Tips: Visit in the late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs. The area is safe, but as with any tourist destination, keep an eye on personal belongings.
Don’t miss the stunning Andalusian Gardens located within the Kasbah grounds, offering a peaceful retreat with foreign plants, flowing fountains, and shaded paths.
Discover the Ancient Chellah Necropolis
Just outside Rabat’s city center lies the hauntingly beautiful Chellah Necropolis, a site where ancient Roman ruins blend harmoniously with medieval Islamic architecture. Once a thriving Roman city known as Sala Colonia, the site was later transformed into a necropolis (city of the dead) during the Marinid dynasty in the 14th century.
Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, including Roman roads, a forum, thermal baths, and Islamic mausoleums. The site is also famous for its resident stork population, who build enormous nests atop the ancient columns and walls, adding to the mystical atmosphere.
Practical Information:
- Address: Avenue Al Araar, Rabat
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (closed on Mondays)
- Entrance Fee: 70 MAD (approximately $7 USD)
- Getting There: 10-minute taxi ride from downtown Rabat
- Tips: Bring a hat and water, especially during summer months, as there’s limited shade. The annual Jazz au Chellah festival held here in September is worth planning your trip around if you’re a music lover.
Visit Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Perhaps Rabat’s most recognizable landmark, the Hassan Tower stands as a testament to unfulfilled ambition. Construction began in 1195 under Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour, who intended it to be the world’s largest minaret attached to what would have been the world’s largest mosque. When the Sultan died in 1199, construction halted, leaving the tower at just over half its intended height.
Today, the incomplete tower and the surrounding columns create a hauntingly beautiful scene that draws visitors from around the world. Directly across the esplanade stands the gleaming Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture housing the tombs of the current king’s grandfather and father.
Practical Information:
- Address: Avenue Tour Hassan, Rabat
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, closed during prayer times
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Getting There: Located in central Rabat, easily accessible by taxi or a pleasant walk from most parts of the city
- Tips: Visit the complex around sunset when the golden light bathes the sandstone tower in a warm glow. Dress respectfully when visiting the mausoleum.
Wander Through the Medina of Rabat
Unlike the often overwhelming medinas of Fes or Marrakech, Rabat’s old town offers a more relaxed shopping and cultural experience. Dating back to the 17th century, this walled city within a city maintains its authentic character while being remarkably navigable for visitors.
The main shopping street, Rue Souka, runs through the heart of the medina and features everything from traditional Moroccan crafts to modern clothing. Look for local specialties like Rabat carpets, known for their distinctive geometric patterns and high-quality craftsmanship.
Practical Information:
- Address: Medina of Rabat (multiple entrances)
- Opening Hours: Shops generally open 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, closed or limited hours on Fridays
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Getting There: Walking distance from most central Rabat locations
- Tips: Unlike other Moroccan medinas, it’s relatively difficult to get lost here, but having a map downloaded on your phone can still be helpful. Practice your bargaining skills when shopping, but remain respectful.
Relax in the Andalusian Gardens
Located within the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Andalusian Gardens provide a serene escape from the bustling city. Created during the French colonial period in the early 20th century, these formal gardens blend Moorish and European landscaping traditions.
Towering palms, fragrant orange trees, and colorful flowerbeds create a sensory paradise, while ornate fountains provide a soothing soundtrack. Local families and tourists alike come here to relax on benches beneath the shade of ancient trees.
Practical Information:
- Address: Inside the Kasbah of the Udayas, Rabat
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Getting There: Same as Kasbah of the Udayas
- Tips: The gardens house a small café where you can enjoy traditional Moroccan mint tea while overlooking the river. Visit in spring to see the gardens at their most vibrant.
Beyond the Main Attractions: Hidden Gems in Rabat
While Rabat’s major landmarks deserve their fame, the city holds numerous lesser-known treasures waiting to be discovered by curious travelers:
Rabat Archaeological Museum
Housing an impressive collection of artifacts from prehistoric times through the Islamic period, this museum offers fascinating insights into Morocco’s diverse cultural heritage. The prehistoric human skull discovered at Témara Cave and the exquisite bronze sculptures from the Roman city of Volubilis are particularly noteworthy.
Bab Oudaia
This monumental gate marking the entrance to the Kasbah features intricate horseshoe arches and decorative elements that exemplify Almohad architecture. Take a moment to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship before entering the Kasbah itself.
Villa des Arts
Housed in a stunning Art Deco building, this contemporary art museum showcases works by leading Moroccan artists. With rotating exhibitions and a peaceful garden, it’s a haven for art lovers looking to explore Morocco’s modern creative scene.
Rabat Beach (Plage de Rabat)
Just a short distance from the city center, Rabat’s beach offers a refreshing break from sightseeing. While not as developed as some of Morocco’s resort beaches, its golden sands and Atlantic waves make it popular with locals, especially during summer months.
Day Trips from Rabat
Rabat’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring other fascinating Moroccan destinations:
Casablanca
Just an hour away by train, Morocco’s largest city offers visitors the spectacular Hassan II Mosque (one of the world’s largest), vibrant art deco architecture, and cosmopolitan dining and shopping experiences.
Volubilis and Meknes
Combine a visit to the remarkably preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis with exploration of Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, featuring impressive gates and palaces from the 17th century.
Salé
Just across the river from Rabat, Salé offers an authentic slice of Moroccan life with its traditional medina, impressive Grand Mosque, and the fascinating Madrasa of Salé, a 14th-century Islamic school featuring exquisite carved cedar and zellige tilework.
Beyond Rabat: Desert Adventures with Sahara Discovery
While Rabat itself offers plenty to explore, many travelers use the capital as a launching point for adventures into Morocco’s diverse landscapes. Sahara Discovery, a well-established Moroccan travel company based in Rabat, specializes in curated desert experiences that showcase the country’s breathtaking natural diversity.
Their experienced guides lead tours ranging from 3-day excursions to week-long adventures, taking you from Rabat to the golden dunes of the Sahara. Their most popular tour, the 4-day “Imperial Cities and Desert” package, includes stops in Fes and Merzouga, where you’ll ride camels into the desert, spend a night in a traditional Berber camp, and witness one of the world’s most spectacular sunrises over the dunes.
For those with limited time, Sahara Discovery’s 3-day “Desert Express” tour efficiently delivers the essential Sahara experience, while their extended 7-day “Complete Morocco” journey adds the Atlas Mountains, Todra Gorge, and the blue city of Chefchaouen to create a comprehensive Moroccan adventure.
What sets Sahara Discovery apart is their commitment to authentic cultural experiences and responsible tourism. Their small group sizes (maximum 8 travelers) ensure personal attention, and they work directly with local communities to provide genuine cultural exchanges rather than staged tourist experiences.
Practical Information:
- Office Address: 25 Avenue Mohammed V, Rabat
- Booking: Tours can be arranged online or at their office in central Rabat
- Price Range: 3-day tours from 3,500 MAD per person; 7-day tours from 8,200 MAD per person
- Included: Transportation, accommodation, guide services, some meals
- Tips: Book at least two weeks in advance during high season (March-May and September-November)
Moroccan Cuisine: What to Eat in Rabat
No visit to Morocco would be complete without sampling its legendary cuisine, and Rabat offers excellent opportunities to explore these flavors:
- Tagine: Slow-cooked stews named after the conical earthenware pots they’re prepared in, ranging from lamb with prunes to chicken with preserved lemon
- Couscous: Traditionally served on Fridays, featuring steamed semolina topped with vegetables and meat
- Pastilla: A sweet-savory pie typically filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and cinnamon
- Mint Tea: Morocco’s national drink, green tea infused with fresh mint and plenty of sugar
Recommended Restaurants:
- Dinarjat: Located in a restored riad in the medina, offering traditional Moroccan cuisine in a romantic setting
- Le Dhow: A restaurant on a boat moored on the Bou Regreg River, featuring fusion cuisine and spectacular views
- Yamal Acham: Excellent Syrian and Lebanese cuisine for when you need a break from Moroccan flavors
Where to Stay in Rabat
Rabat offers accommodations for every budget and preference:
Luxury Options
- Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses: Set in lush gardens with a pool and spa
- Villa Mandarine: Boutique hotel in an orange grove with individual character in each room
Mid-Range
- Riad Kalaa: Traditional riad in the medina with a rooftop terrace
- Hotel des Oudaias: Simple but charming hotel near the Kasbah
Budget-Friendly
- Dar Zouhour: Affordable riad with friendly service
- Ibis Rabat Agdal: Reliable chain hotel with good location
Practical Travel Information
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds
- Getting Around: Rabat’s tram system is efficient and connects major attractions. Petit taxis (blue in Rabat) are affordable for short trips
- Language: Arabic is the official language, but French is widely spoken. English is increasingly common in tourist areas
- Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD), with approximately 10 MAD to 1 USD
- Visa Requirements: Many Western countries’ citizens can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days
- Safety: Rabat is considered one of the safest cities in Morocco, though normal travel precautions apply
3-Day Rabat Itinerary
Day 1: Historical Highlights
- Morning: Kasbah of the Udayas and Andalusian Gardens
- Lunch at a café overlooking the river
- Afternoon: Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V
- Evening: Dinner in the medina
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
- Morning: Rabat Archaeological Museum
- Lunch near Bab al-Had
- Afternoon: Explore the medina and shop for souvenirs
- Evening: Traditional dinner with live music
Day 3: Day Trip or Beach Day
- Option 1: Day trip to Salé and Chellah Necropolis
- Option 2: Relax at Rabat Beach and visit Villa des Arts
- Evening: Sunset walk along the corniche followed by seafood dinner
Extended Morocco Adventure
- For travelers with more time, schedule a consultation with Sahara Discovery to plan a desert extension to your Rabat stay. Their 3-day tours depart regularly and return you to Rabat or can connect you to your next Moroccan destination.
Conclusion
Rabat may not have the immediate name recognition of other Moroccan destinations, but its blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and relaxed atmosphere makes it an essential stop on any Morocco itinerary. From ancient fortresses to pristine beaches, traditional souks to contemporary art galleries, Rabat offers a more authentic and less touristic glimpse into Moroccan life.
Whether you’re seeking architectural wonders, cultural experiences, or simply a beautiful base from which to explore the region, Rabat delivers with understated elegance. And with easy access to both urban Moroccan centers and the magical landscapes of the desert through companies like Sahara Discovery, Rabat proves to be not just a destination in itself, but a perfect gateway to all of Morocco’s diverse wonders.
