The top things to do in Rabat include a bustling medina, lush tropical gardens, majestic city walls, a splendid mausoleum, historic gates, cutting-edge architecture, and so much more. While Rabat might not top the list of Morocco’s most visited cities, its cultural and historical offerings are undeniably compelling. It’s no surprise that part of its city center proudly claims a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
We were pleasantly surprised by Rabat, finding it to be a delightful discovery. We wholeheartedly encourage you to weave the Moroccan capital into your travel plans. Read on for insights into the best activities and must-see attractions in Rabat.
How to get to Rabat in Morocco?
Rabat, the capital of Morocco, graces the Atlantic coast in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region. For European travelers, Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca is conveniently located just an hour away from Rabat. This airport provides consistent flights from most significant European cities.
Rabat is excellently linked by train to other Moroccan locales. Our first visit to Morocco left us impressed with the high-quality train connections between the major cities. It stands out as the perfect mode of travel within the country, offering easy train access from Rabat to key cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fez.
What is Rabat known for?
Rabat holds the prestigious title of a Royal City, a distinction it shares with historical cities like Fez, Marrakech, and Meknes. However, Rabat uniquely continues to be the capital.
Moreover, UNESCO has lauded Rabat for its distinctive cultural heritage. In 2012, the city earned a spot on the World Heritage List, celebrated not just for its historical significance and pristine heritage, but especially for the harmonious integration of historical and modern elements within its bounds. Thus, Rabat is a place where ancient sites meet cutting-edge architecture and striking skyscrapers.
Where to stay in Rabat
Seeking an extraordinary place to stay in Rabat? Look no further than the magical riads of Rabat. These traditional Moroccan homes, designed around a charming central courtyard, are peaceful sanctuaries in the midst of the vibrant Imperial City. They perfectly marry the genuine allure of Moroccan culture with contemporary comforts. From the stunning architecture and opulent interiors to the heartfelt hospitality and scrumptious local cuisine, a stay in a riad promises to be a memorable journey.
The most extraordinary riads in the Rabat Medina:
#1 Dar Shâan is a gem among riads, celebrated for its plethora of glowing reviews. This stunning establishment radiates an authentic Moroccan vibe and boasts a prime spot in the Medina. Its crowning glory is a rooftop terrace equipped with an inviting outdoor pool, providing a serene oasis to unwind after a day filled with sightseeing adventures!
#2 Riad Dar Soufa exudes classic Moroccan elegance with its terrace, a tranquil fountain, and a sun-kissed terrace overlooking the vibrant souks of Rabat. Enthusiastic guests highlight in their reviews the delightful breakfast, strategic location, the breathtaking rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of the city, the cordial staff, and the serene ambiance.
#3 Riad Marhaba occupies a historic building that artfully merges Andalusian and Arabic design elements. This accommodation is a feast for the eyes, where beauty meets tranquility. It features a charming inner garden and an even more captivating rooftop terrace.
#4 Riad Amaris creates a peaceful haven with its airy, softly-hued interiors and refreshing light blue touches. Its traditional patio, complete with a fountain, a glass ceiling, and a plant-filled rooftop terrace, sets the scene for a tranquil retreat. The Moroccan traditional breakfast, served on the rooftop terrace, promises the ideal commencement to your Rabat exploration!
#5 Euphoriad distinguishes itself as one of the few hotels in Rabat that blends modern luxury with a spellbinding Arabian style, showcased through an exquisite courtyard. This haven of luxury boasts an outdoor pool, a hamam, and a terrace that offers a mesmerizing view of the Medina.
The 12 best thing to do in Rabat
#1 The Rabat Medina
Your Rabat journey isn’t complete without a wander through its medina. This historical core pulsates with life, making it an essential and most fascinating area to explore. The endless souks and lively local scenes ensure a feast for the senses.
A standout spot in the medina is Rue De Consuls, the bustling heart where the most enchanting souks are found. This area dazzles with souks overflowing with tourist-friendly treasures such as handwoven carpets, vibrant pottery, delicate wood carvings, fine leather goods, and handcrafted jewelry.
Yet, the medina’s charm extends beyond Rue De Consuls. Venture deeper to uncover its less-photographed, authentic side, where the rhythm of local life unfolds. Here, the markets are stacked with daily essentials, from socks and household items to sneakers. Amid these everyday scenes, you’ll find food stalls offering a taste of local flavors at modest prices, inviting you into the genuine heart of Rabat.
The medina’s Andalusian walls are a historical marvel, encircling the old city with their 17th-century splendor. Spanning nearly 1.5 kilometers and dotted with seventeen towers and numerous gates, these ancient fortifications are a testament to Rabat’s rich past.
#2 Kasbah les Oudaies
The Kasbah of the Udayas, or Kasbah les Oudaïas, stands as Rabat’s most picturesque quarter. This ancient fortress, perched at the Bou Regreg river’s mouth, now serves as an atmospheric open-air museum that beckons exploration.
As the city’s historical heart, the kasbah tells tales of Rabat’s earliest settlers, dating back to the 12th century under the Almohad dynasty. Its charming streets and houses, adorned in a distinctive blue-and-white palette, make for one of the city’s most photogenic corners.
The kasbah’s northern side still boasts the formidable old city walls, with their impressive thickness and height, adding to the area’s allure. Don’t miss the Bab Oudaïa gate, a stunning example of Almohad architecture that marks the kasbah’s entrance.
#3 Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a beacon of modern Moroccan architecture, stands as a revered icon in Rabat. It is the final resting place of King Mohammed V and his sons, making it a site of profound national importance. The architecture, a harmonious blend of traditional Moroccan and Islamic styles with modern influences, features a striking green tiled roof, elegant arches, and intricate details that captivate visitors.
Accessible to all, the mausoleum allows visitors to appreciate its beauty both inside and out. As you circle the mausoleum’s interior, the graves of Mohammed V and his sons lie below, while the stunningly crafted ceiling commands your gaze upwards.
Though situated a short distance from the medina and Kasbah of the Udayas, the journey to the mausoleum is well worth the effort. Located near the iconic Hassan Tower, another landmark not to be missed, the mausoleum enriches Rabat’s historical landscape.
#4 The Hassan Tower and Mosque
The Hassan Tower, a symbol of Rabat’s ambitious past, forms part of the incomplete Hassan Mosque. Originally intended to be the world’s largest mosque, it remains an iconic tower amid a sea of unfinished pillars, creating a unique spectacle.
Initiated by Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur of the Almohad dynasty in 1195, the project aimed to establish a mosque of unparalleled scale, with the tower as its centerpiece. However, construction ceased upon al-Mansur’s death in 1199, leaving the tower at half its intended height and the mosque incomplete.
Adjacent to the tower, a vast square dotted with pillars of varying heights stands as a testament to the grand vision. Now, it serves as a captivating backdrop for photographs, with the Mohammed V Mausoleum nearby, further enriching Rabat’s architectural heritage.
#5 Andalusian Gardens
One of the most peaceful sanctuaries in Rabat is undoubtedly the garden complex nestled within the Kasbah les Oudaïas, meticulously crafted in the 20th century by French designers. These enchanting Andalusian Gardens are a verdant paradise, where the air is perfumed with the scent of orange blossoms, and where drowsy cats lounge under the shade, amidst stunning vistas, blooming flower bushes, and gently murmuring fountains.
Beside these walled gardens stands a museum, housed in what was once a grand palace. This museum is famed for its rich collection of Moroccan folk art, displaying an array of traditional garments, intricately designed jewelry, musical instruments, and exquisite ceramics. Here, you’ll also find Café Maure, a cozy spot where you can sip on traditional Moroccan tea while overlooking the lush beauty of the Andalusian Gardens.
Access to these gardens is free, although it’s wise to verify their opening hours and days to avoid disappointment. Our initial attempt to visit was met with closed doors, but perseverance paid off, granting us access to this green haven on our second try.
#6 Mohamed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Rabat’s modern art museum was a revelation. The Mohamed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art exceeded our expectations, not just in its expansive size but also in the quality of its exhibitions, rivaling those found in the cultural hubs of the West.
Opened in 2014, this museum stretches over three expansive floors, covering over 22,000 square meters. It presents a broad spectrum of exhibitions that narrate the evolution of modern Moroccan art across a century, featuring pieces from celebrated Moroccan artists Hassan Hajjaj and Ahmed Yacoubi among others.
#7 Salé
Just a stone’s throw across the Bou Regreg river lies Rabat’s lesser-known sibling, Salé. Often overshadowed by the prominence of Rabat, Salé offers a glimpse into a more authentic, untouched Morocco, appealing to those seeking a journey off the beaten path.
A quaint fishing boat will ferry you across the river for a modest fee, dropping you into the heart of Salé’s traditional medina. Wander through its labyrinth of sandy walls, bustling souks, skilled artisans, and residential quarters. A visit to the madrasa of Salé is unmissable, where you’ll be awed by its stunning architecture, adorned with exquisite pillars, mosaics, and ornate gates. Unlike its more famous counterparts in Fez and Marrakech, you’re likely to enjoy the serene beauty of this place in solitude.
#8 Chellah
A short journey from the city center brings you to one of Rabat’s most significant historical sites: the ancient Chellah, or Sala as it’s also known. Initially established as a Phoenician trading post, it was later transformed by the Romans into a thriving city, Sala Colonia, showcasing remarkable architectural remnants like a forum and triumphal arch. However, it was the 14th-century Marinid transformation into a royal necropolis that truly marked its historical significance, complete with its encompassing fortifications.
Incorporated into Rabat’s UNESCO World Heritage in 2012, Chellah’s ancient ruins were undergoing restoration during our visit, limiting access but not diminishing its monumental allure.
#9 The Rabat Cathedral
The presence of a church in a predominantly Islamic nation such as Morocco is intriguing, with the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Rabat standing as a prime example. This remarkable cathedral represents the modern facet of the city.
Constructed between 1919 and 1921 during Morocco’s French era, its design—by a French architect—embraces the then-popular art deco style, ingeniously blended with Moorish influences and marked by a white facade with twin towers. Inside, the vaulted ceilings, stained glass, and the light that floods the central nave are immediately striking.
#10 Tour Mohammed VI
Dominating Rabat’s skyline, the Mohammed VI Tower is an architectural marvel that commands attention. Located on the cusp between Rabat and Salé, it boasts visibility from as far as 50 kilometers away, ensuring it’s a landmark you’ll not miss during your stay.
As Morocco’s tallest building at 250 meters and comprising 55 floors, it stands as a beacon of modernity, part of a larger vision to modernize the nation. The tower’s south facade is adorned with 3,350 square meters of solar panels, embodying sustainability with its rainwater reuse and wastewater recycling systems. The tower serves multiple purposes, from hosting a luxury hotel to providing office spaces, high-end apartments, and an observation deck.
#11 Grand Theatre de Rabat
Designed by the visionary Zaha Hadid, the Grand Théâtre de Rabat is a cultural marvel perched on the Bouregreg river’s shores. Its futuristic facade is unmistakable from the panoramic view near the Hassan Mosque.
A brainchild of King Mohammed VI, this initiative seeks to bolster Morocco’s arts and cultural scene. The theater complex houses a 7,000-seat amphitheater, an indoor theater with 1,800 seats, experimental performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, boutiques, and a dining venue. Initiated in 2010 and reaching completion in 2021, it stands as a testament to Rabat’s cultural renaissance.
#12 The Rabat beaches
From the family-oriented Skhirat Beach, known for its soft sands and secure swimming areas, to the surfer’s paradise of Oudaya Beach, celebrated for its challenging waves, Rabat’s coastline offers a beach for every preference.
Though often lauded in travel guides as pristine oases of beauty and relaxation, we found Rabat’s beaches to lack the postcard-perfect allure of other exotic locales. They may not be the quintessential reason to visit Rabat or Morocco, yet they provide a welcome retreat from the bustling city sights on warm days.
