Morocco is one of the most vibrant countries in the world. And it’s no surprise that as the capital city there are plenty of great things to do in Rabat.
It is often overlooked as destination choice in Morocco. But herein lies a big part of Rabat’s appeal.
It’s uniquely Moroccan but without the tourist hoards.
I know I’m bias. We love Rabat. It has an unlikely charm of old meet new where you look one way in the medina to a handcart filled with oranges. And in the other direction is the tallest building in Morocco. Yet it somehow compliments the city.
Its clean. And friendly. The weather is pleasant. And the unlikely mixture of modern and historic seems to work just right for Rabat.
Read on to find out more about this unique city and all the best things to do in Rabat, Morocco.
- About Rabat
- History of Rabat
- Getting TO Rabat
- Getting around IN Rabat
- Best time to visit
- Things to do in Rabat, Morocco
- Where to eat
- Best cafes and restaurants
- Accommodation
- Campsites
- More about Morocco
About Rabat
Rabat is often missed on a typical Moroccan itinerary. It is the lesser known of the famed imperial cities. And it doesn’t have the draw of the myriad promises of a Marrakech vacation. But I feel that’s an unfairly given assumption for the humble attractiveness Rabat does offer.
Rabat does have an attractive walled medina that is far less touristy than the other large cities. It is the capital city of Morocco. And it is beautifully manicured and presented.
It’s a great city. It’s safe, vibrant, and welcoming. There’s culture and enough North African buzz to feel adventurous. But all without the overwhelm.
So, if you are hopping over from Europe and unsure where to begin, Rabat makes for a great starting point in Morocco.
History of Rabat
Did you know that Rabat is the capital city of Morocco?
The history of Rabat is closely connected with that of Sale (more about Sale later). But Sale was the site first occupied by the Roman settlement of Sala during the 10th century.
What is now the city of Rabat was originally founded in the 12th century by Abd al Mumin, the first Almohad ruler.
The third sultan of Almohad concentrated his efforts on the conquest on the North Africa and named the place Ribat al-Fath; Camp of Conquest. This was beginning of what is now the imperial city of Rabat.
Between the 12th century and intermediary Spanish and French rule the city became notorious as Barbary pirates.
At the beginning of the French protectorate in Morocco in 1912, Rabat was made the administrative capital from Fez. And when the country gained independence in 1956 it was decided the capital would stay put.
Today the old town is still surrounded by ramparts and the 17th century fortress of Kasbah des Oudaia.
Getting TO Rabat
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco and is easily accessible by plane, train, bus and private car or taxi.
- Casablanca to Rabat: 1 hr 18 min (89.9 km) via A1
- Temara to Rabat: 28 min (17.7 km) via Av. Moustapha Assayeh/R322
- Tangier to Rabat: 2 hr 46 min (244.9 km) via A5
Getting around IN Rabat
Even with the expanding modern sprawl, the city isn’t huge. It’s easy to get around the medina area on foot and most of the sights can be seen in one day.
Public transport is readily available by taxi and tramway.
- Petit Taxi – These blue taxis are the most common transport within the city. They can accommodate (note!) three passengers maximum, and a standard fare is 5 – 10 MAD (50c – 1 EUR).
- Grand Taxi – Larger white taxis that can travel in the surrounding city outskirts and between cities. Most used as a shared taxi accommodating up to six passengers.
- Tram – The Rabat-Sale tramway is a modern and easy way to travel within and between the two cities. Tickets on sale by machine at the tram stops.
Best time to visit
Rabat experiences a temperate climate throughout the year making it a great destination to visit anytime.
The location on the Atlantic coastline means the city gets the best of the sea breezes and even in the summer it’s a vast improvement on the heat of the inland and Sahara.
Best things to do in Rabat, Morocco
We love Rabat and I’ll be the first to admit it exceeded our expectations as Morocco’s capital city. It’s understated with just the right balance of modern and history. There is streetfood, great places to eat, gardens, beaches, and culture.
Here are 18 of our top things to do in Rabat, Morocco.
1. Rabat Medina
The medina is the heart of any Moroccan city. And with such contrast of modern Morocco surrounding the old city, the medina feels somewhat of a treasured sanctuary inside the walls.
But don’t be thinking that means quiet sanctuary. The medina is the bustling centre of the city. Although Rabat has a gentle style to even the chaos of the medina labyrinth.
The original walls were built with an orderly grid of internal streets in the 17th century. And until the early 20thcentury, the walled medina was the full extent of what is now the capital city.
Today the medina is packed and vibrant.
- Tip: The fixed original size makes it easily explored in half a day.
2. Avenue des Consuls / Rabat Medina
This part of the medina takes its name from the fact it was once the residence of foreign diplomats. Rue des Consuls (Consuls Street) is one of the oldest and most famous alleys in the medina.
The avenue is described as the heart of the old city. Although now the street is modernized with much of the alley undercover.
It’s a buzzing part of the medina for a walk and definitely a great place for souvenir shopping. There are rows of leatherwork shops and Moroccan handicrafts. As well as all kinds of traditional (and some less so) Moroccan clothes, wares, and gifts.
And plus, the Rue des Consuls is huge and easy to find which makes it a great marker point for finding your bearings in the medina.
3. Place Bab El Had
Bab Al Had is one of the five main gates into the medina. The original gate was built at the end of the 12thcentury by Yaacoub El Mansour. And the gate and surrounding square is undisputedly the most interesting gate of Rabat.
We first found the square rather by chance on our way home from dinner. Each evening Place El Had comes alive with people. There are fountains and lights and kids playing games. Albeit it isn’t anything like Marrakech’s Jmaa El Fnaa main square, but it is a hub of evening activity and interesting to experience.
In Arabic El Had means the edge of the sword. The gate has a bit of a dark history as public executions once took place here. But don’t let that put you off. It is hard to miss as one of the main entrances into Rabat medina.
4. Rabat Medina Central Market
The undercover central market near the entrance of Rabat medina is a good place to start.
This part of the market is not like the touristic section of the main medina. Rather it is in the style of a municipal market with everything from poultry to beef and flowers to olives. And one large end of the undercover market is dedicated to fish and seafood.
You likely aren’t shopping for clams or scallops but the wet market is worth a wander. And the fishermen and vendors will be happy to show you their catch of the day.
The outside of the Central Market is lined with coffee shops, dates and dried goods, bakeries, patisseries, and sweet shops. There is even a covertly placed liquor shop to the outside in case you are looking.
5. Medina Avenue Mohammed V
From the Central Market if you continue into the medina take the internal perimeter road of Avenue Mohammed V. This is one of the main pedestrian streets inside the medina (it’s hard to miss). And with lack of better way to describe it this is the road for street food, juices, and all kinds of edible Moroccan delights.
Follow your nose to the sweet smell of Chebkiya or M’smen and what is favourably known as a Moroccan crepe.
When hear the steady chopping and sizzling grill plates this is the place to stop. The Habricha sandwiches are the best value for dirham. At just 8 MAD (80c) you great a flavour packed sandwich with fresh Khobz, minced meat, egg, onion, tomatoes, and spices.
And don’t miss the sugarcane and pomegranate juices dotted all the way up the street.
6. Rue Souika
The main market street of the medina is Rue Souika. Here there is a mixture of local shopping and stretches of the souk geared largely towards tourists.
There is everything here from brightly coloured incense (with professionally adorned Moroccan stars). To leatherwork bags and cushions. Plus, parallel imports of every football shirt from Morocco, Europe and beyond.
7. Rabat Andalusian Gardens
You can’t miss the grand entrance to the Andalusian Gardens located within the Kasbah des Oudais adjacent to old Rabat. The gardens were laid out by the French during the colonial period in Morocco.
Under the joint initiative of then sultan Moulay Hafid and the French Protectorate the gardens were created between 1914 and 1919. They have been beautifully maintained and offer a tranquility to the bustling wider modern city.
The gardens are one of the most popular attractions and best free things to do in Rabat.
- Tip: Entry is free, and the gardens are open from sunrise till sunset.
8. Hassan Tower
Hassan Tower is the minaret of an incomplete mosque in Rabat. It was commissioned by Yaqub al-Mansur near the end of the 12th century and the tower was intended to be the largest minaret in the world. And the mosque, if completed, would have been the largest in the western Islamic world.
When Yaqub al-Mansur died in 1199, construction of the mosque was halted. The minaret was left standing at the height it is today of 44 metres. And the remains of the started mosque was left incomplete but with an impressive first 348 columns constructed.
Today the Hassan Tower is preserved as the city’s most famous monument and another of the best free things to do in Rabat, Morocco.
- Tip: Entry to Hassan Tower is free to visitors.
9. Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The striking Mausoleum of Mohammed V is located on the same site as Hassan Tower. The mausoleum contains the tombs of the Moroccan king Mohammed V and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah.
The Moroccan king Mohammed V died in 1961 and construction of the beautifully crafted mausoleum was commissioned by his son Hassan II. The mausoleum took ten years to finish and was constructed using traditional craftsmanship and rich materials in the elaborate style of Moroccan-Islamic design.
As a visitor the grandeur and style of the mausoleum evokes wonder. It is a stunning design and with consistent attention to the finest details. And it is another of the things to do in Rabat that is free to visit.
10. Kasbah des Oudaias
The historic Kasbah occupies the site of the original Ribat; a fortress-monastery that gave the city its name.
A Kasbah is a fortress. It is most commonly the citadel or fortified quarter of the city. And in Rabat the Kasbah is located on a hill at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River that separates the city from Sale.
The Kasbah des Oudaias is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It doesn’t cost to enter and is an interesting part of the city to explore.
11. Dar El Makhzen / Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is one of the most prominent landmarks in the city. However, its place on this list is debatable as one of the best things to do in Rabat because in reality it is not possible (or not very possible) to actually visit inside the palace.
The Royal Palace was built in 1864 to serve as the primary official residence for the Moroccan king’s and family. It is impressive from the outside with royal guards and a very grand and decorated entrance.
There are reviews of entering the palace grounds, so it is possible at times. If you have time and are curious as to how close you can enter on the day, it is in theory worth endeavoring. Or if you want to do a drive by and get the gist of the scale, size and grandeur of the palace that is an option too. (Just a rather less blogworthy albeit traveller type of suggestion!).
12. Rabat Beach
Rabat beach doesn’t have quite the same claim to fame as the southern coastal cities of Imsouane, Aglou or Mirleft. But Morocco’s capital city is proudly located on the Atlantic coastline. And as another of the country’s large ports it too does have a beach that is worth a stroll, a surf, or a sunset.
The most popular surf spot in Rabat is the main beach just below the old city. Here at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River dividing Rabat and Sale the beach is ideal for beginners. There are several surf schools and boards for hire. Otherwise, it costs 20 MAD (2 EUR) to hire chairs and an umbrella on the beach.
13. Bou Regreg River
The Bou Regreg River is located between the cities of Rabat and Sale originating from the Atlas Mountains.
Historically the river was the divide between the city of Rabat to the south and Sale to the north.
Today the two cities reside harmoniously still separated by the river. And it has become another of the attractions in the city and great free things to do in Rabat to take a wander along the corniche.
Each time we have visited there are local kids jumping off the jetty and fishermen set up with rods extended in the estuary. It’s a peaceful and interesting place to walk.
- Tip: There are many cafes serving breakfast along the corniche of the river.
14. Boat ride to Sale
We heard about the ferries that cross the Bou Regreg River between Rabat and Sale and had to try them.
These small man-powered ferry boats are a popular way for local residents to cross the river. And for just 2.5 MAD (25c) per person they are a unique experience for visitors to Rabat too.
The boats operate continuously back and forth across the river and can take up to six passengers per trip.
- Tip: Don’t be lured into taking a private ferry boat. (Not saying that happened to us. But although it is only 25 MAD (2.5 EUR) for the whole boat you can join the locals for 2.5 MAD each).
15. Sale Medina
Entering Rabat for the first time and driving past the medina of Sale we could see straight in the main gate Bab Sebta to the very vibrant Souk Sale.
Rabat has much more of a reputation as a modern, futuristic Moroccan city. But Sale has that appeal with the bustle and culture of imperial Morocco.
In fact, the medina of Sale is recorded as one of the oldest in Morocco founded sometime in the 10th century.
16. Sale Madrasa
One of the highlights of Sale medina is the ornately decorated Madrasa of Abu al-Hasan. This is a medieval madrasa located within the old city of Sale. It was built in the 14th century and is well renowned having produced many of the country’s top Islamic scholars.
I must be honest it doesn’t look all too much leading up the narrow alleyways towards the Madrasa. But a peep inside at the ornately designed courtyard and meticulously carved walls is pretty darn amazing.
17. Hammam in Rabat
Rabat is a great choice for a first experience of a Moroccan hammam. Obviously, it’s the capital and the city is popular with direct flights from Europe so it gets it share of tourists.
There is a mixture of local hammam and spa treatments in Rabat. But for the best combination of a local hammam that is used to visitors we recommend Hammam Marassa.
- Read all about the options for a hammam in Rabat and what to expect with a traditional Moroccan hammam experience.
18. Rabat Mega Mall and Arribat Centre
I’ve got to put this in there. A bit of old meets new which is what Rabat is all about.
Two of Rabat’s largest malls are the Mega Mall and Arribat Centre. Both have multiple floors, boutique shops and international brands. There is a large food court at Arribat Centre and a supermarket.
Admittedly Mega Mall is a little ambitious with the name. But it does have an indoor ice-skating rink, ten pin bowling and gaming area.
We aren’t normally advocates for shopping malls in Morocco with so much else to see. But for a rainy day or pre-Eid shopping the malls are another of the popular things to do in Rabat.
Where to eat / best restaurants and cafes in Rabat
It’s true we’ve eaten breakfast, lunch, dinner, Iftar and street food at a lot of places in Rabat. Here are some of the first places we would recommend and best cafes to try.
- Le Dhow
A unique location for breakfast aboard the converted traditional style of wooden boat complete with views of the Kasbah and city of Sale.
- Dar Naji
One of the city’s most authentically Moroccan restaurants. Prices are reasonable and the service is outstanding.
- Yamal Acham
A Syrian restaurant just beyond the medina with a fantastic menu of Lebanese, Turkish, Syrian, and Moroccan dishes. Highly recommend for a great dinner choice. See our video from Yamal Acham.
- Café El Bahia
Just on the medina walls with an internal courtyard this café is a popular place for reasonably priced Moroccan cuisine. The breakfast menu of Tajine Khlii with eggs, coffee and orange juice is a well spent 40Dh (4 EUR).
- Café Maure
Located in the Kasbah this must be one of the best places in the city to sip Moroccan tea with views of the river.
Where to stay in Rabat, Morocco
We use Booking.com to book all our accommodation for travel around the world. Find the best rates on accommodation in Morocco with filters for price, facilities and free-cancellation policy.
The verdict? Best things to do in Rabat?
We love Rabat and totally rate the city as a gentle way to experience Moroccan culture and hospitality without the overwhelm of Fes or Marrakech.
There are plenty of great things to do in Rabat that keep us returning each time for both the familiar and experience of new finds in the city.
Enjoy Rabat and all that this unique, modern city (with a twist) has to offer!
Read more about things to do in Rabat, Morocco and beyond
- 20 Unique Things To Do In Taroudant.
- 20 Best Things To Do In Tangier.
- 14 Best Things To Do In Tafraoute, Morocco.
- 18 Things To Do In Sidi Ifni, Morocco.
- Driving in Morocco
- Motorhome services in Morocco: What is it like?
- Campsites in Morocco.
- Buying a SIM card in Morocco (and how to get unlimited data!).
