Rabat, the capital city of Morocco is quite small, which means you can visit the majority of the things to do in Rabat in one day.
What to know before visiting Rabat
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, even though it is the seventh largest city. Located on the western coast of the country, Rabat sits along the Atlantic Ocean just northeast of Casablanca. Like many of the Moroccan cities Rabat has a signature color for the old town or Medina, which is generally painted white throughout. Rabat is one of four ancient imperial cities along with Fez, Meknes and Marrakesh.
Morocco was ruled by the French from 1912 until 1956 when Morocco gained independence. The neighborhood just south of the medina, most of the buildings were built in the 1920s and 30s and have French architectural inspiration. This is an interesting juxtaposition to the medina walls dating back to the 12th century.
Today the city is listed as a “shared heritage site” designated by the Unesco World Heritage Site. This is due to its unique blend of architecture, history and culture from the ancient Berber tribes, to rule under the Roman Empire, and most recently the French prior to independence.
If you’re looking for information on Morocco in general, read my post What to know before visiting Morocco.
How to get to Rabat
Airplane
Rabat is one of three main airport hubs in Morocco. This is also the closest airport within Morocco if traveling on to Fes or Tangier.
If you are arriving by airplane, I strongly recommend you pre-book a taxi pick up with your hotel or riad and re-confirming prior to arrival.
A lesson I had was due to a language/communication break down. Upon exiting the terminal, my driver was nowhere to be found. I called the riad and found out my host thought I was arriving at 11 at night vs 1 in the afternoon. Since I had spent a solid 15 hours traveling, I wasn’t about to wait another hour to get this resolved. Instead I walked out to the parking lot and found a taxi. My mistake there was not negotiating a price up front. I ended up paying $30 USD instead of the $15 through my riad. ALWAYS set your price before you start driving.
Train
Rabat is a main stop for all trains heading north or south. The Rabat city train station is centrally located in town and depending on where you are staying, it is either a short taxi ride or walk to the station.
Top Things To Do In Rabat
You can easily visit the popular thing to do in Rabat in a day, or 24 hours, depending on when you arrive and depart. Most of the things to do in Rabat are located in or around the medina, and are easily walkable.
Top Things To Do In Rabat: Visit the Hassan Tower/Hassan Mosque/Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Just a 15-20 minute walk from the center of the medina you’ll find some of the most famous attractions in Rabat. The Hassan Tower and Mosque date back to the late 12th century. Both were commissioned to be the largest minaret and mosque in the world, but building stopped when the benefactor died. The construction of the mosque only got as far as starting the columns, so to this day, there is a short tower and rows of columns in an open air plaza.
On the north side of the tower entrance is the Jardin de Hassan. This is a quiet garden providing respite from the busy surrounding streets with some of the best views of the tower.
Opposite the tower, on the south end of the mosque plaza is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Built in the 1960s as a mausoleum to celebrate Mohammed V, who helped bring independence to Morocco. According to guidebooks, the interiors of the mausoleum are spectacular. Highly ornate and decorated in the moorish style. Sadly, the interior access was closed when I visited, but you can still see many beautiful features on the exterior.
Don’t miss the Moroccan guards on horseback at the entrance to the mosque and tower.
Top Things To Do In Rabat: Walk the Oudaïa Kasbah (Kasbah of the Udayas)
This was one of my favorite things to do in Rabat because it has so many different things to see while visiting.
The Kasbah des Oudayas is essentially a small fortified city, adjacent to the medina. This is a fantastic free site to visit. Located on a cliff overlooking the ocean, you get a little bit of everything in this small space.
To access the Kasbah, I recommend coming from the Hassan Tower and walking along the river to get the full view and scale of the structure. There are two entrances as you walk north, the first will grant you access to the small but lush Andalusian Gardens. A little oasis hidden within the walls. The second, and main entrance is through the massive Bab Oudaïa gate. From the central gate it is an almost straight walk where you’ll pass small shops, and a mosque before finishing at the expansive rooftop overlooking the ocean. Walk down the steps to get better views of the water and the Kasbah.
Things to see in Rabat: the medina wall and entry gates
The walls surrounding the medina are large and imposing for a reason, to keep the city fortified in ancient days. There are a few larger gates (of Babs) at key locations in the wall and a few smaller ones for access into the medina.
My personal favorite is the Bab El Had at the southwest corner of the medina. Here you’ll see the large gate and city walls offset by the more modern 20th century buildings just blocks away. There is also a plaza and fountain to sit and enjoy the activity of the gate.
Rabat Grand Mosque
This mosque is the largest in the region and located right off the main street of the souks.
With the exception of one mosque in Casablanca, mosques are not accessible to non-muslim people. Just because you can’t go inside doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to appreciate from the outside.
Top Things To Do In Rabat: Shop the souks
Visiting a souk is a must for any Morocco trip, but should also be on your list of things to do in Rabat. While the souks (or markets) are not as robust in Rabat as they are in Fes or Marrakech, they are much wider and easier to navigate.
The Rabat souks are found along Rue Souika and Avenue des consuls. Unlike many souks around the country, the streets of souk and markets in Rabat are very easy to navigate, as they are straight rather than winding mazes. Another great feature is the main area of souk and old market are covered with wood paneled ceilings which help block out the harsh sunlight in the hot months.
Walk the streets of the Medina for beautiful detailing
Spend some time wandering through the medina to see the intricate detail work of doorways and tilework throughout the old town. You’ll see beautiful fountains, wood carved beams, colorful doors and alleys set against the white walls of the city. And if you’re a cat lover you’ll meet your share of furry friends along the way.
Things to do in Rabat: Rabat attractions outside the medina
Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
This is considered to be one of the best art museums in Morocco. If you are an art lover and you have the time, make your way to this museum. Unfortunately, due to a national holiday, I was unable to visit the museum.
Chellah Acropolis
After a few years of closure during Covid, the Chella is once again open. This archaeological site dates back to the Phoenecian era with a long history as a major trading post in the city.
The site is just over 2 miles from the medina, so I recommend getting a taxi as there will be a lot of walking throughout the site as well.
Adult tickets are 70dhm ($7) per person for standard entry or 120dhm ($12) per person with an audio guide. You are able to purchase tickets in advance online. Hours change seasonally, including during Ramadan. Be sure to check their website ahead of time.
Dar el-Makhzen (Royal Palace of Rabat)
The royal palaces within Morocco are closed to the public, however the exterior gates are full of ornate tile work that is worth viewing if you are a fan of the intricate detailing.
Plage de Salé Ville
If you are visiting during the warmer months of the year and looking to enjoy the ocean, flag down a taxi (or take a long walk) to the Plage des Salé. This is a large public beach on the opposite side of the river from the northern part of Rabat. From this beach, you’ll have views of the Kasbah across the river.
Where to stay in Rabat
I strongly encourage staying in a riad over a hotel when visiting Morocco. The riad is a truly unique Moroccan experience, and much more intimate than a hotel. Most riads are centrally located within the Rabat medina. Cars are not allowed in the medina, so you’ll need to coordinate with your host to make sure you can find the location as the medina can be a bit of a maze.
Riad Dar Ouezzani
I stayed in the heart of the medina at the Riad Dar Ouezzani. This riad is operated by a very lovely family. As with any traditional Moroccan riad, you will be greeted with Mint Tea. Their mint tea was very sweet, so you may want to ask for it “sans sucre” (without sugar). This is more of a mid-budget stay around $70/night, but I had an exceptionally large room (with a mezzanine) and the rate included breakfast.
Casa Indigo
Casa Indigo is a low cost stay at around $50/night, but with exceptional ratings and central location this is a great option for your Rabat accommodation.
Riad Kalaa
This upscale riad is in the medina, minutes away from the kasbah. It also features a rooftop pools to cool off from the heat of the day.
Where to eat during one day in Rabat
All riads include a sizable breakfast with more bread than you could possibly eat in the cost of the stay. This takes care of a good portion of your food while in Rabat.
Dar Zaki is one of the highest rated restaurants in the medina and rightfully so. The staff is friendly and the food is very good. Like many places in the medina, it can be tricky to find. Make sure you have a data plan active to utilize your maps. (Read: How to Use Your Phone while Traveling Internationally) However, it is worth the effort to get there.
Things to Do in Rabat FAQs
Is Rabat worth visiting?
Yes, while one of the smaller cities in Morocco Rabat has it’s own unique history and charm. It has fewer tourists visiting compared to the other more popular places. There are many places to visit in Rabat, even for just a day.
What to see in Rabat?
Rabat has beautiful historical sites (many of which are free), museums, architectural detailing and nearby beaches.
Additional posts on traveling Morocco
- Morocco Travel Guide: Everything you need to know
- Helpful tips: Traveling By Train in Morocco
- The Best Things to do in Fes Morocco
- For the Best Meal of Your Trip, Take a Marrakech Cooking Class
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