6 Best Tours in Rabat: Culture + History + Food

Looking for the best tours in Rabat? Explore this curated collection of highly-rated experiences, including cultural walking tours, cooking classes and day trips from Rabat.

While far less famous than tourist hotspots like Marrakech and Fes, Rabat offers somewhat of a respite from the hustle and bustle of many Moroccan cities. I think it’s a fantastic base for exploring northern Morocco – personally, I prefer to stay in Rabat than Casablanca.

Founded in the 12th century by the Almohads, Rabat began life as a fortified monastery before becoming a haven for Barbary pirates. Later, it was selected by the French as their administrative base in Morocco – this is the reason the city has such a wonderful collection of colonial buildings.

Today, Rabat is the country’s laid-back capital and a city that effortlessly blends history with a modern buzz. It offers everything from engaging museums to a beautifully preserved medina and kasbah district, all of which can be explored on guided Rabat tours.

In this article, discover some of the best tours in Rabat to help you explore, from hands-on cooking classes to cultural walking tours and day trips to Chefchaouen and Tangier. 

To learn more about visiting Rabat, including things to see and do in the city, I recommend checking out my Essential Travel Guide to Rabat. If you’re spending a few nights in the city, you’ll find 10 of the best riads in Rabat here.

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Private cultural walking tour of Rabat

Best walking tour of Rabat

The best way to truly discover a city is to explore it with the help of a local guide. Someone who can provide insider knowledge and illuminate the hidden stories behind each site. This cultural and historical tour of Rabat offers precisely that, pairing you with a licensed, experienced guide.

Starting at the cliffside Kasbah of Oudaias, your guide will explain the tales behind this historic fortress, its winding alleys and whitewashed buildings. Moving on to the Andalusian Gardens, you’ll learn about the symbolic meanings behind its trees, fountains and tilework while enjoying this peaceful oasis. 

After a stroll along the banks of the Bou Regreg, you’ll arrive at the unfinished yet magnificent Hassan Tower. Here, your guide will recount the ambitious vision behind this minaret and its enduring legacy as an architectural marvel. Nearby lies the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the elaborately adorned final resting place of Moroccan royalty.

Venturing into Rabat’s historic medina, you’ll explore its narrow avenues, street art and colourful souks. Along the way, you’ll glimpse the everyday Moroccan lifestyle as your guide unravels the narratives behind each passing scene.

By the end of this cultural walking tour of Rabat, you’ll have gained a deeper appreciation for the city’s beauty, history and spirit.

“Exploring Rabat on a walking tour was the right choice! Mouna, our extremely friendly guide, shared insights into the city’s rich history, architecture, and culture.” – Anton (read more reviews here)

Looking for a private transfer from Casablanca Airport to Rabat? I recommend this one, which offers door-to-door hotel service. 

Rabat Old Town food tour

Best food tour of Rabat

The exotic flavours of Moroccan cuisine await on this three-hour food tour, which also takes in some of Rabat’s most famous historic sites. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable local, you’ll begin your gastronomic journey in the narrow alleys and colourful souks of the medina. It’s a must for foodies visting Rabat!

At each stop, you’ll have the opportunity to sample Moroccan culinary specialties. From spicy harissa and tagines slow-cooked to perfection, to sweet pastries flavoured with orange blossom water and almonds. Your guide will provide insights into the history and cultural significance of each dish, bringing the flavours to life. 

Venturing outside the medina walls, you’ll also explore the 12th-century Kasbah of the Oudaias overlooking the Bou Regreg River. Here, artisanal food stalls hide local secret. It’s the perfect place to try regional delicacies like msemen flatbread and zesty chorba frik soup.

This guided food tour of Rabat culminates in a relaxing two-course lunch or dinner at a local eatery. Here, you can sit back and soak in the sights, sounds and aromas of the city. It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover Morocco’s centuries-old food culture and gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s gastronomic traditions.

“We did the food tour the very first night we arrived in Morocco. It was a perfect time because it gave us a familiarity with many Moroccan dishes.” – Michael (read more reviews here)

Rabat cooking class with Chef Khadija

Best cooking class in Rabat

This highly-rated Rabat cooking class is another opportunity to step into the aromatic world of Moroccan cuisine. Hosted by Chef Khadija (who receives rave reviews for her incredible hospitality), it’s held in her traditional Moroccan villa. This is not your typical cooking class – it’s an authentic cultural experience! 

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed with a cup of sweet mint tea and an assortment of cookies and pastries. Settle in and get to know your host and fellow participants as you discuss the menu for the day. Chef Khadija is happy to accommodate any dietary needs and restrictions. 

Once ready, it’s time to get hands-on as you prep the spices, chop vegetables and knead dough. Under Chef Khadija’s expert guidance, you’ll learn the secrets behind the unique flavours and long-established cooking techniques of this North African nation. 

The class culminates in a family-style meal to enjoy the mouthwatering Moroccan feast you helped create. With each bite, you’ll taste the love and skill that went into it at the hands of Chef Khadija and your fellow cooks. Leave with a full belly, new skills and recipes, as well as memories that will last a lifetime.

“This cooking class was everything we wanted! Chef Khadija was very welcoming.” – Megan (read more reviews here)

Baking class of Moroccan pastries in Agdal Riyad

Best baking class in Rabat

This class offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. The opportunity to make traditional Moroccan pastries from scratch. The team at Agdal Riyad pride themselves on using only the highest-quality ingredients, many of which are sourced locally from nearby markets. 

During the class, you’ll learn traditional techniques and methods for making a variety of Moroccan pastries and baked goods. Under the guidance of Chef Khadija, you’ll be taken on a culinary journey, with fragrant spices like cumin, cinnamon and saffron igniting the kitchen. She uses recipes perfected over generations to create flaky, honey-drizzled sfenj and chewy, sesame-topped msemen. 

Over the course of three hours, you’ll learn how to blend almonds, oranges and rose water into the creamy filling for gazelle horns. Plus, you’ll discover how to shape and fry sugary, crispy Moroccan donuts. As Chef Khadija demonstrates each recipe, she will provide hands-on guidance and teach you new skills to recreate these tasty treats in your own kitchen. 

Whether you’re an experienced baker looking to expand your repertoire or a beginner seeking to learn Moroccan techniques, this class offers a wonderful culinary adventure.

“I would definitely recommend it! If you are interested in Moroccan sweets, please check it out! The finished sweets are available in large quantities and can be taken as souvenirs.” – Tomomi (read more reviews here)

Tangier day trip from Rabat

Best Tangier day trip from Rabat

This action-packed day trip from Rabat to Tangier is a great way to experience one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities, without having to relocate with all your luggage. After being picked up from your Rabat hotel or riad, you’ll embark on a 1.5-hour high-speed train ride north.

At the Tangier Ville railway station, your guide will be waiting for you.

Your first stop is Cap Spartel, a scenic promontory where the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans converge. Marvel at the breathtaking views from this clifftop vantage point nearly 1,000 feet above sea level.

Next, explore the ancient Caves of Hercules – a cave complex with entrances from both the sea and land. Then head to Achakkar Beach where you’ll have the option to ride camels along the sand. 

Later, stroll through Parc Perdicaris, also known as the Place of the Nightingales, and enjoy the Gibraltar Strait views. Then dive into history at the Mediterranean Cultures Museum (housed in the old sultan’s palace). Alternatively, you can visit the Tangier American Legation Museum, the only U.S. national monument outside America. 

There will also be time to people watch in Petit Socco before admiring the Andalusian-Moorish architecture of the Great Mosque. 

With all transportation arranged for you, the only thing left to do is soak up the magic of this unique Moroccan city.

Don’t want to return to Rabat the same day? It’s also possible to overnight in Tangier at a riad or hotel. Alternatively, you can use this Rabat tour as a private Tangier transfer. 

“Bilal was an excellent guide, staying flexible with our itinerary to accommodate the uncertain weather early in the day.” – Susan (read more reviews here)

Full-Day Trip to the Blue City Chefchaouen from Rabat

Best Chefchaouen day trip from Rabat

Nestled in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco lies the enchanting city of Chefchaouen. With its cobalt doorways and sapphire-tinted walls, this blue-hued destination is truly a feast for the eyes and a photographer’s dream.

If you don’t have time to overnight in Chefchaouen, then this tour from Rabat is ideal. It begins in the bustling capital, where you’ll meet your friendly English and French-speaking driver in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle.

As you make your way through the rural landscapes (the drive is around four hours), your guide will provide fascinating insights into the culture and history of the Rif Mountains region.

Upon arriving in Chefchaouen, your guide will lead you through the narrow, winding alleys that lead to the medina’s hidden squares and artisan souks. Visit the historic Kasbah and admire the octagonal minaret of the Grand Mosque. Then stop for a sweet mint tea in a cosy cafe.

With an expert guide at the helm, you’ll discover the magic, charm and beauty that make Chefchaouen a destination like no other. It really is one of my favourite places in Morocco! This private tour from Rabat ensures a customised experience of the “Blue Pearl”, without the hassle of negotiating local buses. 

“Although it took 4 hours to get to Chefchaouen, it was an amazing trip. Full of history. One of a kind to visit this amazing city.” – Jaime (read more reviews here)

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.