The Ultimate Travel Guide to Rabat
- Malika
- Feb 15, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Located where the Bou Regreg River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Rabat serves as the laid-back capital of Morocco. It’s not the country’s biggest city (in fact, it comes in 7th in terms of population) and is far less famous than tourist hotspots like Marrakech and Fes. But that’s what makes it so perfect for travellers seeking a breather from the hustle and bustle.
Founded in the 12th century by the Almohads, Rabat later became a haven for Barbary pirates. In 1812, the French established it as their administrative centre and it became Morocco’s capital when independence was achieved in 1955. Today, Rabat is home to some of the country’s most important museums and architectural gems you won’t find elsewhere.
My first visit to Rabat was purely intended for visa purposes but I immediately fell in love. I encountered few other tourists while wandering the Kasbah district and the Ville Nouvelle - maybe (like me), Rabat hadn’t been on their radar! The calm atmosphere of the city allows you to immerse yourself in its cultural and architectural heritage, as well as enjoy authentic interactions with locals.
In this Ultimate Travel Guide to Rabat, discover everything you need to know to experience the Moroccan capital to the fullest, from the best things to do in Rabat and beautiful riad hotels to my top tour recommendations.
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BEST TOURS IN RABAT
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top Rabat tour recommendations:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best things to do in Rabat
Explore the laid-back medina
Compared to the chaotic medinas of Fes and Marrakech, Rabat's historic quarter is a breath of fresh air. This rambling district reveals a distinctly Andalusian flair, with whitewashed building dating back to the 17th century when Muslim refugees arrived from Spain. Wandering its streets is definitely one of the best things to do in Rabat!
Along the way, discover historic gems like the Grand Mosque (built during the Merenid period) or people watch from one of the cafes surrounding the Central Market. Unlike the tourist-centric souks elsewhere, Rabat's marketplace is filled with locals shopping for fresh produce and spices. For artisanal wares, don't miss Souq es Sebbat.
If you want to explore the medina with a guide, I highly recommend this cultural walking tour of Rabat or this food-focused medina tour.
Best things to do in Rabat
Soak up the views from the Oudaias Kasbah
Adjacent to Rabat’s medina is the Kasbah district, an 11th-century fortified neighbourhood that is now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the 12th-century gateway of Bab Oudaia, you’ll find a maze of winding blue and white lanes that are highly photogenic - this is one of the best places to visit in Rabat for street photography.
Inside the Oudaias Kasbah, you'll find the oldest mosque in Rabat, the Kasbah Mosque, along the main street of Rue el Jamma. There are also plenty of hole-in-the-wall eateries where you can grab drinks (I recommend grabbing a freshly squeezed orange juice) and snacks throughout the day. Make your way to the northern tip of the district for panoramic views over the Bou Regreg River as it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Surfers can often be seen riding the breaks here and there are great views toward the neighbouring city of Salé.
End your visit to the Kasbah des Oudaias at the Andalusian Gardens, a gorgeous green space filled with palms, bougainvilleas and orange trees. They are wonderfully cool on a hot summer's day and there's a cafe overlooking the river where you can stop for a mint tea. The Andalusian Gardens also provide access to the National Museum of Jewellery & Adornment, which exhibits ornaments and clothing from across Morocco.
For more cultural inspiration, check out this list of the Best Museums in Rabat.
Best things to do in Rabat
Photograph the Hassan Tower
This towering minaret was intended to be part of a grand mosque envisioned by the 12th-century ruler Yacoub al-Mansour. His goal was to build the largest mosque and minaret in the world, but his death in 1150 halted construction forever. Why it became known as the Hassan Tower is still a bit of a mystery but it has been called such since the 13th century.
Today, the 45-metre-high Hassan Tower and 348 columns of the intended mosque are the only remnants of al-Mansour's ambitious plan. The minaret's façade is intricately carved with sumptuous motifs and designs, hinting at the lavishness the completed mosque would have displayed.
It stands alongside the tranquil Jardin Tour Hassan, a favourite spot for local families to stroll and relax in the early evening. While there are views of the Hassan Tower from various points across Rabat, standing directly below it is the best way to appreciate just how huge it would have been.
Best things to do in Rabat
Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Just a stone’s throw from the Hassan Tower is this magnificent mausoleum, which is located on the spot where thousands gathered to celebrate Moroccan independence after the king's return from exile. Today, it is the final resting place of Mohammed V and his son, King Hassan II, and is not to be missed when visiting Rabat.
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is manned by rifle-wielding guards who are resplendently dressed and usually happy for you to take photos (always ask first!) Inside the tomb chamber, you're treated to a breathtaking display of traditional Moroccan design - in addition to the grand marble tombs, the walls are beautifully decorated with intricate zellige tilework.
While non-Muslims cannot enter the adjoining mosque, they can view this splendid chamber from above. Be sure to dress appropriately (no headscarves are required for women).
Best things to do in Rabat
Visit the Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Arts
Housed in a stunningly restored French colonial building, this Rabat gem is a must for art lovers. Though small, the permanent collection offers an intimate look at the country’s leading artistic voices - it's a who's who of Moroccan art from the mid-20th century onwards.
Alongside big names like Mohamed Melehi and Farid Belkahia are little-known sculptors and painters making their mark. The temporary exhibitions are just as exciting, spotlighting both rising local talents and established international artists. A visit here perfectly complements Morocco's traditional handicrafts and shows how the country seamlessly blends ancient and avant-garde.
Best things to do in Rabat
Wander the elegant Ville Nouvelle
Translating as the “New City”, this elegant district is overflowing with French colonial buildings and leafy parks, making it a wonderful area to stroll. History buffs will delight in the Archaeological Museum, while the Postal Museum on Avenue Mohammed V boasts a superb collection of Moroccan stamps, telephones and telegraph machines.
The 17th-century defensive wall separating the Ville Nouvelle from the medina runs alongside Avenue Hassan II while to the south lies the Royal Palace, constructed in 1864 and enclosed by an imposing wall. If you need to purchase train tickets for ongoing travel, the Rabat Ville railway station is located in the Ville Nouvelle and provides a perfect excuse to explore.
Best things to do in Rabat
Delve into history at the Rabat Archaeology Museum
Rabat is home to Morocco's leading archaeological museum, which boasts the country's most extensive collection of ancient artefacts. Originally built in 1932 to display excavated treasures, the museum expanded just a few years later to house a growing collection of finds. Exploring its galleries is definitely one of the best things to do in Rabat for history buffs!
In the prehistoric section, glimpse how early humans lived through human remains spanning the Middle Paleolithic to the Neolithic eras. While the collection includes artefacts from pre-Roman civilisations, it’s the bronzes, ceramics and statuary objects from Lixus, Volubilis and Chellah that are the highlight.
Tour the ancient necropolis of Chellah
The ancient ruins of Chellah will transport you back to the 14th century when this site was a thriving Merenid citadel. Located on the south side of the Bou Regreg River, its collection of crumbling remains are now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a fascinating spot to wander, not only for its history but also its large colony of storks.
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that a Roman town called Sala once stood here in the first centuries AD. The excavated remains reveal a Roman forum, baths and temple - snapshots of everyday life in the ancient empire. From an overlooking terrace, you can take in both ancient sites and their connected history.
Best things to do in Rabat
Spend an afternoon in Salé
Just a short tram ride across the Bou Regreg from Rabat lies the riverside city of Salé, which is worth an afternoon’s exploration. You can wander through the medina's atmospheric lanes and souks to uncover historic gems like the meticulously restored Abou Hassan Medersa (a 14th-century Islamic school) and the striking Mausoleum of Sidi Ben Ashir.
Salé still has a really authentic atmosphere and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other tourists during your explorations. I particularly love climbing along Salé's imposing walls, from where you can view the sprawling cemetery that connects to the Plage de Salé Ville. The panoramas back toward Rabat are also hard to beat!
Best things to do in Rabat
Stroll through the Jardins Exotiques
Just 13 kilometres north of Rabat lies this verdant garden - the life's work of French horticulturist Marcel Francois. He was responsible for bringing plant species from Africa, Asia and South America together in this exotic botanical oasis.
Meandering pathways dotted with ornamental bridges and follies wind through the gardens while palm trees tower overhead. It has a delightfully overgrown ambiance, as though you are wandering through a wild jungle. In addition to short strolls, there’s the three-hour Red Trail trek, which covers every corner of the gardens.
Birdwatch in Merja Zerga National Park
With its sweeping expanse of beach and colourful fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, Moulay Bousselham is the perfect place to escape for the day. Located just 140 kilometres north of Rabat along Morocco's Atlantic Coast, this laidback town makes an ideal stopover if you’re travelling between Rabat and Tangier.
Moulay Bousselham also serves as a gateway to the lagoon of Merja Zerga National Park, where herons, plovers, egrets and flamingos are easily spotted on boat tours. It’s one of North Africa’s most important wetlands and a “must” for birdwatchers visiting Morocco.
Best things to do in Rabat
Top tours in Rabat
Below are some of my top picks for tours in Rabat, from cooking classes and boat rides to day trips to Chefchaouen. You'll find more tours in Rabat at Viator, including honest reviews from previous guests.
Top day trips from Rabat
For more information about the above tours, check out my article detailing the Top Tours in Rabat for Culture, History and Food.
Best things to do in Rabat
How to get to Rabat
Fly to Rabat–Salé Airport
Rabat–Salé Airport is an important international gateway, with daily flights from destinations across Morocco and Europe. Official taxis park just outside the terminal buildings and make the 10-minute drive to the city centre. Booking a private airport transfer will ensure the driver is there when you arrive and save you the hassle of negotiating a fare.
Private transfer
If you’re travelling overland from another Moroccan city, the most comfortable and convenient way to reach Rabat is by booking a private transfer. You'll get door-to-door service directly to your Rabat riad or hotel, avoiding the hassle of lugging bags to and from a bus station or negotiating fares with taxi drivers.
By train
Rabat has railway connections to most major Moroccan cities, with the national railway company ONCF operating daily trains to and from cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier and Fes. The journey from Marrakech takes just 3.5 hours while Fes is 3 hours away. Casablanca can be reached from Rabat in just one hour by train and Tangier is just over an hour aboard the high-speed Al Boraq train.
Bus
One of the most affordable ways to reach Rabat is by bus, with daily coaches connecting from cities across Morocco. The journey from Marrakech takes around 4.5 hours while Fes is 2.5 hours away. From Rabat, the bus trip to Casablanca is one hour.
Rabat travel guide
Best places to stay in Rabat
While there’s no denying that Marrakech and Fes boast some of the best riad hotels in Morocco, Rabat has to come in a close third. In the capital, you’ll find beautifully restored homes that have been transformed into boutique hotels, many within the atmospheric medina. Business hotels and family-friendly apartments are also easy to find, and there are a handful of affordable dars (converted homes) for budget-conscious travellers.
Luxury places to stay in Rabat
Mid-range places to stay in Rabat
Affordable places to stay in Rabat
Best time to visit Rabat
Best time to visit Rabat
The weather in Rabat is pleasant year-round, with each season offering its own charm. Spring brings mild temperatures perfect for leisurely sightseeing, with highs around 16°C from March to May. The blossoming trees and flowers make exploring the city's gardens and parks especially enjoyable.
In summer, temperatures reach the mid to high-20s and while other Moroccan cities receive an influx of European visitors, Rabat remains blissfully crowd-free. Autumn provides a tranquil atmosphere with gentle breezes and moderately cooler temperatures, perfect for meandering the old medina. Winter brings more chance of rain, although temperatures remain mild and pleasant in the low to mid teens.
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About the author
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 majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.