15 favourite things to do in Rabat
View from a rooftop in Rabat Medina
I first travelled extensively around Rabat in August 2021 while on a trip to northern Morocco that included Casablanca, Meknès’ wine region, and Ifrane National Park.
It was love at first sight.
I was delighted to discover a vibrant Moroccan city packed with history and a clean, sandy beach that offers fun surfing.
Rabat perfectly balances buzz and peace, modern and traditional, local and tourist-friendly, with a sprinkling of city and ocean vibes.
Home to a population of around half a million, it’s open-minded, studious, playful, interested, and interesting.
Some say Rabat lacks the wow factor of other Moroccan cities. I disagree.
I enjoy plenty of wow moments in Morocco’s capital, like:
Sunset on the Atlantic horizon, its golden glow touching the earthy walls of Kasbah des Oudayas.
The lavish marble, gold, and intricately carved details of Mohammed V’s mausoleum. Bab el Had lit up a night.
Catching glimpses of the Grand Theater, Morocco’s answer to Sydney Opera House.
The city’s modern tramway that weaves alongside ancient Medina walls.
Today’s blog is about sharing some things I love to do when visiting Rabat.
Kasbah des Oudayas
Visit Kasbah des Oudayas in the early morning or at sunset. Explore the colourful alleyways, artisan stalls, Andalusian Gardens, and stunning ocean panorama viewpoints.
Soak up the cities’ history; visit the Chellah Neocropolis, Hassan Tower and Mohamed V Mauseleom, incredible sites!
Café Maure, Kasbah des Oudayas
3. Sip a mint tea or coffee with peaceful river views at Café Maure. Their delicious ‘gateaux traditionelles’ are biscuits made at home by the owner’s wife.
4. Feast on traditional heartwarming Moroccan food including tagines, couscous, rfissa, seffa and tangia at Dar Naji.
Rabat skyline, with Hassan Tower (left) and Mohamed VI Tower (right)
5. For architect and art lovers; visit Rabat Ville train station and the Museum Mohamed VI of Modern Art, the latter housing contemporary African and international artists. And when they open, soon inchallah, the Grand Theater and Mohammed VI Tower.
6. Hop on the clean and easy-to-use modern tramway—single ticket 6dhs.
Bab l’Had, Rabat Medina
7. Wander around the clean, hassle-free, well-organised Medina, including Rue des Consuls. Shoppers can grab bargains on antique furniture, rugs, cushion covers, brassware and second-hand books.
8. Explore Agdal’s and Hay Riad’s modern shopping malls, salons, business districts and nightlife.
Pontoon for the river crossing to Salé
9. Walk along or stand-up paddle (SUP) the River Bou Regreg from the Kasbah des Oudayas to the architecturally stunning Grand Theatre.
Merenid Medersa, Salé Medina
Borj ad Dumu, Salé Medina
10. Take a ten-minute rowing boat crossing from Rabat to Salé to enjoy a drink or meal in one of the Marina’s many waterfront cafés and restaurants.
11. Explore Salé Medina with a guide. A half-day tour will cover the highlights, including the Merinid Medersa, a historic 14th-century Quranic school, and Borj ad Dumu (Bastion des Larmes).
Rabat city beach, Oudayas
12. Check in with the friendly crew at Rabat Surf School and have fun surfing at Oudaya Plage, the city’s main beach. Any ladies looking for a female surf coach in Rabat area? Reach out to Soukayna Iraqui, founder of WAW Surfhouse —say Sally sent you!
13. Sleep in and soak up the ambience of a traditional Riad. Read this ‘Where to Stay in Rabat’ blog for our favourites.
Andalusian Gardens, Rabat
14. Spend some time in the Andalusian Gardens, go early to enjoy the tranquility of this citrus-scented secret garden nestled in the Kasbah des Oudayas.
Fibula, National Jewellery Museum, Rabat
15. Whilst you’re there, visit the National Jewellery Museum. Recently renovated, it houses a fascinating display of jewellery, including a Royal collection, and documents the significance of caftans and other cultural dress across Morocco.