15 Favourite Things to Do in Rabat, Morocco
(Updated August 2026)
From its historic kasbah to the Royal Palace, river walks and surf breaks, tuk-tuk tours and Medina souks, fine dining and modern museums, there are so many things to do in Rabat. In short, Morocco’s capital is a beautiful city that quietly charms travellers looking for culture without chaos.
I first visited Rabat in August 2021; it was love at first sight. I’ve since returned many times, both to visit friends and to research for guidebooks and articles.
Easy to explore, Rabat is a vibrant Moroccan city, rich in history, with a sandy beach for swimming and surfing. Home to around half a million people, Rabat’s population is open-minded, playful, and confident.
With walkable neighbourhoods, leafy parks, seaside promenades, and a modern tramway, Rabat is an enjoyable city to explore.
Read on for some of my favourite things to do when visiting Rabat.
Quick Tips for Visiting Rabat
Best time to visit:
March–May and September–November, when temperatures are mild and the city feels lively but unrushed.
How long to stay:
2–3 days is ideal to explore Rabat’s historic sites, coastline, and nearby Salé without rushing.
Getting around:
Rabat is walkable, with a modern, easy-to-use tramway. Single rides cost 7 MAD / 0.70 USD.
The vibe:
Relaxed, cultured, and noticeably less hectic than Marrakech or Fez — perfect for slower travel.
1. Kasbah des Oudayas: Rabat’s Most Iconic Historic Neighbourhood
Wander the Kasbah’s blue-and-white lanes, shop for traditional crafts at artisan stalls, explore the Andalusian Gardens, and linger at the panoramic ocean viewpoints. The Kasbah is compact and easy to explore on foot. It’s one of the most popular (and free) things to do in Rabat, and around sunset the narrow streets can get busy. Early morning is the quietest; at sunset on the Atlantic, the earthen walls glow gold. Stop for a mint tea or a “ns ns” (half-coffee, half-milk) with peaceful river views at Café Maure. Their delicious ‘gateaux traditionelles’ are biscuits made at home by the owner’s wife.
Kasbah des Oudayas
2. Rabat’s Historic Landmarks: Hassan Tower & Mohammed V Mausoleum
Two of the city’s incredible sites are right next door to each other. Combine the Hassan Tower, where you can learn the story and significance of the unfinished 12th-century minaret, with a visit to the exquisite Mohamed V Mausoleum, where you can view the former King’s marble tomb and reflect under the gold-leafed ceiling. Having a local guide will help bring these historic sites to life. GetYourGuide offers day tours, or contact me for a city guide recommendation.
Hassan Tower, Rabat
3. Explore Chellah archaeological site and gardens
The well-preserved site of Chellah makes for an interesting 2-hour visit; allow extra time to stop at the on-site restaurant, Ciconia. I recently visited Chellah with some Italian friends; it was fun to discover the Roman ruins with them! I also really loved the sounds of cicadas and the beautifully landscaped gardens, which provided much-needed shade during our August visit. I particularly enjoyed the 14th-century Merinid necropolis, fantastically restored, and our guides’ explanation of Sufi beliefs and spirituality. Worth exploring with a guide; GetYourGuide offers tours, or contact me for a local city guide recommendation. The entrance fee is MAD70, or MAD50 if you visit in Summer between 19:00 and 21:00.
Chellah ruins - and a stork in its nest!
4. Rabat for Art & Architecture: Museums, Stations, and Theatres
Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A number of architecturally interesting Art Deco buildings line Avenue Mohammed V, including Rabat Ville train station and the Central Post Office. A new Grand Theatre recently opened, and also new for 2026, the Mohammed VI Tower. Morocco’s tallest tower, soaring 250 metres into the city’s skyline, illustrates Rabat’s futuristic, design-centric ambitions. One of the new things to do in Rabat (2026) is taking a trip up the Mohammed VI Tower for panoramic city views; you can book online here for MAD 250/GBP 20. Contemporary art is also represented in street art and galleries, including the Museum Mohamed VI of Modern Art, which houses contemporary African and international artists.
Hassan Tower alongside Mohammed VI Tower
5. Visit the Royal Palace (Dar el Makhzen)
Apparently, the King was not home when we visited. Although the palace exterior is simple compared to other royal buildings, it’s interesting to see the Royal Guard and the sprawling palace grounds, including landscaped gardens, a mosque, administrative buildings, and staff residences. And our guide brought the family to life; a passport is required to access the grounds.
Royal Palace Rabat
6. Ride the City’s Modern Tramway
One of my favourite things to do in Rabat is to hop on the city's modern, clean, and easy-to-use tramway, which has two lines that cover large sections of the city. Including Salé, the neighbouring city, across the river. You can buy a single ticket (7 dhs) in advance/ at stops, validate it when you board, and use it for 1 hour after validation. Transferable between the lines. More ticket info here.
Tramway stop opposite Rabat Ville train station
6. Rabat Medina: A Relaxed and Browsing-Friendly Old City
A popular thing to do in Rabat is to wander around the clean, hassle-free, well-organised Medina, including Rue des Consuls. Shoppers can grab bargains on spices, antique furniture, rugs, cushion covers, brassware, and second-hand books. The Medina is a great place to sample street food, including couscous on a Friday. Check out this blog about the Rabat food scene for inspiration.
Rabat Medina, souk shopping
7. Bou Regreg River Life, Boat Tours, Walks and Paddleboarding in Rabat-Salé
Some of my favourite outdoor things to do in Rabat are walking along or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the River Bou Regreg. A path runs alongside the river from near the Kasbah des Oudayas to the architecturally stunning Grand Theatre. You can also take a ten-minute rowing boat crossing from Rabat to Salé to enjoy a coffee or brunch/ dinner in one of Salé Marina’s many waterfront cafés and restaurants. Or for a longer, leisurely river discovery, book a brunch and river cruise through your accommodation, or GetYourGuide.
Bouregreg River with the Grand Theatre and Mohammed VI Tower in the background
8. Surfing in Rabat: Lessons and Beginner-Friendly City Beaches
Check in with the friendly surf coaches at Rabat Surf School and have some fun surfing at Oudaya, the city’s main beach. Protected by the harbour walls and with the Kasbah backdrop, it’s a great, picturesque spot for beginners! Say Sally sent you.
Rabat city beach, Oudayas
9. Salé Medina: Guided Tours and Historic Highlights
I wasn't sure about visiting Salé Medina, but my guidebook research connected me with wonderful owners at La Repose Riad. Delighted by their recommendations for Salé, I booked a guide; book one through your accommodation or contact me for a recommendation. 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), an old fortress. If you prefer context and stories, a guided tour makes Salé far more meaningful.
Salé Medina
1O. Andalusian Gardens: A Peaceful Escape in Rabat
If you are looking for something calm to do in Rabat, spend some time in the Andalusian Gardens (free entry). Go early to enjoy the tranquillity of this citrus and wild garlic-scented secret garden nestled in the Kasbah des Oudayas. Walk through to Café Maure, also mentioned above, for a pre- or post-tea with river views.
Andalusian Gardens, Rabat
11. National Jewellery Museum: Morocco’s Craft and Cultural Heritage
Also located within the Andalusian Gardens is the National Jewellery Museum, in the western corner, up some steps. Recently renovated, it houses an interesting jewellery display, including the Royal collection, and succinctly documents the significance of caftans and other cultural dress across Morocco.
Fibula, National Jewellery Museum, Rabat
12. Sleep in a Riad
One of my favourite things to do in Rabat is to stay in a riad guesthouse in Rabat’s Old Medina, where you can soak up the ambience of Medina life in a traditional Riad. My current favourite riad is Dar Shaan. Take a read of this ‘Where to Stay in Rabat’ for some other recommendations.
Dar Shaan rooms and rooftop
13. Take a TukTuk tour
A tuk-tuk is a fun and easy thing to do in Rabat, a great way to explore the city with a guide. It can navigate even the narrowest of streets in the old Medina! Plan and book a tour via your accommodation, or GetYourGuide.
14. Eat Traditional Moroccan Dishes
Food has come up a few times on this blog; I love Rabat's food scene. Something for every taste and budget. For first-time visitors to Morocco, look out for traditional, heartwarming Moroccan restaurants, such as Dar Zaki, where you can try hearty dishes like tagines, couscous, rfissa, seffa, and tangia. I also love the courtyard dining and food at Riad Kalaa. Two of the buzziest districts are Agdal and Hay Riad; here you will find brunch cafés, modern shopping malls, offices, post-work hangouts, tapas bars, fine dining, and nightlife. For a full low-down on Rabat’s food scene, read this blog.
Chicken and preserved lemon tagine
15. Get creative at AghaSpace
On my latest trip to Rabat, we booked into AghaSpace for an Arabic script calligraphy workshop. It lasted 2.5-3 hours (MAD250 per person, discounted by MAD50 pp if you have more than three people in your group). Fatim-Zahra was an amazing teacher; she also offers 3-month courses for local students. Her knowledge and passion are fantastic! We enjoyed meeting the artists at Aghaspace and hearing about their studies at Rabat’s fine art school. I also love the sound of their other courses, which include a Moroccan tile (zellige) making workshop. Find out more info and book through their Instagram page.
Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed it, please share this article with any friends, family, and colleagues who may be interested. If you’re looking for tips on Where To Stay in Rabat, have a look at this article.
I’m a Morocco-based travel writer. I also offer a travel-planning service (30-minute call/ GBP50) when you are ready to plan a trip to Morocco. It’s a fun and quick way to get personalised recommendations and an itinerary that works best for you.
