15 Things to Do in Rabat: Morocco’s Most Liveable City

View from a rooftop in Rabat Medina

From historic kasbahs and river walks to surf breaks and modern museums, Rabat quietly charms travellers looking for culture without chaos.

I first visited Rabat in August 2021, and it was love at first sight. I’ve been fortunate to return many times since, both to visit friends and for guidebook research.

I was delighted to discover a vibrant Moroccan city rich in history, with a sandy Atlantic beach for swimming and surfing. Home to around half a million people, Rabat feels open-minded, playful, curious, and quietly confident.

With walkable neighbourhoods, leafy parks, seaside promenades, and a modern tramway, Rabat is an easy and 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 slow, thoughtful travel.

1. Kasbah des Oudayas: Rabat’s Most Iconic Historic Neighbourhood

Wander the Kasbah’s blue-and-white lanes, shop for crafts at artisan stalls, explore the Andalusian Gardens, and linger at the panoramic ocean viewpoints. Early morning is quietest; sunset on the Atlantic brings a golden glow to the earthen walls. The Kasbah is compact and easy to explore on foot, and feels calm and welcoming throughout the day.

Kasbah des Oudayas

2. Rabat’s Historic Landmarks: Chellah, Hassan Tower & Mohammed V Mausoleum

Soak up three of the city’s incredible sites: the well-preserved Roman Neocropolis of Chellah makes for a fun 1-2-hour experience; allow extra time for a stop at the on-site restaurant, Ciconia. 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 reflect under the gold-leafed ceiling. Having a guide would be worthwhile to bring these historic sites to life.

Café Maure, Kasbah des Oudayas

3. Café Maure: Mint Tea with Views over the Bou Regreg River

Sip 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.

Rabat skyline, with Hassan Tower (left) and Mohamed VI Tower (right)

4. Rabat for Art & Architecture: Museums, Stations, and Theatres

The city of Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are a number of architecturally interesting buildings to discover along Avenue Mohammed V, including Rabat Ville train station and Post Office. Whilst the Grand Theater and Mohammed VI Tower illustrate Rabat’s younger, design-centric facade. 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.

5. Getting Around Rabat: Riding the City’s Modern Tramway

The city has a modern, clean, and easy-to-use tramway with two lines that cover large sections of the city. Including Salé, the neighbouring city, across the river. You can purchase a single ticket (7 dhs) in advance/ at stops, validate it upon entering the tram, and use it for 1 hour after validation. Transferable between the lines. More ticket info here.

Bab l’Had, Rabat Medina

6. Rabat Medina: A Relaxed and Browsing-Friendly Old City

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.

Pontoon for the river crossing to Salé

7. Bou Regreg River Walks and Paddleboarding in Rabat

A couple of my favourite things to do outdoors in Rabat are walking along or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the River Bou Regreg. There is a path that runs alongside the river from near the Kasbah des Oudayas to the architecturally stunning Grand Theatre.

Merenid Medersa, Salé Medina

8. Rabat to Salé: Crossing the River to Explore Salé Marina

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. 

9. Salé Medina: Guided Tours and Historic Highlights

I was unsure about visiting Salé Medina, but through my guidebook research, I connected with wonderful owners at La Repose Riad. Delighted by their enthusiasm and recommendations for Salé, I booked a guide (best to book one through your accommodation). 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.

Rabat city beach, Oudayas

10. 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 Plage, the city’s main beach. Protected by the harbour walls and with the Kasbah backdrop, it’s a great, picturesque spot for beginners! Any ladies looking for a female surf coach in the Rabat area? Reach out to Soukayna Iraqui, founder of WAW Surfhouse —say Sally sent you!

11. Where to Stay in Rabat: Riads and Hotels for Every Budget

One of my favourite places to stay is Rabat 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.

Andalusian Gardens, Rabat

12. Andalusian Gardens: A Peaceful Green Escape in Rabat

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. Walk through to Café Maure, mentioned above, it’s perfect for a pre- or post-tea.

Fibula, National Jewellery Museum, Rabat

13. National Jewellery Museum: Morocco’s Craft and Cultural Heritage

Within the Andalusian Gardens, look for the National Jewellery Museum, in the corner, up some steps. Recently renovated, it houses an interesting display of jewellery, including the Royal collection, and documents succinctly the significance of caftans and other cultural dress across Morocco.

14. Agdal & Hay Riad: Modern Neighbourhoods to Explore in Rabat

Two of the buzziest districts are Agdal and Hay Riad; here you will find brunch cafés, modern shopping malls, offices, post-work drink hangouts, tapas bars, fine dining, and nightlife. For a full low-down on Rabat’s food scene, read this blog.

15. Where to Eat in Rabat: Traditional Moroccan Dishes to Try

Food has come up a few times on this blog; I love the food scene in Rabat. Quietly confident, and something for all taste buds and budgets. 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.

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 who specialises in slow, culturally rich travel. I also offer a travel-planning service (30-minute call/ GBP50) if/when you are ready to plan a trip to Morocco. It’s a really fun and quick way to get personalized recommendations and an itinerary that works best for you.