6 top things to do in Rabat Morocco in 1 day
Of all the places we’d visited on our road trip around Morocco, it was Rabat that surprised us the most.
One of the biggest surprises is that the majority of the top sights are free. Rabat is a great choice not only for the budget-conscious traveler, but also for families watching their finances.
After leaving behind the vibrant, yet chaotic city of Fes, I’d zero expectations of what would be waiting for us in the capital city.
A member of staff at the wonderful Riad Anata said that Rabat had a more chilled atmosphere, and she was right. We’d also find out that the capital’s more liberal with women — Moroccan and foreigners — in terms of dress and demeanor.
Rabat Morocco — first impressions
There’s definitely an air that you’re entering the capital as you drive into the heart of Rabat.
On our particular route, we passed by the seemingly endless palatial residence and its manicured lawns of King Mohammad VI. A city more spacious in feel, it’s also possible to see views of minarets and buildings in development.
The best area to stay in Rabat
The Medina’s not only authentic, but it’s also close to the other main sights in Rabat.
We stayed at the 4-star boutique hotel, Riad Senso, about 100m from the main souk. A quiet hotel in the center of the Medina, each room carries its own personality. It’s a fine example of understated Moroccan style.
Service is impeccable and the staff do their best to cater to your every need. If you’ve enough time, take a glass of wine on the upstairs terrace. The seating area’s intimate and never busy. Ideal for introverts and romantic couple time too.
We had a really comfortable stay, and enjoyed the mammoth Moroccan breakfast that waited outside our room the next morning.
“…each room carries its own personality, and is a perfect example of understated Moroccan style.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
“It’s a place to stop and admire the fishing boats on the water, and the signs of life all around.”
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“Kasbah des Oudais is a mini version of the city, though with more white walls mixed with the blue.”
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“The building’s a dazzling white, with a green tiled roof, to represent the colour of Islam.”
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“…Le Ziryab offers fine dining in sumptuous Moroccan style — but at a cost.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
1. Things to do in Rabat Morocco — get lost in the old medina
A no-brainer, especially if you’re staying in the area, is exploring the labyrinth of the old medina. The alleyways here seem a lot cleaner than the ones in Marrakech and Fes, but the energy’s no different.
In around 5 minutes’ walk from the riad, you arrive at the junction of the souk.
A succession of smells, sights and sounds lift your senses as you decide which way to go. Whatever direction you choose, there’s always something to grab your attention. From the sellers making Moroccan pancakes, to the robust smell of leather goods, you can’t visit Rabat without visiting.
One thing I really enjoyed about the Rabat souk, was the ability to shop and browse in peace. Unlike the markets in Marrakech and Fes, no market seller hounded us, or tried to guide us away.
It was so different, that at one shoe stall, I actually had to look for someone to help us. Shopping in Rabat was an enjoyable and stress-free experience. The souks are full of goods, it’s less touristy, and they don’t care where you’re from.
2. Walk along Rabat harbor
If, like us, you travel to Rabat in October, be sure to take a leisurely stroll along Rabat harbor.
Just across from the Old Medina, there’s a welcoming calm in the air that I didn’t find elsewhere in Morocco.
It’s a place to stop and admire the fishing boats on the water, and the signs of life all around.
3. Eat at Chow at Le Dhow — things to do in Rabat Morocco
Most travel guides point to Le Dhow as a good place to eat and drink, and after visiting, I can confirm it’s true.
This large wooden pirate boat turned floating restaurant is popular with the locals, offering views across the water. The seating areas are plentiful, and if possible, grab the best seat of the house: the front of the boat.
4. Kasbah des Oudais
Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to get to the famous blue city of Chefchaouen. However, we did get the consolation prize in Rabat.
The neighborhood of Kasbah des Oudais is a mini version of Chefchaouen. Granted, there are more white walls mixed with the blue, but it’s still a fascinating quarter to explore.
You’ll also most likely meet a few locals that will try to be your personal guide in Kasbah des Oudais. Take it from me, there’s really no need for one and you can see everything on your own.
5. Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V — things to do in Rabat Morocco
Hassan Tower is an icon in Rabat, and one attraction that’s a must see. It represents an unfinished mosque, which was supposed to be the largest minaret, and part of the largest mosque, in the world.
However, after the death of Sultan Abu Yusuf Yakub al-Mansur in 1199, all construction was stopped.
The tower stands at 44m and is made of the red sandstone that’s popular all over Morocco. The pillars that remain make for some great photos, and shows the scale of the complex size.
The minaret’s part of this impressive complex that’s also home to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
It’s the resting place of the king and his 2 sons, King Hassan II, and Prince Abdallah. The building’s a dazzling white, with a green tiled roof, to represent the color of Islam.
Visitors can walk inside the strikingly stunning building of reds and golds, and admire the tombs below. The ambience is calm, peaceful, and totally fitting for a resting place.
“Most travel guides point to Le Dhow as a good place to eat and drink, and after visiting, I can confirm it’s true.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
6. A Moroccan feast to end all feasts — things to do in Rabat Morocco
There are a few good choices for restaurants in Rabat, but after reading some reviews, we settled for Le Ziryab.
An interior dripping in marble and orange, Le Ziryab offers fine dining in sumptuous Moroccan style — but at a cost.
In many of the good restaurants in Rabat, they only offer a set menu, and not a la carte. That said, check beforehand if you can choose dishes, or whether there’s only the set menu option.
Sadly, we both weren’t that hungry, and chose the ‘smaller’ set menu for 2. This included a selection of 5 Moroccan salads, a fragrant chicken tagine, a creamy pastry desert followed by baklava and Moroccan tea.
We left feeling so full, that we had to walk a few rounds in the Medina after to work it off! Regardless, it was worth every bite and I’d return, only this time, with a better appetite.
What do you think of Rabat? Would you like to visit the Moroccan capital? Drop me a comment below and let me know.
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Lisa Rivera
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Welcome to my site! I'm Lisa, founder of Following the Rivera. I write primarily for a ‘flashpacker’ audience; a demographic (late 20s onwards) that enjoys glamping over camping, staying at boutique/luxury boutique hotels, sampling the local food and wine, cultural activities, and indulging in a spot of wellness on their travels. Read more here…
This post makes me want to visit Rabat! I absolutely love the picture of you in front of the door- very well done. And honestly the layout of this post is the best! It makes it easy to read and fun to look at.
Thank you, that’s so encouraging to read, and especially from another blogger. It’s a great city, and underrated too 🙂
I have never been to Morocco but if I ever go there I surely will visit Rabat! You just describe Rabat so “deliciously” that I start to drool and wants to book my flight to Marocco now!
That’s so nice to read, thank you! I really had such a great time there, and wanted to do the city some justice through the photos.
This is a very detailed itinerary! I haven’t been to Morocco yet, but I’m always mesmerized by it’s architecture and I’d totally enjoy exploring the alleyways of Old Medina. I’m not sure if I’d solo travel here, or with someone, but it’s great you point out that the Riad Senso is good for introverts, in case I go solo. Also your food at Le Dhow looks delicious!
Honestly, Riad Senso is such a lovely boutique, and you can definitely visit solo. The Old Medina is a must, and yes, my food was really yummy!
Morocco has been on my travel bucket list for years and years! It seems like such a romantic destination! I’d love to sit and watch those little fishing boats! And walk around the old medina!
It’s a great city, and not as visited as Marrakech. But for me, I actually prefer it.
How beautiful, your contrast and colorful impressions are absolutely amazing! What I really like is, that in a place like Rabat almost all top sights are for free. I always find it quite annoying, when you visit new places and you have to pay all the time to enter something – good to hear that it is in Rabat obviously not like that!
Also Medina sounds amazing, I guess you can truly feel the ancient spirit of such places walking the alleys.
I would love to experience this chilled atmosphere on my own one day, must be really an unforgettable memory!
It really is unforgettable, especially after the chaos of Marrakech and Fes. Taking photos there was a real treat, really not that many tourists 🙂
Rabat’s been on my radar a lot since I’ve been writing a lot of travel articles featuring it! It certainly looks nicer than I expected! The architecture is simply stunning. It also looks so clean! Is it that squeaky clean in real life?
It really took me by surprise how great the vibe was there. It was cleaner than Marrakech, that’s for sure, but only squeaky near the king’s palace 😀
I have always a fascination for traditional or colorful doors and so Rabat is on wishlist. White walls with blue doors has won me over and I can take several photos of these houses. I really want to get lost in old Medina due to narrow alleys surrounded by traditional homes. Also I would love to take a walk along Rabat harbour.
You won’t be disappointed, there’s a lot to do here, and without all the tourists too!
My daughter’s best friend is from Morocco! I’m sure she’ll be asking to take a trip there one day! Looks beautiful.
Aww they should! It’s a beautiful place 🙂
Thanks for sharing a great hotel tip! For me it’s always super important to be not too far outside and Riad Senso looks like a great place. I’ll definitely remember your tips when going to Rabat!
That’s brilliant! It’s a lovely city and a must see when in Morocco.
These are fabulous pictures and a nice breakdown of Rabat Lisa. I’ve not been there but many of my travel blogging buddies have covered this magical town. Those pancakes sound about right for me too. The colors in Morocco are so fascinating. Every place seems to have a dominant color or 2, which bleeds throughout the area. Love it.
Ryan
Aw thanks Ryan for your lovely comment! I really enjoyed my time here, and don’t understand why many just head to Marrakech and that’s it!
Beautiful photos! I would love to visit Morocco! What a quiet fun travel you had. I would visit in October to walk along the Rabat harbor. Stunning place!
It’s really stunning, and I can guarantee you’ll love the city 🙂
Oh, I will reconsider! Next time (which might be late 2018) I might actually drive into Rabat for a visit – your post certainly made it much more appealing! I only remember my last visit, which is ages ago, 1985. My impression of driving into the city was completely different. Our route didn’t go past palatial palaces, but slums, left and right of the 4-lane road, hidden behind an enormous brick wall! All what gave them away were the TV antennas sticking out above the wall, and look of the poor souls who occasionally wandered in and out the hidden gateways. The first chance I had I turned around and left…
I really don’t blame you if that was your last experience. However, I can really confirm that Rabat is a really nice city, and with many changes since 1985! I hope you can come back and let me know 🙂
Hey girl! Rabat sounds like a fun place to visit and get lost wandering around the Medina. I’m so sorry that you weren’t able to get to Chefchaouen on this trip, but it sounds like you had a great time regardless!
I had an excellent time here, and was surprised because I wasn’t expecting it!
You just made me fall in love with Rabat. I only thought of Chefchaouen and Marrakesh in my Morocco trip, but I’ll have to see the raids in Rabat and witness the clear environs. Thank you for this!
Aw that’s wonderful! Most people don’t consider Rabat when in Morocco but I really enjoyed it.
Rabat is such a beautiful city. It’s cuisine is the highlight for me and those dishes from Le Show looks so yummy. I also like markets with no hassle and I think the would at Rabat would be the best for me shopping Moroccan styled goods.
It was a dream shopping without being harassed! I had such a good time and wouldn’t mind returning 😀
These photos are amazing! They really help bring this post alive and make me want to visit Rabat!
Thank you! It’s a stunning place, and a must see when in Morocco.
I loved the doors yo have captured. Rabat is a great city but now I know if I visit there I need to capture the beautiful gates in my camera. I am glad you have covered the places so well. After reading the post I felt like booking the tickets. I visited Jodhpur recently and it is called as the blue city due to blue paint on houses. The area with blue paint in your pictures reminded me of the blue city. Le Dhow is noted too for my visit , thanks for the tip 🙂
You’re welcome, and that’s great to hear that it also made you feel like booking the tickets, such a compliment! It’s a great city, and I highly recommend it.
I wish I had taken more pictures in Kasbah des Oudais when i visited! I agree with you about not being bothered in the Medina, it’s really good, as you can bargain alone to get the lowest prices. The Riad you stayed at sounds to be perfectly located and you can’t beat a huge breakfast whilst traveling.
Absolutely! I’m glad you also had a great experience when walking around; it was almost like we were invisible! However, I love it!
I’ve always wanted to go to Morocco. I am thrilled that your itinerary offers some excellent suggestions for the less touristy options found in Rabat. I especially love that many of the attractions are free! When I get there, I will definitely be looking for that glass of wine on the terrace of Riad Senso…sounds wonderful!
That’s brilliant to read Jackie! The riad was a very nice surprise, and not what I was expecting either! Thank you for stopping by to comment, I really appreciate it 🙂
Wow this guide is very detailed! Thank you so much for sharing!! we are going to Morocco (Marrakech) in January and we are sooo excited! By the way, we are now following you on Bloglovin, so we will never miss a new post 😀
That’s wonderful for me to read, thank you so much! I really hope my posts help you while you’re there. Send me a message once you’re back and let me know how you found it 😀
Wow, such lovely pictures. Morocco is on my list. I would love to get lost in the labyrinth of the old medina.
This is quite pleasing to know that most of the top sights in Rabat are for free. And one can’t miss the Moroccan feast. Sad that you couldn’t go to famous blue city of Chefchaouen but you indeed made the best of Rabat.
Rabat really is a nice city to visit, and much calmer than Marrakech. It’s for that reason, and the free sights that I encourage others to see it too!
It’s interesting that you discovered different cultures in different parts of Morocco. It excites me to learn that most of the sites in Rabat are for free. I loved all the pictures that your shared, especially the one with a blue and white alley.
It’s a really interesting city, and yes, free! Aside from the food of course, but that was totally worth it!
I’ve never been to Morocco and now I’m regretting that! The blue and white walls aee so beautiful. Is October the best time to visit or just when you were there?
We chose to visit in October as the weather’s still warm, and it’s less busy in terms of tourists/children. It’s also slightly cheaper too, which is always a plus 🙂
Morocco is high on my list and after reading your posts on Morocco , I can’t wait to visit this amazing country. Rabat looks like one fascinating destination to visit. I loved the architecture and the pictures are very inviting. Thanks for your post. Now I will put Rabat on my list.
I’m so happy to read that! Most people usually visit Marrakech and Fes, and the blue city. However, if possible, I’d urge to see Rabat too.
Morrocco is definitely on my list after seeing all of your beautiful pictures! I once thought that it was dangerous to visit this country, but you prove the opposite. I would love to visit these beautiful blue houses around the city. They look so lovely!
I promise you it’s not dangerous at all. The people are friendly, and like anywhere you need to be vigilant and look after yourself. It’s a very colourful country!
Wow! All these photos are absolutely incredible and are definitely giving me a little bit of wanderlust! Morocco has been high on my bucket list for a while now, and I definitely need to go! I would love to visit Kasbah des Oudais because it’s a less busy Chefchaouen. And the old medina would definitely be a must-visit for me as well! Thanks for putting together this amazing little day trip guide!
You’re welcome Deni! Yes, it’s a mini Chefchaouen, and with less tourists too. Ok, it’s not super blue, but trust me, the photos are still incredible.
First time to hear of Rabat…and it’s the capital! I’ve heard of Fex, Casablanca, Marrakech. And I’ve been to Tangier. So when you ended with chicken tagine and baklava, I remembered how I also enjoyed my short stay in a Moroccan city.
I’m happy to inform my readers! Rabat’s a nice city and a good choice when in Morocco.
I love all the intricate details of the architecture! I’m an architecture nut, and your beautiful photos make me want to travel to Morocco this second! I definitely want to visit your city some day!
That’s great to hear, hope you get there one day!
I’d always had the impression that Rabat was the industrial and shipping centre of Morocco and therefore not worth visiting. Shamefully, I missed it out, but your post shows me that might have been a mistake. I know what you mean about the souks of Marrakech, although I kind of like the bustle of a busy market, I can understand if people find it too much. If I’m lucky enough to be back in that part of the world, I’d love to use this post as a guide to the city. Thanks.
That’s brilliant to hear Dan, and I hope my little guide changes your impression of Rabat, and in a good way too! Do let me know what you think after visiting!
Kasbah des Oudais looks fantastic with the bright blue and white walls! I also like the idea of getting lost walking in the old medina, it’s the kind of thing I enjoy doing. I love some of these Arabic design doors, I have a friend who loves taking pictures of doors wherever he goes and the Arabic ones are my favourite. Morocco is on my bucket list for 2018!
I’m so happy to read this Medha! Yes, the Arabic design’s really spectacular, and there are so many good photos to take in the country.
I didn’t go to Rabat when I was in Morocco because I’d heard that there wasn’t much to do there, but in retrospect I think I would’ve loved the quieter feel of Rabat compared to Marrakech or Fes. Not getting hounded in the stalls sounds like heaven. And it’s cool to see that Rabat has a mini-Chefchaouen area too.
Trust me, after being harassed and hounded in Marrakech and Fes, we really enjoyed being invisible in Rabat. I wouldn’t recommend staying more than 2 days, maximum, but yes, it’s totally worth it.
I’m so jealous, I love Moroccan styles and this place looks simply amazing! The food pictures reminds me of Dubai a little, I sure wish I can visit Morocco in the future and see some of these awesome things you outline (like the harbour), thank you for sharing.
It’s a great country, and yes, the food culture’s incredible too! I’ve not yet been to Dubai, so it’s interesting to read this, thank you too!
Whenever I hear or read about a city in Morocco it’s usually about Marakkesh, so it’s interesting to learn about Rabat. It certainly looks like a great city to visit. I’d for sure love to see the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed the V.
It’s an interesting city, with less tourists, but yet enough to see and explore. Thanks for dropping by!
i work full time so reading 1 day itineraries r my fav posts.. thanks for sharing this.. its always good to make the most out when you have limited time.. have bookmarked this post for future visit to Morocco
That makes me happy to read, thank you so much 🙂
Great post! I’ve been to Marrakesh but never to Rabat. You make it seem like Morocco is worth another visit!
Thank you! It’s a lovely city to visit, and well worth a second look!
I always dismissed Rabat as a typical city and which is why I never considered it for my travel list. Your post proves that I am wrong. There is so much to discover within the city. Those quaint lanes and the harbour definitely has some interesting things. The architecture that you have shown is also, quite interesting. I must look it up some more. BTW…I have to say this Lisa – love your Morocco series
Thank you Ami! I needed some positive vibes today, so I’m glad I could sway your decision! Hope you get to see Rabat someday one day!
Love this so much Lisa! As you know, I’m a massive fan of Morocco, having visited Fez and Marrakech back in 2015 as part of my 12 countries in 12 months challenge. But I never made it to the capital and would really love to – the post just emphasises how beautiful the country is 🙂 x
Aww you’re welcome Becca! I loved reading your series, and I’m glad you’ve been enjoying my posts! Maybe next time you return, you’ll give Rabat a chance 😉
Morocco is definitely been on my list of places to go for many years. I love how you found a place other than Marrakesh to explore. A big part of why I don’t like to go to big cities is because of the tourist traps that they have, I love that you state How the merchants don’t hound you when you’re shopping and you can just kind of sit back relax and enjoy the views. I would love to visit here one day.
Absolutely! For this reason, you would really enjoy Rabat over the more touristy cities in Morocco, and grab a bargain in peace!
I’ve always wanted to go to Morocco. How gorgeous and colorful it seems everything is there. I like how the market there didn’t have hounding vendors. Even here in Seoul, they definitely spot the tourists from a mile away and can be a bit pushy. Ugh
It’s a shame, but yes, it happens everywhere, not just Morocco. Hope you get to visit one day soon!
I don’t think I have heard of Rabat before. I have long wanted to visit Morocco. I love that it looks so colorful and have some interesting architecture and culture in general. Thank you so much for this post it is so useful, I hope I get to visit soon 🙂
I hope so too! We really enjoyed it, and it was quieter than Marrakech too 🙂
Seems like you had a great time! Rabat didn’t look as busy and crowded as other places I’ve read about in Morocco. Good to know that many restaurants offer set menus.
Yes, and save your appetite because they serve a lot of food!
It’s so hard to decide what to see in a city when you only have one day, this really sounds like the perfect itinerary. I love when museums are free or inexpensive, so I can check them out even if I don’t have time to see the whole collection — or so I can easily return the next day if I really love it!
The old medina and the harbor are gorgeous! This just got added to my bucket list.
Perfect! It’s a lovely city to visit, and quite underrated too.
Your post has made want to pack my bags right now and leave for Rabat. Your pictures are too good and the writing, wonderful. The souk beckons to me and I will make sure I get there soon.
Aw thank you so much. We really loved Rabat, and want to share the experience with others too 🙂
I have wanted to visit Morocco for a while but I have to admit that Rabat was not on my radar before reading your post. Sounds like I would enjoy the chilled atmosphere and shopping without being hounded.
It was such a nice welcome. Honestly, I much preferred it to Fes!
It’s always nice when a big city is nicer than we expected. The calmness and colors of your pictures makes me want to visit. My favorite part would definitely not be bothered when shopping. Stores usually scare me away and not want to buy anything when they are too aggressive.
Me too! I’m so put off by it, I prefer to not enter at all. Rabat is so chilled, it’s a welcome from Marrakech.
The architecture is just mind-blowing. Funny that Morocco is not in our must-visit places. But with this blog, we might give Morocco a chance—-pending our budget, of course. Ahhh….so many places in the world to see!
Tell me about it! It’s a great country to visit, and I hope you get to see it one day 😀
Beautiful streets! I think if I get there, I would walk around the streets for hours and photograph. The colors are gorgeous.
It’s a wonderful city, and with plenty of photography options too!
The pictures look beautiful! I love a pretty city with a history. Thank you for telling us about why the discontinued building after the King’s death.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the photos; it was a pleasure to take.
Your post reminded me of the tie when I was in Rabat. Such a beautiful city, can’t wait to go back
Great! Glad to bring back memories for you 😀
I actually made it my 2018 goal to visit Morocco in April, but it unfortunately didn’t happen. Glad things worked out that way though because I got to discover the amazing Rabat through you! I would’ve hate to miss the gorgeous blue walls and Islamic buildings. And the food of course! Le Dhow’s pirate boat sounds super fun!!!
Aw no worries, you can always visit another time. Rabat really surprised us, in a good way, so I want others to give it a chance too 🙂
The colors of Morocco are just insanely beautiful! One day never sounds like enough, but it seems you got a lot in and explored lots of Rabat. Happy travels!
They really are! I’d highly recommend it, it’s so beautiful there.
your post made me want to do Rabat RIGHT NOW! It looks amazing and I am saving it for when I plan my trip there. fingers crossed hopefully I get to go next year!
Thanks!
Thanke very much for the info.
Welcome!
Thanks for the statement and sharing your knowledge. Fatefully, I love bargaining. The art of the deal is very much fun…. when I want to buy somewhat.
You’re welcome! Thanks so much for your feedback, I appreciate it!