Last updated on October 14th, 2023.
Of all the places we’d visited on our road trip around Morocco in October, Rabat surprised us the most.
During our one day in the capital, we quickly learned that the best things to do in Rabat were nearly all free.
Rabat is a great choice not only for budget travelers, but also for families watching their finances.
After leaving behind the energetic city of Fes, we’d zero expectations of what would be waiting for us in Rabat.
A member of staff at the wonderful Riad Anata said that Rabat had a more chilled atmosphere.
They also told us that the capital was more liberal with women — Moroccan and foreigners — in terms of dress and demeanor.
We’d soon find out that she was right on both counts.
First impressions of Rabat
There’s an air of grandeur as you drive into the heart of Rabat.
On our particular route, we passed by the seemingly endless palatial residence and the 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 3-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.
Booking.comService is impeccable and the staff do their best to cater to your every need. If you’ve enough time, enjoy a glass of wine on the upstairs terrace.
The seating area’s intimate and never busy.
We’d a really comfortable stay at Riad Senso, and enjoyed the mammoth Moroccan breakfast that waited outside our room the next morning.
Best things to do in Rabat Morocco
Get lost in the old medina
A no-brainer, especially if staying in the area, is to explore the labyrinth of the old medina in Rabat. The alleyways here seem a lot cleaner than the ones in Marrakech and Fes, but the energy’s no different.
Around 5 minutes’ walk from Riad Senso we’d arrived at the junction of the souk.
Browse, or buy, at 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 come to Rabat without visiting.
At the souk in Rabat we shopped and browsed in peace. Unlike in Fes, we weren’t hounded by pushy market sellers.
Our experience in Rabat was so different, that at one shoe stall I actually had to ask for help. Shopping in the souk was a stress-free experience and was one of my top things to do in Rabat.
The souks are full of goods, it’s less touristy, and they don’t care where you’re from.
Walk along Rabat harbor
If you travel to Rabat in October, Rabat harbor is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
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 watch the fishing boats on the water and to see local life up close.
Eat at Chow at Le Dhow
Most travel guides point to Le Dhow as a good place to eat and drink, and after visiting, we’d second that.
The large wooden pirate boat turned floating restaurant is popular with the locals, offering views across the water. Seating is plentiful, and if possible, grab the best seat of the house at the front of the boat.
Kasbah des Oudais
Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to get to the famous blue city of Chefchaouen on this trip. 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.
While here, you’ll likely meet some locals that will try to be your personal guide in Kasbah des Oudais. Take it from me, there’s no need for one and you can see everything on your own.
Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Visiting Hassan Tower is hands down one of the best things to do in Rabat.
The tower 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 great photos and shows the scale of the complex size.
Go inside — things to do in Rabat
The minaret’s part of the 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. A dazzling white color with a green tiled roof, together they represent the colors of Islam.
Inside the mausoleum is a striking mix of reds and golds, with the tombs in view below. The ambience is calm, peaceful and totally fitting for a final resting place.
Indulge in a Moroccan feast
There are some excellent choices for restaurants in Rabat, one of them being Le Ziryab.
An interior dripping in marble and orange, Le Ziryab offers fine dining in sumptuous Moroccan style.
Like 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.
Stuffed but satisfied
We decided to choose the ‘smaller’ set menu for 2. It included a selection of 5 Moroccan salads, a fragrant chicken tagine with a 7-vegetable couscous. For dessert, we enjoyed a creamy pastry followed by baklava and Moroccan tea.
We left Le Ziryab so full — yet satisfied — that we had to walk around the Medina a few times to fully digest. Regardless, it was worth every bite and I’d return again, this time with looser fitting clothing.
What do you think of this list of the best things to do in Rabat? Would you like to visit the Moroccan capital? Drop me a comment below and let me know.
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Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.
We have been thinking about planning a longer visit to Morocco so I am reading blog posts to learn more about spots like Rabat. Interesting that you found Rabat different in both atmosphere and its more liberal requirements for women. We would love to stroll along the waterfront and get lost in the small winding roads. But the beautiful architect would call to us to explore.
We really preferred it to Marrakech. Much more tranquil and so relaxed