Best things to do in Rabat
Last updated on February 4th, 2026.
Of all the places we’d visited on our road trip in Morocco, it was Rabat that 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.
Service 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 of Rabat
A no-brainer, especially if staying in the area, is to explore the labyrinth of the old medina in Rabat (Rabat Medina). 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 (Quai de Bouregreg), 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.
Map: things to do in Rabat in 1 day
Eat 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 (Kasbah of the Udayas) 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
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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Bonjour, je suis également tombée amoureuse de Rabat ville lumière, totalement différente des autres villes, il y a beaucoup de choses à découvrir hormis la Médina et la Kasbah des Oudayas et le quai du fleuve Bouregreg. Il y a notamment dans la ville de très beaux musées, au centre ville de très beaux bâtiments avec une très belle architecture, de sublimes jardins. Rabat possède également un tramway avec 2 lignes qui permettent d'aller flâner dans d'autres quartiers, sans oublier de se promener le long de l'océan avec ses vagues qui viennent se fracasser sur les rochers.
Thank you Isabelle for your comments, I'm glad that you also enjoyed Rabat.We would like to revisit again one day 🙂
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
I enjoyed reading your tips for a visit to Rabat. I spent several days on my Marocco trip and liked the city very much. I think it is often overlooked by tourists, but has to offer a lot. Rabat does not serve the Marocco cliche that much, but shows that Marocco is also a modern country with art galleries, restaurants, shops and students. Less touristy also.
You're so right. We enjoyed it more than Marrakech, especially as we weren't harassed all the time. We would go back 🙂
Rabat is such a cool city. Totally agree that the Kasbah des Oudais seems like a mini version of Chefchaouen (not that I've been to the latter yet haha, but judging from the many pics I've seen). Reading your post and looking at your pics, I regret that we didn't make it to the harbour. Looks beautiful.
We loved Rabat, and were not expecting to! The harbour is so pretty and no locals tried to sell us anything which was a nice change from Fes and Marrakech 🙂
I've had Morocco in my sights for some time and always thought we would go in the motorhome but I really want to experience an authentic riad also. This looks perfect! I really like the sound of Rabat so yes, on my hit list!
Aw great Jane! I hope you'll enjoy it as much as we did 😀
Rabat looks incredible and I hope to visit one day. Will definitely be pinning your post for future reference.
We really enjoyed it!
Wonderful post, Lisa! I didn’t know anything about Rabat before this. Marrakech was a little too chaotic for me so It sounds like my kinda place!
Aw thanks Lannie 😀 We really enjoyed it, really much more than Marrakech
Besides eating the delicious food, I think my favorite thing would be to wander the streets, markets and waterfront. Rabat looks like a wonderful place to visit and thank you for introducing it to me!
It really is wonderful Vanessa! And more tranquil than Fes and Marrakech
Everything looks and sounds fabulous! I’m a huge fan of the classic film, Casablanca, so Morocco and so many of its areas are high on my list.
It was such a lovely surprise, and not as crazy as Marrakech 😀
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!
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!
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.
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 🙂
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 😀
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.
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 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 😀
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.
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!
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 🙂
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.
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!
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 🙂
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!
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!
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 😉
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!
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 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 🙂
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'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!
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.
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'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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 🙂
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!
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!
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 😀
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 🙂
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 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.
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.
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 😀
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.
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!
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 🙂
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 🙂
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!
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.
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 🙂
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!
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 😀
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 🙂
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.
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!
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 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 🙂