In a nutshell
- Rabat is the capital of Morocco and the country’s cultural hub — with theaters, cinemas, and a surprisingly relaxed vibe compared to Marrakech or Fès.
- In this article, we share our top 10 things to do in Rabat plus the best day trips from the city.
- Almost all the highlights are in the Medina (old town) and are super easy to explore on foot. It’s far less touristy and more laid-back than other Moroccan cities.
- Our top hotel pick for Rabat is the Dar Shâan — right in the heart of the old town and one of the few places in Rabat with a rooftop terrace pool.
Our Top 10 Rabat Sights on a Map
Although Rabat is the capital of Morocco, the number of things to do here is very manageable. You can explore most of the highlights at a super relaxed pace on foot.
We’ve marked where our top 10 sights in Rabat are located on a map.
Good to know: Along with Fès, Marrakech, and Meknès, Rabat is one of the four imperial cities. They all play an important role in the country’s history.
Rabat's Medina
What you need to know: Rabat’s Medina (old town) is the heart of the city. Unlike the hectic medinas in Marrakech and Fès, this one is far less touristy and genuinely quieter. The Medina here isn’t as strongly Oriental in character as others — that’s because it only took on its current appearance in the 17th century, shaped by refugees from Andalusia. Fascinating influences!
Is it worth it? Absolutely! In Rabat’s Medina you can stroll through the alleyways in a really relaxed way. You’ll also find the colorful Moroccan markets (souks) here, with spice lanes, handicrafts, and souvenir shops. The carpet market is worth a visit too — Rabat is the center for selling the work of Berber artisans from the entire surrounding area, and the quality is excellent.
Our tip: For flea market fans, the Mellah — the former Jewish quarter — is the go-to spot. It’s a real treasure trove: offerings range from old spare parts to antique lamps and furniture.
Kasbah of the Oudayas
What you need to know: Perched atop the hill above the Medina stands the 12th-century Kasbah of the Oudayas. The small alleyways of the fortress complex are lined with blue-and-white houses that remind us more of Greece than Morocco — or at least of Chefchaouen. Admission is free.
Is it worth it? The Kasbah is, for us, the most beautiful sight in Rabat, and for that reason alone it’s an absolute highlight in Morocco. We love the panorama over the mouth of the Bou Regreg River where it meets the sea. Inside the Kasbah you’ll also find a small folk art museum.
Our tip: Come in the afternoon if you can — the light and the atmosphere are especially wonderful then.
Note: When we were here, we were approached by a man who presented himself as a guide. It’s best to brush these kinds of touts off right away — they’re not legitimate. If you want a guide, book a reputable city tour instead.
Guided city walk through Rabat
Andalusian Garden
What you need to know: At the entrance to the Kasbah of the Oudayas lies the Andalusian Garden. It’s seriously beautifully designed — you’ll find large flower beds with olive, orange, and lemon trees, tamarisks, and roses.
Is it worth it? Totally! In the Andalusian Garden you can escape the hectic pace of city life under tall palms and in the shade of large trees. It’s especially lovely in spring, the best time to visit Morocco. The garden becomes a wonderful green oasis of calm that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
Our café tip: Right in the middle of the Andalusian Garden is the Café Maure. Sit on small wooden chairs, take in the view, and sip a Moroccan mint tea. A true specialty in Morocco.
Note: This sight is open from 11 AM to 6 PM. Admission is free.
Bou Regreg Riverfront Promenade
What you need to know: The riverfront promenade along the Bou Regreg was only built a few years ago. Here you can take a leisurely stroll, relax at one of the cafés, or get some action out on the water — jet-skiing and rowing are both options.
Is it worth it? Definitely. A walk along the promenade should be on your itinerary for any visit to Rabat. This is where you truly experience the modern capital — a lot of it reminds us of European promenades. That said, you always have the Kasbah of the Oudayas in view, which is a constant reminder that you’re in Morocco.
Our tip: The atmosphere along the promenade is best in the evenings. Not only is it the liveliest time, but the sunset is also beautiful.
Hassan Tower
What you need to know: The 44-meter-tall Hassan Tower is Rabat’s landmark. It was originally meant to be the minaret of the largest Islamic mosque in the world — and twice as tall. But that never happened, because the patron who commissioned it died before the planned mosque could be completed. Then an earthquake destroyed the buildings that had already been finished.
Is it worth it? Today you can only see a few columns and the unfinished tower, but even that is seriously impressive. With a little imagination, you can picture just how gigantic the mosque would have been. Together with the neighboring mausoleum (our sight number 6), it makes for a really worthwhile complex.
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
What you need to know: Directly across from the Hassan Tower stands the impressive Mausoleum of Mohammed V — grandfather of the current king. The building is considered one of the most beautiful religious structures in Morocco. Inside stands the marble sarcophagus of Mohammed V.
Is it worth it? The building is decorated with mosaics, tiles, and carvings — it’s genuinely beautiful. Apart from the sarcophagus, there isn’t a whole lot else inside. But since admission is free, it’s absolutely worth stepping in.
Note: The mausoleum is open from 11 AM to 6 PM. Admission is free.
Ruins of the Necropolis Chellah
What you need to know: The Chellah ruins are the remains of an ancient settlement, partly Roman and partly Islamic in origin. Nature has now reclaimed much of it, and countless storks nest on the old walls and the crumbling minaret. Chellah was an important necropolis in the 13th and 14th centuries, and some of the graves are still visible.
Is it worth it? A walk through a cemetery might not sound all that appealing at first. But Chellah is venerated as a sacred site, and the atmosphere is truly mystical. Above all, it’s an oasis of calm in the middle of a big city. Honestly, one of the most interesting points of interest in Rabat.
Note: The Chellah ruins are open from 9 AM to 5 PM in winter and from 9 AM to 7 PM in summer. Admission costs 70 dirhams (approx. 7 euros).
Marina Bouregreg Salé
What you need to know: Marina Bouregreg is a super modern yacht harbor. Strictly speaking, it’s not actually in Rabat but in the neighboring city of Salé — though from Rabat you can see it really well. On-site there are modern restaurants, and a few cool boat tours depart from here.
Is it worth it? If your image of Morocco is all chaotic markets, desert tours through the Sahara, or the magnificent Atlas Mountains, then you absolutely have to visit Marina Bouregreg. It’ll shift your perception of Morocco completely — there’s not a trace of the Orient to be found here.
Mohammed VI Museum of Modern Art
What you need to know: The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is located in Rabat’s new town. It’s the first national museum of modern art in all of Morocco, opened in 2014, and traces the development of fine art in Morocco from 1914 to the present day. More than 400 photographs and sculptures are on display.
Is it worth it? If you’re into modern art, you’ll really enjoy the Mohammed VI Museum. Modern art still has a relatively low profile in Morocco — which is exactly what makes this museum so compelling.
Note: The museum is open daily except Tuesdays, from 10 AM to 6 PM. Admission for tourists costs 60 dirhams (approx. 6 euros).
Beaches in Rabat
What you need to know: Directly below the Kasbah of the Oudayas lies the Rabat city beach. It doesn’t rank among the most beautiful beaches in Morocco, though.
Is it worth it? Especially in summer and during vacation season, the beach gets crowded and is far from idyllic. We wouldn’t go swimming here — there are nicer beaches around Rabat for that. For a walk, though, it’s perfectly fine!
Beautiful beaches around Rabat
The most popular beach is Plage des Nations Unies — a great sandy beach about 20 kilometers north of Rabat.
Just a few kilometers further, the beach near the fishing village of Mehdiya is especially popular with younger crowds.
To the south of Rabat, several beautiful beaches stretch in front of numerous summer homes belonging to wealthy Moroccans. A long beach promenade extends from Temara to Sable d’Or.
Our tip: Morocco is also a popular surfing destination. The best waves, however, are along the southern Atlantic coast. Our favorite surf spot is Taghazout. There are plenty of surf camps, lessons, and accommodations in Taghazout with real surfer vibes.
Cool Day Trips from Rabat
You’ve seen all the major sights in Rabat but still have time to spare? Then you can easily take a few day trips into the surrounding area. If you’re on a road trip through Morocco, you can skip the day trips and make these places your next stop instead.
Day Trip to Meknès
Roughly 150 kilometers to the east of Rabat lies the small city of Meknès. It’s the smallest and least well-known of the four imperial cities in Morocco — but a visit is still really worth it.
Life in the alleyways of the Medina remains very traditional and authentic. You can browse and explore the sights at a genuinely relaxed pace.
Most of the highlights in Meknès are located within the Medina and are easily reachable on foot, which makes the city perfect for a day trip.
The best way to get there is by bus or train from Rabat to Meknès — and back again. One way takes about two hours. You can book your journey on the 12Go website.
Guided tours from Rabat are a bit pricier (although prices in Morocco are still very affordable compared to most European destinations). On the plus side, the tour also makes a stop at Volubilis — our next day trip recommendation.
Full-day tour to Meknès and Volubilis
In a dedicated article, we’ve put together more information, tips, and all the highlights in Meknès for you.
Day Trip to Volubilis (Walili)
Volubilis is one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the entire African continent. It’s home to the oldest Roman ruins in all of Morocco — and since 1997, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One standout at Volubilis is the stunning mosaic floors. Some are over 2,000 years old, laid by hand with painstaking care and depicting Roman myths.
Volubilis is an entire open-air museum. You can explore the ruins of ancient temples, bathhouses, and triumphal arches. Just how magnificent everything once was, you’ll have to let your imagination fill in.
The best option is to take a guided tour from Rabat to Volubilis. You can also travel by bus or train to Meknès first and take a taxi from there. Or drive yourself if you plan on renting a car in Morocco.
Admission to the Volubilis archaeological site costs about 70 Dh. Volubilis is open every day from 8 AM until sunset.
Full-day tour to Meknès and Volubilis
Day Trip to Casablanca
Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and lies just 90 kilometers south of Rabat. Honestly, the city itself didn’t really win us over — but there is one absolute must-see: the Hassan II Mosque.
The mosque is not only the largest mosque in Morocco but is counted among the largest mosques in the entire world — incredible! It’s definitely one of the most awe-inspiring structures in the whole country.
A side trip to Casablanca is well worth it for the mosque alone. Otherwise, Casablanca has become a major economic metropolis, and you won’t find much of an Oriental flair here anymore.
The best way to get there is by bus from Rabat to Casablanca. One way takes less than two hours. We like to book trains and buses in Morocco through the 12Go website.
Once there, we recommend booking a guided tour of the mosque.
Guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque
Day Trip to Salé
Salé is Rabat’s sister city. A visit isn’t really a proper day trip, since only the Bou Regreg River separates the two cities. Technically, Marina Bouregreg (our sight number 8) is even located here.
To get from Rabat to Salé, you can drive or walk across the Hassan II Bridge, take the tram, or hop on a boat from the riverfront promenade.
Salé is known for its craftsmanship, especially the Salé embroideries. The city’s pottery quarter is also very well regarded.
In the Medina you’ll find several noteworthy historic buildings, including the grand mosque from the 12th century and the magnificent Medersa Abu al Hassan. From the rooftop terrace of this Quranic school, you can see all the way to the sea.
About three kilometers outside of Salé, the pottery quarter of Ouilja is well worth a detour. In addition to high-quality pottery, the cooperative also produces basketwork, tiles, and intricate mosaic tables.
You can reach Ouilja from Salé by city bus no. 35, which departs from Bab al Khebaz — or take a taxi.
Day Trip to the Jardin Exotique de Bouknadel
If you want to escape the big city and lose yourself in a green paradise, the private botanical garden in the village of Sidi Bouknadel is just the thing.
Among the lianas, enormous trees, and palms, you’ll feel like you’re in the tropics. Small paths and trails lead you to grottoes and ponds overgrown with plants, while bamboo bridges through the trees offer ever-changing views of the Jardin Exotique de Bouknadel.
Note: The garden is located about nine kilometers from Salé and is most easily reached by grand taxi. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Beautiful Hotels in Rabat
Rabat has a wide and wonderful selection of places to stay. We recommend lodging in what’s known as a riad — a traditional home that’s been converted into accommodation.
Riads are usually very small and family-run. Our recommendations are all in the Medina, from where you can reach virtually all of Rabat’s highlights on foot.
Unlike, say, the riads in Marrakech or the riads in Fès, there are only a few riads in Rabat with a pool. That makes it an absolute bonus when one does.
Here are our top hotel recommendations:
Read our complete hotel guide for Rabat here:
General Tips and Frequently Asked Questions about Rabat
What makes Rabat special?
Rabat, along with Marrakech, Fès, and Meknès, is one of the four Royal Cities.
It’s not only Morocco’s administrative capital but also the country’s cultural hub — home to modern cultural centers, theaters, and cinemas.
The mix of modernity and oriental flair — and all of it right on the ocean — is what makes Rabat truly unique.
How many days do you need in Rabat?
If you want to see all of our top 10 Rabat attractions, plan on at least two full days for your sightseeing itinerary.
If you also want to take a day trip, you should budget at least three days in total.
How do you get to Rabat?
The easiest option for most travelers is flying into Casablanca International Airport, served by numerous international airlines. From there, you can reach Rabat by bus in just under 1.5 hours. The ticket costs around 3 euros.
We recommend searching for flights using Skyscanner to find the best deals.
From the Airport to the City
Rabat-Salé Airport is located about 10 kilometers outside the city. From here, an airport bus (Navette) runs to Rabat’s train station. Alternatively, you can take a grand taxi into the city.
How do you get around in Rabat?
Strolling through the Medina and the Kasbah quarter is best done on foot. The narrow alleyways don’t really leave you any other option anyway — and you’ll find yourself right in the middle of everyday life.
If you’re up for a longer walk, you can continue from there along the waterfront promenade to the Hassan II Bridge, or take a boat over to Salé.
By Taxi
For the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum or the Chellah, which are a bit further from the Medina, a small taxi is your best bet.
The small taxis in Rabat are all blue. A ride within the city usually costs no more than 20 dirhams (about €2). Make sure the driver turns on the meter before you set off.
The large taxis are a bit more expensive and will also take you outside the city — for example, to the beaches, to Salé, or to the airport. A ride from Salé to the train station in Rabat costs around 30 Dh (about €3).
Large taxis wait, for example, across from Bab Chellah. You normally share one with several other passengers, but you can also hire one entirely for yourself — in that case, negotiate the price with the driver beforehand.
By Tramway
Since 2011, a modern, clean tram has been running between Rabat and Salé. Line 1 starts in the Salé-Hay Karima district, passes through the centers of both neighboring cities, and ends in the university quarter in the west of Rabat.
The second line runs from the bus station in Salé (Hassan II.) through Rabat’s city center, continuing in a northwesterly direction to My Youssef Hospital.
The tramway is perfect for a day trip to the neighboring city.
You can buy your ticket from a machine at the stations. Larger stations also have a ticket counter. The ticket costs 6 dirhams (about €0.55), regardless of how far you travel. Validate your ticket on the tram when you board.
By Bus
We don’t recommend the city buses — the system is incredibly confusing. Most lines pass by Bab El Had on Avenue Hassan II and then continue in various directions. Many bus lines also stop near the Hassan Tower.
Where should you eat in Rabat?
Rabat has numerous restaurants and cafés, as you’d expect from a capital city — international spots, delicious Moroccan cuisine, and excellent seafood restaurants.
In many small city palaces in the Medina, you can enjoy truly delicious Moroccan meals like tagine or traditional couscous in a stunning atmosphere. We can highly recommend Dar Zaki.
At Bab Bouiba, small street-side food stalls serve up really tasty Moroccan dishes at very reasonable prices. For affordable spots with great Moroccan food, we especially recommend the places on the edges of the Medina at Bab al Had and at the old city entrance on Avenue Mohamed V.
For great fish at lunchtime, head to the port of Salé. Simple grill stands have set up their tables and benches there — just ask about the price when you order.
We also really recommend the Café Maure in the Kasbah neighborhood next to the Andalusian Garden. Sit back, relax, and take in the views of the mouth of the Bou Regreg and the old city walls.
If you’d like to sample a variety of typical Moroccan specialties, you can also book a guide who’ll take you to the best restaurants and food stalls in Rabat.
Is Rabat safe?
Morocco is considered a fairly safe country, and especially in the cities, you really don’t need to worry. We never felt unsafe here.
We do recommend not letting fake guides talk you into anything. Stay friendly, but say directly that you don’t need a guide. They almost never have any criminal intent, but it can still feel uncomfortable.
In the Medina or the Kasbah district, you can walk around in the evenings as well. We’d still suggest not going out alone — ideally travel with at least one other person.
For the current safety situation in Morocco, check the latest travel advisories from your government’s foreign affairs department. You can also read our article on safety in Morocco.
Can you swim in Rabat?
Absolutely! Right in Rabat, there’s a city beach where you can definitely go for a swim.
We’ll be upfront with you, though — it’s far from one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and can get pretty crowded, especially in summer.
If you want to stay near Rabat, we recommend checking out beaches outside the city. Take a look at our attraction number 10 for that.
How far is Rabat from Marrakech?
Rabat is about 330 kilometers from Marrakech.
How do you travel onward from Rabat?
From Rabat, you can travel by train comfortably and affordably to numerous cities in Morocco. The journey to Marrakech takes about 4.5 hours. You can reach Meknès in two hours and Fès in three hours, while Tangier is about four hours away.
Rabat’s main train station is located on Avenue Mohamed V, right in the heart of the new city. You can get there by tram, city bus, or petit taxi.
Alternatively, you can travel by long-distance bus to almost all major cities in Morocco. Fares are slightly cheaper than train tickets, though the ride is less comfortable and usually takes longer.
If you do decide to take the bus, CTM is a solid choice.
