12 favourite things to do in Rabat
View from a rooftop in Rabat Medina
I first travelled extensively around Rabat in August 2021 while on a trip to northern Morocco that included Casablanca, Meknès’ wine region, and Ifrane National Park.
It was love at first sight.
I was delighted to discover a vibrant Moroccan city packed with history and a clean sandy beach that offers fun surfing waves.
Rabat perfectly balances buzz and peace, modern and traditional, local and tourist-friendly, with a sprinkling of city and ocean vibes.
Home to a population of around half a million, it’s open-minded, studious, playful, interested, and interesting.
Some say Rabat lacks the wow factor of other Moroccan cities. I disagree.
I enjoy plenty of wow moments in Morocco’s capital, like:
Sunset on the Atlantic horizon, its golden glow touching the earthy walls of Kasbah des Oudayas.
The lavish marble, gold, and intricately carved details of Mohammed V’s mausoleum. Bab el Had lit up a night.
Catching glimpses of the Grand Theater, Morocco’s answer to Sydney Opera House.
The city’s modern tramway that weaves alongside ancient Medina walls.
Today’s blog is about sharing some things I love to do when visiting Rabat.
Kasbah des Oudayas
Visit Kasbah des Oudayas in the early morning or at sunset. Explore the colourful alleyways, artisan stalls, Andalusian Gardens, and stunning ocean panorama viewpoints.
Soak up the cities’ history; visit the Chellah Neocropolis, Hassan Tower and Mohamed V Mauseleom recently renovated and looking incredible!
Café Maure, Kasbah des Oudayas
Sip a mint tea or coffee with peaceful river views at Café Maure. Their delicious ‘gateaux traditionelles’ are biscuits made at home by the owner’s wife.
Feast on traditional heartwarming Moroccan food including tagines, couscous, rfissa, seffa and tangia at Dar Naji.
Rabat skyline, with Hassan Tower (left) and Mohamed VI Tower (right)
For architect and art lovers; visit Rabat Ville train station and the Museum Mohamed VI of Modern Art, the latter housing contemporary African and international artists. And when they open, soon inchallah, the Grand Theater and Mohammed VI Tower.
Hop on the clean and easy-to-use modern tramway—single ticket 6dhs.
Bab l’Had, Rabat Medina
Wander around the clean, hassle-free, well-organised Medina, including Rue des Consuls. Shoppers can grab bargains on antique furniture, rugs, cushion covers, brassware and books.
Explore Agdal’s and Hay Riad’s modern shopping malls, salons, business districts and nightlife.
Pontoon for the river crossing to Salé
Walk along or stand-up paddle (SUP) the River Bou Regreg from the Kasbah des Oudayas to the architecturally stunning Grand Theatre.
Take a ten-minute rowing boat crossing from Rabat to Salé and enjoy a drink or meal in one of the Marina’s many waterfront cafés and restaurants.
Rabat city beach, Oudayas
Check in with the friendly crew at Rabat Surf School and have fun surfing at Oudaya Plage, the city’s main beach.
Sleep in and soak up the ambience of a traditional Riad, read this ‘Where to Stay in Rabat’ blog for our favourites.