15 Best Things To Do In Rabat, Morocco

things to do in rabat morocco
Marina
Marina 
Updated
| 4 min read

A distant place bursting at its seams with exotic locations, breathtaking landscapes, and a desert-hot sun - all these great features make up the beautiful and golden world of Rabat, Morocco. Often depicted as a gorgeous gem hidden from the greedy eyes of the world, Rabat is located right on the Atlantic Ocean nearby other extremely busy destinations, such as the magical Casablanca or Rabat’s twin city named Sale. Rabat is a lovely tourist destination and a matchless summer resort offering wonderful outdoor activities. Check out our list of the best things to do in Rabat, Morocco.

1. Rabat Beach

Rabat Beach
Source: Photo by Flickr user Robin Berjon used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Rabat Beach, perched close to Kasbah des Oudayas where Bou Regreg river meets the Atlantic Ocean, boasts a perfect recreational atmosphere. There are many public beaches around, but this venue is the closest to Rabat’s center. Sunbathers frequent this place to enjoy its soft sand, which is sometimes uncrowded. The breeze from the sea and the absence of rocks and reefs give surfers, even beginners, the chance to have fun. Although getting there requires a rocky uphill climb, expect to be rewarded with beautiful scenery around.

Rabat Beach

Address: Rabat, Morocco

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2. Archaeological Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Posted by Fondation Nationale des Musées du Maroc on Monday, January 18, 2021

Many expansions have been made over the years to accommodate the increasing collections of relics in this museum since it was founded in 1932. It features invaluable archeological treasures of the Moroccan Neolithic and Paleolithic eras. You will find artifacts dating back to the eighth and ninth centuries during the Islamic movement. Some of these objects include medical equipment, baking items, jewelry, and more. One of the most prominent exhibitions is the Hellenistic-style bronze items found in African parts of the Mediterranean, belonging to the pre-Roman and Roman civilizations.

Archaeological Museum

Address: Rue El Brihi, Rabat, Morocco

Website: Archaeological Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 6pm (closed on Tue)

Price: 1 USD

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3. Le Dhow

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Le Dhow - Bateau Restaurant Bar Lounge à Rabat on Sunday, April 26, 2020

If you’re an avid traveler, then you must have experienced a world of dining scenes. However, none compares to eating on a traditional Moroccan wooden boat from the 17th century. This unique diner is set on the shores of Bou Regreg, overlooking Kasbah Oudayas. It offers tasty French-inspired foods in its cozy dining setting, sometimes vibed up by DJs, karaoke, and live bands. To complement your lunch or dinner, they also serve classic cocktails, wines, and beer.

Le Dhow

Address: Quai de Bouregreg، Avenue Al Marsa, Rabat 10000, Morocco

Website: Le Dhow

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 12am; Sat - Sun: 11am - 12am

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4. Royal Palace of Rabat

Royal Palace Rabat
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jorge Láscar used under CC BY 2.0

Marvel at the magnificence of this royal palace, constructed in the mid-19th century. It’s located in the heart of the city, close to a sizable parade ground or Mechouar. The castle has been home to the Moroccan royal family for centuries, and it’s still the residence of the present ruler — King Hassan II of Morocco. However, he has many other castles around the country. Royal Palace of Rabat is partially open to the public, and you can take photos and even explore the gardens.

Royal Palace of Rabat

Address: Cité Universitaire Rabat، Morocco

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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5. Mega Mall

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Mega Mall, established in 2005, is more than a shopping center as it also features areas where your or your young ones can have fun. It’s the largest shopping complex in the country, housing Moccoccan and international businesses. Within its two floors, you will find big brand shops selling cosmetics, apparel, electronics, and more. There’s also a well-organized food court with restaurants and cafes to refuel. There is a skating rink under the parking space and a bowling alley for some amusement.

Mega Mall

Address: mega mall rabat، Rabat 10000, Morocco

Website: Mega Mall

Opening hours: 10am - 11:30pm (daily)

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6. St. Peter's Cathedral

St. Peter's Cathedral in Rabat, Morocco
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Abderrahmane ALAM... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Appreciate the traditional Art Deco style or even participate in one of the masses held in this cathedral. This ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Rabat, which is located in downtown’s Golan Square, was constructed in the early 20th century by a team of builders headed by architect Adrien Laforgue. The church’s two towers, gracing Rabat’s skyline, were added later in the 1930s. St. Peter’s Cathedral is open to everyone, regardless of religion. Its striking architecture and finishings, especially the stained glasses are picturesque.

St. Peter's Cathedral

Address: Place du Golan, Rabat 10000 Morocco

Website: St. Peter’s Cathedral

Price: Free

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7. Chellah town

Chellah Rabat
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user İhsan Deniz Kılıç... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

What is Chellah? Referred to as an extremely significant landmark in Rabat, Morocco, the Chellah site is actually made up of Roman remnants built somewhere around 40 AD. Indeed, the famous Chellah site comprises what seems to be an entire walled town left as a heritage by the Romans. Today, what can only be seen there is ruins of mausoleums and mosques, as the Roman section still displays their typical temples, forums, and baths.

Explore Roman’s community: the Chellah town is certainly a great tourist spot which deserves your attention and time. Come around and unmask the mystery surrounding the foundation by Romans.

Chellah town

Address: nearby Bou Regreg estuary, Rabat

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8. Hassan's Tower

Tour Hassan-Rabat
Source: Photo by user barna421 / Quent... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Situated on the Boulevard Mohamed Lyazidi, the prominent Hassan’s Tower is just another excellent example of Rabat’s rich history and a variety of exotic and noteworthy attractions any visitor would simply be dazzled by. And just in case you’ve been thinking of this as a really bizarre construction, wait until you get to the juicy details surrounding it. Actually, the original plan back in the day was to build a 43 meter (141 foot) tower perched up quite high in the sky. Unfortunately, the construction site was abandoned upon the death of Rabat’s ruler back in 1150.

Dig deep into its history: Today, Hassan’s Tower attracts millions of tourists thanks to its unique shape and history, regardless of its unfinished architectural plan. Come nearby and enjoy its peculiar nature!

Hassan's Tower

Address: Boulevard Mohamed Lyazidi, Rabat

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9. Kasbah of the Udayas

Kasbah of the Udayas, Rabat, Morocco - panoramio
Source: Photo by user Ben Bender used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Meet the Kasbah of the Udayas, also known as the Kasbah of Rabat. Whichever name you pick, you won’t go wrong with it since this attraction is very well known by Rabat’s locals. Located right at the mouth of the local River Bou Regreg, Kasbah of Rabat is indeed a heavily crowded landmark, equally appreciated by natives and newcomers.

Why it’s worth it: don’t miss the chance to take a walk across the lovely district that has maintained its gorgeous and authentic looks, simply to perfection.

Kasbah of the Udayas

Address: Bou Regreg River opposite Salé, Rabat

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10. Mausoleum of Mohamed V

things to do in rabat morocco | mausoleum of mohamed v
Source: Photo by user

Let’s open again the history books and dive deeply into the exotic and immensely attractive world of Rabat, Morocco. Have you heard of the Mausoleum of Mohamed V before? If not, then you must stop by it if you’re planning to visit this gorgeous and peaceful Moroccan City. The landmark has a symbolical meaning to the natives. Thus, there are usually thick crowds around this exotic place.

Visit it: the prominent Mausoleum of Mohamed V is filled to the brim with legends and colorful stories about the arrival of their ruler Mohamed V who, presumably, gathered the people to praise the Lord for helping him make the country an independent one.

Mausoleum of Mohamed V

Address: Off Rue Abdel Moumen, Rabat

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11. Mohammed VI Museum

MMVI
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user J. N'Demenye used under CC BY-SA 4.0

As we have just mentioned above, Mohammed is a key figure in the minds of the people and in the pages of the history books of Morocco; and much like Mohammed V Mausoleum dedicated to his great personality making the Moroccan world an independent one, the quite modern Mohammed VI Museum seems to have inherited a fraction of the grandness left by the Mohammed family tree. The museum features modern arts and fine old collections dating back to the French colonial periods.

Enjoy modern and ancient art: The rich and unique collections are kept in the entirely refurbished building where visitors are awaited.

Mohammed VI Museum

Address: Avenue Moulay Hassan, Rabat

Website: Mohammed VI Museum

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12. Zoo de Rabat

Zoo rabat
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Saadtadlaoui used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Well, honestly, one of the most interesting and exciting tourist spots in every city is the Zoo Park. Not only is it any kid’s most favorite place, but it’s actually quite thrilling for people of all ages as well. Additionally, the Zoo De Rabat is home to such a lovely and wide range of species that once you enter it, you’d want to visit no other zoo in your life.

Meet the exotic animal world: Indeed, this is the impression left from any exciting tour across the unique and exotic zoo! Make the most of it!

Zoo de Rabat

Address: Annexe 23eme, (Ceinture verte), Cité Yacoub El Mansour, Rabat

Website: Zoo de Rabat

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13. Atlas Mountains

High Atlas Mountains (2359585494)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michal Osmenda used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The contrast between the hustle and bustle of the busy modern city of Rabat and the picturesque and tranquil Atlas Mountains is no more than a few hours away, depending on the starting point. If truth be told, Atlas Mountains are definitely another gorgeous and peaceful stop you need to explore right away. The breathtaking scenery of the mountain alongside the freshness of the air will absolutely take any burden off your shoulders.

Get ready for some hiking: with this in mind, what better way to enjoy the magical beauty of Mother Nature than with an exciting trek in the Atlas Mountains?

Atlas Mountains

Address: Rabat, Morocco

Book a Tour: Atlas Mountains

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14. Old town of Medina

Medina of Rabat
Source: Photo by user İhsan Deniz Kılıç... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Often described as a quite splendid place full of bizarre and exotic goods, the old town of Medina is also known amid locals as the Medina of Rabat. A fine example of its best features is the cozy narrow streets that have you feeling as if you are walking through a maze reaching no ends. However, there are many things to do in the old town of Medina, apart from just strolling down its narrow alleys.

Get fine souvenirs: in the old town, there are many small shops from where you could buy lovely and traditional souvenirs for your friends.

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15. Andalusian Gardens

Andalusian Gardens Oudayas, rabat
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chago.ka used under CC BY-SA 4.0

As another colorful and wonderful location, Andalusian Gardens simply proves how amazing this Moroccan City truly is! Once you enter the stunning and well-maintained gardens, you feel like you’ve entered the gates to Heaven itself! Indeed, alongside their marvelous character, the lovely Andalusian Gardens walk you through the history of the park and the city as well.

Enjoy the colors: Don’t be colorblind to this picturesque location, featuring Roman remnants as well as magnificent Moorish castles. Enjoy it!

Andalusian Gardens

Address: Avenue Al Marsa, Rabat

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Lose your mind over Rabat, Morocco

As a capital of the country, Rabat is enriched with a lovely variety of colorful tourist spots and picturesque landscapes newcomers have only seen in their wildest dreams. With this in mind, Morocco is waiting for you and your fellow travelers to come on a wonderful and unique tour across its extraordinary riches! Are you coming?

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Marina Yoveva is a creative thinker, adventurer, and a poetry lover. In her spare time, she loves reading, writing on her personal blog and spending time with her family and friends. She's also a...Read more

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