9 Best Things to do in Rabat, Morocco, in 1 day or more

Introduction

On our way south from Chefchaouen, we made a stop in Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. We didn’t plan to stay long; our trip was more about the mountains, the desert, and the coast, but Rabat surprised us with its calm atmosphere and mix of history and modernity.

Set along the Atlantic Ocean and the Bouregreg River, Rabat blends its Islamic heritage with traces of French colonial influence. Within just a few hours, you can walk through the Kasbah of the Udayas, with its blue and white alleys overlooking the ocean, visit the iconic Hassan Tower, and explore peaceful gardens and open squares that make the city feel far more relaxed than other Moroccan capitals.

After our visit, we continued further south to Casablanca, where we stayed overnight before heading toward Essaouira. Since our goal was to focus on other regions of Morocco, we decided not to spend time visiting Casablanca itself.

In this article, we’ll share the best things to do in Rabat if you’re passing through on a road trip or spending a day in the city.

Read: Our complete 2-week Morocco Road Trip Itinerary

Getting there

Rabat is one of the easiest cities in Morocco to reach, whether you’re traveling by car, train, or bus.

• By car – Rabat sits right on the highway linking Tangier, Fes, and Casablanca, making it a convenient stop on a road trip. Parking near the medina and main sights is possible, though it’s often easier to leave the car just outside and walk in. We parked in the Parking Bab Chellah, which was right across the medina.
• By train – Morocco’s train network connects Rabat with all major cities. It’s about 1h from Casablanca, 2h30 from Fes, and just under 4h from Tangier. Trains are reliable and comfortable, making this one of the best ways to reach the capital if you’re not driving.
• By bus – Both CTM and Supratours buses stop in Rabat, offering affordable connections from cities across Morocco. It’s usually a slower option than the train, but handy if you’re coming from smaller towns.
• By plane – Rabat-Salé Airport has connections with several European cities. From the airport, it’s a short taxi ride to the city center.

We personally drove down from Chefchaouen, which took around 4 hours. It made for a nice stop on our road trip before continuing further south to Casablanca for the night.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

Moving Around

Rabat is an easy city to explore, and most of the main sights are within walking distance of the medina and the Bouregreg River. If you’re arriving by car, one of the most convenient places to park is Parking Bab Chellah, right across from the medina. From there, you can walk to the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and most of the central landmarks.

Petit taxis are also plentiful and inexpensive if you want to save time or head to places a little further out, like the Chellah ruins. Otherwise, the best way to enjoy Rabat is simply on foot.

Check our Google Map of Morocco

When to Visit

Rabat has a mild Atlantic climate, which makes it pleasant to visit almost all year round. Still, each season offers a slightly different experience.

• Spring (March – May): Spring is one of the best times to visit Rabat. Temperatures usually range from 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F), with sunny days and blooming gardens. It’s ideal for strolling the medina or visiting the Kasbah of the Udayas without the summer heat.
• Summer (June – August): Summer in Rabat is warm but not as extreme as inland cities like Fes or Marrakesh. Expect daytime highs around 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F), cooled by the ocean breeze. It’s a good season if you want to combine sightseeing with time by the Atlantic coast, though the city can feel busier with local visitors.
• Autumn (September – November): Autumn is another great season, with comfortable temperatures between 16°C and 25°C (61°F to 77°F). The weather is still warm and sunny, but with fewer crowds, making it one of the easiest times to explore.
• Winter (December – February): Winters are mild, with daytime highs around 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F). Rain is more common, but it rarely lasts long, and the medina feels calm compared to the busier months. Bring a jacket for cooler evenings.

Tip: For the most comfortable experience, plan your visit in spring or autumn when the weather is perfect for walking around the city.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to Stay

If you don’t feel like heading straight to Casablanca, Rabat is a great place to spend the night. Staying here means you can enjoy the capital at a slower pace and see more once the day-trippers have left.

• (€): Dar Lalzohra: A budget-friendly guesthouse in the medina with simple but charming rooms.
• (€€): Stayhere Rabat: A comfortable mid-range option with modern apartments, ideal if you prefer more space and independence.
• (€€€) Dar Shâan: A boutique riad with elegant design, a small pool, and excellent service—perfect for treating yourself.

Here are all your accommodation options in Rabat

If you’d rather continue your journey south, you can stay overnight in Casablanca instead.

• (€):  Ryad 91: A cozy and affordable riad with a central location.
• (€€):  StayHere Gauthier: Modern, stylish apartments in one of Casablanca’s liveliest neighborhoods.
• (€€€): Art Palace Suites & Spa: A luxury stay with spacious suites, spa facilities, and a central location close to the Corniche.

Here are all your accommodation options in Casablanca

What to Eat

Rabat has a laid-back food scene, and you’ll find plenty of traditional Moroccan dishes alongside a few modern cafés and restaurants. Since it’s a coastal city, fish and seafood are often on the menu, but the classics are always there too:

• Tajine – Slow-cooked meat or vegetables with rich spices, served bubbling hot in its clay pot.
• Couscous – A Friday tradition across Morocco, usually topped with vegetables, chickpeas, and sometimes lamb or chicken.
• Pastilla – A sweet and savory pastry filled with chicken or pigeon, almonds, and cinnamon sugar.
• Fresh seafood – Thanks to Rabat’s Atlantic coast, grilled fish and seafood platters are excellent here.

Where to Eat in Rabat:

• Dar El Medina – A traditional Moroccan restaurant near the medina, great for tajines and couscous in a cozy riad setting.
• Dinarjat – One of the most atmospheric restaurants in Rabat, serving refined Moroccan dishes with live Andalusian music in the evenings.
• Le Dhow – A restaurant set on a boat along the Bouregreg River, perfect if you want something a little different with seafood and cocktails.

If you don’t have much time, even the small cafés around the medina offer quick tajines and mint tea for just a few dirhams—simple but tasty.

Best things to do in Rabat

Hassan Tower

One of the most iconic landmarks in Rabat is the Hassan Tower, which you can reach with a short 15-minute walk from the medina. Entry is free, and the site is open to everyone.

The tower was commissioned in the late 12th century by Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, the third Caliph of the Almohad dynasty, as part of what was meant to be the largest mosque in the western Muslim world. The mosque was never completed—construction stopped after al-Mansur’s death in 1199—but the minaret was left standing at 44 meters tall.

Even in its unfinished state, Hassan Tower is an impressive sight, surrounded by rows of stone columns that show the outline of the vast mosque that was once planned here. It’s a fascinating stop where you can step back into Morocco’s medieval past while enjoying open views of the city and river.

Tip: If you want to learn more about Rabat, consider this guided city tour.

Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Right next to the Hassan Tower stands the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, one of Rabat’s most important monuments. The building houses the tomb of King Mohammed V, as well as those of his two sons—King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah.

The mausoleum is known for its stunning white exterior, green tiled roof, and richly decorated interior with marble, wood carvings, and zellij mosaics. It’s both a historic and spiritual site, and one of the few religious monuments in Morocco that non-Muslims are usually allowed to enter.

When we visited, it happened to be closed, but if you find it open, it’s definitely worth stepping inside to appreciate the craftsmanship and the sense of history it carries.

Check our Google Map of Morocco

Medina

After visiting the Hassan Tower, you can head back to explore the medina of Rabat. Compared to other Moroccan cities, it feels calmer and more modern, with wider streets and a mix of traditional shops and everyday stores. It’s not as atmospheric as the medina of Fes or Marrakech, but it’s still worth a stroll to get a sense of daily life in the capital.

Take your time to wander through the markets, browse the stalls, and stop for a mint tea before moving on to your next stop in the city.

Here are all your accommodation options in Rabat

Kasbah of the Udayas

On the edge of the medina, you’ll find the Kasbah of the Udayas, a historic fortified district overlooking the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic. The Andalusian Gardens and the Udayas Museum are also located here, though they’ve been closed for several years.

Even without them, the kasbah is one of the most beautiful areas to explore in Rabat. Its narrow streets are lined with whitewashed houses accented in blue, giving it a charm that feels different from the rest of the city. Take your time to stroll through the alleys, enjoy the views from the fortress walls, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere before heading back into the medina.

Peter’s Cathedral

Located in the heart of Rabat, Saint Peter’s Cathedral is a striking example of early 20th-century architecture. Built during the French protectorate, its Art Deco style and tall white towers make it stand out from the rest of the city. You can step inside if it’s open, or simply admire its unique design from the outside.

Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

If you want a break from historic sites, head to the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. It’s the first major museum of its kind in Morocco and showcases both Moroccan and international artists. The building itself is modern and elegant, and the exhibitions often change, making it a great stop if you enjoy art and culture.

Villa des Arts

Another space dedicated to art is the Villa des Arts, set in a beautiful white villa. It hosts temporary exhibitions ranging from painting and sculpture to photography, and also promotes young Moroccan artists. Entrance is usually free, so it’s an easy addition to your walk around the city.

Here are all your accommodation options in Rabat

Chellah

On the outskirts of the city lies Chellah, one of Rabat’s most fascinating sites. These are the ruins of a medieval fortified necropolis, built on top of an old Roman settlement. As you wander through, you’ll see crumbling walls, tombs, and even storks nesting on the ruins. It’s a peaceful place full of history and one of Rabat’s must-see attractions.

Royal Palace Rabat Morocco

The Royal Palace of Rabat is the official residence of the King of Morocco. You can’t go inside, but the vast complex and its ornate gates are still worth a look from the outside. It’s impressive in scale and design, and if you’re nearby, it makes a quick but memorable stop.

Check our Google Map of Morocco

Itinerary

1-Day Itinerary in Rabat

• Start your day at the Kasbah of the Udayas. Wander the blue-and-white alleys, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take in the views over the Atlantic and the Bouregreg River.
• From there, stroll into the medina. Browse the shops, grab a mint tea, and get a feel for daily life in the capital.
• Stop in a traditional riad restaurant near the medina for tajine or couscous, or head to a café in Plaza des Oudayas.
• Walk over to the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V—two of Rabat’s most iconic landmarks, full of history and beautiful architecture.
• If you still have energy, visit Chellah, the atmospheric ruins just outside the city walls, with its Roman remains, medieval tombs, and nesting storks.
• Enjoy dinner at Dinarjat or a riverside restaurant like Le Dhow, then take a short evening stroll through the city center.

2-Day Itinerary in Rabat: If you decide to stay longer, you can take it slower and add in some of Rabat’s cultural highlights:

• Morning: Visit the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Villa des Arts to see Morocco’s growing contemporary art scene.
• Afternoon: Stop by Saint Peter’s Cathedral in the city center, then walk toward the Royal Palace of Rabat to admire its grand gates from the outside.
• Evening: Relax with a seafood dinner, taking advantage of Rabat’s Atlantic coast location.

Read: Our complete 2-week Morocco Road Trip Itinerary