Your Easy Rabat Travel Guide: Best Things To Do in Rabat Morocco
Looking for a different side of Morocco? One with less hustle and more calm? Welcome to Rabat. On my first visit, I sat with a local family drinking sweet mint tea. They smiled and said, “Rabat is Morocco’s gentle heart.” I knew they were right. This city is peaceful, beautiful, and full of history. Ready to see it? Start planning your Rabat travel adventure with me at Let’s Go Sarah.
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Why Visit Rabat? 3 Great Reasons
Rabat is Morocco’s capital city. It is clean, safe, and easy to explore. You get history, culture, and the ocean all in one place. For the latest events and official information, the Moroccan National Tourist Office (MNTO) is your best resource. As National Geographic has noted, Rabat is a “captivating capital” that ranks among the world’s top destinations to discover in 2026.
1. Tasty Food by the Sea
Rabat’s location means amazing seafood and classic dishes.
- Eat Fresh Fish: Go to the river mouth near the Kasbah. Pick your fish from the market, and a restaurant will grill it for you.
- Try Local Sweets: Eat Pastilla au Lait, a sweet, flaky milk pie. It’s a Rabat specialty.
- Drink Mint Tea: You must have this sweet, minty drink. It’s the sign of a true Moroccan welcome.
2. Easy & Safe Culture
Rabat is perfect for first-time visitors to Morocco.
- Friendly Locals: People are helpful and less likely to hassle you than in bigger tourist cities.
- Clean & Walkable: The city is well-kept. Areas like the Medina are busy but manageable.
- Mix of Old and New: See ancient ruins next to modern trams. It’s a fascinating blend.
3. Beautiful Scenery in One City
From beaches to gardens, Rabat has it all.
- Atlantic Coast: Walk along the wide, sandy beach or the cliffs of the Kasbah.
- Bouregreg River: Take a small boat across the river to Salé for great views back to Rabat.
- Andalusian Gardens: Find peace in these quiet, green gardens inside the Kasbah walls.
Crafting Your Rabat Travel Adventure: Key Areas
You can see Rabat’s best spots by focusing on three main areas.
The Historic Heart: Old Medina & Kasbah des Oudaias
This is the beautiful, historic core of Rabat. White and blue walls, ocean views, and tiny shops.
Must-Do Activities:
- Get lost in the Kasbah: Walk through the famous blue-and-white painted alleyways. Go to the Plateforme du Sémaphore for the best ocean photo.
- Shop in the Old Medina: This market is calmer than others in Morocco. Look for leather bags, lamps, and ceramics.
- Relax in the Gardens: Sit in the peaceful Andalusian Gardens inside the Kasbah.
- Visit the Musée des Oudaias: See traditional Moroccan life inside a beautiful old house.
Stay Here: 2-3 days is perfect. For the best experience, stay in a traditional riad (guesthouse) inside the Medina walls.
The Royal Capital: Ville Nouvelle & Hassan Tower
This area shows Rabat as a modern, royal capital. It’s wide, clean, and grand.
Must-Do Activities:
- See Hassan Tower & Mausoleum: Visit the iconic, unfinished 12th-century mosque tower. Next door, see the stunning Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
- Walk the Chellah Necropolis: Explore these ancient Roman and Islamic ruins. It’s a quiet, green escape with storks nesting on the walls.
- Ride the Tram: Use the easy and clean tram system to get around like a local.
- See the Royal Palace: Walk around the impressive outer walls of the King’s residence (the inside is not open to the public).
Stay Here: 2 days. Look for hotels in the Agdal or Hassan districts for modern convenience.
The Coastal Escape: Beachfront & Salé
Across the river, see local life and enjoy the ocean.
Must-Do Activities:
- Stroll Rabat Beach: Walk the long, sandy beach. It’s great for sunset.
- Take a Boat to Salé: Catch a traditional wooden boat (barque) across the Bouregreg River to the town of Salé.
- Explore Salé Medina: Visit this very local, non-touristy market. It feels authentic and calm.
- Visit the Sea Shell Museum: A quirky, small museum in Salé full of shells from around the world.
Stay Here: A 1-day trip is enough. You can easily visit from central Rabat.
Rabat Travel Essentials: Know Before You Go
Getting Around
- By Tram: The tram is the best way to travel. It connects all major areas (Medina, Hassan Tower, Agdal, beach). Buy a rechargeable card from the station.
- By Taxi: Use the small, blue petits taxis. They are cheap. Always ask the driver to use the meter before you get in.
- On Foot: The main sites are very walkable. The Medina and Kasbah are best explored by walking.
When to Visit
- Best (Spring & Fall): March-May & Sept-Oct. Perfect weather (20-25°C). Sunny and warm, not too hot.
- Good (Summer): June-August. Can be hot, but the ocean brings a cool breeze. Great beach weather.
- Low (Winter): November-February. Mild but can be rainy. You’ll find fewer tourists and lower prices.
Money & Costs
Currency is Moroccan Dirham (MAD). For the most accurate and current exchange rate, you can check a reliable converter like XE. As a general guide, €1 ≈ 11 MAD.
- Budget Day (€35-€50): Stay in a hostel dorm, eat street food (like msemen pancakes), use trams, visit free sites.
- Mid-Range Day (€70-€120): Stay in a nice riad, eat in good local restaurants, take some taxis, enter all paid attractions.
For more detailed breakdowns of daily costs and budget planning tips, Lonely Planet’s Morocco guide is an excellent resource.
Tip: Have some cash for small shops and taxis. Use cards in bigger hotels and restaurants.
Etiquette & Safety
- Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees, especially in the Medina and religious sites. It shows respect. For more detailed guidance on local customs, you can refer to cultural tips from reputable sources like Lonely Planet’s Morocco guide.
- Greet People: Say “Salam alaykum” (peace be upon you) when you enter a shop. A little Arabic goes a long way.
- Safety: Rabat is very safe for tourists, including solo women. Just use common sense as you would in any city. For the most current travel advisories and official safety information, it’s always wise to check your government’s resources, such as the U.S. Department of State’s Morocco travel advisory page.
- Bargaining: In the Medina, bargaining is expected. Start at about half the asking price and be friendly!
Your Perfect Rabat Travel Itinerary
The 7-Day Classic Rabat Trip
- Days 1-3: Stay in the Old Medina. Explore the Kasbah, shop, and soak in the atmosphere.
- Days 4-5: Move to Ville Nouvelle. See Hassan Tower, Chellah ruins, and the modern city.
- Days 6-7: Day trip to Salé and relax at Rabat Beach. Get your last-minute souvenirs.
- Find great flights and hotels for this trip on Let’s Go Sarah.
The 10-Day Explorer Trip (Adds One More City)
Follow the 7-day plan above, then add:
- Days 8-10: Take a 1-hour train to the ancient city of Fes. Explore its famous, sprawling medieval Medina before returning home.
The 14-Day Deep Dive (Rabat + Coast)
- Days 1-5: Explore Rabat thoroughly using the 7-day plan as a guide.
- Days 6-10: Take a 2.5-hour train south to Casablanca. See the huge Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.
- Days 11-14: Travel 1.5 hours further south to El Jadida, a Portuguese seaside fortress town, for a relaxed coastal end.
Rabat Travel Packing List: The Essentials
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: You will walk on cobblestones.
- Light Scarf: To cover your shoulders or head when needed.
- Universal Power Adapter: Morocco uses Type C and E plugs (like Europe).
- Reusable Water Bottle: Tap water is not for drinking. Fill your bottle from large sealed jugs.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat, and strong sunscreen are a must.
- A Small Backpack: For daily essentials while sightseeing.
- Quirky Item: Slippers. Many riads provide them, but bringing your own is handy for walking on cool tiled floors.
Your Moroccan Adventure Awaits
Rabat might not shout as loudly as other cities, but its beauty is in its gentle whisper. It’s where you can truly relax into the rhythm of Moroccan life without feeling overwhelmed. From the sound of prayers mixing with seabird cries at the Chellah to the taste of that first glass of sweet tea, Rabat stays with you.
Start designing your own peaceful adventure today—let Let’s Go Sarah help you every step of the way.
Rabat Travel FAQs
Citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Always check official government sources for the latest rules before you travel.
Yes, Rabat is considered one of the safest and easiest cities in Morocco for solo female travelers. Dress modestly, use common sense (like avoiding empty alleys at night), and you should have a very comfortable experience.
Yes, easily! Many classic Moroccan dishes are vegetable-based. Look for:
- Vegetable Tagine (slow-cooked stew)
- Zaalouk (cooked eggplant and tomato salad)
- Chickpea Soup (Harira)
- Vegetable Couscous
Just say “Ana nabati” (I am vegetarian) when ordering.
Arabic and French are the main languages. In tourist areas, hotels, and shops, many people speak basic English. Learning a few Arabic or French phrases (“shukran” for thank you, “bonjour“) will make your trip smoother and more appreciated.
No, it is not recommended for the city itself. Traffic can be busy, parking is hard, and the tram/taxis are excellent. If you plan to explore the countryside later, rent a car as you leave the city.
The ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis (about a 2-hour drive) are the top choice. You can combine it with a visit to the holy city of Moulay Idriss and the imperial city of Meknes for a perfect full-day tour.
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