Top Things to Do in Rabat: Must-See Attractions & Activities

No list of Rabat Morocco attractions would be complete without the Hassan Tower. This unfinished minaret is one of the most iconic landmarks in the whole of Morocco. Construction began in 1195 under Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour, but the project was never finished. Today, the tower stands at around 44 metres tall, surrounded by the atmospheric remains of what was once planned to be the world's largest mosque.

Right beside it is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the resting place of Morocco's much-loved King Mohammed V and his two sons. The mausoleum is a masterpiece of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, with hand-carved plasterwork, cedar wood ceilings, and stunning marble floors. Entry is free, and the site welcomes non-Muslim visitors, so it is well worth a leisurely visit.

Travel Tip: Head there early in the morning to enjoy the site in peace and get the best photographs before the day-trippers arrive.

One of the most charming Rabat places to visit is the Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortified neighbourhood perched at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River. This ancient kasbah dates back to the 12th century and has since been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wander through its narrow blue-and-white painted streets, peek into traditional Andalusian gardens, and take in the sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean and the city of Salé on the opposite bank. Inside the kasbah, you will find a lovely café, the beautiful Andalusian Garden, and a small museum showcasing traditional Moroccan jewellery and crafts.

The kasbah is one of the most photogenic spots in Rabat and an absolute must for anyone exploring things to see in Rabat Morocco. It has a wonderfully unhurried atmosphere that visitors consistently fall in love with

Unlike the intense and labyrinthine medinas of Marrakech or Fes, the Medina of Rabat is relaxed, walkable, and perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides an authentic window into everyday Moroccan life without the tourist pressure you might encounter elsewhere.

Wander past stalls selling fresh spices, traditional clothing, household goods, and locally made crafts. Because the Rabat medina sees fewer foreign visitors than those in other Moroccan cities, prices tend to be more reasonable and the atmosphere feels genuinely local.

Highlights inside the medina include Rue Souika (the lively main market street), small neighbourhood mosques, and street food stalls where you can sample Moroccan staples such as msemen flatbreads, rich harira soup, and freshly baked bread straight from a wood-fired oven.

One of the most atmospheric attractions in Rabat is the Chellah Necropolis, a walled archaeological complex on the southern edge of the city. The site contains the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Sala Colonia, above which stand medieval Islamic monuments, royal mausoleums, and the remains of a mosque.

What makes Chellah truly magical is the way nature has gradually reclaimed the ruins. White storks nest on top of ancient minarets, wild cats wander freely through the overgrown gardens, and orange trees, roses, and bougainvillaea fill the air with colour and fragrance. It feels like stepping into a forgotten world, and it is one of the most memorable things to see in Rabat, Morocco, for travellers who love history with a touch of romance.

Entry Fee: Approximately 70 MAD (around £5–£6) Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

For a more leisurely side of the city, make your way to the Rabat Corniche, a long seafront promenade running along the Atlantic coast. This is where locals come to jog, cycle, catch up with friends, and enjoy a coffee at one of the many beachside cafés and restaurants.

Plage de Rabat (Rabat Beach) is a wide, sandy stretch popular with families and surfers alike. Watching the Atlantic waves roll in against the backdrop of the city skyline is a moment you will not forget in a hurry.

This is a wonderful option for those seeking easy, free things to do in Rabat that offer a genuine taste of Moroccan coastal life, and it makes for a lovely contrast to the busier sightseeing spots.​​​​​​​

The Royal Palace of Rabat (Palais Royal) is one of the most impressive buildings in the country. The interior remains closed to the public as it serves as an active royal residence, but the exterior, surrounding gardens, and ornate golden gates are genuinely worth seeing.

The palace complex is vast and immaculately maintained. Walking along the palace walls and taking in the sheer scale and grandeur of the architecture is a rewarding experience in itself. The golden gates in particular make for spectacular photographs and are one of the most visited Rabat places to visit for good reason.

For art enthusiasts, the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is one of the standout attractions in Rabat. Opened in 2014, it is the largest museum of modern art in North Africa and a genuine cultural landmark.

The museum holds a thoughtfully curated and ever-changing collection of Moroccan and international contemporary works, including paintings, sculpture, photography, and large-scale installations. The building itself is architecturally striking and well worth a visit even if you are not a dedicated art lover.

Entry Fee: Approximately 60 MAD (around £4–£5) Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The Archaeological Museum of Rabat is one of the most important museums in Morocco and a must-see for those with an interest in history. It houses an impressive collection of artefacts spanning Morocco's ancient past, from Roman bronzes and prehistoric tools to Islamic ceramics and ancient fossils.

The undisputed highlight is the famous bronze head of Juba II, the Roman-era king of Mauretania, a genuinely remarkable piece that alone justifies a visit. The museum may be modest in size, but it is packed with fascinating exhibits that trace Morocco's story from prehistoric times right through to the medieval Islamic era.

This is one of the most underrated attractions in Rabat that many visitors overlook entirely. Do not make that mistake.

Just across the Bou Regreg River from Rabat lies the ancient city of Salé, easily reached by a short ferry crossing or a walk across the Hassan II Bridge. Though frequently overlooked by tourists, Salé has its own well-preserved medina, a beautiful historic madrasa, and a working fishing harbour that gives you a real feel for traditional Moroccan coastal life.

The Medersa Bou Inania in Salé is a remarkable example of Marinid architecture, featuring intricate carved plasterwork, exquisite tilework, and a serene central courtyard. It attracts far fewer visitors than comparable sites in Fes or Marrakech, which means you can explore it in genuine peace.

A half-day trip to Salé pairs brilliantly with a visit to the main Rabat Morocco attractions and is well worth adding to your itinerary.

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Rabat is simply settling into a pavement café with a glass of sweet mint tea and watching Moroccan life unfold around you. Rabat has a wonderfully relaxed café culture, particularly along Avenue Mohammed V and in the leafy Agdal neighbourhood, which has a distinctly Parisian feel.

The city also has a fantastic food scene that goes well beyond tourist menus. Must-try dishes for UK visitors include:

• Pastilla – a delicate flaky pastry filled with chicken or pigeon and almonds, dusted with icing sugar and cinnamon; an extraordinary combination of sweet and savoury
• Harira – a warming Moroccan soup made with tomatoes, lentils, and chickpeas; perfect for cooler evenings
• Grilled sardines – caught fresh from the Atlantic and a true Rabat speciality
• Moroccan mint tea – sweet, intensely fragrant, and poured with great theatre from a considerable height
• Makouda – crispy fried potato cakes served with a tangy hot sauce; an irresistible street food snack

For the most authentic and affordable food experiences in the city, head to the medina souks or the bustling Agdal market.