Best Things to Do in Rabat On Your Next Trip!

Northwest Atlantic coast of Morocco, Rabat, the capital city, beckons visitors with its captivating allure. Renowned for its breathtaking architecture, deep-rooted history, and scenic vistas, Rabat offers a myriad of attractions. From wandering through ancient Chellah to indulging in dining experiences at Le Dhow, the city promises a wealth of enriching activities.

Rabat is a lively city that boasts modern infrastructure and a wide array of festivals. With all of its facilities easily accessible, including the airport, tram, retail centers, cafes, and restaurants, Rabat is a convenient and vibrant destination. The city's celebration of music is particularly noteworthy, with events like Mawazine and Jazz au Chellah showcasing a variety of sounds and rhythms from around the world. If you want to experience the beating heart of Morocco, Rabat is definitely a destination worth considering.

Discover more things to do in Rabat with our list of activities:

Stroll the Oudaias Kasbah

While the city of Chefchaouen is popular among explorers for its blue buildings, the lesser explored Kasbah des Oudaias in Rabat is also adorned with the same cobalt blue hues on the houses. Walking around the streets is one of the best activities to do in Rabat, as discovering the portions of walls throughout this part of the city will be an exciting experience for first-time Rabat travelers.

You can easily spend a day exploring the charming city within a city that is located in Rabat. There are plenty of nearby attractions to discover, such as the Andalusian Gardens, the National Craft Museum (also known as the Oudaias Craft Museum), and the beautiful Rabat Beach. Whether you're interested in history, art, or simply enjoying the outdoors, you'll find plenty to do and see in this small but delightful corner of Rabat.

• Address: Rabat, Morocco

• Timing: 24-hrs

Suggested Read: 7 Beautiful Places To Visit In Egypt In 2023

Visit the Grand Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V

The Grand Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V are two of the most impressive and important historical sites to visit while in Rabat. The construction of the Grand Hassan Tower was started by Yacub al-Mansur in the 12th century, who envisioned it to be the largest mosque in the world. However, his untimely death prevented the completion of the project, and the tower now stands as a testament to the grandeur and ambition of the era. The death of the ruler symbolized the desist of construction for centuries; however, the standing minarets became popular and today are known as Hassan Towers.

In 2012, UNESCO recognized the efforts to conserve the sprawling and delicate architectural achievement and declared the structure a protected World Heritage Site. Today travelers can explore this vast stretch of ruin all the way to the tomb of Mohammed V and his sons. When deciding what to do in Rabat, this site is often on the top of travelers' things to do in the Rabat list.

• Address: Rabat, Morocco

• Timings: 8.00 AM - 6.00 PM

Enjoy a Traditional Hammam Treatment

Holidays are for pampering; nothing is better than a traditional hammam experience to pamper yourself in Rabat. Several luxurious spas are available for this activity in Rabat, where you can indulge in a steamy room to bathe and exfoliate. An hour or two just for yourself on the vacation does no harm, so make sure to add this thing to do in Rabat to your list when you plan your trip to Morocco. Several riads also provide hammam treatments, massages, and facials at a fraction of the price of a larger luxury hotel.

Few Hammams to choose from:

• Royal Mansour Marrakech

• Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

• Amanjena

Suggested Read: 12 Unique Places To Visit In Morocco

Try to Surf at Rabat Beach & Oudayas Surf Club

Much like in Australia, one of the most fun things to do in Rabat is surfing. located in the city's northwest corner, Rabat Beach offers plenty of options for visitors to do so. Views of the fortified Kasbah des Oudaias built on a rock overlooking the river complement the red-tinted beach. Even when the beach is busy, the scene provides great photography backgrounds. The cold Atlantic water provides a nice relief from the blazing heat during the summer, while the off-season offers a more serene walk along the shore.

Explore the Ancient Chellah

An exploration drive to Chellah will be one of the fun things to do in Rabat for history buffs. The site has been inhabited by a variety of people, starting from the Phoenicians, who used it as a trading emporium. At present, the area has been redesigned as a garden for visitors to explore the ancient ruins of various civilizations throughout the centuries. Although a lot of architectural structures were destroyed in the Lisbon 1755 earthquake, still visitors find this as one of the exciting activities to do in Rabat.

The Chellah also serves as a music venue for the Jazz au Chellah and Mawazine Music Festivals. The yearly festivals honor traditional and jazz music in a one-of-a-kind outdoor venue. Those who are fortunate enough to visit during this time will have a wonderful experience of dancing to the music among ancient ruins.

• Address: Rabat, Morocco.

• Timings: 08.30 AM - 06.30 PM

Enjoy Dinner and Drinks on Le Dhow

A vintage wooden boat with pirate sails that dates to the seventeenth century docked at Kasbah des Oudaias. This is one of the romantic things to do in Rabat at night for couples who wish to gain an elegant dining experience. The menu is the perfect amalgamation of Moroccan and French cuisine, travelers can either choose to order a full tasting menu or simply lie on comfortable lounge couches on the upper deck to enjoy drinks.

• Address: Quai de Bouregreg, Av. Al Marsa, Rabat 10000, Morocco

• Timings: 11.00 AM - 2.00 AM

Fun things to do in Rabat

• Shop at the Mega Mall
• Visit the Rabat Zoological Garden
• Enjoy a relaxing day at popular spas
• Watch world class shows in Rabat Grand Theater 
• Experience the zeal in Mawazine Festival

Things to do in Rabat at night 

• Explore the illuminated Kasbah des Oudaias
• Dine in traditional Medina restaurants
• Experience the vibrant Medina nightlife
• Attend cultural events or performances
• Witness the beautifully lit Hassan Tower and Mausoleum
• Take an evening stroll along the Bouregreg River
• Nighttime photography at Chellah Necropolis (if open)

Q1. What are the most popular things to do in Rabat with children?

A1. The most popular things to do in Rabat with children according to Tripadvisor travelers are:

• Tramway Rabat-Salé
• Mausoleum of Mohammad V
• Jardin Zoologique de Rabat
• Kasbah des Oudaias
• Hassan Tower

Q2. What is the best month to visit Rabat?

A2. While Rabat is a wonderful place to visit almost any time of year, June-August is the best time to visit owing to the ideal weather conditions.

Q3.Which experiences are best for tours in Rabat?

A3. These experiences are best for tours in Rabat:

• Casablanca and Rabat Day Tour including Lunch
• Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town
• Full-Day Private Tour to Rabat from Casablanca
• 10D 9N Private Morocco Tour From Casablanca By Imperial Cities And South Desert
• 3 Days Chefchaouen and Fez from Casablanca Private Tour