10 Best Things to Do in Rabat: Morocco’s Underrated Capital

Wondering about what things to do in Rabat, Morocco and if it is even worth it? We've been there!

We loved Tangier prior to this and were guaranteed to find some kind of charm in the world-famous Marrakesh after, but what was the capital, Rabat going to be like? Fun fact: Ryan almost studied Arabic here in university (but somehow ended up in China instead), so when a 3-week house sit opportunity came up near Rabat, we jumped at the chance.

Rabat stands out for its organized vibe and calm energy, very different from other Moroccan cities. As the country’s political and administrative center, it’s surprisingly lively, with plenty of things to do in Rabat, Morocco for every traveler. From city beaches and the dramatic kasbah perched over the Atlantic, to cliffside walks and hidden cafés, Rabat offers a unique blend of history and modern life.

Whether you arrive via Rabat-Salé airport or are traveling the coast between Tangier and Casablanca by train, make sure to spend at least a day or two discovering the top things to do in Rabat, Morocco.

Where to Stay in Rabat–Salé

Before our house sit, we stayed at Riad La Porte du Bouregreg, just across the river in charming Salé. It’s small and stylish, decorated with zellij tiles, carved wood ceilings, and soft lounges in the courtyard.

Up on the rooftop terrace, you’ll find Ô Saveurs de la Médina, the riad’s restaurant, with sweeping views of Salé’s old medina, the Kasbah des Oudayas, and Rabat’s fortress skyline beyond. Perfect spot for breakfast or sunset drinks!

They offer free Wi-Fi, hammam, indoor pool, and optional cooking classes. The team is welcoming and multilingual, ideal if you need help planning your Rabat adventures.

Staying in Salé gave us the best of both worlds: a more local feel, plenty of peace, and easy access (walking distance or tram) to Rabat’s main sights. Highly recommend for culture lovers wanting something different and authentic!

How to Get to Rabat

Rabat is easily accessible by air, train, and road. The Rabat–Salé Airport (RBA) serves direct flights from major European cities and some regional hubs. From the airport, taxis and shuttles can take you into the city center in about 20 minutes.

If you’re coming from other Moroccan cities, trains operated by ONCF run frequently from Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakesh to Rabat Ville (local trains) or Rabat Agadir (high-speed trains) station. Buses and shared taxis are also available for budget travelers. For those driving, Rabat is well-connected via the A1 and A3 highways.

How to Get Around Rabat

Getting around Rabat is easy and affordable. The city has a modern tramway system connecting Rabat and Salé, with stops near most major sights. Tickets are cheap and machines accept cash or card. Taxis are everywhere, look for the small blue “petit taxis” for short trips within Rabat, or “grand taxis” for longer journeys (like to Harhoura or the airport).

Walking is safe and pleasant in most neighborhoods, especially the medina, Kasbah, and along the river. For day trips, trains from Rabat Ville station run frequently to Casablanca, Tangier, and other cities. Buses are available but less intuitive for visitors—stick to tram or taxi for convenience.

Tip: Always agree on the taxi fare before you start, or ask for the meter (“le compteur”). Most drivers speak French, and some know English.

Top Things to Do in Rabat, Morocco

1. Chellah: Ruins, Storks & Surprise

If there’s one place in Rabat you shouldn’t miss, it’s Chellah (or Shallah, depending who you ask). It began as a Phoenician settlement, then truly flourished into a Roman city called Sala Colonia, and was later used by the Merinid dynasty as a royal necropolis.

It’s built on a hill right by the Bou Regreg river (yes, the one that separates Rabat from Salé), and the views alone are worth the visit.

Today it’s quiet, green, and full of mystery, perfect for wandering around old Roman columns, broken tombs, and beautiful gates wrapped in ivy. But the real stars here? The cigogne (storks)! They nest here almost all year round, building huge nests on top of the ruins. Except in August, when they migrate.

We loved how calm and photogenic the whole place felt. It’s very well maintained, and the entrance is ticketed (you can also rent an audio guide if you want the full story).

2. Salé: Rabat’s pirate-twin sister

Just across the Bou Regreg River lies Salé, once a thriving Republic of Salé (1627–1668) known for its corsair kingdoms and Morisco pirates. Back then, it rivalled Rabat in power and influence. Today, Salé’s old Medina feels more local and authentic: crowded markets, hidden spice alleys, and moto taxis weaving past street‑chicken vendors and imitation‑brand stalls.

We appreciated the authenticity of Salé and didn't come across a single tourist while we were there. We also managed to get the cheapest haircut we've ever gotten at around 25 dirham per person (about €2.50).

3. Try the Local Food

Here are some classic Moroccan dishes to try in Rabat (which you will likely see in other parts of Morocco, too):

• Tagine: Slow-cooked stews with lamb, chicken, or vegetables, often flavored with preserved lemon, olives, and spices.
• Couscous: Served on Fridays, this fluffy semolina dish is topped with meat, vegetables, and a savory broth.
• Rfissa: A comforting dish of shredded flatbread soaked in spiced broth with chicken and lentils.
• Pastilla: A sweet and savory pie made with layers of flaky pastry, pigeon or chicken, almonds, and cinnamon.
• Harira: A hearty soup of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and spices, especially popular during Ramadan.
• Mint Tea: Morocco’s famous sweet green tea with fresh mint, served everywhere.

For street food, look for msemen (pan-fried flatbread), briouats (stuffed pastries), and fresh orange juice from market stalls.

Our favorite restaurant was the humble Ô Saveurs de la Médina. Perched atop the Medina walls in Salé, this rooftop riad‑style restaurant offers Moroccan flavors with a view. Decorated with plush cushions, vibrant tiles and low lanterns, the terrace looks across Salé’s kasbah and Rabat beyond. Ideal for lunch or sunset dinner.

4. Cimetière des Martyrs (Chouhada Cemetery)

Chouhada Cemetery is Rabat’s largest Muslim cemetery, sitting perched on a hillside overlooking the Atlantic. Spanning ~15 hectares, it’s the final resting place of many Moroccan statesmen, artists, and national heroes. At sunset, the graves and immaculately maintained grounds offer a contemplative, almost cinematic scene with many pastel colors.

We love a good cemetery and find them so fascinating. This one might be up there with two of our favorites in Bristol, United Kingdom and Milan, Italy.

5. Hassan Tower & Mausoleum Mohammed V

This is the most iconic site in Rabat, you can’t miss it. The Hassan Tower is the unfinished minaret of what was supposed to be the world’s biggest mosque (and it was constructed in the 1100s). Today, only the tower and dozens of stone columns remain. Right next to it is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where the grandfather and father of the current king are buried.

From here, you can also admire the new Mohammed VI Skyscraper, which is the third-tallest building in Africa, as well as Zaha Hadid's new theater project.

It’s all very photogenic, especially with the right light and the uniformed guards standing by the tomb (you can even take pics with them).

6. Kasbah des Oudayas, Fort de la Calette Lighthouse & Rabat Beaches

Don’t miss the Kasbah des Oudayas—Rabat’s most photogenic spot, with its iconic white-and-blue lanes, tranquil Andalusian gardens, and sweeping views over the Atlantic. Stroll through peaceful alleys where local cats bask in the sun and kids play in the shade. Be sure to stop for mint tea at the classic Café des Oudayas (formerly Café Maure), a perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and watch the river meet the ocean.

From there, head down to the Fort de la Calette and its striking 1920 lighthouse. The old fort guards the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, where Rabat and Salé meet—sunsets here are golden, especially from the stone walls.

Yes, Rabat has beaches right in town, too! You’ll spot surfers, picnics, and families out for the day. Locals swim in modest wear, think long shirts or burkinis, but trunks or relaxed beachwear are totally fine for tourists. Just keep it respectful and enjoy the ocean breeze.

7. Medina of Rabat

More relaxed than many other Moroccan medinas (we are looking at you, Marrakesh), Rabat’s old town is easier to explore: tidy lanes, charming souks, artisans at work, and hidden cafés. We stumbled across traditional shops fixing electronics, printing henna tattoos, and stocking handmade goods. A perfect place to wander without hurry.

8. St. Peter’s Cathedral & Le Baz’Art

It might sound weird, but yes, there’s a functioning Catholic cathedral right in the center of Rabat. St. Peter’s Cathedral is in a square near the Ville Nouvelle, and even though it’s not as grand as European ones, it’s a fascinating contrast to the rest of the city. What's particularly striking is its Art Deco architecture, a style popular when it was built during the French Protectorate and a style you will see all over cities like Casablanca.

Just a short walk away, we found Le Baz’Art, a bar and restaurant that also hosts DJ nights, mostly visited by expats and tourists. It was one of the few places where we could order a beer (alcohol isn’t common in Morocco, and it’s pricey when you find it). The cocktails were fine, the vibe was decent, but the food wasn’t our fave, kinda claustrophobic setting too. So we’d say: go for drinks and music, but skip dinner.

9. Harhoura & Guy Plage: Chill Vibes South of Rabat

If you're craving some beach time away from the crowds, Harhoura is your spot. Just 7 km south of Rabat in the Temara district, you can get there easily by bus (a few dirhams) or a taxi.

It’s got a surprisingly chill, low-key luxury vibe, with seaside villas, cafés, and even chains like Pizza Hut and Domino’s (did not expect that - and don't worry, we didn't visit them!). We loved the atmosphere, calmer than the city, still full of life.

You’ll find two beaches here: one is the lagoon-style “pool beach,” shallow and perfect for kids or watching fishermen go about their day. The other is Guy Plage, which had a more relaxed, mixed crowd, even a few international faces. Ideal for a slow afternoon with toes in the sand.

Our favorite eatery in the area was Agha Acham, a Syrian-Moroccan fusion place that surprised us with how tasty and fresh everything was.

Tip: On your way down, stop at Snack Khalil on Avenue des Forces Armées Royales and try the traditional Rfissa, a comforting Moroccan dish with lentils, chicken, and spiced msemen. A hidden gem!

10. Take a Day Trip to Casablanca

If you’ve got time, hop on a quick train or taxi and head to Casablanca, it’s less than 1.5 hours from Rabat. The vibe is very different, more urban and buzzy, but we totally fell for its art-deco architecture and seaside energy.

Conclusion: Is Visiting Rabat Worth It?

Yep, Rabat is worth a visit! The city’s blend of history, relaxed atmosphere, and local life makes it a unique destination in Morocco not lost to the masses of tourism like in other cities. Whether you’re into ancient ruins, seaside strolls, or authentic food, Rabat offers plenty to discover and enjoy.