Top Things to Do in the Rabat | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Rabat

Places To Visit In Rabat

Plage des Nations

The plage des nations is home to several stunning seaside villas and resort to offer the best of Morocco’s beautiful coastline. It is located between Kenitra and Rabat and is known for its crystal blue water and golden sandy beach. The plage des nations bouknadel or the Nations-Bouknadel beach is a recently developed site popular among water sports enthusiasts. This beach is especially popular among surfers due to its strong currents. It is one of the two beaches in Morocco where Moroccan surfing was born. Visitors can enjoy swimming or experience the thrill of nautical sports such as kyde-surfing and jet-ski. Due to its strong waves, only experienced swimmers are advised to go swimming here. Nonetheless, plage des nations is a good spot for lounging in the sun as one can rent sea loungers with shades and visit the nearby cafés, offering sumptuous local gastronomy. Read More

Located right at the centre of Rabat, the Archaeology museum of Rabat has on display extraordinary exhibits from the excavations of Banassa, Thameside, Volubilis and other such incredible sites with rich remains of history.You can experience a journey through time in the museum with its collections from the prehistoric period, Paleolithic period and Neolithic period. One of the biggest crowd pullers is the sculptures from the Pre-roman and Roman civilisations. The iconic Hellenistic-style Bronze sculptures are a delight to watch while the others, such as the Drunken Monkey, Volubilis Dog, Young Man Crowned with Ivy are iconic to watch. The Hellenistic style art prevalent among the local Berber population is a sight one cannot find elsewhere. Built in 1932, it was again renovated to accommodate more archaeological artefacts in 1958 under the expertise of Jean Boube, who was, at the time, the regional inspector of Antiquities. It has been a site under the National Museum Collection since 1986. Read More

The Medina or the old city of Rabat features ancient and modern architecture. It is not just a tourist destination but an experience in itself, especially if you opt to walk around the medina to explore it. You can find many places ranging from traditional cafés and shops. The footwear bazaar has a great line of leather bags, footwear, and wallets at bargain rates. The local craft shops have embroidered fabric and Berber carpets. The medina was the only part in existence in Rabat when the French came to Rabat in 1912. The medina was created by Andalusian Muslim refugees who had escaped from Spain from their hometown of Badajoz. Since then, the town has only grown and evolved. Besides the usual souvenirs, do not forget to try the mentha leaves, through which you can make easy and affordable Moroccan vodka or mentha tea. Not only can you experience the day-to-day lifestyle of the locals, but also discover hidden gems in the hustle and bustle of the streets. Read More

The Royal Rabat Palace is the official residence of the King of Morocco, Hassan II. The popular governmental complex is guarded by soldiers. It is only partially open to visitors, i.e., visitors are allowed to enter the palace's gardens but cannot enter the palace’s building. Nonetheless, the majestic architecture of the building is a fine example of Moroccan architecture at its best. Its official name is El Mechouar Essaid Palace, which literally translates to ‘the venue of happiness palace’. The complex of the royal palace also includes a gorgeously domed mosque, a barrack for guards, numerous picture-worthy ministerial buildings, a royal college and a tiny racetrack. All the buildings inside the complex are lined with reflective green tiles and built using the conventional city house model with large gardens and inner courtyards. The building has aged cannons on each of its edges and a beautiful fountain at the centre. The royal rabat palace or Dar El Makhzen only went into construction in the 19th century on the remains of its predecessor, the ancient royal palace of Rabat. The long and beautiful stretch of its promenade, known as the Mechouar is often used for royal outdoor ceremonies. Visitors cannot click pictures of the palace and stop and look at the palace for a long time. Read More

Sale sits on the opposite side of river Bou Regreg which runs across Rabat. The city is not as glamorous as Rabat, but the relaxed vibes of the town is what attracts many. The sale city is not known for huge governmental building or renovated historical artefacts, but the authentic experience of the Moroccan culture offered by its localities, eateries, and markets. You can enjoy the taste of a cup of steaming locally made coffee in a café or observe the lifestyle of the local population who lives in the tapered streets of the town. The town also has multiple small ancient religious sanctuaries with elegant zellige craftsmanship, a stunning 14th century madrasa and other not so popular sites, among which the medina of the poor is one that you cannot miss. The medina of Sale is not as sophisticated as the medina in Rabat, but its experience is truly authentic. Not only can you find great grabs at much cheaper prices than Rabat, but also get amazing local handicrafts. Tourists are not allowed inside the 12th century mosque here, but can admire the intricate architectural design from outside. Read More