Rabat completely surprised us. For a city many travellers overlook, Morocco’s capital turned out to be one of the cleanest, calmest and most authentic places we visited. With its fair prices, friendly locals and genuinely down-to-earth vibe, Rabat feels worlds apart from Morocco’s more tourist-heavy destinations.

From wandering peaceful Andalusian gardens to exploring lively souks and historic kasbahs, the city offers a refreshing blend of culture, history and real Moroccan life — all without the crowds. If you’ve ever wondered whether Rabat deserves a spot on your itinerary, we’d say it absolutely does.

Overview

Rabat might not be the first city most travellers think of when planning a trip to Morocco, yet it surprised us more than any other place we visited. While many assume it’s just the administrative capital or the King’s residence, the city struck us as the destination that perhaps showcases Morocco at its finest.

It’s the least touristy major city we visited, remarkably clean, calm, and refreshingly down‑to‑earth when it comes to prices and customer service. If you’ve ever wondered is Rabat worth visiting, our answer is a confident yes.

Travelling To and Around Rabat

Travelling to Rabat

By Train

We arrived from Tangier around lunchtime on the high‑speed Al Boraq line. The journey was quick and comfortable, and first class offered wider seats and access to the Al Boraq lounge (distinct from the regular first‑class waiting area). This proved useful for a quick rest, water refill, coffee break, and just resetting after checking out of our hotel that morning.

Buying Train Tickets with VPN

A quick note on tickets: booking through the ONCF official site only works if you’re already in Morocco or using a VPN. We used Saily, which includes a month of VPN on their 10GB plan.

This allowed us to buy tickets directly from ONCF at local prices (significantly cheaper than third‑party resellers). Connection was smooth all the way to the Sahara.

Alternatively, you can use 12go.com to buy tickets in Morocco.

By Plane

If you’re flying into Rabat, the main airport serving the city is Rabat–Salé Airport (IATA:RBA), located just across the river from Rabat in the neighbouring town of Salé.

It’s a small, efficient airport with straightforward arrivals and taxi connections. From here, you can reach central Rabat in about 20–25 minutes depending on traffic.

By Coach

Long‑distance coaches are another reliable way to reach Rabat. Companies such as CTM and Supratours run frequent services from major Moroccan cities including Marrakesh, Casablanca, Tangier and Fez. Coaches typically arrive at Rabat’s main bus terminal or designated stops, from where you can easily continue your journey by taxi.

By Cruise Ship

Rabat also receives cruise passengers, mainly from North America and Australia. Most cruise itineraries dock in nearby Casablanca, with organised day trips to Rabat. However, some smaller ships may anchor closer to Rabat depending on the port schedule.

If you are already in Morocco and want to go to Rabat, you can book affordable tickets online, some examples below:

Travelling Around Rabat by Taxi

Once in Rabat, we used taxis exclusively via the inDrive app. Rabat’s public transport isn’t integrated into Google Maps, so taxis were the easiest option for us. Affordable, quick, and efficient enough not to interrupt the flow of our visit.

As an idea, from Agdal to the Kasbah it took us under 40 dirhams during rush hour. So maybe not too expensive for 2 people travelling.

Renting a Car in Rabat

Traffic here is calm compared to other Moroccan cities, which made moving around easy. If you plan to rent a car anywhere in Morocco, Rabat felt like the most stress‑free place to do so. We recommend the below provider for our audience:

Is Rabat Safe?

Something that stood out immediately was how safe and orderly Rabat felt. Even major transport hubs like the train station had absolutely no loitering. In many ways the overall vibe matched — and sometimes surpassed — the sense of safety we’re used to in Europe or North America.

Where to Stay in Rabat?

Choosing where to base yourself in Rabat is pleasantly straightforward thanks to the city’s calm layout and reliable taxi connections. We stayed at the Ibis near Rabat Agdal station — the high‑speed Al Boraq hub — because we travelled by train to and from Rabat. It proved to be a practical choice: clean, efficient, and within a quiet neighbourhood that still offered cafés and amenities within walking distance.

We would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Trip.com to get the best rates. During this trip, we found Trip was cheaper than Booking. Use the widget below to find the best accommodation in Rabat for your specific dates.

For most travellers, anywhere between the Agdal district and the Kasbah area will make an excellent base. Agdal is modern, safe and residential with good dining options, while the neighbourhoods closer to the Medina and Kasbah offer a more historic atmosphere and quicker access to Rabat’s main sights. The city feels secure and relaxed throughout, so you can choose depending on whether you prefer modern comfort or old‑town charm. 

Currency in Rabat – Everything You Need to Know

Similar to what we highlighted in other articles part of this series, Morocco remains largely a cash‑oriented country. While Rabat is more modern and card‑friendly than other cities, you’ll still want cash, especially for markets, small eateries, taxis (unless using apps), and entrance tickets.

The good news? Rabat has some of the most reasonable ticket prices of any major Moroccan city — and several attractions are free. A pleasant surprise.

We’d say 80% of places we visited were cash only – including state-run museums and many paid attractions. Another quirk is how tricky it is to exchange Moroccan dirhams outside the country.

It’s a closed currency, so you’ll usually get a worse rate at home than in Morocco itself. For context, when we travelled in November 2025, we exchanged money in several places:

• At home in London, UK, we got around 1 GBP for 8.8 dirhams.
• In Morocco the market rate hovered around 1 GBP for 11.8 dirhams.

What worked well for us was exchanging smaller amounts – roughly one or two days’ spending at a time. That way we could take advantage of better rates when we found them, but also avoid ending up with a pocket full of unspent dirhams when it was time to fly home.

Best Time to Visit Rabat

If you’re planning your visit, you’ll probably look up the weather in Rabat, Morocco before setting out. Rabat benefits from an Atlantic climate — mild winters, warm but rarely overwhelming summers, and cool breezes in the evenings. It’s a comfortable city to explore year‑round.

We went during November, and whilst during the day temperatures were in the mid 20s, at night they were in the high teens, so maybe a jacket would be good.

What to See in Rabat in One Day

For travellers short on time, you may wonder what to see in Rabat in one day or even what to see in Rabat in one day free. Rabat is compact and efficient, so even a one‑day itinerary can cover a lot comfortably.

Whilst we arrived midday from Tangier, we left early afternoon the next day so all the things listed in our itinerary can absolutely be done in 24 hours. Several of the highlights below cost little or nothing, making it easy to enjoy what to do in Rabat in one day without overspending.

If you prefer to have a guided tour of Rabat, here is a suggestion for you to consider:

Our Top Things to Do in Rabat

Before diving in, a quick tip: while some attractions require cash for tickets, Rabat is the most reasonably priced city we visited. Having said this, for any paid attractions you will have to have cash with you as they don’t’ accept bank cards.

Places like the Kasbah and Andalusian Gardens are entirely free — perhaps an initiative to welcome more international visitors.

1. Glimpse at the Rabat Grand Mosque

Although we didn’t go inside and very little can be observed from the exterior, the Rabat Grand Mosque stands as an important religious centre. If you’re already exploring the neighbouring medina and souks, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate its scale and significance.

2. Wander Through the Rabat Medina — A Slice of Local Life

Exploring the Rabat Medina felt like stepping into an authentic, everyday Moroccan neighbourhood. It sits behind beautifully preserved medieval walls, which still rise proudly today. We enjoyed walking past cafés and tea houses facing the outer fortifications — perfect for a slow coffee before heading inside.

The medina itself feels lived‑in rather than curated for tourists. Locals shopping, vendors chatting, zero pushiness — just real life unfolding around you.

3. Explore the Old Market — Rabat’s Most Authentic Souk

If you’re looking for unique things in Rabat, Morocco, this is where you’ll find them.

Rabat’s souk was the cleanest, most authentic and most down‑to‑earth market we encountered anywhere in Morocco. Items here felt genuinely aimed at locals — leather goods, homeware, textiles, and a whole food market section.

We tried to buy leather babouches, but my size 47 proved too adventurous for stock! The seafood stalls looked tempting too, though the lack of refrigeration made us hesitant.

What we loved most was the atmosphere: calm, friendly, and entirely free from the hard‑sell culture you find in more touristy cities.

4. Discover the History and Views at the Kasbah of the Udayas

Despite its postcard‑perfect blue‑and‑white houses, the Kasbah has a more commercial vibe inside. Much of the estate is now a souvenir souk, and you’ll likely encounter informal guides trying to convince you to follow them.

A man attempted to mislead us with “shortcuts” to viewpoints, which were really traps to make us seem lost and in need of guidance.

A tip from us: Stick to your planned route; don’t accept strangers’ advice.

Still, the Kasbah’s architecture is stunning, especially the colossal main gate — one of the most historically important in Morocco.

Once you reach Oudaya Square, the views over the Atlantic, Rabat Lighthouse, sandy beaches and the town of Salé are gorgeous. Watching surfers catching waves in November added to the charm.

5. Relax in the Andalusian Gardens

Just steps from the Kasbah entrance, the Andalusian Gardens offer a peaceful retreat. Think of them as Morocco’s equivalent to Japan’s manicured gardens — symmetrical layouts, citrus trees, shaded paths and colourful planting.

We strolled among wild orange trees, sat with sleepy local cats and enjoyed the complete quiet thanks to the protective garden walls. Give yourself an hour here if you can.

6. Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V — A Landmark of Modern Morocco

This mausoleum honours King Mohammed V, an important figure in Morocco’s transition to independence. His sons, including King Hassan II, are also buried here.

We recommend arriving no later than 4pm, as the ceremonial guards — dressed in striking traditional uniforms — become a highlight of the visit, similar to taking photos with Beefeaters in London. Photos are encouraged.

Inside, intricate Islamic motifs, marble details and celestial designs surround the tomb, which lies one level below the viewing platform so visitors naturally bow their heads as they look down.

7. Reflect at Hassan Tower

Hassan Tower was meant to be the minaret of one of the world’s largest mosques. Construction ended abruptly after the death of the ruling sultan, leaving behind a haunting yet beautiful landmark.

It’s one of the most contemplative attractions in Rabat, especially if you pause to imagine the monumental scale the mosque would have achieved.

8. Pay Respects at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier

Nearby sits the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, marked by an eternal flame. It adds a solemn and respectful layer to the complex and is worth a short visit.

9. Explore Chellah Castle — Roman Ruins and Wild Storks

Chellah exceeded our expectations by far. Photos online simply don’t capture the atmosphere of this ancient Roman city.

We suggest arriving right after opening and heading first to the terrace at Ciconia Chellah restaurant. Coffee with sweeping views of the ruins, gardens and the Al Boraq line gliding past the Mohammed VI Tower was one of our Rabat highlights. I even tried a saffron crème caramel — a memorable flavour combination.

As you wander the ruins, look out for the many storks that nest here after migrating from Europe. Their presence adds life and sound to the site.

If using inDrive, note that non-taxi drivers won’t go past the security barrier a few hundred metres from the entrance.

10. See the Royal Palace (Optional)

The official residence of the royal family is visually impressive, especially the ornate gates guarded by soldiers in both ceremonial and standard uniforms. However, visitors can only view the gates — no access inside — so whether it’s worth adding to your itinerary is entirely up to you.

Worth also noting that there is a security check, where they will ask you for your passport with a valid visa, make sure you bring it if you want to be admitted.

11. Museum of History & Civilizations (Optional)

Although affordably priced at 20 DH, the museum has relatively few exhibits. For us it was a pass, especially given the taxi cost to reach it.

12. End Your Day at the Corniche

The Corniche quickly became one of our favourite spots in Rabat. During the day it reminded us of the Doha waterfront — breezy, scenic and lined with cafés.

At night, street performers, vendors and locals give the promenade a lively atmosphere. We enjoyed watching the Kasbah glowing on one side, the upscale neighbourhoods of Salé across the water, and the Bou Regreg river gently dividing the two cities.

13. Other Things to Do in Rabat

If you have some more time, here are some suggestions for other things to do in Rabat:

Our Top Restaurants in Rabat

1. Restaurant Marea – Seafood at its Best

If you’re craving seafood, restaurant Marea does it brilliantly. Fresh fish, excellent seasoning, polished service and card payments accepted — a rarity in Morocco.

My frito misto was superb, with perfectly cooked calamari, prawns and mussels, paired with UK‑style chip‑shop fries (a surprise!). Hristina’s salmon tagine was mild but pleasant. Desserts were solid too with me having the chocolate fondant, beautifully executed and Hristina the tiramisu. All of this for 500 DH.

2. Dar LaRita (Restaurant Marocain) – Unintentional Private Dining

Dar La Rita is a traditional Moroccan restaurant that won us over with warm service, live music and beautifully prepared local dishes.

The Pastilla was the best we tried in Morocco — sweet, savoury and festive. Rfissa was aromatic and symbolic, often eaten during celebrations.

3. Les Deux Palais – Steakhouse with a Beer

Restaurant Les Deux Palais is a grill house that serves hearty skewers, steaks and salads, plus alcohol (Casablanca beer for the win). The meats were delicious though service was unusually slow. Good for a relaxed meal, not ideal if you’re tight on time.

4. Les Maîtres du Pain – Great Parisian style Pastries

Les Maîtres du Pain is a chic Parisian‑inspired patisserie with fresh pastries from their own lab. We enjoyed our pain au chocolat, pain suisse and mango gâteau. Though not quite at the level of L’Atelier Boulangerie in Marrakech, it’s still an excellent spot for a treat.

Staying Connected in Rabat with Morocco eSIM

One thing that made travelling around Rabat noticeably easier was having reliable mobile data from the moment we arrived. For this trip, we used Saily eSIM for Morocco, and it worked seamlessly throughout the city and beyond.

Final Thoughts

Rabat quietly became one of our favourite Moroccan cities. Safe, clean, authentic, and unhurried — an ideal alternative to the more tourist‑focused destinations.

Whether you’re here for fun things to do in Rabat morocco, searching for things to see in Rabat, or hoping to uncover more unique things in Rabat Morocco, the city rewards curiosity with genuine experiences.

If anything, we left wishing more travellers would give Rabat a chance.

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