Things to Do in Rabat

About Rabat

Rabat is Morocco's most sophisticated secret. While Marrakech and Fes compete for attention, this UNESCO World Heritage capital draws you in with imperial architecture and Atlantic coastline instead of chaos. The city works because of its contrasts—ancient medina walls meet Art Deco boulevards, and the call to prayer drifts over manicured gardens. The Almohad minaret of Hassan Tower watches over the Bou Regreg River. The blue and white kasbah tumbles toward the ocean below. What makes Rabat different is balance: souks stay busy but won't overwhelm you, royal palaces feel accessible, and diplomatic families share beach space with local fishermen. The city rewards slow exploration, not rushed itineraries. Spend time in the tree-lined avenues and tucked-away riads—you'll find encounters you didn't expect. This is Morocco's political heart, and it shows. The city captivates through restraint, not spectacle.

Travel Tips

Transportation: The Rabat-Sale tramway costs MAD 6 ($0.60) per ride. Petit taxis charge MAD 10-25 ($1-2.50) with the meter. From the airport, a grand taxi costs MAD 150-200 ($15-20). The train from Casablanca costs MAD 50-80 ($5-8) and takes one hour. Walking is best for the medina.

Money: Restaurant meals in the medina cost MAD 40-80 ($4-8). Street food like msemen costs MAD 2-5 ($0.20-0.50). ATMs are common around Avenue Mohammed V. Tipping 10% at restaurants is customary. Exchange money at banks rather than informal changers.

Cultural Respect: Rabat is more conservative than Marrakech. Cover shoulders and knees near the Hassan Tower and Royal Palace. Remove shoes in mosques. The greeting is 'salaam alaikum' with a handshake. Photography near military sites is prohibited. Bargaining is expected in the medina.

Food Safety: Try pastilla (pigeon pie) at kasbah restaurants for MAD 50-80 ($5-8). Harira soup at street stalls costs MAD 5-10 ($0.50-1). Fresh orange juice on Avenue Mohammed V costs MAD 5 ($0.50). Grilled sardines at Port de Rabat run MAD 15-25 ($1.50-2.50). Cafe Maure serves mint tea for MAD 15 ($1.50) with river views.

When to Visit

Rabat's Atlantic location creates a mild climate year-round, making it Morocco's most comfortable capital to explore. Spring (March-May) offers ideal conditions with temperatures ranging 15-25°C, minimal rainfall (20-40mm monthly), and blooming coastal vegetation—perfect for walking tours and outdoor dining. Summer (June-August) brings warm but manageable heat (20-28°C) with virtually no rain, though accommodation prices rise 25-30% during peak European vacation season. The ocean breeze keeps temperatures pleasant compared to inland cities. Autumn (September-November) mirrors spring's appeal with 16-26°C temperatures and occasional light showers (30-60mm), plus 15-20% lower hotel rates as crowds thin. Winter (December-February) sees 10-18°C temperatures and the year's highest rainfall (60-80mm monthly), but sunny days remain frequent. This is true off-season with accommodation discounts up to 40%. Key festivals include the Mawazine World Music Festival (June), Rabat African Film Festival (typically October), and the International Book Fair (February). Culture ensoiasts should visit during shoulder seasons for comfortable sightseeing, while budget travelers benefit from winter's dramatic price drops and fewer tourist crowds.