Home › Destinations › Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Maroc ⵍⵎⵖⵔⵉⴱ المغرب - Things to Do in Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Things to Do in Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Maroc ⵍⵎⵖⵔⵉⴱ المغرب - Complete Travel Guide

Rabat, Morocco's sophisticated capital city, seamlessly blends ancient history with modern governance and culture. Home to the impressive Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, this UNESCO World Heritage city offers visitors a more refined and less touristy experience compared to other Moroccan imperial cities. The museum itself, opened in 2014, represents Morocco's commitment to contemporary arts and serves as a cultural bridge between traditional Moroccan heritage and modern artistic expression. The city's tree-lined boulevards, well-preserved medina, and Atlantic coastline create an elegant atmosphere that reflects its status as both a political center and cultural hub. Beyond the museum, Rabat features remarkable historical sites including the Hassan Tower, the Royal Mausoleum, and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking art, history, and Moroccan authenticity without overwhelming crowds.

Top Things to Do in Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Explore the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Discover Morocco's premier contemporary art institution featuring rotating exhibitions of Moroccan and international artists across 4,800 square meters of exhibition space. The museum showcases everything from traditional Moroccan art forms reimagined for modern audiences to cutting-edge contemporary installations. The building itself is an architectural marvel with natural lighting and spacious galleries that enhance the viewing experience.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 30 MAD for adults with discounts for students and groups. Visit Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) with the best experience during weekday mornings when crowds are lighter. Check their website for special exhibitions and cultural events.

Visit the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Marvel at the iconic 12th-century minaret that was intended to be the world's largest mosque, now standing as Rabat's most recognizable landmark. Adjacent to the tower lies the stunning Mausoleum of Mohammed V, featuring intricate Moroccan craftsmanship with marble, gold, and precious woods. The site offers spectacular views over the Bouregreg River and represents centuries of Moroccan architectural evolution.

Booking Tip: The site is free to visit and open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Early morning visits offer the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds. Dress modestly when visiting the mausoleum and consider hiring a local guide for historical context.

Wander Through the Kasbah of the Udayas

Stroll through this enchanting 12th-century fortress with its distinctive blue and white painted streets, Andalusian gardens, and panoramic ocean views. The kasbah features traditional Moroccan architecture, artisan workshops, and the Museum of Oudayas showcasing regional arts and crafts. The peaceful Andalusian Gardens provide a perfect spot for relaxation with their orange trees and geometric design.

Booking Tip: Free to explore the streets and gardens, though the museum charges a small entry fee (10-20 MAD). Best visited in late afternoon for golden hour photography and sunset views over the Atlantic. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.

Discover Rabat's Medina and Souks

Experience authentic Moroccan market culture in Rabat's less touristy but equally vibrant medina, where locals shop for everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts. The souks offer high-quality Moroccan goods including carpets, leather goods, and jewelry at more reasonable prices than other imperial cities. The medina's narrow alleys reveal hidden architectural gems and traditional riads.

Booking Tip: No entry fee required, but bring cash for purchases and bargaining. Morning visits (9-11 AM) offer the freshest selection and most active atmosphere. Consider a guided tour for first-time visitors to navigate the maze-like streets and learn bargaining techniques.

Explore the Chellah Necropolis and Gardens

Step into this mystical archaeological site that combines Roman ruins with medieval Islamic architecture, surrounded by lush gardens where storks nest atop ancient minarets. The site offers a peaceful escape from city life while providing insight into Morocco's layered history from Roman times through the Marinid dynasty. The gardens are particularly beautiful in spring when flowers bloom among the ruins.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is approximately 20 MAD with reduced rates for students. Open daily 8:30 AM to 6 PM, with late afternoon visits offering the most atmospheric lighting. Bring water and sun protection as shade is limited in some areas.

Getting There

Rabat is easily accessible by train from major Moroccan cities, with the modern Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca just 90 minutes away by direct train or taxi. The city's main train station, Rabat Ville, connects to Casablanca (1 hour), Fez (3 hours), and Tangier (4 hours) with comfortable, air-conditioned trains. For international travelers, most flights arrive in Casablanca with convenient onward connections to Rabat, while some European flights serve Rabat-Salé Airport directly.

Getting Around

Rabat features an efficient tram system connecting major districts including the medina, Agdal, and museum areas, with tickets costing around 6 MAD. Taxis are abundant and affordable for short distances, though agree on fares beforehand or ensure meters are used. The city center is very walkable, especially around the museum district and medina, with wide sidewalks and clear signage making navigation easy for visitors.

Where to Stay

Agdal (modern hotels and restaurants)
Hassan (near major monuments)
Medina (traditional riads and local atmosphere)
Souissi (upscale residential area)
Ocean/Plage (beachfront hotels)
Hay Riad (business district with modern amenities)

Food & Dining

Rabat's dining scene reflects its cosmopolitan character, offering everything from traditional Moroccan tagines in medina restaurants to contemporary fusion cuisine in Agdal's trendy establishments. The city excels in fresh seafood due to its coastal location, with many restaurants serving grilled fish and seafood pastilla. For authentic experiences, try local favorites like Dar Zaki for traditional Moroccan cuisine or explore the small eateries around the medina for budget-friendly tagines and couscous, while upscale restaurants in Hassan and Agdal offer refined Moroccan and international dishes.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Rabat

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Dar Al Fawakih Medina

4.8 /5
(6153 reviews)

Boho Café

4.7 /5
(3037 reviews) 2
cafe store

Restaurant Dar Larsa

4.5 /5
(1787 reviews)

Dar Rbatia

4.5 /5
(1389 reviews) 2

Restaurant Marea

4.7 /5
(1035 reviews)

Kasr al Assil

4.8 /5
(797 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Rabat and the Mohammed VI Museum is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are comfortable for walking and exploring outdoor sites. Summer months can be hot but the Atlantic breeze provides relief, making it still pleasant for museum visits and indoor activities. Winter is mild but can be rainy, though this is an excellent time for museum-focused visits with fewer crowds and comfortable indoor temperatures for extended art viewing.

Insider Tips

The museum offers free entry on the first Sunday of each month for Moroccan residents, making it busier but creating an authentic local atmosphere
Combine your museum visit with lunch at the nearby Villa des Arts or Café Maure in the Kasbah for a full cultural day
Photography is allowed in most museum areas but check for special exhibition restrictions, and always ask permission before photographing people in the surrounding neighborhoods

Explore Activities in Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art