Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Morocco - 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, Morocco - Complete Travel Guide

The unfinished Hassan Tower tells a story of 12th-century ambition that never quite materialized. Rabat strikes a perfect balance between political gravitas and artistic soul, feeling refreshingly manageable compared to Marrakech's sensory overload. You can walk most places here. The medina won't overwhelm you, and there's a genuine sense of a working city rather than a tourist playground. Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art anchors the cultural district—representing Morocco's commitment to contemporary expression alongside its rich historical heritage. Government buildings share space with Roman ruins. The Atlantic coastline provides a backdrop that's both dramatic and surprisingly peaceful.

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

Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

This sleek museum showcases Morocco's busy contemporary art scene alongside international works. It has a refreshing counterpoint to the country's medieval attractions, and the building itself is architecturally striking. The rotating exhibitions are genuinely thought-provoking. You'll likely spend more time here than expected—the curation is sophisticated and the air conditioning is excellent.

Booking Tip: Entry is around 30-50 MAD for adults. Wednesday afternoons are often quieter, and the museum stays open later on Thursdays. Check their website for special exhibitions which might have separate pricing.

Kasbah of the Udayas

This 12th-century fortress overlooks the Atlantic. It feels like stepping into a different century entirely, and the blue and white painted streets are genuinely photogenic. Peak hours bring crowds. The gardens at the end offer spectacular ocean views and a peaceful spot to decompress.

Booking Tip: Free to enter the kasbah itself, though the museum inside costs about 20 MAD. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light and fewer crowds. Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are cobbled and can be slippery.

Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Hassan Tower tells ambitious stories. The unfinished minaret speaks to 12th-century plans that never materialized, while the adjacent mausoleum is a masterpiece of modern Moroccan craftsmanship. The contrast makes both more interesting. The changing of the guard ceremony happens regularly and is worth timing your visit around.

Booking Tip: Free entry to the tower area, though there's a small fee for the mausoleum interior (around 10 MAD). The site is open daily, but Friday afternoons can be busier due to prayers. Sunset visits offer dramatic lighting for photos.

Rabat Archaeological Museum

Morocco's premier archaeological collection includes impressive Roman bronzes and prehistoric artifacts. They provide context for the country's deep history, and the museum recently underwent renovation with well-organized displays. The presentation is solid. It is the kind of place that makes you appreciate how many civilizations have called this region home.

Booking Tip: Entry is about 20 MAD and it's usually not crowded except on weekend afternoons. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Allow 1-2 hours for a thorough visit, and the gift shop has some genuinely nice reproductions.

Chellah Necropolis

These ruins combine Roman foundations with Islamic tombs. They create an unexpectedly romantic setting that's home to dozens of storks, and the site feels genuinely ancient and mysterious. Late afternoon works best. The light filters through the overgrown areas, creating one of those places where you can feel the weight of history.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 70 MAD for non-Moroccans. The site is open daily until sunset, and late afternoon visits offer the best atmosphere and bird activity. Bring water as there's limited shade, and watch for uneven ground among the ruins.

Getting There

Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca sits about an hour from Rabat. The train connection between the airport and Rabat runs roughly every hour and won't let you down. Already in Morocco? The train system connects Rabat efficiently to Casablanca, Fez, and Tangier. Driving from Casablanca is straightforward via the highway—though parking in central Rabat can be challenging during business hours.

Getting Around

Rabat is genuinely walkable. Most tourist attractions sit within easy reach, which sets it apart from other Moroccan cities. The tram system works well. A day pass costs about 15 MAD and pays for itself if you're covering multiple areas. Taxis are plentiful and relatively honest with meters, though agreeing on fares beforehand saves hassle for longer trips. The city center is compact. You might walk more than expected—which is pleasant given the tree-lined boulevards.

Where to Stay

Agdal
Hassan
Souissi
Ocean
Hay Riad

Food & Dining

Rabat's dining scene reflects its diplomatic status. You'll find excellent international restaurants alongside traditional Moroccan fare, and the medina has authentic local spots where tagines cost 30-50 MAD. The Agdal district offers upscale restaurants. Seafood is particularly good here given the coastal location, and French influence means you can find decent pastries and coffee. Street food around the medina and near the university is safe and delicious—grilled meat, fresh bread, and mint tea form the backbone of quick meals.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Rabat

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

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Dar Al Fawakih Medina

4.8 /5
(6153 reviews)

Boho Café

4.7 /5
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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)
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When to Visit

Spring and fall offer the best weather. Temperatures hover in the pleasant 20-25°C range with minimal rainfall from March to May and September to November. Summer can be hot. The Atlantic breeze keeps it more bearable than inland cities. Winter is mild but rainy. The museum and indoor attractions make Rabat decent year-round. You'll appreciate outdoor sites more during shoulder seasons—Ramadan affects restaurant hours and energy levels but it is still possible to visit.

Insider Tips

The museum offers free entry on the first Sunday of each month for Moroccan residents. These days can be busier but have a more local atmosphere.
Many good restaurants close between lunch and dinner service. Typically 3-7 PM, so plan accordingly.
The coastal corniche works well for sunset walks. It has a completely different view of the city than the historical sites.

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