Discover top attractions, gardens, museums, food, and activities with this complete travel guide for tourists.

Rabat, Morocco’s capital, is often overlooked—but it shouldn’t be. The city offers a calm, clean, and culturally rich experience. It's less hectic than Marrakech or Fes, yet filled with history, ocean views, and modern charm. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rabat blends Islamic architecture, French colonial design, and contemporary energy. It's home to royal landmarks, peaceful gardens, museums, and a breezy Atlantic coastline. Rabat is also very walkable, has modern public transport, and is ideal for both short visits and extended stays. Top Attractions in Rabat Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V This site is Rabat’s most iconic landmark. The Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret, stands tall next to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where Morocco's royal family is buried. Entry is free Guards in traditional dress add a ceremonial touch Marble floors, white walls, and a green-tiled roof make this site highly photogenic Kasbah of the Udayas A peaceful hilltop fortress near the ocean, the Kasbah offers: White and blue-painted streets Panoramic views of the Bou Regreg River and Atlantic A small museum and beautiful Andalusian Gardens It’s a great spot for walking and photography. Chellah Necropolis Chellah is a historic Roman and Islamic burial site surrounded by nature and storks. Explore: Roman ruins Merenid-era walls and tombs Overgrown gardens and citrus trees The atmosphere is peaceful and almost magical. Royal Palace of Rabat (Dar al-Makhzen) Though you can’t enter, the Royal Palace is still worth seeing from the outside. The gates, gardens, and military guards offer a glimpse into Morocco’s royal culture. Best Restaurants in Rabat Dinarjat Set in a quiet alley in the old medina, this restaurant offers a refined Moroccan dining experience. Try: Lamb tagine with prunes Chicken pastilla Freshly made harira soup Elegant décor and live Andalusian music in the evening. Le Dhow A floating restaurant on an old wooden ship docked on the Bou Regreg River. Perfect for: Sunset dinners Seafood and international dishes Drinks with a view of the Kasbah and Hassan Tower Yamal Acham For something different, this spot serves traditional Syrian and Middle Eastern dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Known for: Falafel Shawarma Fresh juices and mint tea Peaceful Gardens and Parks in Rabat Andalusian Gardens Located inside the Kasbah of the Udayas, these gardens are free and open to the public. Expect: Quiet paths Flower beds and citrus trees Benches and shade—ideal for rest after walking the Kasbah Botanical Garden of Rabat (Jardin d’Essais Botaniques) A larger space perfect for nature walks. Offers: Over 600 plant species Palm-lined paths and greenhouses Great for families and photographers Museums and Cultural Experiences Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art The first museum in Morocco dedicated to modern art. Inside, you’ll find: Moroccan and international artists Rotating exhibitions A sleek, modern space with a bookstore and café Archaeological Museum of Rabat Small but packed with artifacts from Morocco’s ancient past—Berber, Roman, and Islamic eras. Highlights include: Ancient coins and jewelry Roman sculptures Interactive maps and tools Activities and Day Trips Walking Tour of the Medina Rabat’s medina is calm and clean compared to other cities. Take a walking tour to explore: Local markets (souks) Artisan shops Traditional bakeries and cafés Boat Ride on the Bou Regreg River Take a traditional wooden boat or modern cruise to enjoy views of Rabat and Salé. Great for photos, especially at sunset. Day Trip to Salé Just across the river from Rabat, Salé is full of hidden gems: Grand Mosque of Salé Historical medina Quiet local beaches It’s a 10-minute taxi ride or boat trip away. Travel Tips for Visiting Rabat Language: Arabic and French are widely spoken. English is growing. Transport: Rabat has a clean tramway system, taxis, and walkable streets. Safety: Very safe for tourists; low pressure from street sellers. Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) or fall (September–November) for mild weather. Dress code: Modest dress is appreciated, especially in religious areas.