Are you seeking the best spots in Rabat to avoid spending your whole vacation just lounging in the sun? This capital city of Morocco, on the Atlantic Ocean’s edge, has plenty to offer, from lush green spaces to stunning architectural landmarks. From the grand royal palace to the serene medina, here are some hidden gems to help you experience a different side of Rabat. This perfect Rabat itinerary will take you off the beaten path and into a modern yet authentic Morocco.
Table of Contents
Day 1
Check into the Rabat Marriott Hotel
Check into the Rabat Marriott Hotel, a spot that’s just 15 minutes from the airport with fabulous rates. During the drive, you can admire the towering Mohammed VI, a building that reaches over 250 meters in height and is still under construction. Another striking sight in Rabat is the city’s Grand Theater, a massive marble structure designed by Zaha Hadid. This city is big on culture, and the Marriott Rabat is a perfect base for exploring all it has to offer.
The hotel is ideally located, just a 2-minute walk from the tram, which takes you to the city’s main attractions. It’s a great spot if you want to avoid the busy city center, yet still be just 10 minutes from the central station.
Another highlight of this hotel is the large swimming pool, perfect for soaking up the sun. The sunbeds and the vibrant pink vibe give off a Palm Springs pool party feel. Inside, the hotel keeps things understated with 118 rooms, including 16 suites, in a neutral beige and gray color scheme.
One of the best rooms is the Deluxe, which has a large terrace overlooking the pool. It comes with a corner bench and a circular table next to the king-size bed, perfect for relaxing or getting some work done while enjoying the sunshine.
- Location: Avenue Inaouin, Agdal Rabat Marriott Hotel, Raba
- Price: Room from 230€
Unwind at the spa at the Rabat Marriott Hotel
If you need a reset, the best way to start your trip to Rabat is with a Moroccan hammam ritual at the Mariott. Lucky for you, this hotel has two of them in a spa that’s over 700 m². The steam in the hammam helps melt away stress, worry, and dead skin, getting you ready for the rest of your visit.
After the steam, you can get a massage from wellness experts. You can choose a relaxing massage or an invigorating one, depending on what you need. Either way, you’ll feel the tension disappear, and you’ll walk out feeling so much lighter. It’s the perfect way to kick off your Rabat adventure and ensure you’re in the best shape for exploring the city.
- Note: To comply with new regulations aimed at reducing water consumption, all hammams in the city are only open from Thursday to Sunday.
Stroll through the Botanical Garden
To keep the relaxation going, why not take a peaceful stroll? Just a 15-minute walk from the hotel, the Botanical Garden is a hidden gem in Rabat. This 17-hectare garden has been around for nearly 120 years, serving as a real agroecological lab for the city.
Here, you’ll find over 650 ornamental and fruit species from tropical and desert climates, all coexisting in one beautiful space. It’s a great place to explore and get in touch with nature. You’ll see plants and trees that you might not find anywhere else in the city, making it a perfect spot to unwind and learn something new.
- Hours: Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Monday
Dinner at the Grill Robuchon Restaurant
The French chef’s legacy lives on at the Robuchon Grill, located inside the Marriott. This restaurant masterfully combines tradition and modernity, with an open kitchen that’s impressively quiet. As the flames dance, the menu offers perfectly grilled meats and vegetables with unique twists. You’ll find dishes like celery root topped with a smooth wasabi mousse and zucchini with a hint of peanuts.
The selection of meats is top-notch, with Limousin beef and American beef fillet just waiting to be sliced. But don’t forget to save room for dessert—the roasted pineapple with Moroccan pepper, with a touch of yuzu and coriander, is the perfect way to end your meal.
- Starters between €12 and €32
- Main course between €28 and €70
Day 2
Morning at the Royal Palace, Dâr-al-Makhzen
The Royal Palace, known as Dâr-al-Makhzen, is the official residence of the Moroccan royal family. While you can’t enter the palace, you can visit the square (Méchouar) where the palace sits. It’s a unique experience to get so close to the royal residence, where more than 2,000 Moroccans work each day since it’s also the seat of government.
A neat tip: if the palace’s fountains are running, it means the king is inside. If you’re lucky enough to meet him, always address him as “His Majesty.”
History at Hassan Tower
Next, visit the Hassan Tower, a 44-meter-high minaret that was part of an unfinished mosque from 1199. The site, which includes 200 columns, has seen its share of destruction, including the 1755 earthquake, but it remains a significant monument in Morocco. It also houses the mausoleum of King Mohamed V, where his son Hassan II and Prince Moulay Abdellah are also buried.
Quick Lunch in the Medina
For lunch, head to the Medina, specifically Avenue Mohamed V, where you can find delicious food at very affordable prices. A must-visit spot is Latifa’s shop. Latifa is a cheerful grandmother who cooks all the dishes herself. Try her Moroccan soup for just 70 euro cents or the fish tagine for €2.50. It’s as delightful as her warm smile.
Bargain Hunting at the Souk
After lunch, explore the Souk for some great bargains. Unlike other markets, you won’t feel pressured by aggressive sellers. You can find fabrics, cakes, dried fruits, and other treats. Don’t be afraid to haggle for the best deals—it’s part of the fun!
Couscous at Zyriab Restaurant
End your day with a special dinner at Ziryab Restaurant, located in a riad dating back to 1887. The restaurant is named after an Arab-Andalusian artist and poet who died more than 1,200 years ago. Zyriab serves a fantastic couscous, light and fragrant, with broth, fresh vegetables, and a small plate of candied onions with flaked almonds. The festive atmosphere includes live music on the patio, making it a memorable dining experience. As tradition goes, end your meal with a soothing mint tea.
10 Impasse Ennajjar, Avenue des consuls, Rabat
Open every day from noon to 2 a.m.
Menu between €55 and €85
@ziryab_rabat
Day 3
Visit the Photography Museum
@museemohammed6
When you visit Rabat, you can’t miss the massive fortification on the Corniche, facing the Atlantic Ocean. It’s Fort Rottembourg, also known as Fort Hervé or Borj El Kebir. It was built at the end of the 19th century to house cannons and defend the city. Since 2020, this fort has been home to the National Photography Museum, showcasing talented young Moroccan artists.
- Hours: Open Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays)
Enjoy the View from the Oudayas Kasbah
The Oudayas Kasbah is a city within a city, smaller and much calmer than the Medina. Enter through the grand Bab Oudayas gate, with its Andalusian architecture. As you wander the narrow streets, you’ll likely encounter a few friendly cats. To find the best view of the city, overlooking Oudayas Beach, head to the top of the Kasbah. The easiest way to get there is to ask locals.
Dine at Le Dhow
At the foot of the Oudayas Kasbah, there’s a unique boat moored along the quay. Le Dhow serves as a bar, lounge, and restaurant. It offers a range of international cuisine and is known for hosting both elegant lunches and lively evening events. While the food might not be unforgettable, the setting and decor are definitely charming.
Explore the Contemporary Art Museum
Rabat has a rich history, but it also embraces modernity. The Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is a great example. It’s celebrating its 10th anniversary and has an impressive collection of 400 works by contemporary Moroccan artists. The museum is located near the central station, and a giant horse sculpture by Colombian artist Fernando Botero greets you at the entrance.
- Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Tuesdays
Dine at Villa Mandarine
End your day with a lovely dinner at Villa Mandarine, a 4-star hotel in the heart of the Orangeraie. The lush garden, with over a hundred different plant species, creates a serene setting. The menu changes with the seasons, blending European dishes with Moroccan flavors. One standout dish is the whole sea bream fillets with a candied lemon crust and lemony white butter, served with freshly sautéed vegetables. Adding a bit of harissa can give it that extra kick for a memorable final dinner in Rabat.
- Open until 10:30 p.m.
- Dishes between €17 and €20
