These are the Rabat attractions not to be missed on your travels

While this city can be enjoyed at any time of the year there are a few months that stand out. From May to October, the weather is warm with temperatures soaring no higher than 30ºC offering perfect sightseeing conditions. The rainy months are November to January and these are best avoided to get the most from your trip. Visiting Rabat in the heat of the summer may be too much for some travellers, but the city offers plenty of indoor sightseeing, providing shelter from the heat of the day.

From majestic mosques to winding streets cloaked in heritage and history, Rabat is a melting pot of cultures offering endless things to do. If you want to immerse yourself in its rich and exciting culture, these are the places to visit in Rabat during your trip.

One of the main Rabat attractions to enjoy while visiting the city, the Medina combines traditional architecture, religious heritage and emblematic buildings. Snaking through the winding streets of the Medina with its whitewashed buildings and narrow passageways is like travelling back in time. Centuries of community life unfolds within the ancient walls and historic gates.

If you are on the hunt for unusual souvenirs, the medina is the place to be. Vendors line the maze-like alleys offering visitors the chance to haggle over everything from colourful spices and textiles to handcrafted goods and Moroccan ceramics. The aroma of exotic spices floats on the warm and gentle breeze as the sound of merchants debating prices with shoppers echoes off the intricately tiled facades. Amidst the chaos, hidden gems await discovery, such as hidden riads, tranquil courtyards, and historic landmarks like the Kasbah of the Udayas.

If you are looking for breathtaking city views, a trip to the Kasbah is one of the most recommended things to do in Rabat. Perched majestically atop a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Kasbah of the Udayas stands as a timeless emblem of Rabat's rich heritage and architectural splendour.

This ancient fortress dates back to the 12th century and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the top free Rabat things to do, the Kasbah is divided into strategic areas, each offering guests a glimpse back into the past. From the ornate Great Gate of the Kasbah (Bab Oudaya) to the lush Andalusian gardens, this site tells tales of dynasties, conquests, and cultural exchange. 

A visit to the Chellah necropolis and archaeological museum in Rabat is a must for history lovers. Once a Phoenician trading emporium during the 1st century, then a Roman colony before it was abandoned in late antiquity. In the 13th century, the Marinid dynasty decided to use the site as a dynastic necropolis. Located just a short 10-minute car journey from the centre of Rabat, this emblematic site makes for an interesting day out. 

The fortified walls host ruins of mosques, mausoleums and elaborate minarets showing the cultural evolution of the city across centuries. While exploring the archaeological remains, don’t miss the green gardens full of exotic, plants, trees and ponds. 

The Hassan Tower is a minaret whose structure is still incomplete today, but which was originally intended to complete the largest mosque in the world. Commissioned by the Almohad Sultan Jaqub al-Mansur in the 12th century, the tower is considered a masterpiece of Almohad architecture, with a striking geometric design and monumental proportions that underline its historical and cultural importance.

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V was built in honour of King Mohammed V and is known for its elegant, clean-lined design, with a green dome that contrasts with the white marble that surrounds it. Inside are the tombs of Mohammed V, his son Hassan II and Prince Mulay Abdellah.

The best city breaks are often combined with a few lazy hours on the beach and Rabat doesn’t disappoint. While not as famous for its golden stretches of sand as neighbouring cities like Tangier, Agadir and Casablanca, Rabat’s beaches are the perfect place to rest and relax between exploring the city’s monuments and museums.

The best place to visit in Rabat for a fun-filled beach day is Temara Beach, a short 15-minute drive from the major Rabat attractions. 400 metres of white sand await beachgoers. Here the gentle waves and shallow waters make this an ideal spot for families and those looking for a dose of relaxation. Spend the day sunbathing or try your hand at surfing or bodyboarding (when the waves are strong enough). 

One of the top things about travelling is discovering a whole new menu of flavours and unique dishes. From exotic flavours to the ancestral culinary traditions of Moroccan cuisine, there are many Rabat places to visit for foodies. 

To truly get to know a culture, it is important to familiarise yourself with its cuisine. As in many other cities across Morocco, Rabat’s gastronomic scene is an immersive, sensory experience that will entice visitors with its aromatic aromas, heady mix of spices and century-old family recipes. There are many rabat attractions offering foodie experiences and visitors can look out for traditional dishes such as Couscous, tajine (a slow-cooked dish featuring meat, fish, and vegetables in a unique clay pot), pastela (a flaky pastry filled with onions, chicken, parsley, and almonds), zaalouk (a delectable eggplant ratatouille), and harira (the quintessential Maghreb soup). These are just a few of Rabat's culinary treasures but don’t forget to indulge in the city's signature sweets, often infused with sesame, and don't miss out on the iconic Moroccan mint tea, served generously sweetened with sugar.

Rabat is a city of two parts, the modern and the old. For an authentic foodie experience, walk through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, past iconic Rabat attractions and immerse yourself in the foodie culture of Rabat. 

Try the delicious msemen (Moroccan pancake) or the heavenly arziza (a type of bird’s nest-style bread full of honey). Yet watching the men make chebakia (honey, cinnamon and orange blossom cookies)  turns the experience into a fascinating work of art. 

Of course, no Moroccan holiday is complete without stocking up on mesmerising souvenirs. What better place to do so than the Souk of the Medina? From aromatic spices to brightly coloured ceramics, there are plenty of typical goods to bring back as memories of your holiday.

The souk is one of Rabat’s famous places to pick up a bargain and a must-visit on your Rabat sightseeing tour. Navigate the labyrinth-like maze of alleyways lined with vendors offering exotic wares and admire the array of handicrafts on offer. From intricately crafted wooden objects, heady blends of essential oils and homemade cosmetics to traditional ceramics and textiles - the souk offers something for all tastes and budgets.