One Day Rabat Itinerary for History Buffs, Art Enthusiasts and Culture Vultures
- Malika
- May 23
- 10 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Rabat has to be one of Morocco’s most underrated cities - there’s so much about the capital to love! It has fantastic museums, atmospheric neighbourhoods and some incredible French colonial architecture. But what is most endearing about Rabat is the fact that it’s so wonderfully laid-back, particularly if you’re coming from Casablanca or Marrakech.
If you only have one day in Rabat (as so many visitors do), you can pack a lot into the space of a single morning and afternoon. The city is conveniently walkable and you’ll see so much along the way, such as brilliant street art and photogenic flower markets. That being said, the city has a good public transport network, including buses and modern trams, and petit taxis are never hard to find.
In this guide, I’ll share with you my suggestions for a one-day Rabat itinerary, with a mixture of cultural, artistic and architectural sights. I’ve included information on opening hours and entrance prices to help you plan your one-day in Rabat adventure, as well as advice for getting between attractions that are a little further away.
Please note: If you want to spend time exploring every museum included below, I’d suggest allowing for more than one day in Rabat. In this itinerary, I've included museum suggestions that will appeal to different interests and recommend you pick the one(s) that most appeal to you. Also keep in mind that many of Rabat's museums are closed on Tuesdays!
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!
Stop One: Ville Nouvelle
Translating as the “New City”, this elegant district sprawls to the south of the medina (it’s separated by a 17th-century defensive wall) and is overflowing with French colonial buildings. It’s a wonderful area to explore in the morning while everyone else is making a beeline for the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Hassan Tower.
I’d recommend walking down Avenue Mohammed V, which will take you past some of Rabat’s most beautiful buildings, including the Post Office, the Bank of Morocco and the Foundation for the Protection of Cultural Heritage. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the Rabat Gare Ville, convenient if you need to purchase train tickets for your ongoing travel in Morocco.
Stop Two: Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Arts
Opposite the Musée National de la Poste (a worthy stop in its own right) is a leafy park and this impressive museum, housed within a beautifully restored French colonial building. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts, with works by some of Morocco’s leading creatives and emerging artists.
The Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Arts hosts changing exhibitions, highlighting both established and little-known talents. One look at the posters surrounding the building and you can get a taste of what to expect. Even if you decide not to go inside, there are several fascinating sculptures outside to admire.
The Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is open from 10 am to 6 pm (closed Tuesdays) and entrance costs 40 DH.
Stop Three: Museum of History and Civilisations
Not far from the Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Arts is Morocco's leading archaeological museum. It houses an extensive collection of ancient artefacts uncovered throughout the country, making it an essential stop for history buffs. Originally established in 1932, the museum has recently undergone an expansion to house its growing collection.
In the prehistoric area, discover how ancient humans survived by examining human remains that date from the Middle Paleolithic to the Neolithic periods. Although the collection features items from pre-Roman civilisations, the standout pieces are the bronzes, ceramics and statues from Lixus, Volubilis and the nearby necropolis of Chellah.
The Museum of History and Civilisations is open from 10 am to 6 pm (closed Tuesdays) and entrance costs 20 DH.
Stop Four: St. Peter’s Cathedral
From the Museum of History of Civilisations, make your way down Avenue Moulay Hassan, keeping an eye out for the flower market on your left-hand side. I found this really enchanting, particularly because all of the florists were male (the industry is female-dominated where I come from) and the displays are simply gorgeous.
Before turning left on Avenue Patrice Lumumba, keep an eye out for the incredible mural that adorns one of the buildings on your right. Up ahead, you will see the whitewashed architecture of St. Peter’s Cathedral - your next destination.
This Roman Catholic Church was established in 1919 and has remained a notable landmark on the Rabat skyline due to its Art Deco design. In a country largely dominated by minarets, it serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Rabat and Mass is carried out here daily. Even if you don’t coincide your visit with a service, you can appreciate the beautiful windows that decorate the interior, together with an impressive altar and organ.
Stop Five: Mausoleum of Mohammed V
From St. Peter’s Cathedral, you can either walk or catch the tram (there’s a tram stop directly outside) to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, one of Rabat’s most famous attractions. It serves as the final resting place of King Mohammed V and his son Hassan II, as well as being an architectural marvel in its own right.
The mausoleum is manned by rifle-wielding guards dressed in magnificent red suits. If you want to take a photo, ask first, as some are happy to have their portraits taken and others aren’t. Inside the tomb chamber, you’re greeted by a dazzling display of Moroccan design, with ornate zellige tiles and stunning plasterwork overlooking the marble tombs below.
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is open from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 8:15 am to 5:45 pm on weekends. It is free to enter.
Stop Six: Hassan Tower
Adjacent to the mausoleum is this towering minaret, intended to be a part of a magnificent mosque that the 12th-century ruler Yacoub al-Mansour envisioned. His ambition was to construct the largest mosque in the world, but after his death in 1150, construction was permanently halted.
Currently, the 45-metre-high Hassan Tower and the 348 columns of the planned mosque stand as the only traces of al-Mansour's grand vision - and what a vision it was! The façade of the minaret is beautifully adorned with carvings and lavish motifs, suggesting the opulence that the finished mosque would have showcased.
The Hassan Tower is open from 6:30 am to 10:45 pm daily and entrance is free.
Stop Seven: Salé
Visible across the Bou Regreg from the Hassan Tower is the city of Salé, which can be reached in just a few minutes aboard one of Rabat’s modern trams. If you alight at Bab Lamrissa Station, you’ll be able to see several arched entrances leading into the medina. Take whichever strikes your fancy and start exploring!
What I really love about Salé is its whitewashed buildings and wooden porticos - I think it’s a really charming destination to explore. I especially enjoy walking atop Salé's historic walls, from where you can see the immense cemetery that leads to Plage de Salé Ville. It really is incredible and the views back toward Rabat are unbeatable!
If you need a "destination" in Salé (rather than just wandering at your leisure), I’d suggest visiting Abou Hassan Madrasa. This 14th-century Islamic school was built by the Marinid sultan Abu al-Hasan and stands adjacent to Salé's Grand Mosque. Despite being small, it is richly decorated and will appeal to architecture enthusiasts. Just check some of the online reviews before going in as people have mixed experiences here, largely due to the hefty entrance fee (80 DH) and additional requests for tips.
Stop Eight: Kasbah of the Oudaias
Once you exit the Salé medina, jump in a taxi and ask to be dropped at Place des Ouadaias, which serves as a gateway to Rabat’s Kasbah of the Oudaias. This fortified neighbourhood dates from the 11th century and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its architectural and historical significance.
Passing through the 12th-century gateway of Bab Oudaia, you'll discover a labyrinth of picturesque blue and white streets, making it one of the top spots in Rabat for street photography. Within the district, you can visit the oldest mosque in Rabat, the Kasbah Mosque, located on the main street, Rue el Jamma.
Grab a freshly squeezed orange juice from one of the stalls before heading to the northern edge of the Kasbah. Here, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Bou Regreg River as it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Surfers can often be seen riding the waves here and the views back towards the city of Salé are fantastic. Plus, there are usually locals selling mille-feuille if you need a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Stop Nine: Andalusian Gardens
End your trip to the Kasbah des Oudaias at the Andalusian Gardens, a stunning green space adorned with beautiful palms, bougainvilleas and orange trees. On a hot summer day, the gardens come as a welcome respite after the heat of the streets, but to be honest, they’re gorgeous at any time of the year.
While you can simply sit and watch the world go by in this idyllic garden setting, there’s also a cafe serving Moroccan mint tea accompanied by riverfront views. Additionally, the Andalusian Gardens provide entry to the National Museum of Jewellery & Adornment, showcasing jewellery and garments from across Morocco.
The Andalusian Gardens are open from 10 am to 6 pm (closed Tuesdays) and entrance is free.
The National Museum of Jewellery & Adornment is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm (closed Tuesdays) and entrance costs 60 DH.
Stop Ten: Medina
From the Andalusian Gardens, follow Avenue des Consuls through the artisan stalls of the Rabat medina. This is your moment to pick up local handicrafts and souvenirs! There’s a huge variety of products on offer, from Amazigh rugs to leather goods and Morocco T-shirts.
Keep an eye out on your left-hand side for Fondouk Ben Aicha, a 17th-century complex that originally served as a merchant’s inn. While it once provided shelter for trading caravans, it now houses a variety of artisan stalls and flowering orange trees - it's incredibly photogenic.
In the southwest corner of the medina is the Central Market, which is a great place to grab dinner at the end of your sightseeing expedition. Not only is this lively area packed with stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables but there are LOTS of restaurants serving Moroccan favourites. It’s a great spot for people-watching…and there’s a gelato stall!
Map for this one day Rabat itinerary
Tips for exploring Rabat in one day
Many of Rabat's museums are closed on Tuesdays, so schedule your visit around this if you only have one day in the city.
If you’re planning on using taxis to get around, always ask for a rough price before getting in. Taxis in Rabat are metered but it’s always a good idea to have a ballpark figure to avoid any meter-tampering.
Download Google Maps and upload your one-day Rabat itinerary so you can keep track of where you are throughout the day.
Carry some cash if you plan on shopping in the medina as many stall owners won’t have card payment facilities.
Wear comfortable walking shoes - you’ll be covering a lot of ground during your one-day Rabat itinerary.
FAQs
Is one day in Rabat enough?
While I believe you can see a lot during one day in Rabat, I’d suggest allowing yourself more time if your Morocco itinerary allows. The city boasts some wonderful museums and it would be incredibly rushed trying to “do” them all in a single day. By giving yourself two full days in Rabat, you’ll have time to tick off all of the major attractions and explore several museums, as well as cross the river to discover Salé.
How long should you spend in Rabat?
Ideally, I’d recommend planning for a two-day itinerary in Rabat, particularly if you want to explore some of the city’s fantastic museums. Not only is the capital home to the Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Arts and the Museum of History and Civilisations but also the National Museum of Jewellery & Adornment, to name just a few.
Over the course of two days, you can visit the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, wander through the Kasbah of the Oudaias and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the Andalusian Gardens. You would even have time to cross the Bou Regreg to explore the city of Salé and discover the medieval fortified necropolis of Chellah.
Is Rabat a walkable city?
Rabat is characterised by its well-planned layout, with many key attractions situated within a reasonable walking distance from one another. Walking is a really convenient way of getting around the capital and provides you with an opportunity to experience a lot along the way.
Sidewalks are available in much of the city, although it’s worth noting that drivers don’t always stop at pedestrian crossings. The Kasbah of the Oudaias and medina are car-free, making them ideal for exploration on foot. Rabat’s climate is also conducive to walking, as it is pleasantly mild for much of the year.
Is Rabat worth visiting for tourists?
In my opinion, Rabat deserves a spot on any Morocco travel itinerary and is one of the country’s most underrated cities. With its storied past, modern museums and French colonial architecture, Rabat offers a unique blend of the old and the new.
Aside from being home to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of the Oudaias, Rabat hosts the magnificent Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the monumental Hassan Tower. Its atmospheric medina is filled with artisan shops and historic fundouks while its beautiful gardens and sweeping coastal views add to its charm.
Is it safe to walk around in Rabat?
Rabat is one of the safest cities in Morocco and the locals are among the country’s friendliest and most helpful. Tourist police are active in the city and there is a high level of security at many of Rabat’s attractions and museums. I have never felt unsafe while walking around Rabat.
While most areas of the city are well-lit and populated, it's always wise to remain aware of your surroundings, especially in less crowded neighbourhoods or late at night. As with any city, exercising common sense, such as avoiding displaying valuables and staying in well-trafficked areas, can enhance your safety.
