Rabat, Morocco-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Medina

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Start your day with a traditional Moroccan breakfast at Café Clock (5 Dirham / $0.50 USD). Try their famous mint tea and fresh bread.
  • 9:00 am: Visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa (10 Dirham / $1 USD), a beautiful 14th-century madrasa (Islamic school) with intricate tile work and stunning architecture.

Afternoon

  • 11:00 am: Explore the narrow streets of the Medina, browsing local markets and shops selling traditional handicrafts.
  • 2:00 pm: Take a break for lunch at Le Petit Bistro (50 Dirham / $5 USD), a cozy restaurant serving delicious Moroccan cuisine. Try their lamb tagine or chicken couscous.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Visit the Grand Mosque (free admission) for a glimpse into Moroccan Islamic architecture.
  • 8:00 pm: Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll along the medina’s ramparts and enjoy the sunset views.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses (1,200 Dirham / $120 USD per night): A luxurious hotel located near the Medina, with stunning garden views.
  • Riad Dar el Caid (800 Dirham / $80 USD per night): A charming riad (traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden) in the heart of the Medina.

Transportation

  • Taxis: Available throughout the city. Be sure to agree on a price before you start your journey.
  • Buses: The bus system is efficient and affordable, but not as convenient for tourists.

Day 2: Historical Landmarks

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Royal Palace (free admission), a stunning example of Moroccan architecture. Be sure to dress modestly.
  • 11:00 am: Explore the Bab el-Had gate, one of the city’s historic gates.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at La Mammoune (50 Dirham / $5 USD), a popular restaurant serving traditional Moroccan cuisine.
  • 3:00 pm: Visit the Archaeological Museum (20 Dirham / $2 USD), which houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Take a sunset stroll along the Cape Verde Avenue, offering stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • 8:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at La Tourquoise (100 Dirham / $10 USD), a cozy restaurant serving delicious seafood.

Day 3: Beach Day

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Plage de Koubba (free admission), a beautiful beach with calm waters.
  • 11:00 am: Take a leisurely stroll along the beach and enjoy the views of the ocean.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at La Plage (50 Dirham / $5 USD), a popular restaurant serving fresh seafood.
  • 3:00 pm: Relax on the beach or try your hand at water sports, such as paddleboarding or kayaking.

Day 4: Cultural Experiences

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Rabat Cultural Center (20 Dirham / $2 USD), which hosts various cultural events and exhibitions.
  • 11:00 am: Explore the local markets, where you can find traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at Le Comptoir (50 Dirham / $5 USD), a cozy restaurant serving delicious Moroccan cuisine.
  • 3:00 pm: Visit the Garden of the Agdal (free admission), a beautiful botanical garden with stunning views of the surrounding area.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Attend a traditional Berber music and dance performance at La Mammoune (50 Dirham / $5 USD).
  • 8:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Le Restaurant (100 Dirham / $10 USD), a popular restaurant serving delicious Moroccan cuisine.

Day 5: Last Day in Rabat

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Chellah Necropolis (20 Dirham / $2 USD), an ancient burial ground with stunning views of the city.
  • 11:00 am: Explore the local markets and shops, where you can find souvenirs and traditional handicrafts.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at La Mammoune (50 Dirham / $5 USD), a popular restaurant serving delicious Moroccan cuisine.
  • 3:00 pm: Spend some time relaxing in the hotel or exploring the surrounding area.

Things to Know

  • Language: Arabic, French, and Berber are widely spoken. English is not as common but many locals will try to help tourists communicate.
  • Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops.
  • Weather: Rabat has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers.

Tips

  • Haggle: When shopping in local markets, be prepared to haggle prices.
  • Dress modestly: Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting mosques or cultural events.
  • Stay hydrated: Morocco can be very hot during the summer months. Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activities.

Other Things to Do

  • Try a Hammam Spa: Experience a traditional Moroccan hammam (steam bath) at one of the many spas throughout the city.
  • Take a Cooking Class: Learn how to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes with a cooking class in Rabat.
  • Visit the nearby Casablanca: Take a day trip to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub.