Is Rabat worth Visiting with kids?
Although Morocco’s capital is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbour Casablanca or it’s more boisterous cousin Marrakech, Rabat has charmed us.
Admittedly, we chose Rabat because it was the cheapest flight from Spain but we reckon we can convince you to visit Rabat with kids as it makes for a fantastic stop on any Moroccan itinerary.
This city surprised us! It has a very European feel to it and is surprisingly calm and quiet, a huge bonus when visiting the medina. Another bonus is the access to the beach!
Why is Rabat worth visiting?
Rabat, Morocco’s capital, offers a refreshing change of pace from the bustling crowds and noise often associated with other Moroccan cities like Marrakech. Its clean, green avenues welcome visitors with a sense of tranquility, making it an ideal spot for families and kids to start their Moroccan adventure.
One of Rabat’s standout features is its cleanliness and greenery, setting it apart from other bustling cities in Morocco. It’s a city with a rich culture and history, yet it also boasts beaches right. in town, making it a versatile destination for all types of travellers. The beaches were pretty clean, and you can even learn to surf with the help of beachside surf schools.
What sets Rabat apart from other tourist destinations in Morocco is its relatively lower profile on the tourist map. This means that many of its attractions, such as the Chellah, Kasbah des Oudaias, and the Medina, are much quieter compared to other cities, allowing for a more peaceful and intimate exploration of these historical sites. So, if you’re looking for a more relaxed and less crowded Moroccan experience, Rabat is the place to be.
Visiting in Rabat in Ramadan
We visited Rabat during Ramadan, here is what you need to know.
Whilst there are some places available for tourists serving food, it isn’t an ideal set up with kids. If you can, our biggest tip is to have an apartment with a kitchen so you can prepare your own food. From the early afternoon, the streets become busy with everyone picking up a huge assortment of street food and I highly recommend joining them to sample some tasty treats. Otherwise, you can join in with the F’tour or breaking of fast, but we didn’t find that many options.
24 hours in Rabat
If you are looking to spend a day in Rabat with kids, here’s our recommended itinerary for 1 day in Rabat.
You could easily stretch this into a few days if you have more time on your hands. We were here for 4 days and took things slow.
Rabat Medina with Kids
AM –Explore the Rabat Medina
Depending where you are staying, walk or take the tram into the Rabat Medina.
A great introduction to the medinas in Morocco’s, especially with kids. It is pretty quiet, nicely organised and honestly, we had little to no harassment from anyone to buy anything. Wander the streets towards Rue des Consuls where you will find a selection of all the local treasures on offer.
There is a local feel to a large part of the medina too, with people going about their daily lives and it’s great to people watch.
Here, you can find a variety of traditional Moroccan items such as leather goods, ceramics, textiles, and spices. The medina’s more relaxed atmosphere makes it easier to browse and shop without feeling overwhelmed.
One of the highlights of shopping in Rabat is the experience of bargaining and a good place for the kids to have a go too. In the medina and smaller shops, bargaining is expected and can be a fun way to interact with local shopkeepers. However, in the more modern malls, prices are fixed, offering a hassle-free shopping experience for those who prefer it.
Lunch
Head to the street of Avenue Mohammed V for the best choice in local food for decent prices.
PM– Kasbah Les Oudaias
Take a walk out of the medina to the Kasbah Les Oudaias, near the edge of the Medina. With perfect ‘touristified’ streets (is that a word?) this is where you will bump into the tour groups. Take a wander through, check out the views over the city and some very picturesque back streets.
You can also follow the steps down to the beach below for some sand play, if you have time.
Take a ‘ferry’ to Salé
Across the river, Salé is the sister-city to Rabat. Take a small blue boat/ferry across the short distance (we did see a few people swimming it, but wouldn’t recommend that route) and head towards the Grand Mosque in the medina, and if hunger strikes, pick up an early dinner in Salé before walking to the tram station. There is also a water sports centre where you can rent paddleboards, canoes and rowboats.
Ferries leave from the waterfront in front of the Rabat medina, between the kasbah of Oudeyas and the restaurant, Le Dhow.
The price is 2.5 dh per person!
Sunset on the beach
Follow the locals and head to the beach to watch the sun go down. There are lots of vendors there providing chairs and tables too. Don’t expect a cold beer though, enjoy a mint tea instead.
Other places to visit in Rabat
Chellah
The ruins of Chellah, sitting grandly over the Bougreg River, are one of the most family-friendly of popular tourist sites, with wide-open spaces and fascinating history.
The fort is apparently filled with beautiful structures, a great garden, a lady doing strange things with eels and hardboiled eggs and a bazillion cats, (according to Lonely Planet) But we didn’t get to visit as it was closed.
Mohamed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Opened in 2014, this impressive structure is the ideal museum for older children and families interested in contemporary Moroccan and international art or a great place to escape the heat.
Again, we headed there for an afternoon visit but arrived to find it closed (despite google saying 6pm!)
Beaches and Surfing
There are plenty of beach choices in Rabat and most of them have options for surfing lessons, watch the waves for swimming as they can be strong. Also, if you time it right, there are lots of rock pools to explore.
Is Morocco safe to travel with kids?
While Morocco is generally a safe country to travel with children, it’s important to be aware of local customs and standards to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some measures you should take while you’re there:
- Stay vigilant: Keep an eye on your surroundings and avoid going alone in new regions, especially at night, to ensure the safety of your family.
- Respect local culture: Dress modestly to respect the local culture. Men should avoid wearing shorts, and women should avoid wearing exposing attire.
- Be cautious of theft: Always keep an eye on your possessions and be wary of pickpockets and scammers who may target tourists.
- Avoid large crowds: Political rallies and huge crowds should be avoided to steer clear of any potential unrest or safety hazards.
- Respect photography restrictions: It is highly forbidden to take photos of military or government structures, so be mindful of where you point your camera.
- Learn basic Arabic: Learning a few simple Arabic words like “hello,” “please,” and “thank you” can help you communicate with locals and show respect for their language and culture.
Morocco is a popular destination for families due to its family-centric culture and rapid modernization. Accessible pharmacies and private clinics in cities provide adequate healthcare services, although some areas may lack modern infrastructure. It’s also advisable to have travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses or travel disruptions.
When it comes to traffic, educate your kids about crossing streets safely, as traffic can be hectic in Moroccan cities. Lastly, keep an eye on your kids’ interactions with street cats, as their eagerness to befriend every cat they see could lead to unexpected encounters. By taking these precautions and being mindful of local customs, you can enjoy a safe and memorable family vacation in Morocco.
Morocco is a popular destination for families, because it is has a very family-centric culture. It’s also rapidly modernising.
Accessible pharmacies and private clinics provide adequate healthcare services particularly in the cities, although some areas lack modern infrastructure.
Make sure you have Travel insurance!
Traffic is something to watch out for and educate the kids on crossing safely. Our biggest concern in Morocco was the kids need to befriend every street cat possible.
Where is else to travel with kids in Morocco
We’ll be updating the blog soon with our recent posts on a road trip around Morocco, with Marrakech, Imlil, Essaouira, Mirleft, the Atlas Mountains and the desert coming soon.
Morocco Planning tips
Choose accommodation that caters to your needs. If close to a mosque, consider that the Call to Prayer will sound throughout the day, including an early morning wake-up call. We stayed in the medina and it was a great location to explore.
Don’t drink the tap water. Bring refillable water bottles. Some places offer filter systems for tap water – only drink tap water if it is filtered.
Taxis don’t have car seats as standard, and some don’t have seatbelts or air conditioning.
Consider booking a tour guide who speaks your language and will keep your kids’ attention, bringing to life the country’s unique culture and history.
Grab a SIM card on arrival. We often get an Esim but for some reason they were all really expensive for Morocco. We got 30gb of data for 30 days at a cost of about 20 Euros.
Make the most of the Moroccan street food, there is always are great snack close by to keep the kids energised as we wandered the Medina.
Rabat is renowned for its delicious cookies, offering a sweet treat on every street. These cookies are often made with a blend of traditional ingredients such as almonds, honey, dates, and spices like cinnamon and anise.
One of the most popular types is “Ghriba,” a rich and crumbly cookie made with ground almonds and flavored with orange blossom water or rose water. Another favorite is “Chebakia,” a twisted pastry coated in honey and sesame seeds, often enjoyed during special occasions like Ramadan or weddings.
Getting around Morocco
Morocco has a great public transport network, including CTM and Supratours coach network.
The national rail ONCF also has some affordable train journeys and is a clean and efficient way to travel round. The train network is well-developed, connecting major cities like Rabat, Marrakech, Casablanca, and Tangier. The trains are known for their cleanliness and efficiency, making them a comfortable option for long-distance travel.
ONCF offers different classes of service, including first and second class, with first-class tickets offering more comfort and amenities. Booking tickets is easy and can be done online or at the train station.
We took the train form Rabat to Marrakesh. You can purchase your tickets easily online and just show your ticket at the gate and onboard. The train was pretty clean, on time and comfortable for the journey.
Morocco is also a great place to self-drive, offering adventurers the freedom to explore the country’s landscapes at your own pace. When driving in Morocco, it’s important to be aware of local driving habits and road conditions.
Roads can vary greatly, from well-maintained highways to narrow mountain passes, so it’s essential to drive cautiously and be prepared for unexpected obstacles. It’s also advisable to rent a car with comprehensive insurance and GPS navigation to navigate the sometimes confusing road networks.
Additionally, be aware of local traffic laws, such as driving on the right side of the road, and always carry your driver’s license, passport, and vehicle registration documents while driving. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, self-driving in Morocco can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
Is it worth visiting Rabat?
Should you visit Rabat? Absolutely, especially if you’re looking for a more relaxed and less crowded Moroccan experience, Rabat is totally underrated.
Rabat’s blend of history, culture, and modern amenities make it an ideal destination for families. Whether you’re exploring the quiet streets of the medina, bargaining for treasures, or watching the sunset on the beach, Rabat offers a unique and memorable experience for travelers of all ages. So, if you’re planning a family trip to Morocco, be sure to include Rabat on your itinerary for a truly enriching and enjoyable adventure.
Meet the author
Lisa is the founder of Boston Tribe Travels. She has lived and travelled abroad for the last 15 years, visited more than 30 countries and has done most of that with her husband and two children. As a full time travel family, they like to travel slow, worldschool and seek new adventures. From living in Borneo for 5 years to backpacking South America, Lisa shares a wealth of travel experience to empower more families to travel and learn together.
