Where to stay in Rabat [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Rabat is the capital of Morocco, and is overall just a fascinating place to visit. The whole city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the official name “Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City”, and that just about sums up why it’s such an interesting place.

The city blends history and modern culture, and visiting it will give you an introduction to Morocco that you won’t find in other popular Moroccan cities.

There are a lot of neighborhoods in Rabat Morocco, and each is an interesting place to stay for different reasons. Read below to find the best places to stay in Rabat, no matter what you’re looking for, as well as our tips on what to do in Rabat. 

Rabat Medina – Where to stay in Rabat for first time visitors

If it’s your first time and you want to have a very typical Moroccan experience, Rabat Medina is the best place to stay in Rabat

Why stay in Rabat Medina?

Rabat Medina is the best place to stay in Rabat if it’s your first time and you want to have a very typical Moroccan experience.

The word “Medina” refers to the old walled part of an African town, and that’s actually what this neighborhood is – a beautiful and historic area enclosed within the walls of the ancient city of Rabat.  

The streets here look like what many of us imagine when we think of Morocco, painted in bold blues and crisp whites, and they’re is full of cafes and restaurants which come alive every morning, so you’re never too far from a great meal and a dose of Moroccan hospitality.

Rabat Medina is also a great place for accommodation in Rabat. It’s full of traditional Riads, old Moroccan homes centered around a courtyard, so you can easily find a beautiful and unique place to stay.

Things to do in Rabat Medina

• Walk the Rue Des Consuls: The Rue des Consuls is a historic pedestrian street that leads directly to the center of the medina, and it’s a beautiful way to take in the colors and energy of Rabat Medina
• Shop at the Old Souk: The Old Souk is a very traditional market, and the whole Rabat Medina neighborhood is centered around it. The Souk is an amazing place to find traditional Moroccan items like carpets and leather goods, and overall is just an incredible place to soak up the local culture. Just make sure you arrive prepared to barter!
• Enjoy Moroccan cuisine: Rabat Medina houses some of the best restaurants in Rabat, so it’s an ideal place to introduce yourself to Morocco’s delectable food culture.
• Visit a traditional Hammam: Morocco’s public baths, or hammams, are famous world-wide, and with good reason! A large communal spa, these are an amazing place to go to relax, be cleansed, and appreciate an important part of Moroccan culture.
• Take a walk in the Andalusian Gardens: This tranquil public garden is a lovely place to go to appreciate some beautiful nature and fresh air. It also has a café which offers a view on the famous Kasbah of the Udayas, which is right next door.
• Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas: Just outside the walls of Rabat Medina is this beautiful old citadel built by Andalusian immigrants to Rabat in the 12^th century. It offers beautiful views with a ton of history.

Best places to stay in Rabat Medina

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Rabat Medina

• Auberge De Jeunesse

Budget accommodation in Rabat Medina

• Riad El Bir
• Dar Rehab
• dar wassim el ghali
• Dar Ayoub

Mid range accommodation in Rabat Medina

• Riad Dar Rabiaa
• Dar Shâan
• Euphoriad
• Riad Zyo

Family Friendly accommodation in Rabat Medina

• Riad Al mazhar
• Riad Meftaha
• Riad Amaris
• Hotel des Oudaias

Quartier Hassan- Where to stay in Rabat for tourists

Looking to make the most of your trip to Rabat and see every possible attraction you can? Look to Quartier Hassan.

Why stay in Quartier Hassan?

Hassan is the best area to stay in Rabat for tourists who would like a bit of a calmer stay but to be able to make the most of all the top attractions.

It borders the Medina, so it’s still in a very central location to explore the Old City, but it’s slightly calmer. It also houses many of the best museums and attractions of the city, such as the Hassan Tower, as well as a huge selection of tourist-friendly hotels and restaurants.

Things to do in Quartier Hassan

• Visit the Hassan Tower: This monument is a 140-foot minaret (a slender tower which is part of a mosque) that was never completed. It’s seen as the symbol of Rabat and is one of the most famous places in Morocco.
• Take in the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: This fabulous art museum shows off a large collection of art in a beautiful historic building.
• See the Mausoleum of Mohammed V: This stunning royal mausoleum is famous for its tiled roof and ornate carvings throughout. Built in 1971, it’s an interesting insight into the Moroccan royal family’s influence.
• Stay at la Tour Hassan Palace : This beautiful 5-star hotel is a typical Moorish-Adalusian style, and is the perfect Rabat accommodation if you’re looking for luxury with a local feel.
• Visit the Bab Rouah Gate: Located on the edge of the Hassan area, this restored 12^th century structure which was part of the old city walls exhibits art by Moroccan and international artists.

Best places to stay in Quartier Hassan

Budget accommodation in Quartier Hassan

• Annakhil Hotel
• Hotel Bouregreg
• Superb studio in Rabat
• Stay Studio Apartment

Mid range accommodation in Quartier Hassan

• Rihab Hotel
• Malak Hotel
• Imperial Boutique Hotel Rabat
• Belle Vue

Family Friendly accommodation in Quartier Hassan

• Mercure Shéhérazade Rabat
• Luxurious & Spacious 3bedrooms
• Hotel Le Diwan Rabat – MGallery
• apartment 2 bedrooms in hassan

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Quartier Hassan

• La Tour Hassan Palace

Quartier des Orangers – Where to stay in Rabat like a Local

A stay in Quartier des Orangers offers proximity to all the best attractions of Rabat, while staying off the main tourist path.

Why stay in Quartier des Orangers?

Quartier des Orangers has fewer attractions than Hassan, but it’s calmer and offers a true oasis to return to each night.

As it’s slightly farther from some tourist attractions, there’s also more of a local feel here, which can lead to a very unique experience of this city.

There are also many 5 star hotels in this area, making it a great place to stay if you like the finer things in life.

Things to do in Quartier des Orangers

• Visit the Botanical Gardens(Jardin d’Essais Rabat): This beautiful botanical garden offers an insight into the interesting tropical and desert plants which you can find all around Morocco.
• Ogle the architecture: This is a famous (and wealthy) residential area in Morocco, so you’ll find many beautiful and interesting buildings. Taking a walk around these Rabat streets and just looking up at all the impressive facades can easily take up a whole afternoon.
• Take a day trip: Quartier des Orangers houses Rabat’s train station, Rabat Ville, which offers quick access to other interesting destinations like Tangier via a high-speed train line.

Best places to stay in Quartier des Orangers

Budget accommodation in Quartier des Orangers

• Cozy duplex
• Le nid du centre ville
• Chah dari
• location in centre Rabat

Mid range accommodation in Quartier des Orangers

• Belere Hotel Rabat
• ONOMO Hotel Rabat Terminus
• Majliss Hotel Downtown
• Appartement avec vue panoramique au cœur de Rabat.

Family Friendly accommodation in Quartier des Orangers

• NJ Hotel Rabat
• Suite Balima XI
• Rabat Centro Apartment
• Junior Suite Balima I B43

Quartier Administratif – Where to stay in Rabat for peace and quiet

Choose Quartier Administratif to make your stay in Rabat relaxing – giving you all the more energy to explore the city!

Why stay in Quartier Administratif?

Quartier Administratif is located just east of Hassan and Quartier des Orangers,  but it feels a world away.

The area has many embassies, government businesses, and company headquarters- so this is place is pretty quiet at night, but is very safe and clean.

It’s an ideal area in which to stay if you value a very calm place to sleep! And while it may be quiet, it’s still perfectly placed to access the top sites of Rabat, as its only a 30 minute walk (or 10 minute drive) to the city centre.

Things to do in the Quartier Administratif

• Explore the Chellah Necropolis: Just to the south of the Quartier Administratif, discover this Roman, and more recently Muslim, cemetery which features a medieval fortress and a botanical garden.
• Explore contemporary art at the Villa des Arts: This villa in the Quartier Administratif is a cultural events space, where you can discover unique art pieces or attend events including  dance expositions and improv shows.
• Learn at the Museum of History and Civilizations: This museum built in the 1920s shows off archaeological finds from across Morocco and provides interesting insight into the country’s Roman history.

Best places to stay in Quartier Administratif

Budget accommodation in Quartier Administratif

• Le Pietri
• Ubay Hotel

Mid range accommodation in Quartier Administratif

• Helnan Chellah Hotel
• MyCity

Family Friendly accommodation in Quartier Administratif

• Hotel Le Musée
• Figuig Appart’Hotel
• Superbe appartement au centre de la capitale

Quartier de L’Ocean – Where to stay in Rabat near the beach

Beach bum? Choose Quartier de l’Ocean for its beautiful sea views, cute cafes, and surf vibes.

Why stay in Quartier de l’Ocean

If you’d like to see a different side of Rabat, Quartier de l’Ocean is a really cool option. Aptly named, much of this area borders the ocean, so you can find accommodation with lovely ocean views.

It’s still walking distance to the attractions of the old town, with lots of cosy cafes overlooking cliff views, and even a mini surf culture!

This area also tends to be much cheaper than Medina Riad or Hassan neighborhoods, which makes it one of the best areas to stay in Rabat for budget travelers.

Things to do in Quartier de l’Ocean

• View a photo exhibition at the National Photography Museum: Located in the west part of Quartier de l’Ocean, along the coast, this museum is housed in a repurposed fortress, so it’s worth the visit just to see the interesting building! However, they also exhibit rotating exhibitions of photography by primarily Moroccan artists, so it’s an interesting one to check out.
• Drink a Moroccan mint tea: This neighborhood has many local cafes with nice sea views, so take a moment to sit, relax, and enjoy one of the most traditional beverages in Morocco while admiring the surroundings.
• Learn to surf: The sea views in Quartier de l’Ocean are cliff-top, but if you walk only 20 minutes, you can get to Rabat Beach, which is a sandy beach perfect for surfing! Why not give it a go?

Best places to stay in Quartier de l’Ocean

Budget accommodation in Quartier de l’Ocean

• Hadil Room
• ocean view apartment
• Riad Del Rey
• Appartement Rayane

Mid range accommodation in Quartier de l’Ocean

• Au Bord du palmier
• Appartement lux à Rabat l’océan
• Apartment place italie
• Rabat Executive central apartment

Family Friendly accommodation in Quartier de l’Ocean

• RABAT RESIDENCE
• ocean view apartment
• Rabat Appartement BOHO COSY
• TT Holidays Cosy apartment Rabat City Center

Agdal Ryad – Where to stay in Rabat for a touch of luxury

If you’re looking for a stay that’s all about culture wrapped in a high-end package, Agdal Ryad is probably the perfect Rabat neighborhood for you.

Why stay in Agdal-Ryad

Agdal Ryad (also known as just Agdal) is a luxurious neighborhood which is one of the wealthiest in all of Morocco. Many expats choose to live here, particular French people living in Rabat for work.

It’s a very safe and clean neighborhood, and well located for many of the city’s tourist attractions, so it’s a great place to stay.

It’s also a great area if you’re looking for a touch of home (or have fussy kids with you) as this area has many internal chains that can be tough to find elsewhere in the city.

However, there are still a lot of local food options and this area isn’t too popular with visitors, so you can really get a sense of the less touristy part of Rabat.

Things to do in Agdal

• Pay a visit to the Royal Palace of Rabat: The home of the Moroccan Royal Family is located just next to Agdal Ryad, in the commune of Touarga, and it’s definitely worth a quick visit. The palace is closed to visitors, but the outside is beautiful and a shows the scale of the influence of the royal family here. If you visit on Friday evening, the royal horse guards give a concert with the royal band, which is a really cool and different Moroccan attraction. 
• Shop at the Arribat Center: The Arribat Center is considered by many to be the best shopping mall in Rabat for actually shopping- it has a wide array of shops, including local and international brands. There are also lots of good restaurants and cafes, so it’s a great place to spend a few hours.
• See the outside of the Badr Mosque: This is one of the largest mosques in the area, and its beautiful Andalusian design makes it one of the most popular. Enjoy the building from the outside, but only enter if you’re a practicing Muslim- in Morocco, the general rule is that non-Muslims are not allowed in mosques.

Best places to stay in Agdal Ryad

Budget accommodation in Agdal Ryad

• Ibis Rabat Agdal
• Smarts Hotel
• Studio Centre Agdal Rabat
• Immeubles 90

Mid range accommodation in Agdal Ryad

• Arribat Center Mall – StayHere Premium
• Soundouss Hotel
• Hotel Atlantic Agdal
• Luxurious Moroccan style apartment/1min Agdal train station

Family Friendly accommodation in Agdal Ryad

• Gardenia Boutique Hotel
• First Suites Hôtel
• Atlas-Résidence by Rent-Inn
• Hôtel Le M New Openning

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Agdal Ryad

• Sofitel Rabat Jardin Des Roses
• Rabat Marriott Hotel
• Flower Town Hotel & Spa

Souissi – where to stay in Rabat with family

For travellers making the trip with little ones, Souissi offers a family-friendly oasis in a safe neighborhood.

Why stay in Souissi

Souissi is an upscale neighborhood located slightly further from the Medina Rabat than the other areas we’ve spoken about, but it’s an excellent option for those traveling with kids.

As this one is further out and less connected to public transport, you will generally need to take taxis to Rabat city center when staying in this area. However, you’ll find some of the best hotels in Rabat here, so you can stay in total comfort after long days of exploring.

Things to do in Souissi

• Explore the Urban Forest Ibn Sina “Hilton”: This huge eucalyptus and pine forest is a haven for families, offering a skatepark and play area for children, alongside jogging paths and beautiful landscaping.
• Take a break at the Mega Mall: If you need a rest from all the sightseeing, a visit to Rabat’s Mega Mall could be just the trick. Offering an ice rink, restaurants, and a movie theatre, this place shows off a different side of Morocco.

Best places to stay in Souissi

Budget accommodation in Souissi

• Zen Studio
• Havre de paix
• Appartement agdal propre et calme par nuitée et heures

Mid range accommodation in Souissi

• Luxury one bedroom apartment – Best location
• 1 bedroom apartment in agdal

Family Friendly accommodation in Souissi

• Appartement luxueux haut Agdal
• Appartement haut standing avec vue panoramique
• Élégant appartement 3 chambres
• Lovely “Findy 101” with free parking

Salé Medina – where to stay near Rabat for history lovers

If you’re really intrigued by the history of Morocco, stay in Salé Medina for an entirely different view of the country’s past.

Why stay in Salé Medina

Directly across the Bou Regreg river from Rabat, Salé has been a sister city to the Moroccan capital for centuries. It’s an ideal place to stay if you love history, because its origins go all the away back to the 10th century.

Being a bit separated from the big city gives it an authenticity that’s hard to find in the more modernised, more cosmopolitan Rabat.

Things to do in Salé Medina

• Admire the Great Mosque: The Great Mosque of Salé is the third-biggest and second- oldest mosque in Morocco, so it’s well worth a visit.
• Stay in a traditional Riad: Much like Rabat Medina, the old walled city of Salé has many beautiful and traditional old Riads, and these will typically be less expensive than Rabat accommodation you’d find in the larger city’s old town.  
• Shop for traditional goods: The shopping area in Salé is much smallen r than that of Rabat, but it’s less touristy as well- meaning you can find beautiful and authentic goods for much less.

Best places to stay in Salé Medina

Budget accommodation in Salé Medina

• Riad Dar Jabador
• Riad Dar Badiaa
• Riad les mausolée

Mid range accommodation in Salé Medina

• The Repose
• Riad Dar Nawfal
• Dar El Mouhit
• Riad Baddi

Family Friendly accommodation in Salé Medina

• Riad Dar Jabador
• Riad La Porte du Bouregreg
• Riad Thamayna
• Riad A La Belle Etoile

Hay Riad – where to stay in Rabat for nature lovers

A stay in Hay Riad put you right next to the best urban oasis in Rabat, so you can appreciate the beautiful nature of Morocco.

Why stay in Hay Riad

Hay Riad is one of the wealthiest areas of Rabat, and you can tell the minute you arrive. The area is one of the newest in Rabat, and is known for beautiful privately owned villas and large luxury apartment buildings.

While it houses many corporate offices, it’s also one of the places in Rabat with the most restaurants and nightlife, and it’s a popular area for locals.

It’s ideal for nature lovers because it’s a bit farther from the city center, and offers easy access to nature in the form of  “The Green Belt” national park and the zoo.

Things to do in Hay Riad

• Go wild at National Zoo of Rabat: Just west of Hay Riad, you’ll find an expansive zoo with 130 different animal species, living in simulations of their traditional environments (from mountain to desert to rainforest). Some crowd favorites of the zoo include lions and lemurs.
• Bring a picnic to the Green Belt: The Green Belt is an urban forest located next to the National Zoo, which is designated as a national park. It’s made up of pine and eucalyptus trees, and is criss-crossed by walking trails. It’s a great place to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a private oasis right next to the hustle and bustle. 
• Visit The International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization- Rabat: This museum may have a mouthful of a name, but it’s nothing compared to the interesting things you’ll find inside. This museum is an additional location of a museum located in Medina, Saudi Arabia, which celebrates the life of the Prophet Mohammed and the history of Islam throughout the world. It’s a really interesting insight into the religion which more than 99% of Moroccans follow.
• Enjoy an evening at the Mahaj Ryad Center: This shopping mall located in Hay Riad has endless food options, and will give you a lot of insight into the way that the wealthy in Rabat live. It surrounds the Mahaj Riad Parc, which is a nice and safe place for an evening walk in Rabat.

Best places to stay in Hay Riad

Budget accommodation in Hay Riad

• Suites Gloria
• Adarissa House
• Prestigia – Riyad Al Andalous

Mid range accommodation in Hay Riad

• Appartements Hay ryad
• Lovely Appartement Prestigia Hayriad
• Appartement avec Piscine à Hay Riad

Family Friendly accommodation in Hay Riad

• Privat Apartments Prestigia Hay Riad
• YourPlace – Prestigia – Hay Riad
• Makass Appart Hotel
• YourPlace – Luxury – Prestigia Hay Riad

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Hay Riad

• The View Hotel

Areas to Avoid in Rabat

As Rabat has quite a large tourist center, it’s generally a pretty safe city to visit. The Takkadoum and Douar El Hajja neighborhoods are places that should be avoided after dark, but they also aren’t areas you’d be likely to discover as a tourist.

The main tips to keep in mind in Rabat to stay safe are to keep an eye on all of your belongings (especially in crowded marketplaces!) and to be wary with being out in unfamiliar places after dark.

If you follow these basic tips, you should be able to enjoy a safe and enlightening visit to Rabat!

Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Rabat

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