What to Do and See in Rabat during the African Cup 2026

Experience the African Cup Vibe in Rabat

The African Cup brings an electric atmosphere to Rabat, turning the city into a lively meeting point for fans from all over the continent. On match days, the excitement starts early, streets are decorated with national colors, vendors sell flags and jerseys, and conversations in cafés revolve around team lineups and predictions.

Even if you don’t have a stadium ticket, you can still fully enjoy the tournament. Fan zones and public screenings are set up in key areas of the city, allowing locals and visitors to watch matches together on big screens. These spaces are filled with music, chants, and celebrations, offering a safe and festive way to experience African football culture up close.

Cafés and sports bars across Rabat also become gathering spots during the African Cup. From traditional neighborhood cafés to modern lounges in Agdal and Hay Riad, you’ll find plenty of places where fans come together to cheer, debate, and celebrate each goal. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, making it easy to connect with locals and fellow travelers.

To make the most of the experience, it’s a good idea to arrive early on match days, use public transport when possible, and keep an eye on local announcements regarding traffic and crowd management. With a little planning, experiencing the African Cup vibe in Rabat becomes one of the most memorable highlights of your visit.

Must-See Historical and Cultural Sites in Rabat

Beyond the excitement of the African Cup, Rabat remains a city rich in history, culture, and architectural beauty. Taking time to explore its landmarks allows you to experience the calmer, timeless side of the capital while still being close to the tournament atmosphere.

1. Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V

One of Rabat’s most iconic sights, the Hassan Tower stands as an unfinished minaret dating back to the 12th century. Right beside it, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V showcases exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship, with white marble, green-tiled roofs, and detailed zellij work. This site is easy to visit between matches and offers a deep insight into Morocco’s royal history.

2. Kasbah of the Udayas

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Kasbah of the Udayas is a peaceful retreat from the city’s lively streets. Its blue-and-white houses, narrow alleys, and Andalusian-style gardens make it perfect for a relaxed walk. Stop at a traditional café inside the kasbah to enjoy mint tea with sweeping ocean views.

3. Chellah Necropolis

For a quieter cultural experience, visit the Chellah Necropolis, an ancient site combining Roman ruins and medieval Islamic architecture. Surrounded by gardens and home to nesting storks, Chellah offers a tranquil escape from the African Cup crowds while revealing layers of Rabat’s past.

4. Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen)

While the interior is not open to the public, the Royal Palace is still worth a visit for its impressive gates and surrounding area. It reflects Rabat’s role as Morocco’s political and royal capital and is located near other important sites, making it easy to include in your sightseeing itinerary.

Exploring these historical and cultural landmarks adds depth to your stay in Rabat, allowing you to balance football excitement with meaningful cultural discovery during the African Cup.

Relax by the Ocean: Rabat’s Coastal Side

After the intensity of match days and sightseeing, Rabat’s coastline offers the perfect place to slow down and recharge. Thanks to its Atlantic location, the city enjoys fresh sea air, wide beaches, and scenic waterfronts that are easily accessible from the city center.

Rabat Beach is ideal for a casual walk, especially in the late afternoon when locals gather to enjoy the ocean breeze. While swimming depends on weather and conditions, the atmosphere is lively and relaxed, with cafés and small snack stalls nearby. During the African Cup, it’s also a great place to soak in the city’s festive mood without the crowds of the stadium.

For a more refined setting, head to the Bouregreg Marina, located between Rabat and Salé. This modern area is perfect for sunset strolls, riverside dining, or enjoying a coffee with views of boats and historic landmarks. Short boat rides along the Bouregreg River are also available, offering a different perspective of the city.

Adventure lovers can take advantage of the surf spots near Rabat, especially around Temara and nearby beaches. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a beginner looking for a lesson, this coastal side of Rabat adds an active, refreshing dimension to your African Cup experience.

Combining football, culture, and time by the ocean is what makes Rabat a uniquely balanced destination during the African Cup.

Where to Eat and Drink during the African Cup in Rabat

Food is an essential part of the African Cup experience in Rabat, where match-day excitement naturally flows into long meals, lively cafés, and late-night conversations. Whether you’re craving traditional Moroccan flavors or looking for a place to watch the game with fellow fans, the city offers plenty of options.

Taste Traditional Moroccan Cuisine

Rabat is an excellent place to discover authentic Moroccan dishes. Local restaurants serve classics such as tagine, couscous, pastilla, and warming bowls of harira, perfect for refueling after a day of sightseeing or cheering at a match. The medina is a great area to find small, family-run eateries, while Agdal and Hay Riad offer more modern dining experiences with refined settings.

2. Cafés and Sports Bars for Match Viewing

During the African Cup, cafés across Rabat turn into informal fan zones. Big screens, passionate commentary, and a friendly atmosphere make them ideal places to watch matches if you don’t have stadium tickets. Neighborhood cafés provide an authentic local experience, while modern sports bars in areas like Agdal are popular with international visitors and younger crowds.

3. Sweet Treats and Late-Night Snacks

After evening matches, Rabat stays lively. Pastry shops and dessert cafés serve chebakia, gazelle horns, and other Moroccan sweets, often enjoyed with mint tea. Street food stalls selling sandwiches, grilled meats, and fresh juices are also popular for a quick, flavorful bite before heading back to your accommodation.

Exploring Rabat’s food scene during the African Cup is more than just eating; it’s a chance to connect with locals, celebrate victories, and experience Moroccan hospitality at its best.

Explore Rabat’s Modern Side during the African Cup

While Rabat is famous for its history and royal heritage, it also has a modern, cosmopolitan side that comes to life during the African Cup. This is where contemporary culture, shopping, and nightlife blend seamlessly with the tournament’s festive atmosphere.

The neighborhoods of Agdal and Hay Riad are at the heart of modern Rabat. Here, you’ll find wide avenues, stylish cafés, international restaurants, and shopping centers. During the African Cup, these areas become popular gathering spots for young locals and visitors looking to watch matches in a relaxed yet energetic setting.

Rabat is also home to a growing art and cultural scene. Galleries, cultural centers, and exhibition spaces showcase modern Moroccan art and design, offering an interesting contrast to the city’s historic landmarks. Visiting these spaces between matches adds a creative dimension to your stay.

In the evening, Rabat’s modern lounges and cafés offer a calmer alternative to the busy fan zones. Whether you’re enjoying live music, a rooftop view, or a casual drink while discussing the day’s matches, exploring Rabat’s modern side gives you a fuller picture of the city beyond football and tradition.

This mix of tradition, modernity, and African Cup excitement is what makes Rabat a rewarding destination throughout the tournament.

Day Trips from Rabat during the African Cup

If you have a free day between matches, Rabat’s central location makes it easy to explore nearby destinations. These short excursions offer a change of scenery while keeping you close to the African Cup action.

1. Discover Salé Medina

Just across the Bouregreg River, Salé Medina offers a more traditional and less touristy atmosphere than Rabat. Wander through its narrow streets, explore local souks, and visit historic sites such as the Great Mosque of Salé. It’s an ideal half-day trip that gives you a deeper look into local life.

2. Casablanca: A Dynamic Day Trip

Only about an hour away by train, Casablanca is perfect for a full-day excursion. Visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, stroll along the Corniche, and experience the city’s vibrant urban energy. During the African Cup, Casablanca’s football atmosphere adds another exciting layer to the visit.

3. Meknes or Volubilis for History Lovers

For travelers interested in history, a day trip to Meknes or the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis is well worth it. These sites showcase Morocco’s imperial and ancient past, offering a cultural contrast to Rabat’s coastal and political character.

These day trips allow you to enrich your African Cup stay in Rabat with diverse experiences, without spending long hours on the road.

Practical Tips for Visiting Agadir During the African Cup

To fully enjoy Agadir during the African Cup, a bit of planning goes a long way. The city is welcoming and well-organized, but the tournament naturally brings larger crowds and higher demand for services.

Where to Stay During the Tournament

Beachfront areas and the city center are popular choices, offering easy access to cafés, match screenings, and major attractions. Booking accommodation early is highly recommended, as hotels fill up quickly during the African Cup, especially around key match dates.

Getting Around on Match Days

Agadir is relatively easy to navigate, but traffic increases on match days. Taxis are widely available, though allowing extra travel time is wise. Walking along the beach promenade or marina is often the most pleasant way to move between nearby areas during busy evenings.

Managing Crowds & Staying Safe

The African Cup atmosphere is festive and friendly, with a strong sense of shared celebration. Still, it’s best to stay aware in crowded places, keep personal belongings secure, and follow local guidance near match venues and fan zones.

What to Book in Advance

In addition to accommodation, it’s smart to reserve guided tours, hammam experiences, and popular restaurants ahead of time. Planning these activities around match schedules helps you enjoy both football and sightseeing without stress.

With these tips in mind, visiting Agadir during the African Cup becomes smooth, enjoyable, and memorable, allowing you to focus on the excitement, culture, and coastal charm of the city.

Shopping and Souvenirs in Rabat

Shopping in Rabat is a great way to take home a piece of Morocco while enjoying the lively African Cup atmosphere. The city offers a mix of traditional markets and modern shopping areas, making it easy to find authentic souvenirs as well as contemporary Moroccan products.

Explore Rabat Medina

Rabat’s medina is calmer and more organized than those in some other Moroccan cities, which makes it ideal for relaxed shopping. Here you’ll find handcrafted carpets, pottery, leather goods, silver jewelry, and traditional clothing. During the African Cup, the medina stays lively, especially in the afternoons, but remains comfortable for browsing.

Moroccan Handicrafts and Local Products

Look for items made by local artisans, such as woven baskets, wooden crafts, ceramics, and natural cosmetics like argan oil. These products reflect Morocco’s rich craftsmanship and make meaningful gifts or keepsakes from your African Cup journey.

Modern Shopping Areas

If you prefer a more contemporary shopping experience, head to Agdal or Hay Riad, where you’ll find boutiques, concept stores, and shopping malls. These areas are perfect for fashion, accessories, and last-minute essentials, especially between match schedules.

Shopping Tips during the African Cup

Bargaining is common in the medina, but always done politely and with a smile. Due to increased visitors during the African Cup, it’s best to shop earlier in the day for a more relaxed experience. Keep small bills handy and take your time to compare quality before buying.

Shopping in Rabat adds another enjoyable layer to your African Cup stay, combining culture, craftsmanship, and local interaction.

Why Rabat Is a Perfect Destination during the African Cup

Rabat stands out as one of the most enjoyable cities to experience the African Cup, thanks to its unique balance of excitement and comfort. Unlike larger, more hectic cities, Rabat offers a well-organized, clean, and relaxed environment, even during major international events. This makes it especially appealing for travelers who want to enjoy football without feeling overwhelmed.

The city’s compact layout and efficient transport system make it easy to move between stadiums, fan zones, historical sites, restaurants, and the coastline. You can watch a match in the afternoon, explore a UNESCO-listed landmark in the evening, and end your day by the ocean, all without long travel times.

Rabat also shines in terms of cultural depth. As Morocco’s capital, it showcases the country’s royal heritage, historic monuments, modern districts, and artistic scene in one place. During the African Cup, this cultural richness is enhanced by a festive, pan-African spirit that brings together fans from different countries in a welcoming atmosphere.

For travelers seeking a destination that combines top-level football, cultural discovery, safety, and quality of life, Rabat proves to be an excellent choice throughout the African Cup.

Make the Most of Rabat during the African Cup

Experiencing the African Cup in Rabat is about much more than watching football. It’s an opportunity to discover a city where sport, culture, history, and coastal relaxation come together seamlessly. From the electric match-day atmosphere and lively cafés to peaceful historical sites and oceanfront walks, Rabat offers something for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re visiting for a single match or staying for several days, Rabat allows you to balance excitement with exploration. You can cheer alongside passionate fans, wander through centuries-old landmarks, enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine, and unwind by the Atlantic, all in one well-organized and welcoming city.

By planning ahead and exploring beyond the stadiums, your time in Rabat during the African Cup can become a truly memorable part of your Moroccan journey. It’s a destination that proves you don’t have to choose between football and culture; you can enjoy both, effortlessly.