Looking for things to do in Rabat this weekend? The capital doesn't have Casablanca's party reputation or Marrakech's Instagram-ready backdrop, and that's exactly its charm: it quietly packs in quality activities, ten minutes from one another, without the crowds. An art gallery in the heart of the medina, an escape game with a “Casa de Papel” mission, dawn surfing facing the Oudayas, horse riding in the royal forest, an IMAX screening at Arribat or yoga in Agdal: here are thirteen ideas, tried and checked, to break the routine — culture, sport, thrills, creativity and wellbeing. Every address is clickable, the phone number is front and centre, and booking takes two clicks on sam.ma.
Contents
- 1. Espace Expressions CDG — contemporary art downtown
- 2. Bowling Mega Mall — twelve lanes for strike-filled evenings
- 3. Megarama Arribat — IMAX with Laser and big releases
- 4. Escape Now — 60 minutes to break out of Agdal
- 5. Royal Club Équestre Dar Es Salam — horse riding in the heart of Souissi
- 6. Rabat Surf Club — learn to ride waves facing the Oudayas
- 7. Lazar Jeux — laser tag and karaoke in Harhoura
- 8. Le Mur — the street art gallery of Parc Hassan II
- 9. Atelier Bleu — drawing and painting in Cité Ouhoud
- 10. Off Road Motors — quads and buggies on the Mehdia dunes
- 11. Xtrem 360 — virtual reality and 7D cinema at Arribat
- 12. Soukoon Studio — yoga, breathwork and holistic therapies
- 13. Jardin Zoologique de Rabat — a family bonus in Témara
1. Espace Expressions CDG — contemporary art downtown
Set on Place Moulay El Hassan (formerly Pietri), right opposite the headquarters of the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion, the Espace Expressions CDG gallery is one of the few completely free places to keep a close eye on the contemporary Moroccan art scene. Opened in January 2010 by the Fondation CDG, it alternates shows by established names with “artistic sponsorship” — a recognised artist introduces a new talent to the public. Painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking: the programme changes every three months and stays sharp without ever becoming obscure. Slot it into a morning stroll between Bab Rouah and the Hassan Tower.
Address: 2 Av. Moulay El Hassan, Rabat (Place Pietri) — Phone: 05 37 66 91 45 — Hours: Tue-Sat, 1 pm-8 pm (free entry)
2. Bowling Mega Mall — twelve lanes for strike-filled evenings
In the basement of the Mega Mall in Hay Riad, twelve AMF-certified lanes — the global benchmark in bowling — await enthusiasts and families. The lanes have bumpers (side rails) for children up to ten, making it one of the only spots in Rabat where little ones can really play without getting frustrated. Family atmosphere during the day, livelier at weekends, with the music turned up and groups of friends playing game after game. A tip: book your lanes for Friday night and Saturday, otherwise the wait can stretch to an hour.
Address: Av. Oulad Frej, Mega Mall, Rabat — Phone: 05 37 75 75 75 — Hours: 10 am-9 pm, 7 days a week
How much does it cost?
- Mandatory entry fee: 15 dh (one drink included)
- Adult game: from 20 dh off-peak to 65 dh on weekend evenings
- Sunday evening, 4 players per lane: 150 dh per game
- “Accro au bowling” loyalty card: 500 dh for 25 games
Prices noted in May 2026, to be confirmed on site.
3. Megarama Arribat — IMAX with Laser and big releases
Located in the heart of Arribat Center in Agdal, Megarama Rabat has twelve screens including an IMAX with Laser: a giant curved screen, latest-generation laser projection and Dolby 7.1 sound. Total capacity: 1,500 seats per showing. It's currently the only cinema in the capital that can show a Marvel blockbuster, an art-house film in original version with French subtitles and a filmed concert on the big screen in the same week. The line-up covers everything — action, animation, drama, comedy, sci-fi — and live broadcasts (opera, concerts) draw people who hadn't set foot in a cinema for years.
Address: Arribat Center, Agdal, Rabat — Phone: 05 22 79 88 88
Ticket prices
- Morning (11:00 am-12:30 pm): 50 dh
- Afternoon (1:00 pm-5:00 pm): 70 dh
- Evening (6:00 pm-11:45 pm): 80 dh
- Student price: 50 dh — Children under 12: 45 dh
- Supplements: 3D +10 dh, IMAX +50 dh (glasses included)
- Méga Carte: 5 / 10 / 15 tickets from 45 dh per ticket
Prices noted in May 2026, subject to change.
4. Escape Now — 60 minutes to break out of Agdal
At 54 avenue de France in Agdal, Escape Now is one of the biggest live escape game centres in Rabat — three immersive missions to choose from: “La Casa de Papel” (the Bank of Spain heist, Bella Ciao style), “Prisoners of War” (a military lock-in) and “The Da Vinci Code” (Dan Brown-style puzzles). Sixty minutes to crack the codes, open the locks, uncover the clues and escape before the clock runs out. Ideal for bonding a team of colleagues, celebrating a birthday with friends or simply testing your logic under pressure. Book ahead, especially at weekends.
Address: 1st floor, 54 Av. de France, Agdal, Rabat — Phone: 06 96 73 10 58
Prices per person (sliding scale)
- 2 people: 160 dh / person
- 3 people: 150 dh / person
- 4 people: 140 dh / person
- 5 people: 130 dh / person
- 6 people or more: 120 dh / person
The more of you there are, the cheaper it gets: worth remembering for birthdays.
5. Royal Club Équestre Dar Es Salam — horse riding in the heart of Souissi
About ten kilometres from the city centre, tucked into the Souissi forest, the Royal Club Équestre Dar Es Salam is one of the capital's legendary places. Founded in 1971 under the patronage of the late His Majesty Hassan II, it offers a pony school for under-twelves and riding lessons for every level — beginners, improvers, preparation for riding grades and competition (show jumping, dressage). Horse livery is available. Sunrise rides in the forest, under the eucalyptus trees, are worth the trip on their own, even for non-riders who simply come to watch a lesson.
Address: 742, Route du Golf Dar Es Salam, Souissi, Rabat — Phone: 05 37 66 60 88 — Hours: daily 9 am-5 pm, closed Mondays
6. Rabat Surf Club — learn to ride waves facing the Oudayas
At the foot of the Oudayas kasbah, where the Bouregreg meets the Atlantic, the Rabat Surf Club — formerly the Oudayas Surf Club — has been the go-to for urban surfing since 1998. The sheltered, shallow beach is one of the best beginner spots on the Moroccan coast: regular waves, sandy bottom, manageable currents. The school has FFS- and ISA-certified instructors, provides wetsuit and board, and even has a first-aid room, showers and changing rooms on site. Expect 150 dh for a two-hour session, or 500 dh for a pack of six ninety-minute lessons if you really want to progress.
Address: 3, Kasbah des Oudayas, Plage de Rabat — Phone: 06 61 65 43 62 (alt. 05 37 26 06 83)
7. Lazar Jeux — laser tag and karaoke in Harhoura
The Harhoura seafront, opposite the Lafelouk hotel, is home to one of the most complete fun spots in Greater Rabat. Lazar Jeux offers indoor laser tag (non-violent, guaranteed zero projectiles), plus karaoke, darts, PlayStation consoles and birthday and private event hosting. The laser tag arena is big enough for ten-player games, the lighting is carefully done, and the ocean view from the outdoor terrace makes for a real break between missions. Open until 10 pm every night.
Address: Bd Prince Moulay Abdellah, Harhoura, Rabat — Phone: 05 37 62 65 51 (alt. 06 76 87 77 71) — Hours: noon-10 pm, 7 days a week
8. Le Mur — the open-air street art gallery of Parc Hassan II
In Parc Hassan II, Le Mur has become, in just a few years, the capital's largest open-air street art gallery. Monumental murals by Moroccan and international street artists, giant lettering, photorealistic portraits, reinvented Arabic calligraphy: the works change with each artist residency, making Le Mur worth revisiting every six months. Free entry, open 24/7, and ideal for a late-afternoon photo session when the light turns the pigments golden. Combine it with a walk in the park and a mint tea on a terrace.
Address: Parc Hassan II, Rabat — Phone (artistic contact): 06 63 75 06 00 — Access: free, 7 days a week
9. Atelier Bleu — drawing and painting in Cité Ouhoud
Low-key but well known to the Rbatis who go there, Atelier Bleu is an art studio in block A of Cité Ouhoud (near Hay Riad). Drawing and painting classes (oil, watercolour, acrylic) and creative activities for children and adults alike, in a calm, inspiring setting. It's the place to know if you're looking for a regular activity that isn't the gym — a weekly class quickly becomes a ritual that changes your whole week. School holiday workshops for kids, themed weekend workshops for adults. Small groups guaranteed.
Address: Bloc A, n° 47, Cité Ouhoud, Rabat — Phone: 06 14 46 30 32
10. Off Road Motors — quads and buggies on the Mehdia dunes
For those who want to swap tarmac for sand, Off Road Motors runs guided trips on Segway 500cc quads and buggies through the Rabat forest and the Mehdia dunes. You choose the format: one hour for a taster, half a day to combine forest and beach, a full day for the more experienced. Safety gear provided, briefing before departure, supervision by a certified instructor — the outfit clearly plays the “luxury meets extreme” card. Also available: jet ski, cycling and surf lessons.
Address: 435 Av. des Forces Armées Royales, Rabat — Phone: 06 61 12 10 20
11. Xtrem 360 — virtual reality and 7D cinema at Arribat
Morocco's first chain dedicated to virtual reality, Xtrem 360 is set up in Arribat Center with a 400 m² floor combining VR escape games (2 to 4 players), immersive arcades, Formula 1 racing simulators, multi-screen PS5s and a 7D cinema (motion, wind, water, smoke). It's the perfect spot for a birthday for teens who think they've “done it all”, or for a team building that makes a change from the usual bowling. Booking recommended for the VR escape games — sessions run in one-hour slots and fill up fast at weekends.
Address: Arribat Center, Av. Omar Ibn Al Khattab, Agdal, Rabat — Phone: 06 57 08 98 13 — Hours: Sun-Thu 10 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 10 am-10 pm
12. Soukoon Studio — yoga, breathwork and holistic therapies
On rue Ahmed Arabi, right in the heart of Agdal, Soukoon Studio is a wellbeing haven offering a rare pause in the city. Yoga classes (Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin), guided meditation, breathwork sessions, energy treatments and themed weekend workshops: the programme clearly leans holistic, without esoteric jargon. The space is bright, the teachers internationally trained, and flexible memberships let you try it out without committing. Ideal after a busy day at Agdal Mall or to reconnect on Sunday morning before the week starts.
Address: 13, Rue Ahmed Arabi, Agdal, Rabat — Phone / WhatsApp: 06 66 13 63 06
13. Jardin Zoologique de Rabat — the 13th, for when 12 aren't enough
In Témara, in Rabat's green belt, the Jardin Zoologique de Rabat is a modern national park showcasing Moroccan wildlife (Atlas lion, dromedary, mouflon), Saharan species (fennec fox, addax) and African animals (lions, hippos, elephants) across 50 hectares of shady paths. Designed as much as an educational park as a zoo, it has information panels, picnic areas and workshops for school groups. It's the ideal family weekend outing: you can easily spend half a day there, and the central cafeteria means you can have lunch without leaving.
Address: Annexe 23e, Ceinture verte, Cité Yacoub El Mansour, Témara — Phone: 05 37 29 37 94 — Hours: 10 am-5:30 pm (March-October), 10 am-4:30 pm (Nov-Feb) — Prices: adults 50 dh / day, children 3-12 30 dh, free for under-3s
Frequently asked questions
What free activities are there in Rabat?
Two places stand out: Espace Expressions CDG on Place Pietri (art gallery, Tue-Sat 1 pm-8 pm, free entry) and Le Mur in Parc Hassan II (open-air street art gallery, open 24/7). You can visit both on the same day, ten minutes apart.
Where can you do an escape game in Rabat?
Escape Now is currently the benchmark in Rabat, with three immersive missions (La Casa de Papel, Prisoners of War, Da Vinci Code) at 54 avenue de France in Agdal. Sliding prices from 120 to 160 dh per person depending on group size. For a virtual reality escape game, see also Xtrem 360 at Arribat Center.
How much does a game of bowling cost in Rabat?
At Bowling Mega Mall, expect between 20 dh a game off-peak and 65 dh on weekend evenings, plus a mandatory 15 dh entry fee (drink included). On Sunday evenings, the price for a lane with 4 players is 150 dh per game.
Can you learn to surf in Rabat?
Yes, the Rabat Surf Club at the foot of the Oudayas has been teaching all levels since 1998. The beach is one of the best in Morocco for beginners: regular waves and a sandy bottom. Lessons at 150 dh for 2 hours, or a 6-session pack for 500 dh. Wetsuit and board provided.
Where can you go with kids in Rabat?
The winning combo: the Jardin Zoologique in Témara for a half-day of nature, Bowling Mega Mall with its bumpers for under-tens, and Atelier Bleu for creative workshops during the school holidays. For teens, add Xtrem 360 (VR) and Lazar Jeux (laser tag).
What's an original birthday activity in Rabat?
Three options depending on the crowd: Escape Now for puzzle lovers (up to 8 players), Off Road Motors for quad thrills on the Mehdia dunes, or Xtrem 360 for a mix of VR, racing simulators and 7D cinema at Arribat Center.
Your turn
Thirteen places, thirteen atmospheres, thirteen budgets: from a free visit to a 600 dh quad morning, Rabat suits every mood and every age group. Book in two clicks, share this guide with anyone you'd like to show the city to, and feel free to come back to add to it — the capital's leisure scene moves fast, and we track new openings in real time on sam.ma.
See all places in Rabat on sam.ma →
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