Rabat is the capital city of Morocco and is situated along the shores of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. It is sometimes overshadowed by other popular cities of Morocco, such as Marrakesh or Fez. However, Rabat has its own charm and it is worth spending at least 2 days to discover the Moroccan capital and its local life with fewer tourists.
Did you know that Rabat and Sale are two different cities, but are so closely linked by transportation and somewhat considered as one? Sale lies on the right bank of the Bou Regreg river whereas Rabat is on the left. Since many tourist attractions are nearby each other, so it is easier to plan your day according to locations.
Things to do and see
1. Hassan Tower
Hassan Tower is an incomplete mosque in Rabat. It was intended to be the largest minaret and mosque in the world. However, after Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur who commissioned this died, the construction was stopped in 1199. At the moment we can just admire the 44m tower, several walls and columns uncompleted.
2. Kasbah of the Udayas
Kasbah is known as a type of media or fortress. In Rabat, Kasbah of the Udayas is located at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river opposite Sale city. It is just outside of the old medina of Rabat. The oldest structure of the Kasbah is a mosque, dating back to the 10th century. It is one of the popular places to stroll around for free. You can enjoy the view terrace, endless small blue-white alleys and the Andalusian gardens.
3. Mausoleum of Mohammed V
The mausoleum is located opposite the Hassan Tower. It contains the tombs of the Moroccan king and his two sons, the late King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. The building itself is a beautiful architectural masterpiece.
4. Chellah
The Chellah is a medieval fortified Muslim necropolis located on the south of Rabat medina. This complex includes mosques, minarets, royal tombs and other ruins of this emporium at the site.
5. Dar al-Makhzen
This building is the primary and official residence of the king of Morocco. Its official name is the El Mechouar Essaid Palace, which means the venue of happiness palace.
6. St Peter’s cathedral
St Peter’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in downtown Rabat, nearby the main train station. It was built in Art Deco architectural style. This cathedral is dedicated to Saint Peter as the ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Rabat.
7. Old Medina
The heart of Rabat city consists of 3 parts: the Medina (old town), the Oudayas and Hassan. Like any other medina in Morocco, it is a walled old city where streets are narrow and packed with traders and markets.
8. Andalusian gardens
Andalusian gardens are located next to the Kasbah of the Udayas, and it is a well taken care of the garden, full of fruit trees and flowers. A popular spot for locals and tourists to rest under the shade.
9. Medersa
Just across the river, you will find Sale. A town by itself which is closely linked to Rabat. If you will be strolling around this neighbourhood, don’t miss a visit to Medersa. The renovated and extraordinary Moroccan-Andalusian style of an interior, designed for Koranic instruction and student lodgings, was built in this country by the Marinids between the 14C and 16C.
10. Bab El Had
One of the five leading gates to Old Rabat. The gate is well preserved with beautiful ornaments on it. It is also called “Sunday Gate”, which came from the name of the Sunday Market that was located nearby the gate a long time ago. Around this gate, you will also be able to find food and flower markets.
11. Rabat’s beaches
Since it is located just on the coastline of the Atlantic ocean, Rabat and its surroundings have their own sandy beaches. Before you will head off to the middle part of Morocco, soak up some sun and chill days on the beach. You can either visit Temara, Skirat, Rabat or Sale beach. However, I am sure that elsewhere would be more suitable for beach holidays.
Food & drink
Do you know that couscous is the national dish of Morocco? Apart from this, try out various tagine dishes as well. Most commonly eaten with red meat (beef) and a wide selection of vegetables. Moroccan cuisine has subtle spices and intriguing flavour combinations. It is influenced by Andalusian Spain, Arabia and France.
1. Cafe Maure
2. Restaurant Le ziryab
3. Tajine wa Tanjia
4. Dar Zaki
5. Dar Rbatia
Where to stay?
If you are travelling to Morocco, you have to stay in riads for sure! Riads are traditional Moroccan houses with courtyards that are used now as guest houses. They are predominantly found around medina (the old city). Riads are beautifully decorated with mosaics and traditional decorations. Usually, they have up to 10 rooms at the most and you will be served with traditional Moroccan breakfast which you should not miss too. This is definitely one of the Moroccan experiences of accommodation. During our stay in Rabat, we stayed in Riad Zeina, which is part of riad groups. You can book it via hotels.com or booking.com
How to get around
Medina streets are small and tight, so the easiest way around the old city is to go on a walk. Otherwise, Rabat has also a tramway which eases your way of travelling around Rabat – Sale. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks at the station at a cost of 6 DH.
Alternative ways to get around are by taxi also, which you can get anywhere off the street. Remember to always ask and negotiate rates prior to jumping in, as they don’t have meters.
Trips outside of the city
If you are staying in Rabat for longer and looking for some trips outside, Morocco has a good train system (ONCF), and you can get around easily and on time. Tickets can be either purchased online or on the day in the kiosks. Alternatively, you can always seek some tours which will guide you to some interesting places too if you don’t want to plan it yourself. Here are some places worth visiting outside of the Rabat:
