Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, and one of the four imperial cities in the country, offers (like many of the other cities in this country) a blend of ancient history, cultural richness, and modern leisure activities that cater to diverse interests. Here’s a list of the top things to see and do in Rabat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Medina
Rabat’s Medina offers a more relaxed experience, compared to the medinas in other towns in Morocco such as Marrakech or Fez. The souks are less crowded and more organised, although it’s true that the size of the medina is smaller. If you want to buy something original, keep an eye out for Rabati rugs, a unique find in the area, and silver pieces.
You can start your visit to the medina in the Rue des Consuls, one of the most famous streets in the city, where you can find Rabati rugs, silver pieces and other handicrafts. From this street, you can walk deeper into the medina. In the south of the medina, don’t miss Souika street and Bab el Had, the only gate of the wall that still plays the role of passage.
Once your visit to the medina is over, if you go back to the starting point, you will only have to cross the street to go to the next attraction: the Andalusian Gardens.
Andalusian Gardens
Located at the entrance of the Kasbah des Oudaias, once you go into this court you will rapidly forget that you are right near a busy road. Here, you will find a great variety of plants (trees, roses and other flowers, aromatic plants…), all sorrounded by the walls of the kasbah.
These gardens can be visited before entering the Kasbah des Oudaias. As we write this article, the entrance is free of charge, and the opening time goes from 10:00 to 19:30 every day of the week except Tuesdays*.
Kasbah des Oudaias
The Kasbah des Oudaias, which has its origins in the 12th century, is a citadel perched on a hill overlooking the mouth of the Bouregreg river opposite Salé. It stands as a testament to Morocco’s historical strategic military importance and its role in the nation’s defense against invaders and pirate ships.
During your visit, you can explore the winding streets lined with picturesque blue and whilte houses, that remind of other Moroccan towns in the Atlantic coast such as Assilah, or Essaouira. Other than the architecture, you can enjoy art exhibitions, and check the spectacular views of the Bouregreg estuary and the Atlantic Ocean.
Inside the Kasbah des Oudaias you will also find the Oudaias Museum, which is one of the oldest museums in the country. This museum displays collections of manuscripts, coins, astrolabes, carpets, clothes, weapons and so on, and opens from 10:00 to 18:00 every day of the week except Tuesdays.
Before you leave this area, you may like to have a pause and drink a cup of tea in the Café Maure. This place, which was one of the most iconic cafés in Morocco, was demolished in 2020 due to structural problems to be indentically rebuilt, reopening in 2021. Even if the charm of the old café is partially gone, it’s still worth a visit.
Rabat Beach & Oudaias Surf Club
There are other destinations with more reputation as surf areas in Morocco, but if you don’t have the time, Rabat Beach offers excellent opportunities for surfing, with lessons available at the Oudayas Surf Club. It’s just minutes away from the Kasbah des Oudaias.
Corniche du Bouregreg
The Corniche is a 2 km promenade overlooking the Bouregreg river. You can enjoy a great view of the Kasbah des Oudaias, have a nice walk, gather for a pincic or have a coffee. When the weather is good, the deck of Le Dhow (one ship moored in this area) is a nice place to have a drink.
The Chellah
The Chellah of Rabat probably has its origins in the time of Phoenicians and Carthaginians, but the earliest remains that were found in the place correspond to the Roman period. Later, in the late 13th century, the site began to be used as a royal necropolis for the Marinid dynasty, that started to decline in the 15th century. Subsequently, the site was pillaged and, in 1755, it was severely damaged by the Lisbon Earthquake.
Today, the Site of Chellah has been converted to a garden that exhibits some remains of the historical remains and ruins. It has become one of the main tourist atractions in the city, which can be visited for just 10 DH.
Stroll Rabat’s Ville Nouvelle
The New City is home to French colonial architecture, the Archaeological Museum and the Postal Museum, and offers a glimpse into Morocco’s modern history. If you want to enjoy the French colonial architecture you can have a walk in the Quartier Hassan, where you will also find St Peter’s Cathedral, built in Art Déco style during the French Protectorate.
Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI)
Also in the Quartier Hassan, you can find the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. As the name indicates, this museum celebrates modern and contemporary Moroccan art, featuring works from over 200 artists. The museum opens from 10:00 to 18:00 every day of the week except Tuesdays and national holidays*. The ticket fee for an adult person is 40 DH.
For further information, you can check the official website of the museum.
Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan Tower
This venerated shrine houses the tomb of Mohammed V (1909 – 1961), the ruler who guided Morocco to independence and grandfather of the current King, Mohammed VI. It also contains the tombs of his two sons, late King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. The opening time goes from 08:00 to 18:00, although some days it may open from 8:15 to 17:45*.
The mausoleum is located across from the Hassan Tower, which is the minaret of an incomplete mosque that has become the symbol of the city. This minaret is sorrounded by 348 columns that were being built when the construction of the mosque was abandoned. Had it been built, it could have become one of the largest religious buildings in the world.
National Zoo
Home to a variety of species, the zoo emphasizes conservation and education, showcasing animals in environments that mimic their natural habitats. The zoo is located in the south of the city, near the Prince Moulay Abdallah stadium. You can get there by bus, taxi or car (the zoo has a parking place).
For further information, you can check the official website of the zoo.
Salé
Salé is the city across the Bouregreg River (some people think it is also Rabat). Salé offers a more local shopping experience in its Medina and has significant historical sites like the Great Mosque and the Salé Medersa.
Mawazine Festival
If you visit Rabat in May or June, you may have the chance to enjoy the Mawazine festival. This city-wide music festival, which is the largest in Morocco, features a diverse lineup of domestic, African, Arab, and international artists performing on various stages across the city. The 2013 edition was attended by 2.5 million people, making it the second largest festival in the world. Some of the international stars that participated in the festival that year were David Guetta, Mika, Rihanna, Jessie J and Deep Purlple.
Beaches near Rabat
The Beach of Rabat (Plage de Rabat) is located right under the Kasbah des Oudaias. It’s the beach that is closest to the downtown.
Then, if you drive south of Rabat, in the direction of Casablana, you will find some other beaches where you can enjoy the Atlantic Sea, such as the beaches of Temara or Harhoura.
If you decide to go to the north, the closest beach is the one of Salé (Plage de Salé Ville).
In conclusion…
Rabat is a city with quite some points of interest that you can visit. Whilst you will find many similarities among most of the Moroccan cities, each of them has its unique character that is worth discovering.
Have you visited Rabat? Have you enjoyed it? Is there any other place that you suggest to visit? Leave your comment below!
