Summary
Civilizations and dynasties, from the Phoenicians to the Merenids, have all claimed the site on the estuary of the Bou Regreg as their home.
This intricate heritage is laid at your feet at the Chellah, amongst the remnants of the Roman city and an Almohad necropolis.
The Kasbah of the Udayas is a fortress situated over the river, featuring a network of streets and a serene garden in the Andalusian style.
Rabat serves as the primary residence of King Mohammed VI, as well as the burial site of his grandfather, Mohammed V (1909-1961), who played a pivotal role in negotiating Morocco’s independence. His magnificent mausoleum is accessible to all visitors.
Let us examine the premier attractions in Rabat:
1. Kasbah of the Udayas
Overlooking the Bou Regreg River from the elevated left bank is a 12th-century fortress, reconstructed by the Almohads in 1146 as a strategic base for incursions into Iberia.
The Kasbah of the Udayas consists of a compact network of bustling alleys featuring whitewashed houses adorned with blue accents.
The walls provide stunning vistas of Rabat’s beach, the Atlantic Ocean, the Bou Regreg estuary, and the city of Salé on the opposite bank.
Preceding the kasbah is a 10th-century mosque, later reconstructed by 18th-century British renegade Ahmed El Inglizi.
At the imposing main gate, Bab Oudaias, examine the intricate moldings that adorn the archway and frieze.
The Oudaias Craft Museum, located in a 17th-century palace within the Kasbah, showcases an impressive collection of pottery, Korans, musical instruments, jewelry, traditional Moroccan garments, and exquisite Berber carpets.
2. Chellah
This walled garden on the left bank of the Bou Regreg estuary is enjoyable to explore and holds multiple layers of history tracing back to the Phoenicians, who established a trading post at this location around 2,500 years ago.
It subsequently evolved into the Roman city of Sala Colonia, which hosted a Roman military unit until well into the 5th century, long after Rome withdrew from the region.
Muslim Arabs assumed control in the 7th century, and during the Marinids’ reign in the 13th century, the former city was transformed into a royal necropolis.
Amidst ancient fruit trees lie remnants from the Roman period, including a triumphal arch, steles, walls, and a fountain.
In the Muslim section rests the tomb of Marinid ruler Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Othman (1297-1351), known as the Black Sultan, who held power over the entire Maghreb region.
This tomb is located near a largely intact stone minaret of a ruined mosque, partially decorated with zellige tilework and topped with a stork’s nest.
3. Hassan Tower
The prominent historical complex, which also accommodates the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, casts its shadow over an unfinished 44-meter red sandstone minaret.
This structure was erected in the late 12th century for a grand mosque that would have had the capacity to accommodate 20,000 worshippers.
The Hassan Tower was commissioned by Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur (1160-1199), the third Caliph of the Almohad Caliphate, and would have reached a height of 60 meters, making it one of the tallest in the world.
Construction ceased after al-Mansur’s death, and the remnants of the mosque, which suffered further damage due to the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake, can be observed among the 348 neatly arranged cylindrical stone columns in the vicinity.
The Hassan Tower contains discreet multi-lobed latticework on its upper levels and, akin to La Giralda in Seville, features ramps instead of stairs, enabling the muezzin to ascend on horseback.
4. Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Opposite Hassan Tower stands one of Morocco’s most revered shrines, housing the tomb of the ruler who led the nation toward independence.
Notably, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is accessible to non-Muslims, having been constructed in the 1960s based on a design by Vietnamese architect Éric Vo Toan.
In addition to Mohammed V (the grandfather of the current monarch, Mohammed VI), the mausoleum is the final resting place of his two sons, King Hassan (1929-1999) and Prince Abdallah (1935-1983). The mausoleum’s exterior is imposing yet understated, featuring multi-lobed horseshoe arches and jagged merlons, while the interior is luxurious with exquisite Moroccan decor.
Visitors can observe Mohammed V’s tomb from an upper gallery.
5. Medina
Accessed via Rue Souika, Rabat’s old town was the entirety of the city until the development of Centre Ville and the Ville Nouvelle in the early 20th century.
Rabat’s Medina may offer a welcome respite for those who have navigated the persistent vendors and touts found in Marrakesh and Fez.
This picturesque district, featuring its whitewashed homes with blue embellishments, serves primarily as a residential area.
Most activity occurs in the cafes and small shops along Rue Souika, and the partially sheltered Rue des Consuls, where stalls offer leather goods, embroidered fabrics, stenciled lamps, babouche slippers, and Berber carpets, weaving towards the Kasbah of the Udayas.
6. Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI)
As Morocco’s first independent museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art, the MMVI opened its doors in 2014 following a decade of development.
This sophisticated structure, designed by Karim Chakor, reflects Rabat’s Andalusian heritage through its horseshoe arches and intricate latticework.
The museum’s permanent collection, comprising over 200 Moroccan artists, presents an eclectic array of works ranging from Impressionism to Postmodernism.
Notable pieces include works by Ahmed Yacoubi (1928-1985), a contemporary of Paul Bowles in Tangier, and Hassan Hajjaj, often referred to as the Andy Warhol of Marrakesh.
After spending a few hours exploring the well-curated galleries, visitors can enjoy refreshments at the cafe and browse the gift shop located on the ground floor.
7. National Zoo
What sets Rabat’s National Zoo apart is its origin, as it was initially established to house the lions that resided at the Royal Palace.
These noteworthy animals are descendants of the now-extinct Barbary lions, captured by the royal family in the Atlas Mountains.
The National Zoo is home to over 1,500 animals representing more than 150 species, including hippopotamuses, African elephants, mouflons, Nile crocodiles, hyenas, addaxes, and African wild dogs, housed in enclosures that simulate their natural habitats.
This zoo is more than a mere exhibit of captive animals; visitors can learn about Morocco’s evolving fauna since the conclusion of the Tertiary Period, approximately 2.6 million years ago, at the museum on site.
A newly opened vivarium in 2019 contains terrariums for turtles, lizards, amphibians, and snakes.
For younger visitors, there are opportunities to feed the giraffes and enjoy a ride on a Shetland pony.
8. Villa des Arts
Located in a stately mansion amidst lush, tranquil grounds, this art museum operates under the Fondation ONA, a non-profit organization partly dedicated to enhancing the presence of Moroccan art within two cultural centers in Rabat and Casablanca.
The Villa des Arts features two permanent exhibitions: one honoring self-taught naive artist Radia Bent Lhoucine (1912-1994) and the other showcasing Jilali Gharbaoui (1930-1971), recognized as the first Moroccan non-figurative painter.
As of October 2019, Rabat’s inaugural art biennale showcased works from international artists, including Katrín Sigurdardóttir (Iceland), Katharina Cibulk (Austria), Amal Kenawy (Egypt), and Majida Khtari (Morocco). The center also hosts a platform for performing arts, featuring a regular schedule of live music, seminars, and discussions.
9. Andalusian Gardens
Situated at the entrance of the Kasbah of the Udayas adjacent to the Oudaias Craft Museum, this elegant formal garden is surrounded by the citadel’s fortified walls.
In neatly arranged rectangular beds bordered by low boxwood hedges, a variety of flora, including orange trees, date palms, roses, and red hibiscus, flourish.
Take time to stroll along the pathways, enjoying shaded areas formed by pergolas draped with grapevines and encountering relaxed cats nestled on the terrace walls.
The garden is more contemporary than it appears as it was landscaped by Maurice Tranchant de Lunel (1869-1944) during the French Protectorate.
Adjacent to the garden, the Café Maure offers a delightful spot to enjoy mint tea while taking in the beautiful views of the Bou Regreg estuary.
10. Salé
The city of Salé, established on the right bank of the Bou Regreg estuary in the 11th century, has since transformed into a commuter town.
The Medina caters to local inhabitants rather than tourists, resulting in lower prices if one is willing to negotiate.
The modern Rabat–Salé Tramway, which commenced operations in 2011 and traverses the Pont Hassan II, provides the best means of reaching Salé.
Salé has played a significant role in Morocco’s contemporary history, particularly as a hub for nationalist sentiments, being the first location to witness independence demonstrations against French colonial rule.
The Great Mosque of Salé ranks as the third-largest in the country, originally built between 1028-29. While non-Muslims cannot enter, glimpses of its magnificent interior can be observed from the gate.
Additionally, visitors can explore the adjacent Salé Medersa (Madrasa), established in 1333, distinguished by its opulent zellige tiles, stucco moldings, and an intricately carved cedar canopy in the courtyard.
11. Dar al-Makhzen
To view the residence of King Mohammed VI, one can venture to the Touarga commune, located a few kilometers south of the medina.
Alaouite sultans and kings have maintained a residence in Rabat since the 18th-century reign of Mohammed ben Abdallah, with the current palace constructed in 1864. This complex gained additional significance during the French Protectorate and has witnessed notable events, including the birth of Hassan II in 1929 and the wedding of Mohammed VI to Princess Lalla Salma in 2002. In contrast to most Moroccan royal palaces, the expansive grounds are open to visitors, provided you bring your passport.
Opening hours are not posted; thus, access might be denied on occasion.
If unable to enter, visitors can still capture photographs of the ornate gateway and the uniformed guards.
12. Mawazine Festival
This extensive music festival, held every June, is the largest of its kind in Morocco, featuring dozens of artists performing across seven different stages over nine nights.
Launched in 2001, the festival highlights both local and international talent, embodying the image of a modern Morocco characterized by openness and tolerance.
Nonetheless, conservative factions frequently criticize Mawazine for allegedly fostering “immoral behavior.” Each stage presents a unique atmosphere: The Théâtre Mohammed V features jazz, folk, choral, and classic pop performances, while renowned contemporary artists from throughout the Arab world perform at Nahda (including Elissa, Najwa Karam, and Mohammed Assaf in 2019). Major Western artists have also taken the stage at OLM Souissi.
Past performers include big names such as Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Lopez, Lauryn Hill, Rod Stewart, Pharrell Williams, and Sting.
13. St Peter’s Cathedral
A recognizable landmark on the Rabat skyline, the operational St Peter’s Cathedral was visited by Pope Francis in March 2019.
The structure exhibits Art Deco styles intermingled with Moorish elements, particularly visible in the latticework of its windows. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Resident-General Hubert Lyautey in 1921. The two towers, which dominate the view throughout Rabat, were added later in 1931. Inside, visitors can appreciate the stations of the cross depicted in mosaic as well as the radiant stained glass accents throughout.
14. Jardins Exotiques de Bouknadel
Approximately 20 minutes from the Kasbah of the Udayas, along the N1 road from Salé to Kenitra, lies a garden regarded as one of the most significant and attractive in Morocco.
Established in the mid-20th century by French horticulturist Marcel François (1900-1999), who acquired this land in 1949, the Jardins Exotiques de Bouknadel have been open to the public since 1961. After a period of neglect during the 1980s and 90s, the gardens were revitalized in the 2000s and reopened in 2005. Within its four hectares, visitors can experience a broad array of species and garden styles.
The gardens display Japanese, Chinese, and Andalusian styles, alongside botanical exhibits from around the globe—including regions such as the African savannah, the Caribbean, and the Amazon and Congo rainforests.
A Moorish-style café resides near the entrance, while the former home of Marcel François hosts a museum chronicling the history of the site and its restoration in the 2000s.
15. Half-Day City Tour
If your visit to Rabat is brief, consider joining a half-day city tour offering a comprehensive overview of the key sights within just four hours.
This tour encompasses notable locations such as the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Chellah, the Medina, and more.
All entry fees are typically included in the tour price, and you will travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle in the company of a knowledgeable local guide.
