Located on the Atlantic coast, Rabat is a city full of contrasts, preserving its authenticity while embracing innovation. Much more than an administrative capital, the city boasts a rich heritage of preserved medina, imperial remains and modern districts. With the Kasbah des Oudayas, the majestic Tour Hassan, the Chellah archaeological site, numerous art museums and welcoming beaches, you’ll have no time to get bored!
In this article, we share with you 10 reasons to visit Rabat, this fascinating city.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Rabat worth a visit?
Yes, of course! Although Rabat is often perceived as an administrative capital, it will surprise you with its dual face, combining tradition and modernity, dynamism and serenity. An urbanized capital with a modern infrastructure, it has preserved an exceptional heritage! Vibrant and lively, its atmosphere is nonetheless peaceful, thanks in particular to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
A stay in Rabat is also a good idea if you want to travel to Maroc, as the city lies at a strategic crossroads between Casablanca, Meknes and Fez.
We list the reasons in more detail below, but you can also consult our selection of the city’s best attractions (article coming soon).
Reason 1 – For the Kasbah des Oudayas
Perched high above the mouth of the Bouregreg river, the Kasbah des Oudayas is the historic heart of Rabat. Founded by the Almoravids and fortified by the Almohads in the 12th century, it served as a defensive bastion before welcoming Andalucia exiles in the 17th century.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll be charmed by its picturesque streets of white and blue houses and its ramparts, which offer a breathtaking view of the Atlantic. It also boasts a Hispano-Moorish-inspired garden and the iconic Café Maure, where you can enjoy mint tea and pastries.
WHERE TO STAY IN Rabat
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Hassan district
Hotel La Tour Hassan Palace – See prices, photos and availability
Rabat’s historic center
Riad Meftaha Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Marina Rabat-Salé
Hotel Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé – See prices, photos and availability
Reason 2 – For its royal architecture
As the capital of Maroc, Rabat is home to a number of emblematic monuments that bear witness to its royal status. These include the Hassan Tower, erected in 1196 by Sultan Yacoub Al Mansour as the minaret of a colossal mosque. Destined to become the largest in the Muslim world, it unfortunately remained unfinished. A few steps away, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, housing the tombs of Kings Mohammed V, Hassan II and Prince Moulay Abdallah, invites contemplation with its immaculate white marble cladding.
The Palais TheRoyal Palace, official seat of the Moroccan monarchy, imposes its presence on the urban landscape. Discover the elegance of its Arabo-Andalusian architecture, the Méchouar, a vast ceremonial esplanade, and the lush gardens that surround it.
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Reason 3 – For its age-old cultural heritage
Rabat’ s inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List testifies to its historical and cultural importance. The city, a former imperial capital, abounds in vestiges that tell of its prestigious past. Among them, the monumental gates, known as “bab”, mark the entrance to the ramparts and recall the days when Rabat was a fortified city.
The Museum of History and Civilizationexhibits exceptional collections retracing the different eras of Maroc, from prehistory to the various royal dynasties that have succeeded one another. Last but not least, Le Chellah, a fascinating archaeological site that was once a Roman colony and later a Merinid necropolis, is well worth a visit for its ancient remains mixed with lush natural surroundings!
Reason 4 – For its art museums
If you’re an art lover, you won’t be disappointed by what Rabat, the cultural capital, has to offer!
If you had to visit just one, opt for the Musée Mohammed VI d’Art Moderne et Contemporain, a flagship institution at Maroc, housing over 500 paintings and sculptures.
With its temporary exhibitions, it offers a constantly renewed look at the national and international art scene.
Fans of contemporary art will appreciate the Musée de la Photographie, as well as the Villa des Arts and the Galerie d’Art Nouiga for discovering local and emerging artists.
For history buffs, the Bank Al-Maghrib Museum traces the evolution of the country’s monetary system, while the Museum of History and Civilization explores the history of Rabat since prehistoric times, through a rich collection of relics.
On the crafts side, the Musée de la Parure displays dazzling jewelry and traditional costumes, testimony to Moroccan ancestral know-how.
Last but not least, don’t forget the Théâtre Mohammed V, a veritable institution where concerts and shows follow one another in a majestic architectural setting.
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Reason 5 – For its eclectic heritage
Rabat is a city of many faces, where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. Its architectural heritage reflects this diversity, offering a veritable journey through time and cultural influences. At the heart of the city, the medina is an enchanting place of authenticity. With its lively alleyways, craft shops and unspoilt atmosphere, it’s a testament to the Rabat of yesteryear. Nearby, the Mellah, a former Jewish quarter, tells another facet of the city’s history, while the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre and the Art Deco buildings of the new town are reminders of Rabat’s colonial history.
Islamic religious heritage is also in the spotlight, with the Assouna Mosque, with its imposing, elegant architecture, and the Great Mosque in the medina.
But Rabat is also a city looking to the future! This is demonstrated by the modern districts that are redefining its urban landscape, such as Souissi, lined with opulent villas, and the Ambassador district. This contemporary dynamic is illustrated by emblematic buildings such as the Tour Mohammed VI, considered to be the tallest in Africa at 250m, or the futuristic Grand Théâtre de Rabat, designed by Zaha Hadid.
These modern infrastructures position Rabat as a capital undergoing rapid change, where heritage and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.
Reason 6 – For its green spaces, a breath of fresh air in the city
The Moroccan capital is distinguished by the diversity of its green spaces:
- The Andalucia Gardens, nestled in the Kasbah des Oudayas, invite you to take a romantic stroll through fountains, orange trees and flowering alleys.
- The Parc Hassan II offers a more modern atmosphere, with large relaxation areas, playgrounds and sports facilities, ideal for families and joggers.
- The Jardins d’Essais Botaniques, with their incredible variety of local and exotic plants, will appeal to botany enthusiasts.
- The Jardin Nouzhat Hassan, right in the center of town, is also a haven of coolness where locals and visitors alike enjoy recharging their batteries in the shade of the palm trees.
If you visit the Royal Palaceyou can also enjoy its gardens, which combine century-old olive trees, refreshing fountains and colorful, perfectly symmetrical flowerbeds. And for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, head for the Forêt de Maâmora, the largest cork oak forest in the Mediterranean basin, perfect for a bike ride. Finally, for an escape off the beaten track, the Jardins Exotiques de Bouknadel, a 36-minute drive from Rabat, unveils a magical world (more information here).
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Reason 7 – For its relaxed lifestyle
Rabat’s peaceful urbanization makes it a particularly pleasant city to live in.
We appreciated the impeccable cleanliness of this royal city, with its wide, palm-fringed avenues and well-kept infrastructure, including bicycle paths.
The presence of water, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Bouregreg River, adds an extra dimension to the city’s charm, while the calm atmosphere that reigns here contributes to making this capital a perfectly serene destination for travelers!
Reason 8 – For its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean
Rabat is the only imperial city on the Maroc to open onto the Atlantic Ocean, offering an airy setting where the sea air refreshes the historic heritage!
In the city center, you’ll appreciate the ocean views from the Kasbah des Oudayas and the Hassan Tower from the Salé marina. Just a 13-minute drive away, the Corniche de Rabat is also well worth the detour for a seaside stroll.
Finally, in the heart of the city, the Bouregreg river meanders peacefully and invites contemplation.
Finally, we can’t recommend enough that you take advantage of one of the city’s beaches.
What could be better than an afternoon of idleness to counterbalance a day of intense cultural sightseeing? Urban beaches such as Plage des Oudayas and Plage de Rabat, although busy, offer spectacular sunsets. But you’ll also find more peaceful beaches outside the city, like Plage de Bouznika or Skhirat.
Reason 9 – For its gastronomy, a blend of tradition and modernity
Rabat’s culinary scene perfectly embodies the city’s duality. Gourmets will be seduced by the varied offer, from traditional restaurants offering an authentic immersion in Moroccan cuisine, to modern addresses with international influences. Find out more in our dedicated article (coming soon).
A word of advice? Don’t miss the typical breakfasts served in the riads, small traditional residences organized around a central patio.
Reason 10 – For Salé, its twin city
Don’t miss Salé, Rabat’s twin city, for an authentic getaway. Stroll through its peaceful medina, visit the Great Mosque and the Merinid Medersa, then admire the view from Borj Adoumoue, a bastion overlooking the Atlantic. Finish off with a stroll around the marina or a break on the beach!
Our favorite place in Salé? The Oujla potters’ complex! An authentic place where clay comes to life under the expert hands of craftsmen. Even without buying, the colorful stroll is well worth the detour to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Moroccan craftsmanship. And if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to witness the magic of modelling or take part in workshops…
Some disadvantages of a trip to Rabat
A vast city
One of the main difficulties in visiting Rabat is the sheer size of the city. We found it particularly difficult to do everything on foot.
Added to this is the fact that the streetcar network, while modern and efficient, unfortunately doesn’t serve all the city’s points of interest.
So you’ll need to plan your travel carefully, and perhaps consider taking a cab or renting a car to optimize your visits.
A city with little nightlife
Compared with other major Moroccan cities such as Casablanca and Marrakech, we have noticed that Rabat offers a more discreet nightlife. There’s less evening entertainment in the capital, but you’ll appreciate its peaceful character and gentle way of life. Note, however, that there are some very nice places to go for a cocktail evening (to be found shortly in our article on where to eat).
How to get to Rabat
There are several options for getting to Rabat:
- By car: Large white cabs provide connections between the towns of Maroc, and the well-developed motorway network makes access by car easy.
- By bus: The national bus company CTM offers safe, air-conditioned buses for a comfortable journey.
- By train: The railway network ONCF rail network serves Rabat with regular connections to the main cities of Maroc, including the Al Boraq high-speed train for long-distance journeys.
- By plane:Rabat-Salé airport handles national and international flights, linking the city to several destinations in Europe and Africa.
To reach the city center from the airport, you can opt for a VTC or the blue cabs, Rabat’s official cabs.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
The most beautiful landscapes in Morocco
What to do in Morocco (coming soon)
The most beautiful riads
The most beautiful cities
The most beautiful medinas
The most beautiful gardens (coming soon)
The best museums (coming soon)
The most beautiful beaches in Morocco (coming soon)
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Morocco (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
Where to stay in Morocco (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fès
Meknès
Chefchaouen
Sahara Desert (coming soon)
SHE MADE THE TRIP Myriam
