What to see and do in Rabat Morocco?

What to see and do in Rabat Morocco?

On the shores of the Atlantic Sea and at the mouth of the Bu Regreg River, we find the majestic capital of Morocco: Rabat. The streets of the medina, its historic center and its monuments make up the landscape of this essential destination on your trip around the country. Follow us and discover what you can see in Rabat, Morocco tours 8 days

What are the best places to see in Rabat?

Despite not being as touristy as other cities in the country, the truth is that Rabat has nothing to envy to destinations like Casablanca or Marrakech.

And it is not for nothing that Rabat is the capital of the country. Being the second most inhabited city in Morocco, among its streets we will feel the essence of the country like nowhere else.

In addition, Rabat is full of culture and has a historic center that was declared a World Heritage Site. Not only that, but you will not feel as overwhelmed by tourism as in other destinations.

Here are the must-sees on your list of things to see in Rabat, Morocco.

1. The Medina of Rabat

The essence of the capital and its people is lived in the Medina. It is a must-see and is where the life of the city takes place.

Unlike other cities in the country, the atmosphere is not so touristy, so get lost in its streets and be enchanted by the contrast of colors and aromas is a real delight.

You will still be able to breathe the vibrant rhythm of the country’s culture and from here you can reach the major points of interest of Rabat, making it one of the best options to choose your accommodation.

 

2. Mohammed V Avenue

Constituting the main street of the medina, this avenue is worthy of individual mention in our list of things to see in Rabat, Morocco.

Walking along it we find a wonderful succession of colonial buildings, cafes, houses in the purest European style and also the National Theater.

This is one of the busiest parts of the city and where we can enjoy the characteristic leisure of the capital.

3. The Gold Souk: a unique market to see in Rabat, Morocco.

The Gold Souk or Souk es Sebat (as the locals know it) is the best known market in the city and is something you have to see in Rabat.

If you have ever visited the country, you will know the magic that these places hold. And this market has nothing to envy to those of other cities like Marrakech.

You can find streets full of stores with a wide variety of merchandise: teapots, fabrics, carpets, spices … everything can be found in this market.

In addition, you will be able to debut in the art of bargaining that characterizes these places. Definitely, it is something you can not miss in Rabat.

4. The Kasbah of the Udayas

Embedded in a fortress and passing under the arches of the wall, you will enter another area that contrasts with the rest of the city of Rabat.

And this enclave is one of the best places to get lost in the capital, as the blue and indigo tones that predominate are a true artistic spectacle.

In addition, if you want to add something to the list of things to see, you can also find the Andalusian Gardens, a paradise of varied flora that will allow you to shelter from the sun while you are captivated by its beauty. Fes desert tours

 

5. The mausoleum of Mohammed V

This superb mausoleum built in a classic Arab style is another of the stops we recommend on your list of things to see in Rabat, Morocco.

Next to the remains of the Hassan Tower mosque, you will be able to witness the royal tomb of Mohammed V, built more than forty years ago.

Its engravings and the use of materials such as marble create a unique effect for visitors to this emblematic point of the capital.

Remember to keep respect, because do not forget that this is a place where important figures of the country lie and is eternally guarded by guards.

6. The Ville Nouvelle

One of the areas that contrasts with the more traditional areas of Rabat is La Ville Nouvelle.

Built by the French during the time of the protectorate in the early twentieth century, La Ville Nouvelle houses some of the most important buildings of the capital, such as the seat of Parliament or the Bank of Morocco.

Strolling along its palm-lined boulevard will allow us to enjoy the French influence on the aesthetics of the city, which is intermingled with the essence of Moroccan culture and architecture. Viajes a Marrakech

A mandatory stop and the icing on our list of things to see in Rabat, Morocco.

What to see in Rabat and its surroundings?

1. Casablanca

Often taken as the capital because of its economic importance for Morocco, Casablanca is a destination that leaves no one indifferent.

This is one of the most modern cities in the country and combines Arab heritage with French colonial influence, generating a unique charm.

It is located one hour from the capital of Rabat, and you can reach it by train or bus. The train ride costs around 15€, although it depends on the schedules and dates. Tours a Marruecos

2. Fez

If you want to continue immersing yourself in the culture of the country, you can not miss the opportunity to visit Fez.

Fez is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, as well as being the third largest and one of the most visited. It is considered by Moroccans as the cultural and religious center of the country, besides being a marvel of contrasts between its narrow streets, its souks and its Mellah, the Jewish quarter of Fez.

Although it is somewhat further away from the capital, we can easily reach given the good communication. We can get both by train and bus (in addition to private services that offer this route from Rabat) in a journey of about 3 hours that costs between 10 and 20 €, depending on which option we choose.

What to see in Rabat in two days?

First day

• The Medina
• The Gold Souk
• Mohammed V Avenue
• Second day

Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V

The Kasbah of the Udayas

Where to stay in Rabat?

You can find a wide range of prices for accommodation and the options range from humble hostels to spectacular hotels and riads.

One of the most recommended experiences when traveling to Morocco is to stay in a riad, as you will feel immersed in the culture and tradition of Rabat.

The truth is that these accommodations are authentic marvels of the country’s architecture and will make your experience even more magical.

Here are some of the options:

Dar Yanis: One of the most affordable options to stay in Rabat without sacrificing comfort. This humble hotel with classic Arab decoration is perfectly located within the medina and offers an excellent price in relation to its location and facilities.

Riad Meftaha: A few minutes from the beach we find this Riad of intimate decoration and cozy rooms. Its terrace and its corridors are seasoned with its perfect location, in addition to a very affordable price.

Riad Al Mazhar: Also embedded inside the medina of Rabat, this Riad is a more ostentatious option than the previous accommodations. Its decoration will make us feel intoxicated by the essence of Morocco and its rooms are spectacular.

Where to eat in Rabat?

Moroccan gastronomy is an essential part of Mediterranean cuisine and of course, this is one of the things you will be able to taste in Rabat.

Among the star dishes that you will be able to taste are the tajine and couscous. They are prepared in different ways and you can try them in almost every bar and restaurant you find in the medina.

Even so, we have prepared a short list of restaurants in the city, among which you can also enjoy other types of cuisine.

Cosmopolitan Restaurant: A few meters from the Mohammed VI Museum, we find one of the most exquisite restaurants in Rabat. It is not a cheap option, but you can taste typical dishes of Moroccan cuisine, as well as other options of French and Mediterranean cuisine.

Dar Zaki: On our way to the beach of Rabat, we find Dar Zaki, a cozy restaurant where you can breathe the essence of Morocco. Here you will be able to taste everything related to the gastronomy of the country while enjoying a unique atmosphere. In addition the price is not exorbitant, so it is a very good option if you want to eat out without spending much.

Tajine Wa Tanja: Another very affordable option but not at all negligible in taste is Tajine Wa Tanja. With its excellent location and cozy atmosphere, the highlight of this place is its delicious offer of different dishes of African and Moroccan cuisine. A must on our gastronomic route through the capital.

How to get to Rabat?

The most comfortable and most recommended option to travel from Spain is by plane. There are direct flights from major Spanish cities and it is a short journey, given the proximity between the two countries.

The flight will take you to Rabat Sale airport in Rabat and from there you have several options to get to your accommodation.

Our recommendation is to go to the cab rank or hire a transfer in advance. The cab ride to the center should cost you around 10€.

There are accommodations that offer transfer service to these and the rate varies depending on the accommodation. In these cases, a private vehicle will come to pick you up directly and depending on your priorities, it may be a good idea.

You can also get to the center in one of the local buses and although it will take you longer, it is a good way to save on the journey.

Travel tips to Rabat

We recommend that you take out travel insurance for any medical expenses that may be incurred.

It is preferable not to drink water that is not bottled.

Hire in advance your transfer service between airport and accommodation, in case you need it.

It is advisable to stay inside the Medina, both for comfort and safety.

Bring cash, not all stores have credit card payment facilities.

How to organize what to see in Rabat, Morocco?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.

Create your own itinerary and add to it the suggestions of the app.

Add the stops that interest you the most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest that we indicate in this post as a reference).

Organize your itinerary by days of route according to its location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes we present in the post).

Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.

Make the modifications you need and everything will be ready for your trip.

Share your experience. Upload to the app the photos of each of the places you have visited on your trip and recommend to other travelers what to see in Rabat.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Rabat

Are there any precautions I should take?

Our recommendation is to be careful when bargaining prices to avoid overpaying and make sure you hire official services. A good option is to consult the different activities in advance, as well as the transportation you may need upon arrival and to return to the airport.

What is the official currency in Morocco?

The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham. One Moroccan dirham is equivalent to 0.096€ at the time of writing.

When is the best time to travel to Rabat?

We recommend that you travel between March and May, as temperatures are more pleasant.