What to see in Rabat, Morocco’s capital

Rabat: The Past and the Present

Rabat stands at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. On the opposite bank, the city of Salé forms the residential twin of the capital. Together, Rabat and Salé exceed 1.5 million inhabitants and continue to grow steadily. Both cities carry deep historical roots and play an essential role in modern Morocco, making them a key stop on Morocco tours of 8 days and longer itineraries.

A City Shaped by History

Builders founded Rabat in the 12th century as a military base to fight Spanish expansion. In the 17th century, the city became a refuge and stronghold for Muslims expelled from Spain. These Andalusian communities left a lasting mark on Rabat’s architecture, culture, and urban layout.

In 1912, Marshal Lyautey selected Rabat as the capital of the French Protectorate because of its strategic coastal location and political potential. When Morocco gained independence in 1956, Rabat retained its role as the nation’s capital. Today, the city balances historical depth with modern administration, diplomacy, business, and tourism.

Rabat hosts numerous museums, cultural festivals, and important heritage sites, including the renowned Sidi Abdellah Ben Hassoun Museum. Its coastal setting adds to its appeal, with nearby beaches offering water sports, golf courses, and horseback riding.

How to Get to Rabat

Travelers reach Rabat easily by train. Frequent connections link the city with all major Moroccan destinations:

• Casablanca: 1 hour

• Fez: 2.5 hours

• Marrakesh: 4 hours

Rabat has two main train stations: Rabat-Agdal and Gare Rabat-Ville. Rabat-Ville station connects directly to the tramway and taxi services, making city travel convenient.

Rabat–Salé International Airport lies in the neighboring city of Salé. Although the airport currently serves limited routes, expansion plans aim to improve connections with Fez, Marrakesh, and Casablanca.

Where to Go in Rabat

Rabat attracts visitors with its imperial monuments, walkable streets, and mild climate. The city also offers a wide range of accommodation options.

The Medina of Rabat

The medina stretches along the Atlantic coast and offers a clean, relaxed atmosphere with welcoming locals. Andalusian walls from the 17th century surround the medina, with six historic gates providing access.

Key gates include:

• Bab Bouiba, leading to Souika Street and toward the Mausoleum of Mohammed V

• Bab Chellah, closest to the city center, with a taxi stand and access to Jemaa Kebir Mosque

Souika Street serves as the medina’s main artery. Craft shops line the street, and visitors find the Moulay Slimane Mosque and the Great Mosque, Jemaa Kebir.

A walk along the glass-roofed Rue des Consuls reveals former residences of foreign diplomats. Today, vendors display distinctive rugs and traditional goods along this historic street.

Kasbah of the Udayas

The Kasbah of the Udayas sits next to the medina and overlooks the river and ocean. A monumental gate opens into narrow streets lined with white-and-blue houses. Visitors explore the Andalusian Garden, admire the Fountain of Fortune, and visit the Moroccan Art Museum. The kasbah ranks among Rabat’s most iconic landmarks and appears on many viajes a Marrakech combined itineraries.

The Hassan Tower Area

This vast esplanade contains the remains of a monumental Almohad mosque from the 12th century. The Hassan Tower, rising 44 meters high and surrounded by more than 200 columns, dominates the site.

Nearby, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan II stands as a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship. Guards, prayers, and Quran recitations fill the space day and night, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Almohad Walls

The Almohad dynasty built massive defensive walls around Rabat in the 12th century. These walls include five historic gates and enclose parts of the city. Inside, visitors can explore cultural spaces, including a modern art gallery.

Chellah Necropolis

Chellah combines Roman and Islamic history in one remarkable site. Romans originally built a city here, complete with a forum, market, fountains, and administrative buildings. The Almohads later transformed the area into a cemetery in the 13th century.

Visitors explore the Merinid necropolis, mosque ruins, a zaouia, and the famous eel fountain. Local tradition claims the eels bring fertility, drawing curious visitors from across the country.

The New Town

Modern Rabat unfolds along wide boulevards and planned avenues. Mohammed V Avenue features grand administrative buildings and striking modernist architecture from the French period.

The Royal Palace, built in the 19th century, stands behind impressive walls with seven gates and lush gardens. Hassan II Avenue serves as the city’s busiest commercial and business district.

Shopping in Rabat

Rabat stands as a major center for Moroccan handicrafts. Shoppers find a wide variety of traditional items, especially in the medina. The city has a strong reputation for rugs, but artisans also produce ceramics, embroidered textiles, jewelry, and tinplate work.

Nearby Salé specializes in ceramics and offers baskets, natural reed mats, dyed raffia, wool blankets, inlaid wooden objects, and tapestries. The medina remains the best place to explore authentic crafts and purchase handmade goods directly from local artisans.

Rabat blends history, culture, and modern life with rare harmony. Imperial monuments, coastal scenery, and vibrant markets make the capital an essential destination on any tour del Marocco, whether as a cultural highlight or a relaxed stop between major cities.