Rabat is the seaside capital of Morocco since 1912 with an estimated a million inhabitants.
The landmark Hassan Tower, started its construction toward the end of the twelfth century and was intended to have the world’s biggest minaret, yet was never finished.
Just across this tower stands the twentieth century Mausoleum of Mohammed V, another addition to the city’s fundamental attractions.
If you want to explore a destination that is ancient, mystical, and stunningly wonderful, then Rabat is for you.
Best time to visit Rabat?
May to September is the best time to visit the waterfront resorts and the north, where there is a Mediterranean atmosphere with hot but tolerable dry summers and gentle stormy winters.
It can also be fiercely hot in a few inland urban areas at this point.
The best time to head to the southern part of Rabat is in the middle of October and December.
Celebrations are held as the year progressed.
Accurate festival dates and national holidays ought to be affirmed at your nearby traveler office as they change from year to year as per the Islamic datebook, except for a couple of national occasions.
If you want to
see how rich the culture of Morocco
is, schedule your visit on the month of July when musical performers from as far as Africa and other cities in Morocco gather for the annual Rabat Music Festival.
Best things to do in Rabat Morocco
To have the best adventure and rewarding holiday in Rabat, read the following guide about the things to do and
see about the capital city of Morocco:
Mausoleum of Mohamad V
This cube of white marble, situated in an elevated position which is accessed by a wide staircase, surrounded by ancient columns and guarded by its picturesque Horse Guards.
It contains three sarcophagi
including that of Mohammed V, father of the present King of Morocco
.
From the balcony to the public that is within, it is not uncommon to observe some high official in prayer beside the graves.
The Mausoleum of Mohamad V contains the tomb carved out of a block of white onyx and is located on the lower level along with those of his two sons.
The two guards in costume outside are very willing to be photographed with tourists.
It is located in a large square where a new mosque and a museum are under construction.
At the entrance (there is no admission fee) are royal guards in full uniform watching over the important site.
This mausoleum is one of the best attractions in Rabat.
Definitely a place to visit, in front of the mausoleum there is a large square inhabited by tens of symmetrically ordered columns and minaret in the background (under restoration).
It is worth passing by after a tour of the nearby medina.
If you’re walking from the central part of the city to reach this part of the city, you can also take the tram and both ways are advisable (the tram is now modern, clean and on time).
If you go to Rabat, you cannot miss this mausoleum that perfectly recreates the atmosphere of the Arabian Nights.
The guards are dressed in a characteristic way and on horseback, plus the exhibit halls are lined with typical pottery, gold, and oriental-style architecture.
My favorite stuff to do in Rabat
Hassan Tower
The Hassan Tower is the minaret of a mosque that remained unfinished.
The tower was to be the largest in the world along with the adjacent mosque, but the work was interrupted and the tower only reached 44m.
However, it is still worth a visit.
It is a very
interesting and wonderful place
that “pops out” from the rest of the city, in a strict sense (because it is an enclosed area.
The tower is a must visit with the adjoining mausoleum of Hassan.
The presence of the guard of honor on horseback at entrances and wearing traditional uniform adds charm and a sense of elegance about the attraction.
Try to spend a few minutes on the esplanade of the Hassan Tower (unfortunately, the interiors are closed to the public and there is no way you can climb to the
top of the tower because of safety reasons) despite being heavily guarded
because the scenery, the colors, the atmosphere, will lure you into understanding the soul and spirit of this treasured place in Rabat City.
The Hassan Tower is nothing more than the minaret of the mosque commissioned by Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour.
It was to be the largest mosque ever seen, but was left undone.
Today, it is a very scenic large square: on the one hand there is a lonely tower with the remains of the columns in the prayer hall, the other the beautiful Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
It is advisable to visit it during the Friday afternoon prayers and sunset, when the atmosphere becomes even more special!
Although it dominates the skyline of Rabat, this is much like the minaret of the mosque Kutubiyya and the Giralda, which was never fully accomplished.
Another noteworthy part of the tower complex is in front of it there are 360 stone columns that give it considerable charm and importance.
Fun things to do in Rabat
Royal Palace of Rabat
The Royal Palace of Rabat was built in 1864 on the ruins of the ancient palace of S XVIII, is the official residence of SMR Mohammed VI since he lives in Dar Es Salam along with the ambassadors to the northeast of the city district.
The Royal Palace is situated almost opposite the Mosque Ahl Fas, separated from it by the huge expanse of Le Mechouar, which is not open to the public but you can photograph the facade at a distance, no close-ups (except when official functions are ongoing or if the King is present).
It is the official home to the Office of the King, the Prime Minister himself and the Supreme Court as well as being the headquarters of the Royal Guard, among other agencies.
It is the true center of power of the Kingdom and the administrative district.
In addition to military and civil buildings, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and General Staff headquarters are also located here.
Popular Rabat tourist attractions
Chellah
If you are in Rabat a visit to this site is a must.
It is located just outside the walls of the city, not more than 5 minutes by car.
The place is beautiful and truly impressive.
You enter through a monumental door and you find yourself in a beautiful garden from the hill that slopes down to the plain.
Here are the remains of the Roman city and a necropolis of the fourteenth century.
Within the archaeological site there are 75 beautiful nests of storks (they can be observed up close) that live here in peace.
The
place is truly magical and in spring
it is an explosion of flowers and perfumes.
Do not miss this important site when you are in Rabat.
Chellah is an archaeological site that contains the footprints of the Roman empire in a relaxing garden.
At sunset, the colors of Morocco are amazing.
It is a small archaeological site that is well cared for and maintained.
It ‘a pleasure to browse through the tree-lined streets and the beautiful ruins accompanied by the singing of the many storks that nested at every point enjoyable.
It is indeed a great experience in a city with the most peaceful atmosphere in Morocco.
What else to do in Rabat?
Kasbah des Oudaias
The Kasbah des Oudaias is a walled area overlooking the sea, between the Medina, the beach and the boardwalk of Rabat City.
Once you walked past the large
entrance door you will feel like being thrown back in the early times of Greece
because of the impression given by the narrow streets and whitewashed houses in blue, decorated with colorful flowers, and the alluring scent of the sea.
It is one of the most beautiful excursions you can do in Rabat.
The vibrant local shops and bright colors lead to a nice vantage point from which you can admire the coast to Salé.
You can enjoy the long walks and not get lost.
The lodges are lovely and you can imagine that by now many of them belong to foreigners who have found a great place to stay there.
Walking at a certain point you get to a very beautiful panoramic terrace where you can sit and drink mint tea or eat fried fish and delicious Moroccan pastries, for a few Dirhams.
Do not miss to visit the Kasbah where there once lived the most feared pirates in history.
It has stunning view of the ocean, the estuary of the river and the medina.
There are also beautiful views of Andalusia in the narrow streets that you can admire and take pictures with.
Is Rabat worth visiting?
The answer is Yes.
Rabat is worth visiting.
This is because it is such a magical place
full of beauty and adventours.
Make sure you visit the following stunning place:
Cathedrale Saint Pierre
The Cathedrale Saint Pierre is inspired by both Gothic and Arabic influences, this cathedral has delighted every guest by the simplicity of its architecture especially inside.
The Cathedral of St.
Peter references the urban landscape Centre Ville- Hassan.
It is framed by a semi circle of modernist buildings, constituting a true icon of Moroccan tolerance.
It was built by a French architect in 1930, and it is worth seeing and kept open from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm during weekdays.
If you have enough time to stay, you can hear or attend a Holy Mass (regardless of religion or faith) on this simple cathedral every Sunday.
This cathedral stands out in white and can be seen from the Royal Palace.
You can go there quietly, it has free admission.
Do not miss the songs and performance of the resident gospel choir in every service.
Spend a moment of reflection and praying for your personal intentions while being inside this magical
place that must not be missed
during a trip to Rabat City.
What else to see in Rabat?
Oudaia Museum
The museum is located inside the Kasbah Des Oudaya and is not particularly advertised.
Entry costs 10 dirham and you can visit the three rooms in which there are objects of historic Moroccan tradition.
It holds the unexpected charm of a museum inserted in an ancient fortress and the palace of the dynasty Oudaia.
The museum has an interesting collection from ancient to modern times.
Access to the Museum can be achieved by passing through the Andalusian gardens at an entry cost of 10 Dirhams with scheduled visiting hours of 9:00 a.
m.
to 4:30 p.
m.
It is prohibited to take photos in the exhibition room jewelry but it is allowed in the outer and central courtyard; you can smoke throughout the museum, including in the courtyard; and observe rules because there is a video surveillance and security personnel watching and tasked to secure the museum.
If you have questions about the exhibit, there is always a guide who is trained and well knowledgeable about the items displayed on its exhibit halls.
The National Museum of Jewelry Oudayas Kasbah is originally the Moulay Ismail’s Palace, built on the S XVII under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727), who used it as a residence during their stay in Rabat;
It is an Arab Moorish court structured around a central courtyard with three plants whose most outstanding feature is the tower flanking it on its southern side and presides the route to the Andalusian Gardens and the nearby Royal Palace of Rabat.
Popular places to visit in Rabat
Medina of Rabat
The Medina of Rabat is five kilometers of fascination and curiosity shops, artisans and residential houses, all enclosed within the walls of the twelfth century and like a real blast from the past with a hint of modernity.
The long walks for bargain hunting and immersion into the local scene is interesting because it is where you can find everything and see ancient and modern locally made crafts of the Moroccans.
The medina of Rabat does not have the charm of the most famous as the Medina’s of Marrakech and Fez, but its charm will enchant you and make it unforgettable.
You will be fascinated by the fish market that combines the sale of fresh fish cooked on the spot and eaten on the street.
This is the perfect place to experience the smells and flavors of Morocco.
The Medina of Rabat is the most
organized and well maintained markets in Morocco
.
The smells are, however, the classic Moroccan spices that are mixed with the smells of leather and shops of locally made crafts.
It is a nice experience and above all, it is one of the best ways to savor the fabulous taste of the local cuisine and experience the ingenuity and kindness of the Moroccan.
The tour of the medina is an experience that is certainly worth trying when in Rabat.
Things to do in Rabat with kids
Les Jardins Exotiques de Bouknadel
These gardens were built by French Marcel Francis.
He even actually lived within its premises during and after its construction.
It is now being restored by a Mohammed foundation for the protection of the environment.
The Les Jardins Exotiques de Bouknadel contains an Andalusian garden, fountains, museums, and trees that were
imported from as far as Peru
and Polynesia.
It is an outlet for exotic gardens that is very interesting.
This corner of paradise is nestled at the Bouknadel (along the Route Kenitra).
It is a haven of peace on a beautiful landscape.
You think you’re in a real tropical forest because of the rich greenery dotted with small streams, small fountains, birds, and animals.
It is highly recommended for nature lovers and for the whole family.
Take time to stroll through this beautiful shady garden.
You will be in awe of the variety of plants and admire the intention to preserve and respect nature.
Whatever season or time of the year that you are in Rabat, it is a perfect place to hang out and relax while being encompassed by its serene nature.
Things to do around Rabat
Zoo de Rabat
The zoo is located between Rabat and Temara.
There is a huge parking lot, several places to drink, eat (snacks, ice cream, popcorn, candy and soda for the kids).
The course of the Zoo de Rabat is really simple and easy to follow.
The zoo is divided into regions such as the Savannah, desert, the High Atlas; there are also large site plans in strategic locations.
It is advisable to take a camera with you because there are beautiful pictures to make with animals and beautiful landscapes to capture.
You can see lions, cheetahs, warthogs, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, snakes, etc.
which are all well cared and look after by their staff.
The landscape, vegetation and animals form a whole, a harmony, a balance between all the elements of the fauna, flora and geology, where the animals are free and not enclosed in a cage.
There are about 120 spaces reserved for the 1,000 animals, even the Atlas Mountains area is an educational farm.
The animals of the old Temara Zoo were transferred to the new zoo in Rabat to make it complete, although some cages are still left open.
To enjoy your tour of the Rabat Zoo, make binding photos, capture unforgettable images and scenes that speak of life.
For children it is truly a day full of joy.
It is easily accessible and located on Highway Casablanca-Rabat, along the Temara output.
What makes the city of Rabat remarkable and interesting is it is a city within the city with large landscaped areas, the seat of government of Morocco.
Mosque and buildings of government staff, prominent cathedrals, secluded nature parks, and where most of the interesting attractions of Morocco is widely concentrated.
If you visit the city of Rabat, do not fail to check out the attractions and things to do and learn its colorful past and meet the friendly people of Rabat.
