Rabat is not usually the first option chosen by travelers visiting the country for the first time, Casablanca and Marrakech are usually the most popular, but Rabat certainly has a special charm and is worth visiting. There are many things to see and do in Rabat, from getting lost in its Medina, enjoying the Andalusian gardens or surfing its waves.
If you are thinking of doing an itinerary through Morocco, you can read my post: Touring Morocco in 15 days, where a complete itinerary and lots of information is included.
In this post I tell you many things to do in Rabat. You will also find a map and accommodation tips.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN RABAT, MOROCCO
1. The Mausoleum of Mohamed V
The Mausoleum of Mohamed V is the most essential place to see in Rabat. It is the tomb of the father of Moroccan independence. This mausoleum was designed by a total of 400 artists and is in a classic Arab-Andalusian style with traditional Moroccan art.
Mohamed V was one of the most beloved kings in history. He refused to apply the anti-Semitic laws of the Vichy regime and went so far as to protect more than 400,000 Moroccan Jews.
The Mausoleum is located in a symbolic place. When Mohamed V returned from his exile in Madagascar, in 1955, he announced the independence of the Moroccan kingdom on the esplanade of the Hassan Tower, precisely where the Mausoleum was built.
2. The Chellah Necropolis
If you visit Rabat, it is essential to visit the Chellah Necropolis. Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs lived in this location. Although the Phoenicians were probably the first to occupy the site, the city did not develop until the arrival of the Romans. Centuries later the Romans abandoned it and later the Arabs settled. They built a mosque, several sanctuaries, a madrasa, among other buildings.
The entrance costs 10 dirhams (a little less than €1 approximately). Despite being located on the outskirts of Rabat, it can be reached in about 35 minutes on foot from the center. If you prefer to go by taxi, it should not cost you more than 200 dirhams (about €2). Undoubtedly, one of the essential visits to do in Rabat.
3. Hassan Tower
The Hassan Tower is a minaret of the mosque that receives the same name. It is an unfinished tower. The ruler at the time, Yacoub al-Mansour, wanted to build the largest mosque in the world after that of Samarra, in Iraq. However, after his death, the works stopped and the plan remained a plan. The Hassan Tower measures 45 meters when it should have measured more than 60. It is very impressive and a beautiful place, it is usually full, so I recommend you go at dawn.
4. Medina of Rabat
The Medina of Rabat is one of the most special places in the city. I love getting lost in the medinas of Morocco. They are a place full of shops, houses and interior patios full of plants and flowers. In the medina is the beautiful El Qoubba mosque, although entry is prohibited for non-Muslims.
5. The beautiful Kasbah of the Udayas
This is one of the main tourist attractions of the city, if not the main one. Inside the walls of the 11th century fortress the magic hides: a small and quiet neighborhood full of white and blue buildings that are a bit reminiscent of Chefchaouen.
6. Andalusian Gardens of Rabat
The Andalusian Gardens of Rabat are one of the places that you cannot miss once you finish visiting the Kasbah. They are very close. They are the perfect place to disconnect a little from the hustle and bustle of Rabat and enjoy the quiet surroundings. These gardens were designed by a French architect in the 20th century.
7. Enter the Medina through the Bab El Had Gate
The Bab El Had Gate is one of the most beautiful entrances to the Medina of Rabat. As soon as you cross it, you will leave the modern city behind to enter the most traditional and chaotic part of the city.
8. Take a Gastronomic tour in Rabat
If you like to try new things, and you are a lover of cooking, this experience is a great option. It is a guided tour/visit where you will go in search of Moroccan flavors with the help of a guide.
9. Avenue Mohammed V
Mohammed V Avenue is the main artery of the city and connects the Medina of Rabat with the Ville Nouvelle. It starts at the Assounna Mosque and ends at Boulevard El Alou. The entire avenue is full of shops, restaurants, some hotels... In addition, it is home to some of the most emblematic places to see in Rabat such as the Moroccan Parliament, the Al Maghrib Bank and the central post offices.
10. The Assouna Mosque
This beautiful Mosque is also located on Mohammed V Avenue. It is the most popular mosque in Rabat. It was built in the 18th century by the Alawites. Entry is prohibited for non-Muslims, although it is worth going to see it from the outside.
11. The Cathedral of Saint Peter
St. Peter's Cathedral is a cathedral that celebrates Sunday masses, still active. Its construction began in 1918 but it was not until 1930 that it was inaugurated. It stands out for being a modern cathedral, with two large towers.
12. The Post Office
Also located on Mohamed V Avenue, you will find the post office building. It is one of the most beautiful buildings to see in Rabat. It was built in the 20th century by the French architect Lafforgue.
13. Sunset surf at Temara Beach
Rabat is known for being a good place for surfing. The city is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and has several beaches. The best beach for surfing is located outside Rabat, in Temara. Plus, it's the perfect place to enjoy the sunset.
WHERE TO STAY IN RABAT
In Rabat you have many great accommodation options. Riads are my favorite options and you will find them mainly in the Medina or surroundings. You also have very cheap Riads with very good value for money.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Rabat very much and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!