Best Travel Guide Rabat | ArrivalGuides.com

RabatGuide was updated: 2024-09-17

Morocco’s capital city of Rabat is more than its magnificent medina (old town), which has been named a World Heritage Site: situated by the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean, the city has been an important commercial, cultural and military centre throughout history. Stroll through its tiny alleys, witness sites of French colonial heritage and enjoy Rabat’s open-minded atmosphere.

Do & See

From the medina's busy and colourful alleys and the peaceful Chellah necropolis to the buzzing marina, you will discover Rabat's full complexity.

Medina

You will be surprised by the straight layout of the city's historical heart in sharp contrast to the usual maze of streets. A walk through Rabat's medina could look like this: start your visit at the Bab El Had gate and take Souika Street, the largest and probably busiest street in the medina. You will arrive in the Es Sabat souk, the shoe market, covered with reed mats and overflowing with babouches (leather slippers) as well as silver and gold jewellery. You then come to the partially glass-roofed Rue des Consuls where craftsmen make woollen carpets, fabrics and copperware. The medina also offers low-priced and local food, so do not hesitate to try mint tea, pastillas or tagine.

Do & SeeRead more →

Kasbah of the Udayas

Oudayas Kasbah near Rabat's nedina has kept its old cannons placed on a bastion. Its massive gate is entirely carved, while its blue and white walls give it a Mediterranean atmosphere. Cobbled streets lead to the El Atiqa Mosque, the oldest in the city, and on to the old semaphore platform. The view from here, or the terrace of the neighbouring Café Maure, is splendid: Rabat, nearby Salé and Bouregreg river meeting the ocean. The Oudayas Palace, further on up, which now houses the National Museum, has conserved its markedly simple and balanced original decor. The Andalusian Gardens below are a heaven of peace full of fruit trees, rose-laurels and cascades of bougainvilleas.

Do & SeeRead more →

Salé

From the other side of the mouth of Bouregreg River, Salé, the old city of pirates and Rabat's rival sister, faces the capital. Founded before Rabat at the start of the 12th century, its medina, lined with fountains, magnificent riads, and mosques, buzzes with activity. Don’t forget the medersa, the Koranic school, a renowned chef-d’oeuvre of Merinides art.

Do & SeeRead more →

Bab Rouah

The magnificent Bab Rouah, the "Gate of the Winds", is monumental. It stands out for the richness of its adornments and has become an exhibition gallery. Works of famous Moroccan artists have found their venue under the elaborate arches of the four square rooms.

Do & SeeRead more →

Chellah Necropolis

Be sure to visit this peaceful place. As the last residence of the Merinide sovereigns, it is protected by imposing walls, where storks like to build their nests. This is also the location of the ancient Roman city of Salé. You will admire the ruins of a triumphal arch, the forum, thermal baths, and several shops.

Do & SeeRead more →

Candles Convoy of Salé

Once a year, the city of Salé celebrates the birth of Muhammed (the prophet of Islam) with a Candles Convoy, also known as the Festival of Cierges. Accompanied by musicians and flag bearers, a long parade of men in colourful attire and carrying huge wax lamps comprised of thousands of sculpted and dyed pieces moves through the city's main streets to arrive at the Mausoleum of Sidi Abdallah Ben Hassoune, the city's saint.

Do & SeeRead more →

View all Do & See →