Rabat walking tour & city guide
A calm, green capital with a blue-and-white kasbah.
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Rabat, Morocco's capital, is a relaxed and elegant city on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river. It is greener and calmer than Casablanca or Marrakech, with a historic medina, a blue-and-white kasbah above the ocean and monuments that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Kasbah and the medina
The Kasbah of the Udayas is a 12th-century fortress on a cliff above the river mouth. Inside its massive gate, quiet lanes painted blue and white lead to a terrace overlooking the ocean and the beach. The Andalusian Gardens below are a peaceful spot.
Rabat's medina is smaller and calmer than those of Fes and Marrakech. Its main streets, like Rue des Consuls, are lined with stalls selling carpets, jewelry and leather, without the pressure of the bigger cities.
Hassan Tower and Chellah
The Hassan Tower is the unfinished minaret of a mosque begun in 1195 that was meant to be the largest in the world. Around it, rows of columns stand on the esplanade, facing the beautiful Mausoleum of Mohammed V, guarded by royal guards in traditional uniforms.
Chellah is an ancient site with Roman ruins and a medieval necropolis, overgrown with gardens and home to storks nesting on the old walls. The riverside promenade has been redeveloped, with the striking Grand Theatre and the Mohammed VI Tower nearby.
Visiting tips
Rabat is an easy train ride from Casablanca, Fes and Tangier. The tram links the center with the town of Salé across the river. Rabat is a great introduction to Morocco for first-time visitors.
Top sights in Rabat
- 1
Kasbah of the Udayas
A blue-and-white fortress above the ocean.
- 2
Hassan Tower
An unfinished 12th-century minaret.
- 3
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
An ornate royal tomb.
- 4
Chellah
Roman ruins and a medieval necropolis.
- 5
Rabat medina
A relaxed medina for shopping.
- 6
Andalusian Gardens
Peaceful gardens within the kasbah.
Food markets & where to eat in Rabat
Rabat medina
Street food and small local restaurants.
Marché Central
A central market with fish and olives.
Bou Regreg marina
Waterfront cafés by the river.
Agdal district
A modern district of cafés and restaurants.
Food to try in Rabat
Rfissa
Shredded msemen bread with chicken, lentils and fenugreek.
Grilled fish
From the Atlantic.
Mint tea and gazelle horns
Tea with almond-filled pastries.
Sfenj
Moroccan doughnuts, fried fresh.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Rabat
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in RabatCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Rabat.
- eSIM for MoroccoStay online from the moment you land.
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