Reasons Why You Should Visit Rabat

People looking for a relaxed and soothing destination, Rabat is the place to be. Though not a village in the mountains, it is a peaceful town located in hectic Morocco, the capital city of the Kingdom, where the Royal Family lives for most of the year, and full of amazing little spots and activities.

1. The Royal Palace

Archaeological site

Although tourists aren’t permitted inside, the royal palace is an amazing location to shoot pictures and see the most authentic Moroccan architecture. The gates are gigantic, exceptional, zellij-decorated doors that are guarded by soldiers.

Weather

With temperatures no lower than 20°C (68°F) all year round, the weather in Rabat is absolutely perfect. Visit at any time of the year, but December and January do tend to be the coldest and wettest months. Because Moroccan weather isn’t like European weather, do multiple activities without worrying about getting too hot or cold.

Easy to reach

Being the capital does make a difference in this case: since everything is very connected, transportation is available and the streets are very clean.

Reach Rabat by train from every city in Morocco, and after arriving, use either a taxi or the tramway to go around.

3. Medina

Market

Yes, all the cities in Morocco have Medinas, so, why would the one in Rabat be more interesting than others? It is a little bit less chaotic than the usual Medinas and people can peacefully do their shopping. From hand-made jewellery to rugs, it is a pleasant experience to be able to walk in a Medina without having people trying to sell unnecessary things. Now, remember, haggling is a must.

4. Royal Mausoleum of Mohamed V

Archaeological site

1024px-Mausoleum_of_Mohammed_V_Rabat_Morocco

Located on the other side of the Hassan Tower, it contains the tombs of the actual king’s father and grandfather. It is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture in Morocco with its white silhouette, topped by a typical green tiled roof.

5. Chellah

Cemetery

Built by the Phoenicians, Chellah is a medieval fortified Muslim cemetery. It later became the site of the ancient Roman colony of ‘Sala Colonia’, in the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana.

Visit these tombs, go back in time with their style, and even climb up to see some of the best views of the site.

6. Kasbah les Oudaias

Mosque

This is a quarter in Rabat built by Muslim refugees from Spain in the 12th century. The main gate, Bab Oudaia, was built in 1195 and decorated with impressively carved arches. However, this door doesn’t often open. Those who visit will have to go through a smaller gate on the main street.

Also check out the oldest mosque in Rabat. Built in the 10th century, it was restored in the 18th century with funds donated by an English pirate.

Kasbah les Oudaias, Rabat, Morocco

7. The Andalusian Gardens

Ruins

This stunning garden is located within the Kasbah les Oudaias, it has gorgeous flowers, trees, and fountains. It has an Andalusian feel to it and is definitely reminiscent of Granada’s Alhambra.

Although it was built by a French architect in the 20th century, it gives the impression of having been there for a couple hundreds of years due to its quite ‘abandoned state’.

8. Moroccan Museum of Money

Museum

This museum presents all the Moroccan currencies to ever operate in the country and its currency spans from the Roman empire to today.

There are also paintings from local artists, international artists painting about Morocco, and Bank Al-Maghrib’s collection of art.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.