Rabat: Discovering the Capital of Morocco

Nov 10, 2025 0

After a filled-to-the-brim morning exploring Casablanca, many travelers make their way to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city and a spot on the map where the Bou Regreg River flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

Rabat (, also , ; Arabic: الرباط, romanized: ar-Ribāṭ) is the capital city of Morocco and the country's seventh-largest city with an urban population of approximately 580,000 (2014) and a metropolitan population of over 1.2 million. Rabat, Temara, and Salé form a conurbation of over 1.8 million people. Rabat is one of four Imperial cities of Morocco, and its medina is listed as a World Heritage Site.

When people think of Morocco, cities like Marrakech or Fez often steal the spotlight. But Rabat offers a calm yet fascinating mix of history, ocean breeze, Andalusian charm, and fewer tourists.

Location of Rabat in Morocco.

A City of History and Heritage

Rabat didn’t become Morocco’s capital until 1955, after the country gained independence from France. From its 12th-century beginnings as a Berber Muslim empire to the French Protectorate period starting in 1912, the city is a mix of Islamic and French-colonial heritage.

The name Rabat comes from the Arabic word الرباط (a-Ribāṭ) meaning the ribat, an Islamic base or fortification. Rabat was founded in the 12th century by the Almohads. After a period of growth, the city fell into a long period of decline. In the 17th century, Rabat became a haven for Barbary pirates. When the French established a protectorate over Morocco in 1912, Rabat became its administrative center.

The French invasion of Morocco began in the east with General Hubert Lyautey's occupation of Oujda in March 1907 and in the west with the Bombardment of Casablanca in August 1907. The Treaty of Fes established the protectorate in March 1912. Acting as French administrator of Morocco, Lyautey decided to relocate the country's capital from Fes to Rabat after the riots of 1912 following the Treaty of Fes.

When Morocco achieved independence in 1956, Mohammed V, the then King of Morocco, chose to have the capital remain at Rabat. Rabat's growth continued unabated.

Key Attractions in Rabat

Rabat, the political and administrative capital of Morocco, lies along the shores of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. Considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city is known for landmarks that speak to its Islamic and French-colonial heritage.

Let´s now discover the top things to do in Rabat, from iconic landmarks such as the Kasbah of the Udayas or the Hassan Tower, to the capital´s various beaches, gardens, parks or museums.

The Kasbah of the Udayas

Our final stop was, for many, the highlight of Rabat - and perhaps the most beautiful place visited in Morocco: The Kasbah of the Udayas, an impenetrable-looking stone fortress with sweeping hilltop views, and the spot where the Bou Regreg River leaves Morocco behind, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.

If I had to pick one must-see in Rabat, it would be the Kasbah of the Udayas, a Berber-era royal citadel surrounded by gardens and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The kasbah takes its name from the Udayas (also spelled Oudayas or Oudaïas) tribe, a group of Arab warriors originally settled here in the 12th century by the Almohads.

Kasbah of the Udayas.

But even with all that exterior charm and bravado, it’s what lies inside the Kasbah of the Udayas that is so unexpected and lovely that it transports you to another world. The setting looks like pages from the blue-and-white palette of Santorini, Greece, mixed with Moorish architectural details. We wandered narrow winding streets, past a market, the oldest mosque in Rabat and some of the most charming homes imaginable.

After accessing through the elaborate Bab Oudaya gate, many wander through the blue-and-white streets of the kasbah of the Udayas. The daylight version completely steals hearts: cobalt blue walls, ornate doors, cats lounging in the sun, and breathtaking ocean views from the terrace near Café Maure (don´t miss their signature ´ghriba´, a traditional Moroccan almond cookie).

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The Kasbah of the Udayas (also spelled "Kasbah of the Oudaias") is the oldest part of the present-day city, built by the Almohads in the 12th century. It was later refortified and expanded by the corsairs and the 'Alawi dynasty in the 17th and 18th centuries. The kasbah is now a residential district with traditional houses painted white and blue on the outside.

The Kasbah neighborhood spills into the Andalusian Gardens, a peaceful enclave of orange trees, trumpet lilies, bougainvillea and a host of palm varieties. The abovementioned Andalusian Gardens inside the kasbah are the most famous, with shaded courtyards and fountains.

Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Across from the Mausoleum of Mohammed V stands the Hassan Tower, the minaret of an unfinished mosque commissioned by calif Abu Yusuf Yaqqub al-Mansur at the end of the 12th century. When al-Mansur died in 1199, construction stopped on what would have been the largest minaret in the world and the largest mosque in the western Muslim world.

Other iconic Rabat landmarks include the unfinished Hassan Tower, a 12th-century minaret soaring above the ruins of a mosque and over 200 columns, and the stunning Mausoleum of Mohammed V, erected in memory of the father of Moroccan independence.

Inside, the mausoleum is beautifully decorated with zellij tiles, chandeliers, and the tombs of Morocco’s modern kings. The mausoleum contains the tombs of the Moroccan King Mohammed V and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. It was commissioned by Hassan II after Mohammed V’s death in 1961 and completed ten years later.

Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

Overlooking the shores of the river is the Hassan Tower, a monumental unfinished minaret constructed by Ya'qub al-Mansur in the late 12th century. It was built for an enormous mosque planned as part of the larger city al-Mansur was constructing. Across from the tower today, at the southern end of the mosque's remains, is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V (d. 1961), which houses the remains of King Mohammed V and King Hassan II.

Medina of Rabat

Third on this list of things to do in Rabat ranks the city´s medina. It was certainly not as overwhelming as Fez or Marrakech, although it was also bustling and somewhat neglected. Still, it was found perfect for strolling and shopping without (that much) stress.

The old medina, located below the kasbah and above the line of the Andalusian Wall, contains many historic mosques and traditional houses.

Don’t miss Rue des Consuls, once home to foreign embassies and now a lively shopping street full of artisan shops under an elegant glass roof. Head to the nearby Ensemble Artisanal to buy Moroccan crafts.

Medina of Rabat.

Other Attractions

And speaking of kings, the Royal Palace of Dar-al-Mahkzen (Palais Royal) is worth mentioning too even though it´s not open to the public.

If you’re into culture, Rabat has some great museums. The Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Musée Mohammed VI d’Art Moderne et Contemporain - MMVI) is the most impressive, hosting Moroccan and international artists. Other museums in Rabat worth adding to your itinerary include Musée Bank Al Maghrib, Musée Barid Al-Maghrib (the postal museum), Musée Mohammed V (a museum dedicated to the history of the Alaouite dynasty), Musée National de la Parure (dedicated to Moroccan jewellery), Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle - Institut Scientifique, Musée National de la Photographie or Villa des Arts.

Last on our list of things to do in Rabat is the Chellah necropolis, one of the city’s most evocative landmarks. Located south of the city and surrounded by imposing Marinid walls, you will access this UNESCO World Heritage Site through the gate of Bab Zaer. But Chellah’s story goes back even further. In Roman times, this was the bustling city of Sala Colonia, and you can still walk along parts of the Decumanus Maximus, the main street that once led directly to the port.

A short distance south of the historic city walls is the archeological site of Chellah, a walled enclosure containing a 13th to 14th-century Marinid funerary and religious complex as well as the ruins of the Roman city of Sala Colonia.

The Oudayas Museum (also formerly known as the National Museum of Jewellery) is housed in a pavilion residence built by Sultan Moulay Isma'il (r. 1672-1727) inside the Kasbah of the Udayas. It was first opened in 1915, making it one of the oldest public museums in Morocco. The Museum of History and Civilizations (formerly the National Archeological Museum) showcases the history of Morocco through a collection of archeological artifacts from the Punic, Mauretanian, Roman, and Islamic periods. The Bank al-Maghrib Museum was inaugurated in 2002 and is housed at the Bank al-Maghrib building downtown.

Exploring Rabat's Culture

Many organizations are active in cultural and social issues. Orient-Occident Foundation and ONA Foundation are the biggest of these. An independent art scene is active in the city. L'appartement 22, which is the first independent space for visual arts created by Abdellah Karroum, opened in 2002 and introduced international and local artists.

The Mawazine is a music festival in Rabat organized under the auspices of King Mohammed VI of Morocco, that started in 2001 where music groups, fans and spectators come together in a week-long celebration of culture and music both locally and internationally. Mawazine was host to more than 2,500,000 in 2013. Workshops are available for teaching dances and other arts. The festival is free.

The places of worship are predominantly Muslim mosques. The oldest mosque in the city is the "Old Mosque" (Jama' al-'Atiqa) in the Kasbah of the Udayas. The last remaining synagogues in Rabat are the Rabbi Shalom Zaoui synagogue and the Talmud Torah Synagogue. There are also Christian churches and temples, including an Evangelical church and St.

The biggest place for theatre is the Mohammed V Theatre in the centre of the town, which was opened in 1962. Construction on a new performing arts center, the Grand Theatre of Rabat, began in 2014. Designed by Zaha Hadid, it will reportedly be the largest theater in the Arab world and in Africa.

Exploring Rabat, Morocco: The Hidden Gem of North Africa 🌍✨ | Travel Guide

Practical Information for Visitors

In case this is your very first time visiting the Moroccan city of Rabat, here are a few tips to help you navigate this lovely destination.

Best time to visit and key events: Rabat enjoys a mild coastal climate, but make sure to bring layers as it can be windy by the ocean, even in summer evenings.
History: Rabat’s story goes back a long time. The Chellah site was actually first settled by the Phoenicians and later became a Roman city. In the 12th century, the Almohad dynasty built the city as a fortified base - the abovementioned kasbah of the Udayas. Its strategic position at the mouth of the Bouregreg River made it both a military stronghold and later a thriving port. Over the centuries, Rabat became a refuge for Andalusian Muslims expelled from Spain, who left their cultural imprint on the city’s architecture and gardens.
Language: Note that Arabic and Berber are the two official languages in the country. Throughout Moroccan cities, including Rabat, you will often find street signs in both Arabic and French, since the latter remains the main way to communicate for business or politics.
Safety: When visiting Rabat, particularly the bustling medina, be mindful of your belongings and stay alert. In my opinion, traveling as a woman is generally safe, but it’s important to take precautions to ensure a comfortable experience. Dressing modestly can help you avoid unwanted attention, especially in traditional areas. Also, sticking to busy, well-lit streets is advisable when exploring at night. Be confident but polite when declining persistent vendors or unsolicited advances. Traveling with a companion or group is ideal, but solo travel is also manageable with preparation and awareness. Trust your instincts, respect local customs, and enjoy the warm hospitality Morocco is known for.

Getting Around Rabat

Getting around Rabat is surprisingly easy compared to other Moroccan cities.

By boat: While the Port of Rabat mainly serves fishing and leisure boats but not international ferries, you can cross the Bouregreg River by small rowboats to visit the neighboring city of Salé and its fancy Marina Bouregreg Salé.
By bus: Rabat has an extensive public bus network that connects different neighborhoods and suburbs. It’s the cheapest way to move around, though buses can be slow and crowded compared to the tram. If you´re traveling to other Moroccan cities by bus, head to the Rabat bus station (gare routière).
By car: Renting a car would only be useful if you’re doing a road trip or day trips outside Rabat as was our case.
On foot: The medina, kasbah, and many attractions in Rabat are walkable.
By plane: Rabat is served by Rabat-Salé International Airport (RBA), just 8 km from the city center. It has regular connections with European cities and some domestic routes.
By taxi: The small, cheap and efficient taxis known as petits taxis are everywhere.
By train: Rabat is very well connected by ONCF trains to other Moroccan cities. The two main stations - Rabat Ville (central) and Agdal - have frequent trains to Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech or Tangier. I hear that trains are modern, comfortable, and reliable, making them the best option for intercity travel.
Tramway: Rabat has a modern tram connecting the city with Salé across the river. The Rabat-Salé tramway was the first tramway network in Morocco and connects Rabat with Salé across the river.

Day Trips from Rabat

Casablanca: Just over an hour away, you can visit Morocco´s largest city and its iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the few temples open to non-Muslims.
Kenitra: If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path escape, head north to this city.
Meknès & Volubilis: Try to visit Volubilis, an important Roman outpost, on your way from Fez to Rabat.
Salé: Right across the river, this less touristy town has charming medina vibes, a beautiful old mosque and a vast beach offering magnificent views of the Kasbah of the Oudayas in Rabat.

Final Thoughts

Rabat might not have the frenzy of Marrakech or the maze-like medina of Fez, but that’s exactly why many travelers love it. The city feels more authentic, calmer, and yet full of beauty.