Start Exploring
If you’re already in Rabat or planning your trip, one thing’s clear: you’re ready to explore. You don’t need a history lecture or a generic travel list — you need real, useful ideas to make your time here memorable. That’s what this guide is about.
Let’s go beyond the basics and get into the real spots worth visiting in Morocco’s capital — a mix of the iconic, the underappreciated, and the small gems only locals really talk about.
- The Oudayas – More Than Just a Pretty Wall
Sure, everyone takes pictures of the blue alleyways here — but the Kasbah of the Udayas is more than Instagram. Arrive early in the morning when the light is soft, and you’ll have the quiet charm of the place almost to yourself. Step into the Andalusian Gardens — free to enter, full of color, and often overlooked.
Tip: Grab tea and almond pastries at Café Maure. It’s not hidden, but it’s timeless. Sit by the wall and watch the Atlantic crash gently below. ⸻
- Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V
These two historical landmarks are side-by-side, and both are free to enter. The unfi nished minaret of Hassan Tower still impresses — and the white marble mausoleum is one of the most serene spots in the city. Tip: Go at golden hour for incredible light and fewer tour groups.
⸻ - The Medina – Less Tourist Hype, More Local Feel
Rabat’s medina is peaceful compared to other cities. You can actually walk without being harassed. Here’s where to go:
•Rue des Consuls: traditional crafts, jewelry, leather goods
•Book Market (Bab El Had): second-hand books, rare fi nds, old vinyl
•El Bahia: local spot for delicious msemen and harira soup Tip: Don’t be afraid to talk to shop owners — many are friendly and proud to share stories about their work.
⸻ - Chellah – Ruins Full of Life
An ancient Roman site later turned into a royal burial ground. Storks nest above the broken stone arches, and the whole place feels like nature and history decided to co-exist. Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for cooler weather and fewer people.
⸻ - Agdal & Souissi – The “New” Rabat
Modern, clean, and full of life. Here’s where younger locals go for food, fashion, and fun. You’ll fi nd smoothie bars, burger joints, bookstores, and open-air cafés.
•Le Dhow (fl oating bar/restaurant on the river)
•Blendy’s (juice & breakfast spot in Agdal)
•Mega Mall (ice skating, bowling, and shopping) Tip: This is the part of Rabat where most young creatives and students hang out — great for meeting locals.
⸻ - The Beach Scene – Not Just for Surf
You’ve got two options:
1.Plage de Rabat (near Oudayas) — for a chill walk or people-watching
2.Temara & Skhirat Beaches (short drive) — if you want a full beach day Tip: In summer, these spots come alive with vendors, snacks, and live music in the evenings.
⸻Rabat is a rare mix: calm but full of things to do, traditional but welcoming to change, rich in history but not stuck in the past. You won’t fi nd massive parties or chaotic souks here — but you will fi nd depth, beauty, and unforgettable corners.
So grab your sneakers, charge your phone, and open your mind. Rabat is ready for you now it’s time to start exploring.
