The 7 things to do in Rabat

Visit Rabat: What are the best things to do and see in the second city of Morocco?

Located on the Atlantic coast, Rabat is the political and administrative capital of Morocco, and the second largest agglomeration of the kingdom. An imperial city registered in 2013 with the UNESCO World Heritage, it was founded in the 12th century by the great almohade sultan “ Abd al Moumen “, whose ribat (a religious and military camp including a citadel and huge ramparts) was nothing less than the starting point of the Arab incursions in Spain From then on, the Muslims in Andalusia made the golden age of the city by giving it a leading commercial and artisanal role. At the beginning of the 20th century, however, it was only a small town of 25,000 inhabitants that Marshal Lyautey entrusted the status of political and administrative capital of the French protectorate.

Enjoying an oceanic climate, the place is at the forefront of what one can imagine when thinking about the cities of Maghreb: the thermometer rarely exceeds 25° C during the summer, which makes it an ideal city to visit for Europeans not accustomed to stifling temperatures. But Rabat is also a striking contrast: that of an urban and trendy metropolis with an impressive list of monuments, cultural and heritage sites that it will be very pleasant to contemplate.

Are you wondering what to do in Rabat during your stay? Here is the answer with our 7 essentials to visit Rabat and taste its pleasures without losing a miette!

1. La kasbah des Oudayas

kasbah des Oudayas is a former fortified military camp, built in the 12th century, now listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This includes one of the first palaces built by the Alaouites, the royal dynasty, still reigning today.

After entering the kasbah by one of the massive gates serving as the grandiose guards of the place, one is left subjugated by the small blue alleys to the walls covered with lime, the amazing silence contrasting with the frenzy of the modern city centre and the tranquility reigning in the place. Many guides will allow you to understand this place full of history: if you know what to do in Rabat, don’t hesitate, go to the kasbah.

Moreover, if you do not stay in Rabat, know that it is possible to go there to discover all its historical wonders such as kasbah. Starting in Casablanca, for example, a day’s time, enjoy a guided tour who will plunge you into the heart of the capital!

2. The zoo in Rabat

The Zoological garden is a popular place not to be missed when visiting Rabat: it holds the largest number of Atlas lions in captivity, and forms an artificial biotope containing more than 130 animal species from the Atlas Mountains, the typical North African desert and savannah. An interesting family visit!

3. The Museum of History and Civilization

Formerly known as "Archaeological Museum", the Museum of History and Civilization is a witness of the rich history of Morocco from the Prehistory to the Islamic era, and presents ancient objects from excavations, as well as extremely detailed descriptions of the ancestral way of life of the Maghreb tribes. For a derisory sum, you will be able to admire the tools of prehistoric men, statuettes from the Neolithic, like Roman deities, or ceramics, vestiges of the Dawn of the Muslim period; the bronze busts of Juba II and the great Caton, the famous statue of the crowned ephebe, or the dog of Volubilis.

4. Saint-Pierre Cathedral

Built in 1930 in the Hassan district, in the Golan square, the Saint-Pierre Cathedral is the seat of the archdiocese of Rabat; Morocco has at all times seen the different religions of the Book cohabit in peace, and it is therefore quite naturally that Christian and Jewish religious buildings found their place within it. What is more amazing is to visit flaps and fall on a cathedral built in the purest art deco style: its very particular geometric shape and its immaculate whiteness remind those of snow crystals! It is possible to visit it, and the interior is just as surprising.

5. The botanical test garden

Created at the initiative of the Maréchal Lyautey in 1914, the botanical testing garden was designed to highlight more than 250 fruit trees and ornamental plants from various regions of the world.

Today, this ecological micro-system in the heart of town houses an impressive collection of cactus and it is fun to meet many birds who come to shelter in the trees bordering the shaded aisles of the park! Although it is never very hot in this Moroccan city, thanks to the presence of the nearby ocean, it is nevertheless pleasant to enjoy a walk in serenity in the green aisles of the park; an immanquable for who still wants to do in Rabat.

6. The Necropolis of Chellah

Located on the site of the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia, 2 km southeast of the city centre, Chellah necropolis is considered by all travelers who have come to visit Rabat as a place filled with mystery and the most romantic place in the country.

It offers a splendid view of the Bouregeg River, and, although some tombs present inside the site are today used as benchmarks for storks and other volatiles, the remains of this necropolis are all but blurred! Many people come to walk there at sunset, wandering in the ruins of this ancient city. A must for travellers and lovers, looking for a place in Rabat.

7. The souk of Rabat

The latter takes place on the rue des Consuls and lead to the Kasbah of the Udayas; although it is not as majestic as that of Marrakech or Essaouira’s medina, it still serves as a significant stop when visiting Rabat! It extends over a kilometre and, important detail that will seduce the most dizzy: the absence of turbulent lanes will prevent them from losing themselves as in Marrakech, for example, or dozens of tourists are struggling to find their way!

How to go to Rabat?

The airport of Rabat-Salé is a Moroccan international airport located in the commune of Salé, only 8 km northeast of Rabat: it welcomes international flights and is particularly oriented towards those arriving from France or continental Spain. It is therefore easy to land as close to your destination to visit Rabat: our partner Ulysses will allow you to get there by finding a flight at the best price.

Once on site, it will be easier rent a car : for a modest price, this will allow you to move freely without depending on the buses and taxis, not always easily available or comfortable! Otherwise, you can always opt for one airport/Rabat transfer : a private driver will pick you up at the airport to drop you off at the foot of your accommodation.

Where to stay in Rabat?

If you are going to visit Rabat, you will only have the embarrassment of the choice between different places to stay : these are to be selected according to your wishes and budget. The city includes many hotels, especially on the coast, where you can find a room with sea view, the coast being dazzlingly beautiful! However, the city centre is not yet with a beautiful selection of establishments, and you will find the one that best suits you by consulting the offers on this Compare hotels . This is not all, of course, it is also possible for you to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture by renting an apartment directly on typical rental platforms Airbnb , which will allow you to feel at home, even in one of the guest houses present in and outside the city, and which often offer side activities.

For all lovers of unforgettable nights in the beautiful star, know that out of the campsites offering pitches in order to make no more than one with a wild and preserved nature, some individuals make available their gardens to place your tent, for one or more nights, for a few euros only!

From now on, you know how to best enjoy when you come to visit Rabat, and the charms of this particular region during your stay. But will you manage to choose what to do in Rabat and.. when of the year would you like to start your stay on site?