Rabat

About Rabat

Rabat sits where the Bou Regreg river meets the Atlantic, facing its twin city Salé. The Almohads built here in the 12th century, and the city became the capital under the French protectorate and after independence.

Its UNESCO listing (2012) recognises the blend of the historic medina and kasbah with the 20th-century planned city — a modern capital and historic city as a shared heritage.

Top things to do

• Kasbah of the Udayas. Blue-and-white lanes, Andalusian gardens and views over the river mouth and ocean.
• Hassan Tower. The unfinished 12th-century minaret, surrounded by rows of column stumps.
• Mausoleum of Mohammed V. An elegant royal mausoleum with guards in ceremonial dress, facing the Hassan Tower.
• Chellah. Roman and Marinid ruins in a garden setting, famous for its nesting storks.
• Rabat medina. A calmer, easier medina than those of Fes or Marrakech, good for relaxed shopping.
• Bou Regreg waterfront. Stroll the riverside promenade or cross to Salé.

Outdoor activities

• Coastal walks along the Corniche
• Birdwatching: storks at Chellah and waterbirds on the Bou Regreg estuary
• Surfing at the city beaches (lessons with local schools)

Getting there & best time

Getting there

• From Casablanca: approx. 1–1.5 h by road or train.
• From Tangier: approx. 3 h by road, or around 1 h 20 by Al Boraq high-speed train.
• From Fes: approx. 2.5–3 h by road; trains are frequent.
• From Meknes: approx. 2–2.5 h.

Best time to visit

Rabat’s Atlantic climate is mild all year. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant; winter can be rainy.