Morocco – Rabat

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Rabat-city-walls Morocco

Rabat, Morocco

Rabat is the capital of Morocco but is actually only the 7th biggest city in Morocco. It is here that Parliament sits, The Royal Palace is located and the tombs of past Kings lie. Don’t miss the old town Medina area and its wonderfully fortified  Kasbah area with the Andalusian Gardens, over looking the Med.

My Moroccan venture was actually a 3 city tour by train from Marrakesh where I flew into. I then went by train to Casablanca and then onwards, again by train to Rabat. Click on the name of the city here to see my individual city reviews.

So, my journey to here was from Casablanca and an easy trip it was too. I caught the train from Casa Voyageurs – the same station I arrived at in Casablanca. The easy walk back to the station along my now familiar route (as I walked from to station to my hotel 3 days earlier) was uneventful.

It however reminded me again, from the condition of the buildings and general unkept streets, that the city had seen better days.

Travel by train from Casablanca to Rabat.

Luckily the ticket guy spoke English but I was ready to use my rusty French if I had to and the ticket was again a cheap £6 roughly. You can also book tickets online here at Moroccan Railways. I had looked up the timings beforehand and there was a train every hour or often every 40 mins and the journey was a quick 50 mins or 1 hr 10 mins depending on the service.

Again it was easy to buy the ticket, and the train was again comfortable (a little dated) but perfectly usable. The views from the windows were of green fields and cultivation, with the occasional barren field and again I was reminded of how this area of Morocco was very different from the mountainous and desert areas much further south.

No sooner had I settled in, snapped away with my camera at the passing scenery, chatted to the friendly business woman seated opposite to me about my travels than we had arrived at Rabat Ville station. The station has the unmistakable 1930’s French/Moroccan colonial style building that I had seen in Marrakesh and is slap bang in the centre of town …. so convenient.

Ville-train-station-Rabat

Parliament building, Rabat.

I hadn’t planned it but my first sightseeing stop actually happened en route to the hotel. I had unwittingly chosen a route that took me right past the Parliament Building! I stopped to get a photo right next to the entrance but I got a few concerned stares from the Police guards which I read meaning they were not happy at the publicity. Rather than cause a scene (or maybe they were just curious), I opted to cross over the road to get a shot of it between the trees that lined the central avenue that it’s on. Picture taken, off I trundled towards my hotel, just checking once over my shoulder than no policeman was following me !

Parliament-Rabat-Morocco

Further along I was impressed by this avenue, as it was quite the 1950’s modern style, full of buildings from this era, very grand and a perfect example of town planning of its age. It’s a little bit French in their rectangular windows, a little bit Arabic in the curved arches and very African with the surrounding palm trees – quite an impressive first view of the city.

Post-office-Building-Rabat-Morocco

As I said, Rabat is quite a small city, despite being the capital and there is a more limited number of sights to visit that are on a must-see scale. However what there is, is worth getting to as I got the impression as Rabat is the capital, everything is so much better maintained. The environment was definitely looked after and the monuments and tourist sites seemed more pristine.

Where I stayed in Rabat

I was staying at the Malak Hotel. Click here for hotel website. A decent 4 star small hotel with some of the friendliest and chattiest staff I had encountered  on my travels. The male receptionist chatted to me each morning and we had several conversations about life in Morocco, his relatives in England and the fact that he had met the King of Morocco, on a visit to a convention. He even had the photo of them together proudly displayed behind the reception desk.

He also arranged my cheap taxi to the airport on my departure and even gave me a personal mini tour of the bar and restaurant and how to get around town. As I needed to print off my plane boarding pass they even gave me free use of their desk PC to do this.

One day I had problems with my iPad connecting to their free wifi – I had stupidly put a block on without noticing and couldn’t figure out what happened. A  guy working in the Café happily checked my iPad, saw the issue and showed me how to fix it. Very welcoming and helpful indeed.

The hotel is 4 mins from the Bab Chellah tram stop and the old town Medina. The hotel is in the centre of town with restaurants and open air cafes within 5 mins. It is a15 mins walk from Rabat Ville train station and 12 mins from one of Rabat’s biggest tourist attractions, the Hassan Tower. Perfectly placed in other words.

After settling into my room, I was out and about ready to explore the city that initially had impressed me.

My first stop would be after a 20 mins walk through a city area of somewhat more modern buildings that I had seen, so far, in Morocco – they even had pavements! At the end of my trail is probably the most important and largest site here (for Moroccans too), but for my money the prettiest and most atmospheric lies elsewhere – more on that one later so keep reading!

The Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Hassan-Tower-Rabat-Morocco
Hassan-Tower-Rabat-Morocco
Mausoleum-of-Mohammed-V-Rabat-Morocco

The sandstone tower is the minaret of an incomplete mosque from 1195. It was planned to be the largest minaret and accompanying Mosque in the world but was never finished. It is actually about half its intended height. The Mosque was also never finished and all that left now are the 348 columns that would have supported the roof..

The modern Mausoleum of Mohammed V is also on this site and is a revered memorial for Moroccans, guarded by horse-mounted sentries in brightly coloured capes and tunics.

Hassan-Tower-Rabat-Morocco
Mausoleum-of-Mohammed-V-Rabat-Morocco

Rabat Cathedral.

Leaving the Tower behind I headed to an anomaly – a Cathedral. It was billed as being unique, quite large and its style was certainly different to the Gothic or Mediaeval styles I am used to in Europe and I wanted to explore inside. Sadly it was closed and even looked a little run down … perhaps next time.

Coffee pit stop in Rabat at a sumptuous location!

After walking around the massive site of the Mausoleum and Tower and dropping by the Cathedral, it was time for refreshment. The sun was strong and the lack of a breeze meant I was turning a distinct pink colour. That meant it was time to head for cover, so I headed for a treat to the terrace of the Hassan Tower Palace Hotel, (click here for hotel details and its fab Café). It’s a sumptuous 5 star place oozing opulence but I needed it and it was actually quite affordable ….so I had a second coffee and relaxed in the green gardens in sight of the blue mosaic tiled fountain and pool. Bliss!

Hotel-La-Torre-Hassan-Palace-rabat-Morocco

Next day and I’m up bright and early as today was going to be one site but it is large with lots to see and I wanted to take it easy on my last day in Morocco. So after brekkie I head off out – actually across the road as I had chosen my hotel to be near this marvellous site for convenience, and it worked !

Kasbah of the Udayas.

The Kasbah is old ! It dates from the 10th Century but was destroyed by a rival invading Caliphate and then rebuilt in the 12th Century. Lots of history here and the buildings show its evolution over time into what must be today one of the prettiest and most atmospheric of any city quarters in the world,

Kasbah-walls-Rabat-Morocco

Today it is a major tourist attraction within Rabat, with scenic views from its fortified walls overlooking the small beach,. To one side it faces the mouth of the Bou Regreg river with small boats plying the waters. Another view from its walls, gives you a panaramic vista across the river to neighbouring Salé and of course a tremendous view out to the Atlantic.

The houses inside the Kasbah walls are famous for their whitewashed blue and white walls and lots of small alleyways and courtyards – almost like a scene from a Greek island – and similarly have lots of small Riads (traditional B&B establishments). I actually got gloriously lost wandering the quiet but safe streets and lanes but as it is so small you just keep going and eventually come out somewhere that you recognise.

Within the Kasbah is what I think is the most atmospheric and prettiest attraction in Rabat.

Andalusian Gardens

I spent a while, just lazing here, people watching and taking in the fragrant smells of the flowers and plants. I could watch the passing scenes on a relaxing bench ….. nice rest for my feet …. but also time to kick back from the walking. This was a special place to admire the scenery and just to take time to experience the atmos and inwardly digest !

Why Andalusian? Well it’s in the design and despite the name, they were actually designed by a French landscape architect in the twentieth century. If you have been to Andalucía, Spain you will recognise the buildings style and gardens of Cordoba, Granada etc with the water features and fountains and the fragrant plants and green bushes of that style.

Andalusian-Gardens-Rabat-Morocco

There is a great little café in here too, that is perched on the rampart walls edge, with outside seating that gives marvellous views over the beach and out to sea. Take a traditional mint tea and Moroccan sweet pastries here cos’ it is one of the most peaceful and idyllic Cafes in Rabat.

This concluded my trip to rabat and I was impressed at its glorious 1950s architecture,  grand sites and the ease of moving around the city. I could have used the tram, and that was my plan, but found that walking was so easy and everything I wanted to see was certainly within a long stroll. I love walking and taking in the sights and this city gave me an abundance of that opportunity.

If you are looking for a quick weekend getaway from Europe, this city is definitely one of the easiest to do. The airport is only 9km from the city. It is well connected to eg Casablanca/Tangiers etc by train if you want to extend you trip longer and see more of the country.

It has an excellent modern tram system with Rabat Ville train station being in the centre of town. There are even two beaches at the sea promenades (but don’t expect Mediterranean style parasols and chairs!

The city carries more of an air of affluence (limited as this is in Morocco), than Casablanca or Marrakesh in my view …… and do not miss the Andalusian Gardens for sure, as these are unique, charming and actually not overcrowded with tourists …. yet!

Feb, 2017.

Below are some related posts on nearby places to visit. Click on the pic to view.

Morocco – Agadir

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By |2023-01-31T18:06:23+00:00February 27th, 2017|Africa, Latest-Posts, Morocco, Past Destinations, Rabat, Travel The World Club|22 Comments

22 Comments

  1. JoJo Hall 24/07/2021 at 21:04 - Reply

    That beach view and those gardens look absolutely amazing! Who knew there was so much history and beauty within one place!?

    • admin 25/07/2021 at 16:53 - Reply

      The Andalusian Gardens were probably the best feature of this city for me. They were so attrative and peaceful.

  2. Mitch 21/04/2023 at 15:30 - Reply

    I knew absolutely nothing about Rabat before reading this but would definitely add it into a Morocco itinerary. Love the architecture of the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V. How interesting that the mosque was never finished but the roof support columns still remain. The kasbah – which has such a contrast between the exterior walls and interior streets – looks like the perfect place to wander through. We always enjoy spending time in gardens as well and the Andalusian gardens looked delightful. It also sounds as though you had lots of great interactions with local people as well. Great post – and good to hear about how easy it is to travel on the trains.

    • Barry 24/04/2023 at 00:20 - Reply

      Rabat is a little gem of a city and clearly missed off so many people’s itinerary when they they visit Morocco. The old architecture here is so well preserved and majestic and the Kasbah was the best I saw in Morocco. It ends at the Andalusian Gardens where you can rest, have a coffee in a cliff top café and enjoy the views over the estuary – idyllic!

  3. Agnes 22/04/2023 at 21:14 - Reply

    Those are great tips on what to see in Morocco’s capital and how to get around the city. I spent a short time in Rabat while traveling around Morocco, but it is worth visiting the capital. I think it’s a great idea to travel by train from Casablanca to Rabat, as the price is affordable and it’s a quick journey. For sure, it’s worth seeing the Parliament Building, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. I also enjoyed the Andalusian Gardens.

    • Barry 24/04/2023 at 00:23 - Reply

      The Andalusian Gardens were one of the highlights of Rabat for me. The train journey was so easy to do and very cheap and is expanding. Rabat can be done n a weekend from most European cities as a quick getaway.

  4. Kelly 22/04/2023 at 23:24 - Reply

    Rabat looks neautiful and so clean! It also sounds like it has some great coffee shops. As nice as Kasbah sounds to explore, like you I’d get lost. But I’d likely never find my way out .

    • Barry 24/04/2023 at 00:25 - Reply

      There were plenty of open air cafes and eateries and the general feel of the city is more on of a business and commercial city rather than a tourist one. However, I feel it is one of those hidden gems that has lots to shout about but rarely makes it on a tourist list.

  5. Pam 23/04/2023 at 23:22 - Reply

    Oh the architecture is absolutely stunning! I would love a visit to Kasbah of the Udayas. I didn’t even think of doing a weekend getaway to Rabat from Europe! The Andalusian Gardens remind me of an oasis!

    • Barry 24/04/2023 at 00:27 - Reply

      The Gardens are so green and picturesque. You would never believe you are in a city when strolling through the grounds with its peaceful atmosphere. I would consider doing Rabat again as an easy, weekend city trip.

  6. Luke Young 24/04/2023 at 16:28 - Reply

    Another great BarryFind hotel, this time with above & beyond service.

    Loving the architecture here and the Andalusian Gardens, and yep, they look exactly like the oasis treasure troves you find in Spain. Glad you got to spend some time relaxing in them rather than just rushing through them.

    Thanks to your posts, I’m really considering putting Morocco on my list.

    • Barry 25/04/2023 at 13:29 - Reply

      The gardens are superb here and to be honest, I found many of the parks and gardens in Morocco to be be general in teh same lovely condition. Morocco was an early venture for me and I recently returned to see another city, finding that it has really upped its game in the maintenance of public spaces

  7. Melanie 26/04/2023 at 20:17 - Reply

    Those 348 columns would be quite the sight. Do you know why thee mosque wasn’t finished? Kasbah looks like a lovely place to visit–I think you’re right about it being one of the prettiest quarters! I can picture myself relaxing at the Andalusian Gardens, too.

    • Barry 26/04/2023 at 22:45 - Reply

      I believe the ruler funding its construction died before it was compete. The Andalusian Gardens certainly has a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

  8. James 27/04/2023 at 05:40 - Reply

    Hard to believe Rabat is only the 7th biggest city in Morocco! The country has fascinated me for a while. I recognise the style of Andalucia gardens but it is funny how a French architect liked it too! I love Moroccan blue on any wall or building and someday I would love to have that colour painted on my house!

    • Barry 28/04/2023 at 13:19 - Reply

      The blue (Majorelle or Berber blue as they call it), is a lovely colour and so recognisable around Morocco in general. The Andalusian Gardens are so peaceful inside the city, you would never know the city surrounds you.

  9. Emma 30/04/2023 at 05:28 - Reply

    Rabat isn’t one of the places you hear about as much in Morocco so I appreciated the introduction to this city. Good that it’s such an easy getaway from Europe – actually one of the benefits of Morocco as I know my friend just did a trip from Spain very easily. I’m excited to explore Morocco one day so I’ll keep this in mind as I hear the likes of Marrakech is really busy so this might be a nice way to balance it out

    • Barry 30/04/2023 at 18:52 - Reply

      Rabat was such a good find and I loved that it was relatively tourist free compared to overcrowded Marrakesh. It certainly makes for an easy getaway from Europe on a short and easy flight.

  10. Angela 02/05/2023 at 11:32 - Reply

    Rabat is clearly a gem of Morocco and it has an advantage, in my opinion, it is off most of the more touristy routes, which makes it less overcrowded.
    I have never visited the Moroccan capital but this article has piqued my curiosity about the city.

    • Barry 02/05/2023 at 13:29 - Reply

      It was enjoyable to be able to sit in large outdoor cafes and be surrounded by locals rather than hordes of tourists – it just gave a different atmosphere to the place. Rabat really impressed me and is great for a relaxing weekend away from most European cities.

  11. Carolin 02/05/2023 at 17:18 - Reply

    I gotta say I’m not too fond of Morocco, the minarets and many religious sites can’t engage me that much, but I understand that’s what intrigues you and captures your interest. I did like that you spend some time in some of the cafes in Rabat. It strikes me as a city that would be worth exploring for its coffee culture and traditions. Hm, you have planted a seed here.

    Carolin | Solo Travel Story

    • Barry 03/05/2023 at 16:51 - Reply

      the cafes here will be full of locals rather than tourists, as I found, so that will be a point of authenticity for you. I can’t say Morocco is one of my favourite countries in the world and I’ve seen mainly teh tourist hotspots so it may cloud my opinion. I would love to discover more of its internal hinterland and flora.

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