Rabat: History, Gardens and the Atlantic

Rabat combines urban history and art with gardens, a large green space and the Atlantic. The focus shifts considerably between the Medina, Kasbah, museums and coast. When planning your trip, it is worth first considering whether you are particularly interested in architecture and history, collections, nature or excursions.

Medina, Architecture and Museums

The Medina lies in the heart of the capital. The surviving Hassan Tower is a 44-metre-high minaret; its architecture is similar to the Koutoubia in Marrakesh and the Giralda in Seville. The Mausoleum of Mohammed V overlooks the esplanade of the Hassan Tower. Together, these prominent landmarks invite you to explore Rabat’s architecture and history.

The Kasbah of the Udayas lies on the left bank of the Bouregreg, a 15-minute walk from the city centre; walking time may vary depending on the route. Chellah is 2 km from the city centre and outside the Almohad walls. These distinct location references offer practical points of orientation for planning your day.

The Oudaïa Ethnographic Museum is located in the Kasbah of the Oudaïas and is dedicated to preserving traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. The Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which opened in 2014, offers a different focus: it is Morocco’s first public museum of its kind and houses more than 400 works by Moroccan artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, including paintings, sculptures, photographs and installations.

Green Spaces, Gardens and Coast

The Ibn Sina Urban Forest, also known as Hilton Forest, is a green space covering more than 60 hectares in the Souissi district. The Rabat Botanical Garden was laid out in 1914 by landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier and covers 17 hectares. More than 600 plant species grow there in themed collections; the garden also includes a Moorish house.

The Andalusian Garden of the Oudaïas offers another botanical highlight: its Mediterranean plants include bougainvillea and orange trees. From there, the view stretches out to the Atlantic. Plage des Oudayas is also located in the city centre. The fortress perched on a rock faces the sea and overlooks the sandy beach below.

Strolling and Active Excursions

The recently restored Rue des Consuls is a pedestrian street that is ideal for a stroll and for finding special souvenirs. The tram is the preferred means of getting around Rabat; this also applies to Salé and Casablanca.

Excursions by kayak or windsurfing board are available at locations operated by the Rabat Nautical Club. Check before your trip whether the offer is available at the time of your visit.

Choose the Right Location for Your Trip

When choosing a holiday apartment in Rabat, it helps to prioritise what matters to you. Travellers who mainly want to explore architecture and collections will have different priorities from those planning to visit gardens, enjoy views of the Atlantic or go on a kayaking or windsurfing excursion. The Medina, Kasbah, Chellah and Souissi offer specific locations to help you find your bearings. Consider which of these sides of Rabat you want to define your stay, and choose your accommodation to suit that mix.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Aïn El Aouda, Bouknadel, Skhirat, Khémisset, Oulmes, Aguelmouss, Souk Larbaa Essehoul.

For the overview of the wider region: Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer.