What to do in Rabat: 48 hours in Morocco’s capital
What to do in Rabat: 48 hours in Morocco’s Capital
Just a one-hour train ride from Tangier lies Rabat, Morocco’s capital and one of its four imperial cities. Whenever we feel the need to escape our daily routine, we board the Boraq, Morocco’s high-speed train, for an enchanting weekend in this vibrant city.
Where to stay in Rabat: a riad in the medina
Upon arrival, we checked into one of the charming riads nestled in the heart of Rabat’s medina. The city offers a wealth of these picturesque accommodations, but staying close to the Kasbah of the Udayas is a must. This historic kasbah, dating back to the 12th century, offers stunning views of the Bou Regreg River and the neighboring city of Salé. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a tranquil morning tea.
Inside the kasbah’s walls, we wandered through the Andalusian Gardens, a serene oasis brimming with exotic plants and vibrant flowers. These gardens provide a perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon stroll, especially under the warm autumn sun.
Lunch on board of le Dhow
From the kasbah, our walk took us to the corniche beside the river. Here, we boarded the elegant boat, “Le Dhow,” for a unique dining experience with panoramic views of the water.
Salé, homeland of pirates
Afterward, we took one of the small blue boats that ferry visitors across the river to Salé, Rabat’s sister city.
Salé is a historic city with a rich maritime heritage. In the 17th century, it was notorious as a haven for pirates and corsairs, which adds to its intriguing character. Today, Salé is known for its charming old medina, traditional architecture, and peaceful atmosphere, offering a quieter contrast to the bustling capital city.
Exploring Rabat’s iconic landmarks by bike
The next morning, we joined a local guide for a thrilling bike tour around Rabat’s outskirts. Pedaling along the river, we visited iconic landmarks like the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, both showcasing Morocco’s rich architectural heritage.
The Hassan Tower originally intended to be the minaret of an enormous mosque that was never completed. Standing at 44 meters tall, it remains one of the tallest minarets in the world and a striking example of Almohad architecture.
Adjacent to the tower is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a beautiful tribute to Morocco’s late king. This royal mausoleum, designed in traditional Moroccan style, is adorned with exquisite marble, intricate woodwork, and colorful mosaics. It houses the tombs of King Mohammed V and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah, making it a significant site of national importance and a symbol of Morocco’s rich history and culture.
Our journey took us along the Bou Regreg River to the Roman site of Chellah, an ancient archaeological site located just outside Rabat. Originally, it was a Roman city known as Sala Colonia, founded in the 2nd century. It was an important Roman settlement, complete with baths, temples, and a necropolis. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the site was abandoned, but it was later repurposed in the 14th century by the Merinid dynasty, who built a fortified Islamic settlement on top of the Roman ruins.
Our bike tour ended in Rabat’s old medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we took a final stroll before heading back to Tangier on the high-speed train, refreshed and inspired by our weekend adventure in Morocco’s capital.
