One Day in Rabat

Start at Morocco's most photogenic kasbah. The Oudaias sits on a cliff above the Bouregreg River, its blue-and-white streets reminiscent of a Greek island. Walk through the monumental Almohad gate (Bab Oudaia), wander the narrow painted lanes, and find the Andalusian Garden — a serene formal garden with orange trees, jasmine, and fountains.

• The Andalusian Garden is free and opens at 9 AM — beautiful morning light
• The Café Maure terrace overlooks the river and ocean — mint tea with the best view in Rabat
• Blue-and-white painted streets make stunning photos — arrive early for empty lanes

Perched on the kasbah cliff edge, Café Maure is an institution. Sit on the outdoor terrace with views of the Bouregreg River, the Atlantic, and Salé across the water. Mint tea and Moroccan pastries (cornes de gazelle, chebakia) in one of the most beautiful settings in Morocco.

• Cash only — no cards accepted
• The terrace fills up by mid-morning — early is best
• Order Moroccan pastries — they are freshly made and cost 5–10 MAD each

Walk 15 minutes south to the Hassan Tower — the unfinished minaret of a 12th-century mosque that was intended to be the largest in the world. The tower stands 44 metres tall (it was planned for 86m) among a forest of broken stone columns. Beside it, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is a masterpiece of modern Moroccan architecture in white marble and green tile.

• The mausoleum is free to enter — non-Muslims welcome, unlike most Moroccan mosques
• The Royal Guard in white uniforms make for striking photographs
• The broken column field is eerie and beautiful — imagine the mosque at its intended scale
• Dress modestly for the mausoleum — shoulders and knees covered

Rabat's medina is organised, clean, and refreshingly hassle-free. Rue des Consuls is the main shopping street — carpets, leather goods, pottery, and jewellery at prices well below Marrakech. The medina dates to the 17th century and retains a residential character with far fewer tourists.

• Rue des Consuls — the best street for shopping with fixed-price shops alongside negotiable ones
• Rabat carpets (particularly from Salé across the river) are renowned — expect 300–2000 MAD
• The medina is small and gridded — getting lost is nearly impossible
• Look for the mellah (Jewish quarter) with its distinctive architecture

Rabat has excellent food at every price point. Dar Zaki in the medina serves refined Moroccan cuisine in a beautiful riad setting. Le Dhow is a converted boat-restaurant on the Bouregreg. For budget, the market stalls near the medina entrance serve grilled fish and harira for 30–50 MAD.

• Dar Zaki — elegant medina riad, pastilla and tagine, reserve ahead (100–150 MAD)
• Le Dhow — floating restaurant on the river, atmospheric, good for fish (120–180 MAD)
• Budget: medina food stalls near Bab el-Had — a full meal for 30–50 MAD
• Rabat is known for its pastilla (pigeon or seafood pie) — try it here

Take a taxi (15 MAD, 10 min) to the Chellah — ancient Roman ruins and a medieval Islamic necropolis wrapped in gardens. This is Rabat's most atmospheric site: crumbling minarets rise from fig trees, storks nest on the ruins, and sacred eels swim in the fountain. It is hauntingly beautiful and unlike anything else in Morocco.

• Recently restored and reopened — the gardens are immaculate
• The stork nests on the minaret ruins are enormous — bring binoculars or a zoom lens
• The sacred eel pool has local superstitions — visitors throw hard-boiled eggs to the eels for fertility
• Allow a full hour — the gardens and ruins are more extensive than they appear

Morocco's first national museum of modern and contemporary art, opened in 2014. The collection spans 20th and 21st-century Moroccan art — a perspective most visitors never encounter. The building itself is striking, and the rotating exhibitions are world-class.

• The permanent collection offers a fascinating window into Moroccan artistic identity
• Air-conditioned — a welcome break from summer heat
• Skip if short on time or not interested in contemporary art — Chellah is the must-see

The Bouregreg River waterfront has been transformed into a modern promenade with cafes, restaurants, and views across to Salé. Walk along the marina, watch the boats, and enjoy the contrast between the ancient kasbah on the cliff and the contemporary development below.

• The tram crosses the river to Salé — worth a quick ride for views (8 MAD)
• Good spot for a gelato or fresh juice break
• The marina area is especially pleasant in late afternoon light

Rabat's main boulevard is a showcase of Art Deco and Moorish-Colonial architecture from the French Protectorate era. The Parliament, Bank of Morocco, and cathedral line the avenue. This is Rabat at its most European — wide boulevards, outdoor cafes, and well-dressed locals.

• The cathedral (closed to worship, occasionally hosts exhibitions) is worth a quick look
• The Post Office building is a beautiful example of Moroccan Art Deco
• Avenue Mohammed V cafes are great for people-watching

End your day at Rabat's beach (Plage de Rabat, below the kasbah) or return to the Oudaias for sunset views. The beach stretches north along the coast and offers Atlantic sunsets. Alternatively, the Café Maure terrace at golden hour is unforgettable.

• The beach below the kasbah is popular with locals — a genuine, untouristy vibe
• Last Al Boraq train to Casablanca runs around 9 PM — check schedules
• If staying for dinner, Cosmopolitan (medina) or Dar Naji (modern Moroccan) are excellent
• The sunset from the kasbah cliff is one of the best in Morocco — arrive by 5:30 PM in summer