Rabat: 4 must-see attractions

Tourist attractions

What to see in Rabat?

Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Average visit duration: 2 hours

Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V

The Hassan Tower is a symbol in Rabat it's a bit like the Effeil Tower in Paris. Commissioned in the 12th century at the request of Sultan Yacoub El Mansour, who wanted to build the world's largest Mosque, the construction was abandoned when the latter died, leaving the tower unfinished. Today, the Arab-Andalusian style building is a popular destination for tourists, who also come to visit King Mohammed V's magnificent Italian white marble Mausoleum, located a few metres from the Hassan Tower. Inside the Mausoleum are the tombs of the King and his two sons, including Hassan II, who succeeded him to the throne.

Julia's tip : The mausoleum is a Sacred place. Visitors are therefore asked to adopt a respectful attitude and put their cameras away

The Necropolis of Chellah
Average visit duration: 1 hour

The Necropolis of Chellah

Located outside the city centre, the Chellah Necropolis is a place full of Mysticism and Spirituality. Built on the ruins of an ancient Roman city, it was evidently used as a cemetery for several Heads from the Merinids Dynasty. Now restored and protected, this historic site is the ideal place for a romantic escape into the heart of a lush garden and ancient scenery.

Julia's tip : Lovers are not the only ones who appreciate the quietness of this place. Storks have chosen this place as their home and they make their nests here every year.

Kasbah of the Udayas
Average visit duration: Half a day

Kasbah of the Udayas

Built in the 12th century under the Almoravid Dynasty, the Oudayas Kasbah has had various functions throughout its history. Initially used as a military base for Moroccan troops, particularly during the conquest of Andalusia, then as a privateer's hideaway, its current name was given by Sultan Moulay Abderrahmane in honour of the tribe of the Oudayas, who once occupied the Kasbah. The place was turned into a charming little village during the second half of the 19th century, under the influence of the French protectorate. The narrow streets and the bright white-and-blue coloured houses are very much like a Greek island!

Julia's tip : the Moorish café is an institution in the Kasbah. You can come here to sip a mint tea with a pastry while admiring the view of the ramparts and the Hassan Tower.

Museum of History and Civilisations
Average visit duration: 2 hours

Museum of History and Civilisations

The Moroccan basements are full of treasures, and a large part of these treasures are now reunited at the Museum of History and Civilizations in Rabat (formerly the Archaeological Museum), which is the most visited museum in the city. Opened in 2017 after a one-year restoration, it hosts superb collections of objects, pottery, everyday tools and mosaics that tell the story of Morocco from prehistoric times, through ancient Rome, then the Islamic period with the great Moroccan dynasties, the last of which, the Alawids, still exists today.

Julia's tip : Among the museum's most significant pieces, you have to see the "Le Chien de Volubilis", or "l'Éphèbe couronné", both of which come from the excavations carried out in the Archaeological site of Volubilis located near the city of Meknes.