Rabat, Morocco: A travel experience unlike any other

Jeffchristensen
7 min readAug 27, 2022

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Rabat, Morocco, is one of the most interesting places I’ve ever visited on my trip to North Africa. I was excited to visit someplace new and exciting, as well as somewhere that was slightly different from the norm for tourists in Morocco. Rabat, however, turned out to be something more than just slightly different — it was an entirely different experience than any other city I visited in the country and one of the coolest experiences I had while I was there.

Arrived in Rabat

As soon as I arrived in Rabat, I could tell that it was going to be a unique travel experience. The city has a mix of old and new, with beautiful architecture and plenty of history. The people were friendly and welcoming, and I quickly felt at home. I loved exploring the city and learning about its culture and customs. Overall, my trip to Rabat was an amazing experience that I will never forget.

Rabat, Morocco: A travel experience unlike any other
Night panoramic view of Rabat, Morocco

Place to stay

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Rabat that is truly unique, look no further than the Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses. This hotel is situated in an 18th-century palace that has been fully renovated and offers modern amenities while still maintaining its historic charm. The rooms are spacious and elegantly appointed, and the staff is attentive and friendly.

The hotel offers several amenities and dining options. There’s a nice outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, a spa for relaxation after an eventful day in Rabat, and excellent food at all of its restaurants.

The service at Sofitel is truly outstanding. Breakfast and dinner are both served buffet-style in separate dining rooms. There’s a lot of variety and something for everyone, with lots of healthy and vegetarian options available as well.

Tourist Attractions

When most people think of Morocco, they picture Marrakech with its bustling markets and rich history. But Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, is a hidden gem that offers travelers a unique and wonderful experience. From the beautiful architecture to the delicious food, there is something for everyone in Rabat. Here are some of the best tourist attractions in Rabat

The Royal Palace is one of Rabat’s most famous tourist attractions. It’s considered a national symbol for Morocco and has a long history of hosting kings and presidents since it was constructed in 1912. The Royal Palace is notable for its intricate mosaics and beautiful interior design, as well as its position overlooking a bay on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s definitely worth a visit!

The Hassan Tower is an iconic feature of Rabat’s skyline. It was constructed by Muhammed V, who wanted to mirror his father’s tower in Marrakech. While it isn’t quite as tall as its counterpart — it only reaches about 50 meters — it still offers

Rabat, Morocco: A travel experience unlike any other
Tour Hassan (Hassan Tower) is a partially built mosque minaret overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Moroccan capital city of Rabat.

amazing views of Rabat and surrounding areas. Also notable is its intricate design with a large decorative niche at its top where locals and tourists alike can hang out! I highly recommend climbing up to see all that it has to offer!

The Hassan Tower is a popular attraction in Rabat that many people like to visit. Located on a hill outside of Rabat, it offers a beautiful view of both Rabat and its surrounding areas. Tourists love to climb up all 398 steps to reach its top where they can relax and take in all that it has to offer! It’s definitely worth a visit while in Rabat!

Rabat, Morocco: A travel experience unlike any other
Mosque Hassan in Rabat, capital city of Morocco

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is another well-known landmark in Rabat. The Sultan of Morocco ordered its construction to house his father’s remains and for it to serve as a site for royal ceremonies and national events. Like many places in Rabat, it has intricate mosaics on its interior and is an important piece of Moroccan history. It’s a must-see while visiting Rabat!

Rabat, Morocco: A travel experience unlike any other
Fountain at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat — Morocco

The Kasbah Museum is a lesser-known attraction in Rabat but should not be missed! It was originally constructed as a royal palace and fort to defend against foreign invaders. Today it’s open to visitors who can take tours through its beautifully decorated interiors. Many of its rooms have been furnished with original furniture from when it was first built and are more than worth exploring on your visit to Rabat! It’s definitely worth a look for tourists visiting Rabat!

Rabat, Morocco: A travel experience unlike any other
River Bou Regreg seafront and Kasbah in medina of Rabat, Morocco

The National Museum of Moroccan Art is a wonderful cultural attraction in Rabat. As its name suggests, it houses many different types of artwork and historical items related to Moroccan history. It’s a great way to learn more about Rabat’s history and culture while enjoying some beautiful things! I highly recommend visiting!

Cultural Experiences

The culture shock was evident from the moment I arrived — the bustling markets, chaotic streets and foreign language were all a bit overwhelming. But I soon fell in love with the city and its people. I loved exploring the Medina, bargaining for souvenirs in the souks and sampling delicious Moroccan food. I even managed to overcome my fear of haggling! The highlight of my trip was definitely spending time with friends and hangouts.. It was a truly unforgettable experience.

Rabat, Morocco: A travel experience unlike any other
The historical Medina of the city of Rabat, capital of Morocco

Food and Drink

The food in Rabat was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The spices and flavors were so exotic and new to me. I loved trying all the different dishes and drinks. The mint tea was my favorite! I also loved the fresh fruits and vegetables.

I Loved… The climate in Rabat was amazing. While it was a bit cooler than home, I loved how temperate it was and how it wasn’t too hot or too cold. It also didn’t rain as much as I thought it would for an area where there were so many mountains. I love being able to enjoy a sunny day without having to worry about getting wet!

I Loved… The neighborhood of Agdal was one of my favorite parts of Rabat. It had shops that sold everything from high-end handbags to Moroccan spice markets. There were also lots of beautiful parks that were great for relaxation and picnics after walking around all day.

Artistic Experiences

Rabat is a city full of surprises. From the moment you arrive, you can feel the centuries of history that have shaped this place. The architecture is a mix of Moorish and French influences, and the streets are lined with colorful markets and street vendors. But what really makes Rabat special is the people. Everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming, and I felt like I got a true taste of Moroccan culture. From trying new foods to learning about traditional music and dance, my trip to Rabat was an unforgettable experience.

From centuries-old monuments to new contemporary art galleries and museums, you’ll never run out of things to do. The Maison de la Photographer has more than 800 photographs by both Moroccan and international artists, many of which are for sale. My favorite places to visit are souks — open air markets where you can buy everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothes and souvenirs at great prices. Rabat is known for its medina (the old town), so I highly recommend walking through it at least once — be sure to stop in one of its many cafes along the way!

Shopping

In Rabat, you can find almost anything you could want to buy. The markets are full of beautiful handicrafts, spices, and fabrics. bargaining is expected, so don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price. If you’re looking for something specific, head to one of the many shops lining the streets. You’ll find everything from hand-painted pottery to authentic Moroccan lamps.

Places I’d recommend checking out in Rabat

If you’re looking for a travel destination that’s both exotic and safe, Rabat is the perfect place for you. This beautiful city has something for everyone, from stunning architecture and historical landmarks to delicious food and friendly locals.

If you’re looking for historical landmarks in Rabat, it doesn’t get much better than Hassan Tower. It’s one of Rabat’s most popular attractions and it’s impossible to miss thanks to its 50-meter tower rising from a circular base.

The building itself dates back to the 16th century and has become an icon for both city residents and visitors alike. But that’s not all! Take a few steps further away from Hassan Tower and you’ll find more historical landmarks from centuries past, including Mazmamart Mosque which is often considered one of Africa’s most beautiful religious buildings .

Rabat, Morocco: A travel experience unlike any other
Morocco Map

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Jeffchristensen

I am a travel blogger and translator who also writes articles and blogs about more personal favorite things.