"Places to Visit in Rabat" by Malika Moudden

Rabat is one of the cities that best represents Morocco. It has a very rich history and blend of traditional culture with a modern lifestyle. My advice to you is that if you get the chance to come here, try to experience different things and never take someone else’s experience as a model. Everyone experiences things differently. This blog will only give you an idea about places you should not miss while being in Rabat, but again when you have free time or when you feel bored, just put your headphones on and get lost in the city. Don’t worry, you will get your way back but believe me you will have a lot fun doing that.

Chellah

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Chellah is one of the most beautiful places in Rabat. I remember, when I first moved to Rabat, my friend told me about the place and I got really excited to see the ruins she described in a very beautiful way. I really did not regret waking up early on a weekend to go there. If you are a person who enjoys ancient places, you will really enjoy the place. I personally felt as if I traveled through history. Photo Credit: Moudden, 2020

Bouregreg River & Marina

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Bouregreg is the river that separates Rabat and Sale. My friends and I usually go there to enjoy the view and spend some time in the small, blue, cheap boats that people use to cross the river. I still remember the first time taking the boat with my friends during a cold evening. It was so fun! If you are also a kayak lover, I highly recommend going there on a weekend. I personally find Bouregreg as the best place in Rabat to do that.

Another thing that you should not miss while being in Bouregreg is the coffee shops on the Rabat side. They are amazing and so cozy. My favorite one is “Le Dhow”. This coffee shop gives me the sense of traveling overseas using a ship. I really cannot describe how I feel every time I sip my hot coffee with that awesome view. One thing that frustrates me while being in Bouregreg alone as a female is harassment. To avoid this and enjoy my time, I always go there with my friends and not alone! Photo Credit: Moudden, 2020

Kasbah of the Oudayas

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Kasbah of the Oudayas is another place you shouldn’t miss while being in Rabat. It’s a place that will give you the sense that you’re in the blue city of Chefchaouen. I personally was impressed by the houses inside of Kasbah of the Oudayas which are all blue and white. Kasbah is also a place where you can discover a lot of things about the Moroccan culture. Don’t miss checking out the museum of arts at the entrance. It showcases jewelry, carpets, Qurans, traditional Moroccan and Amazigh clothes, pottery, and musical instruments. Another place that you really have to try while being in Kasbah is “Café Maure”. It is an outstanding place where you can sip tea and eat Moroccan pastries with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, Bouregreg River, and the neighboring city of Sale. Photo Credit: Moudden, 2020

Hassan Tower

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Hassan Tower is another place anyone interested in discovering the history of Morocco should visit. A lot of tourists go there to see the tombs of the previous kings that led the country to independence, King Hassan, his brother Prince Abdallah, and King Mohammed V, the grandfather of the current King Mohammed VI. What I like most about this place is the green space in front of the tower. I sometimes go there with friends or family members for a picnic. Don’t miss going there to take some cool pictures as well. Photo Credit: Moudden, 2020

Old Medina

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The Old Madina is a place every person who visits Rabat goes to. It is the cheapest & the best place where you can buy Moroccan souvenirs. You can find shops that sell traditional clothes, leather items, babouche slippers, and Amazigh carpets. It also has a flea market and, like many medinas around Morocco, it has a Jewish Quarter or what is called “Mellah”. I personally adore the unique buildings of Medina that are distinguished by their Andalusian architecture. Don’t forget to check it out while being in the city to get souvenirs to take back home. Photo Credit: Moudden, 2020

Marina in Sale

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Another place I personally go to a lot is the Marina of Sale. It is a modern place where you can find peace of mind. There are so many cool restaurants and cafes there where you can hang out with friends. There are a variety of options there that you can try and enjoy. If you ever decide to go there, don’t miss the sunset. The view becomes so amazing in the evenings there. Seeing the Oudayas from there, especially in the evenings, is just amazing. Don’t miss plugging in your headphones, listening to some cool music, and have some walks there during the evenings. This is something you will surely remember forever if you are a person who likes having some “you” time. Photo Credit: Moudden, 2020

Malika Moudden is a Program Assistant for AMIDEAST Education Abroad in Rabat, Morocco.