Our first holiday abroad after the Covid chaos turned out to be the vibrant and beautiful Morocco where we visited both Tanger and the capital city, Rabat. I previously shared how you can successfully spend one day in Tanger but now it’s time to share what we got up to in Rabat.
In this blog, I will be sharing what attractions are worth seeing, where to eat, where to stay and tips on shopping in the markets.
So without further ado, let’s get on with it!
WHAT TO SEE
HASSAN TOWER
Our first stop was of course the iconic Hassan Tower.
Hassan Tower is the minaret of an incomplete Mosque built at the end of the 12th Century. You are usually allowed to go up to the top but typically on our visit there were some works going on.
The whole area is just absolutely stunning and just opposite you will find the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V and his two sons. The entire compound is bursting with extraordinary architecture and beauty. We went at opening time so it was rather peaceful but by the time we left it had gotten quite busy.
It was definitely one of the best moments of our trip.
THE ROYAL PALACE
I had read mixed reviews online but it is just one of those things that if you don’t experience it yourself you feel like you’ve missed out.
The Royal Palace is a fascinating place situated in what is like a separate city within Rabat itself. This separate ‘city’ not only houses the Palace, but also government offices, housing for palace staff, a mosque and school for Royalty and Ministerial children.
If you try to enter through the main grand gate you won’t be allowed into the grounds but our taxi driver took us to a side entrance, where we were taken into an office, had our passports photocopied. I thought with all the checks we were getting entry into the Palace but no, you’re only allowed to explore the grounds.
So, it’s really one of those things that there’s no harm in missing out and you could just take pictures of the exterior. But if you do have time then have an explore of the grounds and admire the buildings. It was amazing to see how they’ve built a separate city within the city!
Half of us thought it was a waste of time and half thought it was still worth it!
If you do go, just remember you won’t be allowed inside the actual Palace building! However, if you turn up on a Friday evening you will be treated to a Royal Guard parade and concert on the grounds, so something to keep in mind!
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THE MUSEUM OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD PBUH
The International Fair Museum of Prophet Muhammad PBUH biography and Islamic Civilisation. No doubt the most amazing experience of my life. It’s a sister site to the Museum in Madina, Saudi Arabia. I loved how they designed the Prophets names with their stories like Prophet Moses AS with a snake etc
It was an incredible experience ranging from an exhibition to a virtual reality experience. It’d feel like you’re in the actual house and then it ended with the Masjid Nabwi inMadinah which was so surreal, Miss A was mesmerised as were we all.
After that we were given a tour of another room which depicted Morocco and its connection to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH (cameras not allowed). There was a part where our tour guide was sharing the family tree and when I told her that we’re a part of that family tree too her expressions completely changed, she asked us our names and was so excited. The other family in our group stopped us at the end and said it was a noble experience to meet us and if we needed any help in Morocco to give them a call. It was honestly such a humbling moment!
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KASBAH OF THE UDAYAS
If I was asked to choose my favourite outdoor experience in Rabat then it would definitely have to be the serene village of Kasbah of the Udayas.
This village is a World UNESCO Heritage Site dating back to the 10th Century. This is only a tiny snippet, the Kasbah is huge. We spent quite some time here as honestly nobody wanted to leave, do you blame us?
ANDALUSIAN GARDENS
The Andalusian Gardens in Rabat is a small garden in the Udaya Castle, part of the Kasbah and is surrounded by the historic city walls, containing plants of all shapes and sizes.
Designed by French architect, Maurice Tranchant De Lunel, it was completed in 1920 and has become one of Rabat’s top attractions.
It is a beautiful place to come and relax amongst nature whilst on your tour of the Kasbah, don’t forget to say hello to the resident kittens.
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CHELLAH
You know I’m sucker for historical sites so there was no way I was going to miss out on visiting Chellah.
Chellah is an ancient archaeological site which was built in 40AD! Until a couple of years ago you were able to visit inside, however, now it is closed as I believe further research is being carried out.
Even though, we knew we wouldn’t be allowed inside it wasn’t something I wanted to miss. We did the entire perimeter of the fort and it was just absolutely beautiful. It was quite an exercise and ended up being Miss A’s unexpected first proper hike but so worth it!
Do I recommend a visit? Yes! Not only you’ll be experiencing a part of history but get absolutely stunning views of the city.
SHOPPING
When on holiday, must have a dedicated day if not at least a few good hours for shopping!
We went to Morocco with a shopping list in hand and requests for Mum’s spices. It was a great experience exploring the markets, chatting to the shopkeepers, everyone was so friendly!
The markets in the Medinas are the best place to get traditional and authentic Moroccan items.
Miss A even had her first haggling experience. We gave her 13 dirhams to spend on whatever she wanted. She wanted the Moroccan flag, it was 15 dirhams but she got it down to 13 without any help from anyone, a natural!
What did we get:
Jewellery
Moroccan tea
Saffron
Moroccan lipstick
Hair oil (was questioned at security about the amount of bottles we had but they were okay with it)
Touristy souvenirs
Pots
Tips:
-If you know Arabic or French then no problem communicating, we didn’t. Some did understand English but we made use of SIL’s GCSE French.
-Make sure you have cash.
-Know your maths! If you’re getting a price, work it out whether it’s worth it or not. Do your maths in front of the shopkeepers so they know you know your stuff!
-Don’t be afraid to haggle! Get that price down!
-Depending on where you’re staying, might be a good idea to send kids back. As our Riad was located in the Medina itself, Miss A went exploring and back with my brother as it got much for her.
And enjoy!
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WHERE TO EAT
There are plenty of places to eat especially in the markets in the medina of city where we use to grab our dinner from but if you’re looking for specifics you can try,
ARRIBET CENTER
This is a shopping centre where you’ll find recognisable brands and has a dedicated food court.
LE DHOW RESTAURANT
Before even setting foot in Morocco we knew that in Rabat we were going to be eating at the Ledhow Restaurant. My SIL had eaten here before and highly recommended it and she was right!
Right next to the Kasbah and Andalusian Gardens, the restaurant is on a ship at the sea front, such a perfect setting especially on a hot summers day! Miss A called it a pirate ship and was so excited!
There’s seating on both the upper and lower decks, the food was absolutely incredible but most importantly the customer service was excellent. The menus were in French and they realised that we were googling all the names and ended up giving us a menu in English. Later on, as you’re right by the sea, we started feeling a bit chilly and without us saying anything they brought out shawls for everyone.
Even the following day when we were not eating there, they let us use the facilities.
After eating here, check out the beach and enjoy some sea front activities.
WHERE TO STAY
A Riad is a traditional Moroccan home and the best way to get the feel of local life.
Located in the heart of the Medina, Riad El Pacha, will give you the best Moroccan feel and you will pretty much have everything on your doorstep as well as the seafront just being a five minute walk away.
This particular Riad is newly done up and the best thing about it was not only the interiors and cleanliness (because you know that’s a top priority for me) but the fact that the hosts were amazing, considerate and made you feel comfortable and like at home.
Our favourite part were the evenings after a long day sitting in the communal areas sipping Moroccan tea and just reflecting on our day – made possible with a lack of WiFi connection just in my bedroom which at first I was a bit apprehensive about BUT turned out to be a good thing because I know if it were the opposite you probably would’ve found us in bed scrolling the net endlessly rather than enjoying and taking in the evenings.
HOW MANY DAYS
We spent three full days in Rabat which was more than enough, doable in just two days too. Our third day was just exploring Chellah and relaxing as our flight was in the evening.
Day 1:
Hassan Tower
Royal Palace
The Museum of Prophet Muhammad PBUH
Day 2:
Kasbah of the Udayas
Andalusian Gardens
Shopping
Day 3:
Chellah
So that is our adventure for Rabat, if this beautiful city isn’t on your bucket list you need to add it now!
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