Rabat by Campervan: What to See in Morocco’s Capital

Compared to other cities in Morocco, Rabat stands out for its modernity and elegance, which feel even more striking when, like us, you arrive in the city by campervan, having driven through towns ravaged by poverty and beaches reduced to open-air dumps.

Rabat is home to the Royal Palace, government offices, public transport, and plenty of cultural and architectural riches, along with quite a few traces of the past. Since it’s not a very sprawling city, you can fit your visit into half a day or a full day and enjoy its distinctly relaxed atmosphere.

Before we get into what to see, know that at the end you’ll also find directions on where to park, along with a map of all the stops.

What to See in Rabat

Kasbah of the Udayas

Our stroll through the streets of Rabat started at the Kasbah of the Udayas, an ancient fortified quarter, characterised by houses with white and blue whitewashed facades, offering wonderful views.

The Medina

After crossing the avenue that separates it from the Kasbah, we reached the Medina of Rabat, where you can wander among ancient buildings and quite literally lose yourself in the city’s souk: starting from Rue Souiqa and Rue es-Sebat you’ll find the leatherworkers’ and fabric merchants’ quarters and numerous bazaars, all the way to the area of blacksmiths and weavers. The most famous part of the Medina is Rue des Consuls, where a carpet auction is held on Thursday mornings.

Hassan Tower

A symbol of the city, it was once part of a great mosque destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, whose ruins of 360 columns are still visible in the square. If you love views from above, we recommend climbing all the way to the top of the tower.

Mausoleum of Mohammed V

A true masterpiece of Moroccan art and architecture, it holds the remains of some of the country’s kings.

The Muslim Cemetery

Rabat’s cemetery sits on a hill overlooking the city’s beach and lighthouse. All the gravestones face towards Mecca, except for those of people who died far from Rabat.

The Royal Palace

This is the official residence of the King of Morocco and his family, and it’s not possible to visit the interior. In many other cities, the royals also have a private residence available.

The Archaeological Museum

If you’re a fan of museums and historical artefacts, you should consider the Archaeological Museum, one of the largest and most important museums in all of Morocco, boasting some mosaics found at Volubilis.

What to Visit Nearby

Salé is Rabat’s twin city, separated from the capital by the river. Once a stage for piracy, it lets you wander through a place that still offers glimpses of authenticity. Very different from the modern city, with a more compact souk, no real infrastructure, and unpaved city streets, in our view it deserves a visit to get a better sense of the true rhythm of Moroccan life.

If you want to visit these areas through our eyes, here’s the playlist  of our trip through Morocco!