Rabat is one of the imperial cities of Morocco and is the current capital of the country. It is not one of the most touristic cities but it does not mean that it is not worth visiting. Its name comes from the Berber word “Ribat” which means Monastery / Fortress. This fortress is located today where the city’s Kasbah currently stands.
A few kilometers south from Rabat, is Casablanca, a city with a lot of commercial activity and the largest in the country. Although it is a very important city for business, not many tourist often visit it because it is not as traditional as other cities in the country. Although there is not much to do, here you will find the largest mosque in the country and the only one you can visit in Morocco. So a stop in Casablanca on your way to Rabat can be a good option.
How to move around the cities
Normally, many travelers start their trip through one of these cities because you can get cheap tickets from Spain. If this is not your case and you are going to travel around the country, I recommend that you do it with a tour like Corazon de Marruecos. In our case, we came from Marrakech and although we had to get to Rabat for our return flight, we could not leave the country without visiting Casablanca and the Hassan II mosque.
If you are already in the cities, getting around is very easy on foot and that is my recommendation just like in any city in Morocco. The best thing is that you get lost in its streets and enjoy every corner.
What to do in Casablanca
Although Casablanca does not have much to do, this is a stop that I recommend simply so you are able visit the mosque:
Hassan II Mosque
This mosque is the largest in the country and the seventh in the world it can accommodate 25,000 people. Its minerat is the second highest in the world with 210 meters. It is the only mosque in the country that you can visit and it has to be on an organized tour at certain times so you have to be on the lookout.
Normally there are 6 tours per day: 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 am, 3 pm and 4 pm.
- There are certain different times like in Ramadan
- Check the latest times here.
It is important that you buy the tickets in advance. Normally 30 minutes before each tour it is fine but if you can before its better.
- Tickets can be bought very close to the mosque in the Mesquita museum.
- The entrance costs 130 MAD (13 USD).
What to do in Rabat
Like in Casablanca, although Rabat is the capital, there is not much to do but you can enjoy some places in this city
Walk through the Medina
This is not the typical Medina and if you have already known other cities in Morocco, you will not understand what is happening. The Medina of Rabat is the most organized that I saw and this is because it was made under a grid. Rabat is a slightly more modern city like Casablanca and this is due to globalization. But walking trough its small streets you will find several Riads, stores and restaurants.
Kasbah of the Udayas
It is an old fortress in the city and it was the beginning of it. Inside it you can find small streets full of restaurants and hotels. If you get lost in its streets, follow the sound of the sea so that you get to the viewpoint and you can enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Hassan Tower
An incomplete mosque, it was built in the 12th century. Its construction began with the Caliph Abu Yusuf Yaqub Al-Mansur and his intention was to create the largest mosque of the moment and the highest minaret. Sadly, when he died at the end of the century, its construction stopped and was never finished. The little structure that was built was affected by an earthquake which ended with part of it.
Today you can find the ruins and the mausoleum of King Mohammed V and it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to stay
Our visit to these cities was quick and with one night it was enough in each city. This is why I recommend you look for a place where you can spend the night and that’s it. You don’t need any kind of luxury. This are the places we stayed, both include breakfast. The one in Rabat is a little more luxurious because it was our last night before returning and we wanted to rest a little better.
- Casablanca: Hotel Maamoura
- Rabat: Dar Mayshad
Where to eat
Although we looked for fast food in a local restaurant, I am going to give you two recommendations for Rabat:
- Sufra: A very nice restaurant with very good Palestinian food. I advise you to eat the chef’s recommendations.
- Irish pub: If you like to have a good beer, this is the place. A nice pub hidden in the Rabat hotel, a great place to go watch a soccer game or just sit and talk to friends.
