Rabat's historic citadel occupies the site of the original ribat (fortress-monastery) that gave the city its name. Predominately residential, its narrow streets are lined with whitewashed houses, most of which were built by Muslim refugees from Spain. There are scenic views over the river to Salé and out to the ocean from the Plateforme du Sémaphore, its highest point. The pretty Andalusian Gardens at its southern edge are a popular meeting spot for locals.
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Kasbah des Oudaias
Top choice in Rabat
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
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1.14 MILES
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0.92 MILES
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0.79 MILES
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1.02 MILES
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Museum of History & Civilisation
1.22 MILES
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0.01 MILES
The most dramatic entry to the kasbah is through the enormous Almohad gate of Bab Oudaia, built in 1195. Its location, facing the heart of the city and…
0.07 MILES
This small mosque is Rabat's oldest. It was built in the 10th century and restored in the 18th with funds donated by an English pirate known as Ahmed El…
0.09 MILES
These gardens, laid out by the French during the colonial period, are located within the Kasbah des Oudaias. Full of citrus trees, lofty palms and vibrant…
0.15 MILES
This plaza at the highest point of the Kasbah Les Oudaias offers wonderful views over the estuary and across to Salé. The elevated position once provided…
0.36 MILES
Recently restored, this covered souq at the eastern end of Rue Souika specialises in jewellery, rugs and leather goods, and is the only part of the medina…
0.37 MILES
When the French arrived in the early 20th century, this walled medina by the sea was the full extent of the city. Built on an orderly grid in the 17th…
7. Grande Mosquée de Rabat Medina
0.39 MILES
This mosque, a 14th-century Merinid original much rebuilt in the intervening years, is located just off the Souq As Sebbat. It is closed to non-Muslims.
8. Fort de la Calette Lighthouse
0.46 MILES
Built in 1920 and still working, this 31m-tall, white lighthouse rises above natural stone walls and the rocks below. It looks especially striking at…