This is my 4th trip to Morocco and I decided to travel to some new cities including Rabat, Meknes, and Fes, and then back to Marrakech to visit the Yves Saint Lauren Museum which was closed the last time that I visited. In this Busty Girl Story, I will outline my experience in the capital city of Rabat. Note that my vacays are paid for by me, myself, and I, and my opinions are not sponsored by anyone.
Rabat, Morocco’s capital, is a city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modernity. From ancient ruins and majestic gardens to vibrant art scenes, it offers something for every traveler. Here’s how I spent my time in this fascinating city.
First, I scheduled a "free" walking tour with Asmaa who was awesome. She was one of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides I have every had. I highly recommend her tour.
Whenever I go to Morocco, visiting a traditional hammam is a must. I went to Traditional Thai Massage and opted for the full experience: a traditional hammam followed by a one-hour oil massage. The process began in the hammam room, which acted as a steam room, where I sat for about ten minutes to open my pores. Next, the attendant applied black soap to my skin and used a special exfoliating glove to scrub away dead skin—leaving me feeling squeaky clean. This was followed by a luxurious application of rhassoul clay, a Moroccan beauty staple, and a thorough hair wash. The treatment concluded with a soothing full-body massage using fragrant oils. Afterward, I was treated to tea and cookies, a delightful way to end the experience. Note that most hammams operate on a cash-only basis, so come prepared. I highly recommend indulging in this authentic Moroccan ritual!
Sleeping cats outside of Traditional Thai Massage
Historic Highlights
My first stop was the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, an architectural masterpiece built in 1971. It houses the tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons, King Hassan II and Prince Moulay Abdallah. Adjacent to the mausoleum is the iconic Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret of a mosque that Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour began in 1195. Originally intended to rival the Great Mosque of Córdoba, the construction ceased after the Sultan’s death and suffered damage from the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Only fragments of the mosque remain, but its grandeur is still palpable.
Nearby, I found a beautiful park, though it was unfortunately closed due to a viral YouTube video claiming underground palace tunnels could be accessed from there.
Royal Guard outside of the mausoleum
Cultural Gems
At the Kasbah of the Udayas, I explored the neighborhood once home to Andalusian Muslims expelled from Spain. Inside the kasbah, the Andalusian Gardens provided a tranquil escape, showcasing traditional Moorish-Andalusian irrigation techniques. Among the citrus trees and fragrant herbs like jasmine and rosemary, I also found a colony of chill and friendly cats soaking up the sun.
Andalusian Gardens
On Saturdays, at around 12:30pm, a group of shirtless, oiled, attractive young men called “The Naked Runners” jog by the Kasbah. God truly blessed my timing that day.
The Naked Runners
I visited the National Museum of Jewelry and Adornment, housed in a 17th-century royal residence next to the Andalusian Gardens. Its exhibitions, ranging from Amazigh jewelry to the history of the iconic Moroccan caftan, gave me a deep appreciation for Morocco’s craftsmanship.
Another fascinating site was the Chellah Ruins, a mix of Roman and Islamic history. Ancient streets and temples coexist with medieval necropolis architecture, and storks nest throughout the area, adding a serene natural vibe.
Art and Architecture
Rabat’s French Protectorate history is reflected in its Art Deco buildings and landmarks like Saint Peter’s Cathedral, a unique fusion of mosque and church design. I also visited the Villa des Arts, a cultural center showcasing Moroccan contemporary art. Its 1930s architecture and resident friendly cat made the experience even more memorable.
Villa des Artes St. Peter´s Cathedral
The Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art impressed me with its diverse exhibitions, including works by Chaibia Talal and insights into the Cobra art movement.
Food and Hospitality
Food in Rabat did not disappoint. At Café Maure, next to the Andalusian Gardens, I had the best mint tea I’d ever tasted—until I reached Fez, where I found an even better one. And, of course, both came with the company of friendly cats. Dinner at Dar Naji Restaurant offered great food, views, and reasonable prices, and my brunch at Boho Café Rabat near the train station came with Senegalese pop music and good vibes. My tour guide recommended having coffee or tea AZOUR Rooftop & Lounge for its fantastic view. The reviews are terrible for food, service, and pricing, but coffee or tea is innoculous. Rabat is known for its riad hotels, where breakfast is typically included so I enjoyed good, free breakfast every morning.
Moroccan breakfast at my riad
One standout moment was my attempt to pay for dinner as a thank-you to my friends for showing me around. They were horrified! In Moroccan culture, it’s frowned upon for a man to let a woman pay, and I nearly caused a scene. Lesson learned.
Transportation Tips
Shopping Tips
For authentic argan oil, or anything for that matter, avoid the medina where products are often fake or diluted with cheap oils. My local friends recommended Apia Boutique for high-quality, pure argan oil and other cosmetic products. Usually, the good stuff is made at coops, but note that random strangers will approach tourists on the street claiming to represent coops. Of course, this isn´t true. Real coops have a government seal on their products and one can see actual artisans in the shop making the items. Moroccans shop at Al Walja for handicrafts and furniture. Locals can negotiate about 10% off the price, which means that foreigners should negotiate more because our price will include a "tourist tax."
Final Thoughts
Rabat is a clean, modern city with wide roads from its French colonial days and plenty of historic and cultural treasures. Whether you’re sipping mint tea in a garden, admiring Art Deco architecture, or exploring ancient ruins, Rabat offers a rich experience that bridges the past and present.