Aelfgifu Travels

Hi Aelf Crew,

Whilst staying in Casablanca, I decided to escape for the day and head to Rabat, which turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly pleasant stops of the trip.

I booked a day trip through Viator but you could just as easily visit independently via a train or bus for 50 MAD.

With Rabat being the capital of Morocco, it didn’t feel overwhelming in the way capitals often do. That said, I was visiting during Ramadan (and a Friday, which is a holy day in Islam), so the city was noticeably quieter with markets closed, fewer people around, and a slower pace overall.

Even with things quieter than usual, there was still plenty to explore:

Hassan Tower

An unfinished 12th-century minaret originally intended to be part of what would have been one of the largest mosques in the world. Despite never being completed, it has a surprisingly striking presence, especially surrounded by the rows of stone columns left behind from the original mosque foundations.

Mausoleum of Mohammed V

The mausoleum is beautifully designed with intricate tilework, carved ceilings, and immaculate white marble throughout, all guarded by ceremonial royal guards.

Kasbah of the Udayas

The narrow blue-and-white streets reminded me slightly of Chefchaouen (and Greece). The whole area felt peaceful, coastal, and very easy to slowly wander around.

Chellah

Ancient ruins with a slightly wild and overgrown atmosphere that made the whole place feel very different from the polished monuments elsewhere in the city.

Andalusian Gardens

A calm little escape tucked beside the kasbah, filled with shaded walkways, fountains, flowers, and orange trees.

Rabat Medina

Much quieter and less hectic than the medinas in Fez or Marrakesh, which honestly made it a lot more enjoyable to explore (note: this may alter depending on the day of the week you go).

Rabat might not always be at the top of people’s Morocco itineraries, but it probably should be.

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An unexpectedly peaceful detour,
Aelfgifu