Discovering the Beauty of Rabat with Abdul of Tour in Rabat

After a full morning of meeting the group (A 10 Day Moroccan Adventure with Kim Larkin Adventures) and touring the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (Private Tour of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca)  our tour made our way to Rabat.

Once there, Rachid introduced us to Abdul, our local guide. Abdul’s presence and encyclopedic knowledge of Morocco’s history made the entire experience incredibly special.

Hassan Tower

Our first stop was Hassan Tower. The Tower is the unfinished minaret of what was intended to be one of the largest mosques in the world. Commissioned by the Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur in 1195, the project was designed to showcase the empire’s power and architectural mastery, in line with other grand Almohad monuments like the Koutoubia Mosque and the Giralda. Construction halted in 1199 when al-Mansur died, leaving the tower at about 44 meters instead of its planned 60 meters and the mosque incomplete. The site’s scattered columns reflect the ambitious scale of the original design.

Much of the stone had been taken from older locations across Morocco, a practice made easier by the fact that parts of the country had once been under Roman rule.

Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Next, we walked over to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most revered places in modern Moroccan history.

As Abdul led us around, I was in quiet reverence of the space. The Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat is one of Morocco’s most revered monuments – architecturally, historically, and symbolically. Located on the Yacoub al-Mansour esplanade, directly across from the Hassan Tower, it serves as the final resting place of King Mohammed V, the monarch who guided Morocco to independence in 1956. His two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah, are also entombed there, making the mausoleum a place of dynastic significance as well as national pride.

When we entered, we stood on the mezzanine level overlooking the tombs from above. The royal sarcophagi sit beneath a magnificent domed ceiling in shades of gold and amber, illuminated by ornate chandeliers. The space is kept solemn, ceremonial, and impeccably maintained, with members of the Royal Guard stationed at the entrance in traditional uniforms.

After a few photos, the area was closed as we were alerted that royalty might be visiting.

As we walked away, the call to prayer drifted through the air, echoing across the courtyard.

Andalusian Gardens

We got back in the Sprinter and Kamal – our tour driver – continued to the Andalusian Gardens. During the drive, Abdul spoke about the murals created around the city, through the Jidar Street Art festival. I loved hearing about the city’s artistic culture.

When we arrived, Abdul led us in walking the Gardens and I absolutely loved the harmonious blend of horticulture with Moorish design.

The Andalusian Gardens were created during the early 20th century under the French Protectorate as part of a broader effort to integrate landscaped public spaces into the city’s growing urban fabric. Designed by French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier, the gardens were intentionally modeled after the aesthetics of Andalusian and Moorish courtyard gardens – spaces where geometric pathways, citrus trees, flowing water, and lush plantings created an atmosphere of calm and refinement.

Cookies at Cafe Maure

From there, we made our way toward the heart of the Kasbah, stopping at Café Maure for traditional cookies. Diane bought us all cookies and I picked an almond-and-honey pastry. It was dense, fragrant, and perfect for the walk ahead.

Qasbat al-Awdaya

Entering Qasbat al-Awdaya, the old fortress quarter, felt like stepping into a different Rabat entirely. Known for its blue and white alleyways and sweeping ocean views, it’s also a hub of modern creativity.

Abdul also pointed out how the city is shifting linguistically. French influence, once dominant, is slowly fading, replaced by Arabic and an increasing amount of English.

As we walked, I peppered Abdul with questions. Uber doesn’t exist in Rabat, but iNDRIVE does. I was glad that my experience – How I Got Stalked By a Taxi in Casablanca When I Tried to Use iNDRIVE – wouldn’t necessarily be the same in Rabat. But, Abdul said humorously – unlike Casablanca, taxi drivers in Rabat reliably use their meters.

Also, Abdul joked, “People in Rabat are the worst at showing you the right direction.”

I absolutely adored this part of the tour. It reminded me of my experiences in Santorini, Greece (Travel Guide: Greece).

Oudayas Semaphore Platform

At the Oudayas Semaphore Platform, Abdul dipped into the history of the Ottoman Empire and its impact on the region, connecting Morocco to a wider Mediterranean world.

This part of the Kasbah was once known as the Beach of the Pirates, a place where raids were conducted on European ships.

He also explained that the area became infamous as a center of what Europeans called “white slavery.” Ships would travel north to Scandinavian countries and capture Europeans. They were then brought south to Africa and enslaved.

As a black person whose lineage is shaped by black slavery – I found the habit of humans enslaving others for power and domination incredibly interesting.

Walking More of Qasbat al-Awdaya

From the lookout, we walked back to our start point, meandering through the kasbah.

Bab Oudaya

We ended by walking through the dramatic gateway of Bab Oudaya. I marveled at the gorgeous overlook point, allowing me to take in the beauty of Rabat.

Bab Oudaya, the grand entrance to Rabat’s Kasbah of the Udayas, is one of the most striking examples of Almohad architecture in Morocco. Built in the 12th century under Sultan Abd al-Mu’min, its carved sandstone façade, horseshoe arch, and intricate geometric motifs reflect the high craft of the medieval Maghreb. The gate once served as both a defensive structure and a symbol of imperial authority overlooking the Bou Regreg estuary.

Overall

Overall, my day in Rabat felt like walking through centuries of interconnected history, guided by Abdul’s stories and the city’s own vivid landscape. From incomplete minarets to pirate republics, royal mausoleums to almond pastries, Rabat revealed itself as a place where Morocco’s past and future live side by side.

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