Things to Do in Hassan Tower

Rabat moves at half the speed of Marrakech—and that's exactly the point. Morocco's capital balances political importance with genuine coastal calm, offering wide palm-lined boulevards and a medina where locals live. Hassan Tower dominates the skyline. This red sandstone minaret rises 44 meters from an unfinished 12th-century mosque that was meant to be the world's largest. Hundreds of stone columns mark where the prayer hall would have stood, creating a monument to both ambition and time's passage.

Diplomatic status shapes Rabat's dining scene. Street food and upscale restaurants cater to government officials and foreign diplomats, creating unusual variety for a Moroccan city. The medina has authentic, affordable options—look for small tagine spots where locals eat. Rue des Consuls has several good traditional restaurants with reasonable prices, while Ville Nouvelle features excellent French-influenced cafes and bistros with outdoor seating. Coastal location means excellent seafood. Port area restaurants serve the daily catch at reasonable prices, taking advantage of the Atlantic location.

Spring and fall offer perfect weather. March to May and September to November provide warm days and cool evenings ideal for walking historical sites—summer heat peaks in July and August. Coastal breezes make it more bearable than inland cities like Marrakech, but it's still hot. Winter brings mild temperatures and occasional rain. Those shoulder seasons are best for comfortable outdoor exploration of Hassan Tower and other archaeological sites.