Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Morocco - Things to Do in Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Things to Do in Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Morocco - Complete Travel Guide

Rabat, Morocco's capital city, strikes a perfect balance between political importance and laid-back coastal charm. The Mausoleum of Mohammed V stands as one of the city's most significant monuments, representing modern Moroccan architecture and royal heritage in a way that feels both grand and surprisingly accessible. Unlike the bustling energy of Marrakech or the commercial pulse of Casablanca, Rabat moves at a more measured pace - you'll find government workers mixing with university students along tree-lined boulevards, while the Atlantic breeze keeps things refreshingly cool. The city's UNESCO-listed medina feels manageable compared to other Moroccan old towns, and the Kasbah of the Udayas offers some genuinely stunning ocean views that many travelers don't expect from a capital city.

Top Things to Do in Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Hassan Tower and Royal Mausoleum Complex

The unfinished minaret of Hassan Tower, dating from the 12th century, creates a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to the modern Mausoleum of Mohammed V. The contrast between the ancient red sandstone columns and the pristine white marble mausoleum actually works better than you might expect. The guards in traditional dress and the intricate tile work make this one of Morocco's most photogenic royal sites.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, but guided tours cost around 150-200 dirhams and are worth it for the historical context. Early morning or late afternoon provide the best lighting for photos, and Friday prayers might affect access times.

Kasbah of the Udayas

This 12th-century fortress overlooks the Atlantic and Bou Regreg river, offering some of the most scenic views in Morocco's capital. The blue and white painted streets inside feel almost Mediterranean, while the Andalusian Gardens provide a peaceful escape with their orange trees and fountains. The small museum of Moroccan arts gives good context to what you're seeing throughout the country.

Booking Tip: Garden entry costs 20 dirhams, museum is 10 dirhams extra. Sunset timing varies seasonally, so check local times. The nearby Café Maure serves mint tea with those famous views for around 15 dirhams.

Rabat Archaeological Museum

Often overlooked, this museum houses some of Morocco's finest Roman and pre-Islamic artifacts, including stunning bronze sculptures from Volubilis. The collection spans from prehistoric times through the Islamic period, giving you solid context for understanding Morocco's layered history. The building itself, a former French colonial structure, adds to the experience.

Booking Tip: Entry is 20 dirhams, open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-4pm. Wednesday mornings tend to be quietest. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit, and the audio guide (50 dirhams) significantly enhances the experience.

Chellah Necropolis

These atmospheric ruins combine Roman foundations with medieval Islamic structures, creating one of Morocco's most romantically decayed historical sites. Storks nest atop the minarets, wild flowers grow through ancient stones, and the overall effect is genuinely magical. The site feels like a secret garden that happens to contain 2,000 years of history.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 70 dirhams, open daily 8:30am-6pm (5pm in winter). Late afternoon light is spectacular for photography. Bring water as there's limited shade, and wear good walking shoes for the uneven terrain.

Rabat Medina and Souks

Rabat's old town feels refreshingly manageable compared to Fez or Marrakech, making it perfect for souk beginners or those seeking a less intense shopping experience. The carpet sellers are persistent but generally friendlier, and you'll find good quality leather goods, textiles, and pottery without the overwhelming crowds. Rue des Consuls is the main shopping street worth focusing on.

Booking Tip: No entry fee required. Mornings (9-11am) offer the best selection before items get picked over. Bargaining is expected - start at roughly 30% of the asking price. Thursday and Friday see the most local activity.

Getting There

Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca serves as the main gateway, located about 90 kilometers from Rabat. The airport train runs directly to Rabat Ville station every hour, taking roughly 75 minutes and costing around 43 dirhams - it's actually more reliable than taxis for this route. If you're already in Morocco, the train connections from Casablanca, Fez, and Meknes are frequent and comfortable, with first-class compartments offering air conditioning and reserved seating for a modest upgrade fee. Grand taxis from nearby cities work well for groups of 4-6 people, though you'll need to negotiate the fare beforehand.

Getting Around

Rabat's compact size makes walking the most practical option for the main sights - you can cover the Hassan Tower, medina, and Kasbah areas on foot in a day. The blue petit taxis are plentiful and use meters (insist on this), with most rides within the city center costing 15-30 dirhams. The modern tram system connects the main train station to the city center and continues to nearby Salé, running every 10-15 minutes and costing just 6 dirhams per ride. For longer distances or beach areas, grand taxis work well, but agree on fares upfront since they don't use meters.

Where to Stay

Agdal (modern hotels, government district)
Hassan (near major monuments)
Medina (traditional riads, walking distance to sights)
Kasbah area (boutique hotels with ocean views)
Ville Nouvelle (French colonial architecture, restaurants)
Souissi (upscale residential, beach access)

Food & Dining

Rabat's dining scene reflects its role as a government capital - you'll find more upscale Moroccan restaurants and international options than in other cities, often frequented by diplomats and business travelers. The medina offers authentic street food including Morocco's best pastilla and fresh seafood from the nearby Atlantic coast. Avenue Mohammed V and the Hassan area concentrate most of the mid-range restaurants, while the newer Agdal district houses contemporary cafes and international chains. For whatever reason, Rabat does particularly good French-Moroccan fusion, likely a holdover from its colonial administrative role, and the coastal location means the fish tagines here actually outshine the meat versions you'll find inland.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Rabat

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Dar Al Fawakih Medina

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Boho Café

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Restaurant Dar Larsa

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Dar Rbatia

4.5 /5
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Restaurant Marea

4.7 /5
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Kasr al Assil

4.8 /5
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When to Visit

March through May and September through November offer the most comfortable weather, with temperatures in the 20s Celsius and minimal rainfall. Summer can get surprisingly hot despite the coastal location, though Atlantic breezes keep it more bearable than inland cities like Marrakech. Winter months see frequent rain and cooler temperatures, but this actually makes sightseeing quite pleasant if you don't mind occasional showers. Ramadan affects restaurant hours and creates a different atmosphere that some travelers find fascinating, though it's worth noting that many tourist-oriented places remain open during daylight hours.

Insider Tips

The royal guard changes at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V happen roughly every two hours - worth timing your visit to catch this ceremony
Rabat's beaches (Plage de Rabat) are surprisingly good and much less crowded than Casablanca's, reachable by tram in 20 minutes
Many museums close on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly - Mondays and Wednesdays tend to be the quietest days for major sights

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