When visiting Rabat make sure you take time to wander around the old city or medina, the best place to experience the Moroccan way of life. Rabat’s medina, unlike the ones in Fez and Marrakech, is a compact well organised quarter delimited by the sea and the river on two sides and by the Almohade Wall and the Andalous Wall on the other two. The Andalous influence is clear in the architecture characterised by a mixture of whitewash and exposed stone. In the medina are the traditional markets, called souks, selling absolutely everything from spices to carpets, silk, jewellery and leather goods.

Bab Oudaya

Kasbah of the Oudayas, the old citadel of the Almohad, Andalous and Marinide villages, is a fascinating quarter sprouting history from every corner. The main access is through Bab Oudaya, one of the most enchanting Moorish doors in the world. The entrance of Bab Oudaya was built in the 12th century by the Almohades. One of the most ambitious constructions by the Almohads is the Hassan Mosque and its Tower that dominate the city entirely. Neither the Mosque nor the tower were ever completed but still remain an outstanding example of Almohad architecture. In front of the tower is the Mohammed V Mausoleum that maintains alive the memory of the sultan who helped Morocco to obtain independence. 
Other interesting sites are the impressive Royal Palace, which is the official residence of the King and the remarkable Andalous Gardens in the new city quarters.
The ruins of Chellah, some of the most interesting ruins in Morocco featuring roman ruins from 200 BC and Marinide imperial tombs can be visited everyday from 9am to 5pm. From afar the Chellah necropolis looks like another medina, but the site hasn’t been habited since 1154 when it was abandoned in favour of Salé.