55 Best Sights in Rabat and Casablanca, Morocco

Built in the 1980s by King Hassan II in honor of his granddaughter, this mosque is proof that the tradition of Moorish architecture that produced the Court of Lions in Granada's Alhambra is alive and well. Notice the exquisite sandstone work on the walkways surrounding the mosque, and look up at the colorfully painted geometric designs on the ceilings. The mosque is surrounded by immaculately kept gardens. Non-Muslims may not enter, but there's plenty to admire from outside.

Moulay Bousselham is at the head of the Merja Zerga National Park, a vast lagoon stretching over 17,000 acres. This region is one of the most important wetland reserves in North Africa and is a major stopover for countless birds migrating from Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom to Africa: the birds fly south at the end of summer and winter at Merja Zerga before continuing on to West Africa and even South Africa. They stop off again on their way back to Europe in spring, so spring and fall are the times for bird-watching. The Ramsar Convention site holds between 50,000 and 100,000 waders at any one time, including shelduck, marbled teal, coot, pied avocet, and slender-billed curlew. The pink greater flamingos on their way to and from Mauritania are particularly spectacular.

The resting place of King Mohammed V, who died in 1961, this mausoleum is adjacent to the Hassan Tower and, thanks to a commanding position above the river, is similarly visible to anyone approaching Rabat from Salé. The tomb itself is subterranean; the terrace that overlooks it is approached by steps on each side. Looking down, you're likely to see someone ritually reading the Koran. Beyond the central sarcophagus of King Mohammed V are those of his sons Prince Moulay Abdallah and King Hassan II; the latter was interred here in July 1999 as world leaders stood by for his state funeral. Designed by a Vietnamese architect and built between 1962 and 1966, the tomb is cubical, with a pyramidal green-tile roof, a richly decorated ceiling, and onyx interior walls. A mosque, built at the same time, adjoins the tomb.

At the foot of the village, near the sea, you'll find the tomb of Moulay Bousselham, which attracts hundreds of pilgrims every summer. Like Sidi Abdel Jalil's somewhat smaller one, it is a white building capped with a dome.

Formerly known as the Musée Archéologique, this museum originally opened in 1931 and displays prehistoric, Roman, and Islamic-period artifacts discovered throughout the country. Roman pieces include many inscribed tablets; the Chellah and Volubilis sites are particularly well represented, and there's an ample collection of Roman bronze items. Also noteworthy is the plaster cast of the early human remains found at the Dar Es-Soltane caves, on the coast south of the city.

Set in a lovely villa in the suburb of Oasis, this museum has a permanent exhibition of traditional ceremonial objects, clothing, lamps, and furniture from various synagogues around Morocco. There's also a temporary exhibition space that often shows photographs and art. Phone ahead to make sure it's open.

The simple whitewashed houses of the medina, particularly those closest to the harbor, form an extraordinary contrast to Morocco's economic and commercial nerve center just a few hundred yards away. European consuls lived here in the 19th century during the early trading days, and there is still a youth hostel and a few cheap hotels within. Today it boils over with busy Moroccan shoppers, vendors, and beggers. The medina has its own personality and charm, due in part to the fact that many Casa residents living in more affluent areas never set foot here. Near Place des Nations Unies a large conglomeration of shops sells watches, leather goods, crafted wood, and clothes. It's best avoided at night unless you're accompanied by a local you know well.

The Borj Adoumoue, which means "fortress of tears," was a Pirates' Prison in the city walls of Salé and is now a museum. It was built by the Salé Rover pirates as their headquarters. Cannons pierce the walls and there are underground dungeons.

Casablanca's version of London's Trafalgar Square has illuminated fountains, plenty of pigeons, and a series of grand buildings. This is the center of downtown and has some imposing Mauresque and Art Deco buildings. Coming from the port, you'll pass the main post office on your right, and on your left as you enter the square is its most impressive building, the courthouse, built in the 1920s. On the other side of Avenue Hassan II from the post office is the ornate Bank Al Maghrib; the structure opposite, with the clock tower, is the Wilaya, the governor's office. The more modest buildings on the right side of the square house the notorious customs directorate (where importers appeal punitive taxes). Now that the tram serves this area, it's easy to get here from nearly anywhere else in the city.

This magnificent beach, also known simply as "Nations," is so long that even during the busiest times you’ll probably find some space along the stretch. The water is swimmable, but there may be strong currents, so caution should be observed. The sands are cleaned daily in summer, although some litter is possible in colder months. It's a hot spot for surfers and paragliders; sunbathers can rent parasol and loungers for reasonable prices. The beach is accessed by driving along the N1 from Salé and turning left just north of the small town of Sidi Bouknadel, or ask your hotel to organize a round-trip by taxi. Amenities: lifeguards (in season); parking; food and drink. Best for: swimming; surfing; walking.

Before the Mazagan Beach Resort was built between Azemmour and El Jadida, you could walk along the sand from one community to the other. While that's no longer possible, this is still a stunning beach and one of the cleanest on the coast. There's also a shipwreck that's fun to explore. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer). Best for: sunsets; surfing; swimming; walking.

This long sandy bay attracts swarms of surfers, sunbathers, and families in summer when temperatures can get very high. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: sunbathing; surfing; swimming; walking.

The photogenic Portuguese cistern is where water was stored when El Jadida was still the fortress of Mazagan (some say it originally stored arms). A small amount of water remains, illuminated by a single shaft of light, reflecting the cistern's gorgeous Gothic arches, a stunning effect. According to local legend, this massive spot wasn't rediscovered until 1916, when a Moroccan Jew stumbled on it in the process of enlarging his shop—whereupon water started gushing in.

Rabat’s zoo is home to 1,800-odd animals representing 150 species, most of them residing in relatively wide enclosures. Covering more than 120 acres, it’s divided into five themed ecosystems—Atlas Mountains, desert, savannah, rain forest, and wetlands—with the first of these being the highlight due to the presence of Atlas lions, which only exist in captivity. Elephants, giraffes, hippos, and hordes of magnificent oryx and gazelles also call this place home. After ogling them, you can learn more by visiting the educational farm or catching one of the scheduled daily events.

Built in the early 20th century, Morocco's Royal Palace is a large, cream-color building set back behind lawns. Its ornamental gate is accented by ceremonial guards dressed in white, blue, or red. The complex houses the offices of the cabinet, the prime minister, and other administrative officials. The palace is usually occupied by the royal family and closed to the public.

Rabbi Moul Niss is the most revered of the Jewish saints in Azemmour and his shrine draws many local and international pilgrims. Little is known of him but it's said that miracles have happened here for hundreds of years. His shrine contains a cave with a plaque and some ceremonial objects, and there's a courtyard outside with benches, which makes this a pleasant place for reflection. It's not always possible to get inside, but ask locally for the guardian and give him a small tip. 

One of the streets in Salé's medina is Zanqat Sidi Abdellah ben Hassoun—named after the town's patron saint. His magnificent tomb is situated here, next to the Great Mosque. He died in Salé in 1604.

If you follow the Corniche to its southwestern edge, you will see the tomb of Sidi Abderrahman, a Sufi saint, just off the coast on a tiny island. Moroccans come to this shrine if they are sick or if they feel they need to rid themselves of evil spirits. Before the bridge was built in 2013, it was accessible only at low tide, at which point you would simply walk to the small collection of white houses, built practically one on top of the other. Non-Muslims are allowed to visit and have their futures told by a resident fortune-teller, although access to the shrine itself is prohibited. The other side of the island is one of the most exciting places in Casablanca to sit and watch the wild Atlantic swell. Be sensitive to the people who live here, as they will not appreciate being taken for museum exhibits and may object to having their pictures taken.

On the sands, just in front of the tomb, you can enjoy some snails, or pancakes if you prefer, and Moroccan mint tea along with the locals.

Northwest of the medina, by the sea and next to the Pirates' Prison, is the tomb of Sidi Ahmed ben Achir, a much-venerated saint. If you look through the windows in the wall, there's a fine view of the rocks and the ocean.

This beautiful stretch of sand extends southwest away from El Jadida; you can access it by taking the coastal road about 5 km (3 miles) out of town. It's an ideal place to stroll or watch the sunset. Swimming is great here too, although currents can be strong. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: sunsets; swimming; walking.

To say that Skhirat Plage is loved by Moroccans during the summer months—and by some faithful souls year-round—is an understatement. The long stretch of fine, golden sand lying just beyond the Royal Palace of Skhiratis is perfect for strolls but also a known surfing spot, as the plethora of boards reveals. Swimmers love it, too, but beware of dangerous currents—lifeguards are not always present. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: swimming; surfing; walking.

When you come out of the Abou el Hassan Merenid Medersa, turn right and take the first street on the right, heading farther into the medina. Turn left at the end of the street and you'll find a large triangular area on your right, the Souk Al Kabir, or Great Market, in the center of the medina.

Rabat's largest and most important mosque was originally erected in the 18th century. Since then it's undergone various rebuildings but has nonetheless been sheltered from architectural anarchy, retaining its beauty and dignity to this day. The French had wanted to extend Avenue Mohammed V through the site; however, Moroccans resisted. Thanks to the martyrs of that confrontation, the mosque still stands on its sacred ground. Non-Muslims may not enter.

This small beach with wonderful sand can be empty during colder months, but it's very much the opposite in summer. It's a short walk from the train station. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

Close to the Great Mosque (Djemâa Kabir) and the Abou el Hassan Merenid Medersa is the zaouia---a shrine to a Muslim saint of the Tijani order, a mystical Sufi sect founded by Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani (1739–1815).