3 Jan 2026
Tangier to Morocco’s Coastal Capital
We rose from Tangier to Rabat early morning. The journey was on a newer, modern train line — comfortable seats, onboard chargers, smooth ride — though slightly higher priced than older lines. It was a rainy day, and upon arrival, we had to walk through drizzle to our hotel, which luckily allowed us to check in early.
Despite the weather, we decided to explore the city center and medina. Our first mission: getting a local SIM card. Initially, we thought of using roaming, but Morocco’s telco roaming package was prohibitively expensive — 1GB for over RM128! Local SIM cards are affordable and generous: we wanted Maroc, but most shops were closed, so we opted for Orange, which offered 15GB for 70 dirham, a reasonable deal.
Chellah Necropolis: Roman & Islamic Ruins
Next, we visited the Chellah Necropolis, a UNESCO-listed site combining Roman foundations and Marinid-era Islamic architecture. Getting there by bus was initially confusing: fare queries and change handling took effort, compounded by a slight language barrier. Bus fare was 6.5 dirhams, which felt slightly steep for a short ride; in hindsight, calling a cab may have been simpler and faster.
We entered without a guide. Some people offered tours, but we politely declined. Walking through the ruins, the storks nesting on ancient walls were the real highlight — a magnificent sight of life thriving atop centuries-old stones. The rainy, gloomy weather made it slightly inconvenient, but it added a mystical ambience.
Historical Context: Chellah dates back to Roman times as Sala Colonia, later developed by the Marinid dynasty in the 14th century as a necropolis. Its mix of Islamic arches, minarets, and tombs demonstrates Morocco’s layered history of conquest and civilization.
Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V
From Chellah, we took a cab to Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Despite being busy, the open plaza gave a sense of peace and grandeur.
Hassan Tower, commissioned in 1195 by Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour, was intended to be the largest mosque in the western Islamic world but remained unfinished after his death. Adjacent, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, built in the 20th century, honors the modern kings of Morocco, combining traditional Moroccan architecture with contemporary touches, intricate marble, and detailed zellij (mosaic) tiles.
Historical Note: The tower and mausoleum symbolize Rabat’s political and religious significance over centuries, serving as landmarks of Islamic scholarship, royal authority, and coastal defense.
Oudaya Kasbah: Coastal Fortress & Quiet Streets
Afterward, we walked to Oudaya Kasbah, the 12th-century fortress at the river mouth. Though smaller and more compact than Tangier’s coastal areas, it’s rich in history and architecture. Rows of whitewashed houses with blue accents form a serene, photogenic pattern, while coastal views provide glimpses of the Atlantic’s power.
The kasbah was built during the Almohad dynasty as a military fortress and later developed as a royal residence. Today, it’s a cultural hub with gardens, museums, and quiet streets, reflecting Morocco’s history of strategic defense and urban development along the coast.
Tip: Visit earlier in the day for lighter crowds and better light for photos.
Transport Notes: Rabat Made Simple
- Taxis: All metered; reliable and regulated, unlike other Moroccan cities where haggling is common.
- Buses: Small fares, often need exact change, and drivers may not speak English.
- Walking: Rainy days may require waterproof shoes; streets can be slippery.
- SIM Cards: Orange or Maroc; local SIMs are affordable and provide generous data plans.
Rainy Day Reflections
Despite the rain and the occasional logistical hassle, Rabat was calm, historic, and orderly — a striking contrast to Tangier’s bustling port energy. While we didn’t explore every street, the blend of Roman, Islamic, and modern Moroccan architecture, storks at Chellah, and blue-white coastal alleys at Oudaya made for an unforgettable day.
Rabat may not overwhelm visitors with spectacle, but it rewards patience, curiosity, and attention to detail.
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