Kasbah des Oudayas

A historic fortress and residential neighborhood perched on a hill at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, opposite Salé. Built in the 12th century under the Almohad dynasty. Today it’s part of UNESCO World Heritage along with other historic Rabat sites . The name “Udayas” comes from the Udaya tribe, which settled there in the 19th century after being expelled from Fez .

Well worth the visit. This old Kasbah has been turned into private housing but was originally the Fort which protected the entrance to the river. Take in the peaceful gardens and a mint tea at the cafe.

One of the UNESCO sites in Morocco with old houses and some magnificent huge doors. There are some good souvenirs shops and local artists paintings. Generally, there is nothing much to see and I am really disappointed as I heard a lot about it, but nice for walking at least. Unfortunately no cafés on top of the castle as it would be good for seating and beautiful scenery of the ocean.

The Kasbah des Oudayas in Rabat is a place where time slows to a whisper. Tucked at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, this 12th-century fortress feels like a secret the Atlantic Ocean has been keeping. Its walls, painted in shades of white and blue so crisp they mimic the sky, curve around narrow alleys paved with stones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. Walking through Bab Oudaya, the main gate, is like stepping into a postcard—if postcards could carry the scent of orange blossoms from the Andalusian Gardens or the salty breeze rolling off the water. The kasbah isn’t a museum; it’s alive. Locals lean in doorways, children dart between walls draped in bougainvillea, and stray cats nap in sunlit patches. Climb to the terrace of Café Maure, where mint tea arrives sticky-sweet alongside almond pastries, and the view stretches across the river to Salé’s sand-colored skyline. Below, the river churns where fishermen haul in their catch, and surfers bob in the distance, waiting for waves. The quietest corners hide the most stories. The Museum of Moroccan Arts—a restored 17th-century house—displays faded carpets and daggers, but the real magic is outside. Wander until the sounds of the city fade, and you’ll find yourself at Plateforme du Sémaphore, where the horizon blurs between sea and sky. This isn’t just a historic site—it’s a feeling, one that lingers long after you’ve left.

A beautiful and peaceful place full of history and charm. We really enjoyed walking through the narrow streets and taking in the stunning views.

The Kasbah des Oudayas in Rabat is one of those rare places where history, culture, and serenity come together in perfect harmony. Nestled at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, this 12th-century fortress feels like a hidden treasure cradled between land and sea—a place where time seems to slow down, inviting you to breathe, wander, and simply take in the beauty around you. As you pass through Bab Oudaya, the grand arched gateway, you’re instantly transported into another world. The streets are lined with charming houses painted in crisp white and deep blue, echoing the colors of the sky and sea. The cobblestone alleys, smoothed by countless footsteps over the centuries, wind through the kasbah like a living memory of the past. Yet the Kasbah isn’t frozen in time—it’s vibrant and full of life. You’ll see locals chatting in shaded doorways, children playing in the narrow lanes, and bursts of bright bougainvillea climbing the walls. The scent of orange blossoms from the nearby Andalusian Gardens mingles with the salty breeze drifting in from the Atlantic, creating a sensory experience that’s both grounding and magical.

A very relaxing place to walk around by the ocean. Be sure to take 15-20mins walk up to the top where you will have a panoramic view of the beach and the ocean.

A UNESCO site with plain white/blue houses, looks pretty neat. Other than this, nothing much to see. There are some good Souvenirs to be picked up and sold on the streets here. Beware of scammers trying to misguide you by saying things like sites are closed and that they can offer alternatives, while in reality they are only trying to loot you.