Edge of the Sword gate, Rabat. July 2022
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Bab el-Had Gate

4.6
·71 reviews·Rabat, Morocco

A magnificent 12th-century gateway, Bab el-Had is the sole functional entrance to Rabat's historic medina, rich in history and Moroccan architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Edge of the Sword gate, Rabat. July 2022

Bab el-Had Gate

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A magnificent 12th-century gateway, Bab el-Had is the sole functional entrance to Rabat's historic medina, rich in history and Moroccan architecture.

4.6
(71 reviews)

"One of the most beautiful gates in the Medina, full of history and spectacular size."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Grandeur

Visit early or late for fewer crowds and better light to photograph this historic gate.

🛍️ Medina Market Vibes

Expect a lively atmosphere as it's a main passage. Great for people-watching and soaking in local life.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 71 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Sunday Gate Itself

The Sunday Gate Itself

Main entrance to the medina

A magnificent 12th-century gate, the sole functional passage into Rabat's historic medina.

Historic Medina Access

Historic Medina Access

Southwestern tip of the medina

Experience the vibrant life of the medina as you pass through this ancient, bustling gateway.

Architectural Marvel

Architectural Marvel

Bab el-Had

Admire the impressive Moroccan architecture and the sheer scale of this historical monument.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Bab el-Had

Bab el-Had, also known as the Sunday Gate, is a historic entryway to Rabat's medina. While it's a passage, it can get crowded, especially during market days. Consider visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak bustle and capture better photos.

Navigating the Medina Entrance

As the only remaining functional gate in the medina's wall, Bab el-Had is a key access point. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere with vendors and locals. Keep an eye on your belongings and enjoy the historical ambiance of this significant Moroccan landmark.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

تعملوا إيه في مدينه الرباط ، المغرب 🇲🇦 📍شارع محمد الخامس 📍مطعم the kitch جنب المحطة 📍باب الحد 📍 قصبة الوداية 📍موقع شالة الأثري 📍الاسواق، المدينه القديمة 📍برج محمد السادس والمسرح 📍كورنيش الرباط #tiktoktravel #traveltiktok #morocco🇲🇦 #الرباط #rabat
@travelwitheman
18.3K likes • 419.5K views

📸 Capture the Grandeur

Visit early or late for fewer crowds and better light to photograph this historic gate. Instagram

🛍️ Medina Market Vibes

Expect a lively atmosphere as it's a main passage. Great for people-watching and soaking in local life. TikTok

SUMMER PROMO : 7 OFFRES CHOC À NE PAS RATER !🤩 📍 Rabat - 9isaryat wad dahab - bab lhed #promosummer #Summer #Rabat #Smartphones #affair #OffresSpéciales #BonnesAffaires
@yunnystore7
8.1K likes • 631.8K views
Bab-el-had / Moroccan architecture 🇲🇦 Sunday Gate takes its name from the weekly market that was once held near it (in the 12th century). It is the only gate in the wall that still serves as a passageway, providing access to the southwest tip of the Medina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ‏#rabat ‏#rabat_24h ‏#rabatmaroc ‏#rabatville ‏#rabatagdal ‏#tourhassan ‏#oudayarabat ‏#tourist ‏#maroc ‏#cathedrale...
amine_show93
74 likes • 3.2K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk Through History

This is the only gate still used as a passage, so enjoy the authentic experience. Instagram

💰 Souvenir Hunting

While not a dedicated market, nearby areas in the medina offer trinkets and souvenirs. Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for places to buy trinkets in Rabat

I'm a tourist in Rabat for a couple of days, just wondering if the malls or airports have places I can buy some merch or Moroccan themed trinkets, hats, keychains, or anything like that. The kind of stuff you'd find at a gift store. If there's any tourist attractions in Rabat…

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Grandeur

Visit early or late for fewer crowds and better light to photograph this historic gate. Instagram

🛍️ Medina Market Vibes

Expect a lively atmosphere as it's a main passage. Great for people-watching and soaking in local life. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Walk Through History

This is the only gate still used as a passage, so enjoy the authentic experience. Instagram

💰 Souvenir Hunting

While not a dedicated market, nearby areas in the medina offer trinkets and souvenirs. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(71 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Bab el-Had Gate for its historical significance and impressive architecture, calling it a beautiful entryway to the medina. While the crowds can be notable, the vibrant atmosphere and the gate's role as a functional historical passage are highly appreciated.

"Beautiful entryway to the Medina."

Y B

"Good crowded but it's expected but it's a beautiful place"

Salma Moutkane

"Great place"

Ayman Harak

What People Like

Beautiful historic gate
Vibrant medina entrance
Impressive architecture

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bab el-Had is a primary entrance to the Rabat medina. You can reach it by taxi or by walking from many central points in the city. It's a well-known landmark, so asking locals for directions to 'Bab el-Had' will be easy. TikTok

Yes, Rabat's public transport network, including buses and taxis, can get you close to the medina's entrances, including Bab el-Had. The gate itself is a pedestrian passage. TikTok

The best way is on foot. Once you pass through the gate, you're in the heart of the medina, perfect for exploring its narrow streets and souks. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Bab el-Had Gate is a public thoroughfare and does not require an entrance ticket. It's a free-to-access historical monument and gateway. Instagram

As a functional gateway, Bab el-Had is generally accessible throughout the day and into the evening, though specific times might vary with local activity. Instagram

There is no admission fee to pass through Bab el-Had Gate. It serves as a historical and active passage into the medina. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Bab el-Had is primarily a historic gateway. You can admire its architecture, soak in the atmosphere of the medina entrance, and use it as a starting point for exploring the old city. Instagram

Yes, it can be quite crowded, especially during peak hours or market days, as it's a main entry point to the medina. Visiting early or late can help avoid the biggest crowds. Reddit

The gate, also known as the Sunday Gate, dates back to the 12th century and is the only remaining functional gate in the medina's wall, named for a former weekly market. Instagram

Absolutely! It's a very photogenic spot, especially for capturing Moroccan architecture and the bustling medina entrance. Instagram

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

While Bab el-Had itself is a gate, the surrounding medina is filled with souks and shops selling Moroccan trinkets, keychains, and other souvenirs. Reddit

Yes, as you enter the medina through Bab el-Had, you'll find numerous traditional Moroccan restaurants and cafes offering local cuisine. TikTok

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