Royal Palace Rabat
Official residence of the King of Morocco, featuring grand architecture and serene gardens accessible to the public.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Royal Palace Rabat
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Official residence of the King of Morocco, featuring grand architecture and serene gardens accessible to the public.
"Impressive facade and spacious gardens offer a pleasant, free visit, though the palace itself remains off-limits."
🛂 Bring Your Passport
Essential for entry to the palace grounds. Security checks are in place.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
The palace isn't open, but the gardens are lovely for a walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Royal Facade
Admire the grand architecture and intricate Moroccan craftsmanship of the official residence.
Palace Gardens
Wander through spacious, well-kept gardens offering a peaceful escape and beautiful views.
Royal Mosque
A beautiful mosque is located within the palace grounds, adding to the architectural splendor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Passport is Key
Gardens & Facade Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛂 Bring Your Passport
Essential for entry to the palace grounds. Security checks are in place.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
The palace isn't open, but the gardens are lovely for a walk.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the impressive facade and surrounding architecture.
🆓 Free Entry
Admission to the grounds is free, making it an accessible attraction.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛂 Bring Your Passport
Essential for entry to the palace grounds. Security checks are in place.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
The palace isn't open, but the gardens are lovely for a walk.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the impressive facade and surrounding architecture.
🆓 Free Entry
Admission to the grounds is free, making it an accessible attraction.
🤫 Respect the Rules
Follow guard instructions to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Royal Palace of Rabat to be an interesting site with beautiful, spacious gardens and an impressive facade, offering free entry and a pleasant stroll. However, the inability to enter the palace itself leads some to find the visit underwhelming, with concerns about security interactions and the walk required to see the exterior.
"An interesting place to visit. While entry into the palace itself isn’t allowed, the gardens are open to visitors. They’re quite spacious, well maintained, and pleasant to walk through. Be sure to bring your passport, as it’s required for entry."
O D
"A very interesting place. A surprising number of exhibits from everyday life. The entrance fee is cheap. Anyone who enjoys the Host will find it like paradise."
Ilona Cecylia Lach
"Boring and not worth the visit. You must walk 10 mins from the road and 10 mins back. So 20 mins of walking just to take a picture of the underwhelming facade. There are no signs of where to go and what to do/not do. Guards were whistling and yelling at people from afar when they were walking in the wrong direction. This was unnerving and confusing. As you approach the entrance, people are taking pictures of the front view. Not interesting enough to make the stop. Save your energy and spend more time at Chella! I went here by tuktuk tour. The gate requires your passport, the guide takes the passport in and you're separated from your sensitive passport. Unnecessary for what this place offers. Again, don't waste your time here."
Brooke Noriega
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Royal Palace of Rabat is located in the Mechouar area. You can reach it by taxi or a tuk-tuk tour. Some visitors mention a 10-minute walk from the drop-off point to the entrance.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but taxis and tuk-tuks are common modes of transport, suggesting that parking might be limited or not the primary way visitors arrive.
Depending on your starting point, walking might be feasible, but it's a significant distance from some central areas. Taxis are a convenient option for getting closer.
Most visitors take photos of the facade from the front. The approach involves a walk from where vehicles drop you off.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, taxis and tuk-tuks are frequently mentioned as ways to get to the palace, indicating they are the most practical public transport options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the grounds of the Royal Palace is free. However, you must present your passport for security checks.
The palace grounds are generally open to the public, but specific hours can vary. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the best experience.
The palace building itself is not open to the public, but the surrounding gardens and exterior are accessible.
There are security controls upon entry, and visitors are required to show their passports. Guards are present to guide visitors on where they can go.
Your passport is required for entry to the grounds. Some reviews mention guides holding passports, so be aware of this process.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the spacious and well-maintained gardens, admire the impressive facade of the palace, and see the Royal Mosque within the grounds.
Opinions vary. Some find it an interesting place with pleasant gardens and a grand facade, while others find it underwhelming and suggest focusing on other Rabat attractions like Chella.
While official guided tours aren't explicitly mentioned, some visitors arrive via tuk-tuk tours. Guards are present to offer guidance on permitted areas.
Respect the security personnel and follow their instructions regarding where you can walk. Dress modestly out of respect for the royal residence.
Given that you can't enter the palace, a visit focused on the gardens and facade might take around 30-60 minutes. Some reviews suggest the walk to and from the entrance adds to the time.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography of the facade and gardens is generally permitted. However, always be mindful of security personnel and any specific restrictions they might indicate.
The main facade offers a grand backdrop. The gardens also provide scenic opportunities for capturing the palace's exterior and its surroundings.
Drone usage is typically restricted around sensitive government buildings and royal residences. It's highly unlikely to be permitted.
While the exterior and gardens are accessible, be aware that certain areas might have photography restrictions, especially closer to the palace building itself.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of the facade and the expanse of the gardens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider this visit as a brief stop to see impressive architecture from the outside and enjoy a pleasant walk. It might be best paired with other more interactive attractions in Rabat to keep younger visitors engaged throughout the day.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Be prepared for the fact that you can only view the palace from the outside. If you're looking for a quick photo opportunity and a peaceful walk in a grand setting, it's a good option. However, if you're seeking in-depth historical exploration, you might want to prioritize other sites in Rabat.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While the exterior is the main subject, the surrounding gardens can provide beautiful framing. Be mindful of security and any restricted areas to ensure you capture the best angles without issue. A wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the scale of the palace.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Royal Palace of Rabat
+1The palace complex is a significant landmark in Rabat, showcasing a blend of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and majestic design. Visitors can admire the intricate zellige tilework, ornate gates, and the overall grandeur that reflects the country's rich heritage. The presence of a Royal Mosque within the grounds further emphasizes its importance as a center of both state and religious life.
+2Despite the inability to enter the main building, the accessible gardens provide a pleasant space for visitors to stroll and appreciate the palace's exterior. Security is a visible presence, ensuring the safety and privacy of the royal family, and visitors are guided on where they are permitted to go.
Visitor Experience and Perspectives
However, some visitors express disappointment that the palace itself is not accessible, describing the experience as 'boring' and 'underwhelming.' They point out the need to walk a considerable distance just to see the facade and mention feeling unnerved by guards whistling or yelling at people for straying from designated paths. The requirement to hand over passports for entry is also a point of concern for some.
Ultimately, whether the Royal Palace is 'worth the visit' seems to depend on individual priorities. Those interested in architecture and a peaceful garden stroll might enjoy it, while those expecting an immersive historical tour might find it lacking. It's often recommended to manage expectations and consider it a brief stop rather than a major attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit