Kasbah des Oudaias
Kasbah des Oudaias
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- Robert ORotterdam, The Netherlands3,498 contributionsMedieval fort at strategic locationOn a hill where the Bouregreg river meets the Atlantic ocean is the Kasbah des Oudaias. Like any kasbah in North Africa it is the best fortified part of a city, a stronghold where to retreat or from where to attack. This one is most spectacular in appearance because of the natural setting. Mostly built during the 12th century during the heydays of Almohad rule. After the death of al-Mansur in 1199, this kasbah lost significance and the new town of Salé on the other side of the river became more important. Currently the kasbah is undergoing renovation and repair work. A gentrified hotspot for tourists is perhaps going to take away some of its charm.Written August 7, 2022
- Frank DSlidell, Louisiana1,310 contributionsBeautiful, largely restored and in good shapeThe kasbah is a very old walled city - the city that was long ago. Many of the old buildings in the Kasbah are painted blue. Why? It represents the blue of the Mediterranean. The blue came about with the influx of Jews who used blue to represent the skies. It was done in blue to ward off mosquitoes. Take your pick. The kasbah is a maze of alleyways, mostly very narrow but some wide enough for a vehicle to move through. Some are pretty steep and for an old guy like me there is a need to take them slowly. Both sides of each pathway is usually filled with doors... to residences, apartments, storage places, shops. I highly recommend Google Maps on your smartphone. Without it, I might still be lost in one of the many byways in kasbahs and medinas in Morocco. At one edge of the Kasbah is a large square with many people coming there for pictures, the view, or just to relax. At the edge of the square this little place with tables along the wall and a little building where one can get a beverage and various food items.Written June 10, 2022
- js6872Sacramento, California237 contributionsPicturesque lanes and gardensBeautiful area with picturesque lanes and lots of photo ops. We explored this on our own, but were harassed by “association tour guides”. As we entered, a man approached and tried to make small talk. We told him we were not interested in a tour. Later as we walked up the path, the same man walked by us. Then as we turned a corner he made a comment on one of the doors. As we walked up to the viewpoint overlooking the Atlantic less than 5 minutes later he was still nearby and we once again told him we were not interested in a tour. He then insisted on being paid 100 MAD for walking us to the viewpoint as he was "part of an association". He made vaguely threatening comments and we gave him the money just to get rid of him. This definitely left a sour note to our visit. The gardens were beautiful and the lanes worth the visit but be wary of suspicious characters.Written January 6, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
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retireeVancouver
Vancouver, Canada1,739 contributions
Oct 2022
I was looking forward to visiting the Andalsian Gardens and the Kasbah Palace Museum/Museum of Oudayas, but these were closed on my visit, October 2022, to the Kasbah des Oudayas. We did stop at the Café Maure in the Kasbah for fresh hot mint tea and wonderful cookies before walking around in the narrow alleys towards the square with the viewpoint over the river and the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the alleyways were being renovated with fresh tile for a tidy appearance. Since the Kasbah is a residential area, we saw continuous white-washed walls lining every alley punctuated only by various styles of doorways and windows. Our guide from our cruise ship excursion led us, single file, through this maze of alleys to the spacious square with a view; otherwise, I am sure, we would not have found our way to it. At the exit there is a small local market for tourists to buy souvenirs. We had stayed 1 hour.
I was more impressed with the massive turreted red walls surrounding this old town and the remarkable horseshoe shaped entry doors with their geometrical designs overtop than the repetitive views of the white washed homes along the alleys. It would have been interesting, though, to have gone into one of these homes to look at the layout of rooms.
Go for the experience of walking through a historic part of Rabat - an area that has been inhabited since the 12th century. As we left the Kasbah, we passed by a cemetery with acres of tombstones. What a sight!
I was more impressed with the massive turreted red walls surrounding this old town and the remarkable horseshoe shaped entry doors with their geometrical designs overtop than the repetitive views of the white washed homes along the alleys. It would have been interesting, though, to have gone into one of these homes to look at the layout of rooms.
Go for the experience of walking through a historic part of Rabat - an area that has been inhabited since the 12th century. As we left the Kasbah, we passed by a cemetery with acres of tombstones. What a sight!
Written December 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hyoga83
Bordeaux, France693 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
Do your best to dodge the (un)helpful local tours that want to guide through this small and easy to navigate inhabited kasbah.
The views from the "semaphore" are great, the colours and buildings too, and stop by the Cafe Maure (10 dirhams per tea, same for pastries).
The garden was closed, as nearly everything in town now in October...
The views from the "semaphore" are great, the colours and buildings too, and stop by the Cafe Maure (10 dirhams per tea, same for pastries).
The garden was closed, as nearly everything in town now in October...
Written October 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
saul g
Tel Aviv, Israel1,151 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We have enjoyed a most relaxing stroll , in this beautiful small Kasbah Des Oudayas in Rabat . Famous for the blue painting of the lower part of the buildings ,and for the fantastic panorama , once you get close to the water . You may have a relaxing Tea Break in Cafe Maure just like we did , after you are through using your cameras .
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HINA W
Islamabad, Pakistan6,322 contributions
Feb 2020
Kasbah des Oudayas is located at the mouth of the Oued Bou Regreg River right across the city of Salé. It has classic medieval architecture symbolic of Rabat’s early history. It was originally constructed in the 13th century for defensive purposes. Hence it is located strategically on elevated ground over the Atlantic. It is a tiny little village like quarter which is still inhabited by locals. You can see houses with white facades and coloured doors, the Kasbah Mosque, the Andalusian Gardens and the grand Bab Oudaïa here.
Written January 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Primestop
Braunton, UK350 contributions
Feb 2020
On the top of the hill overlooking Rabat but easy to access and walk around. There are good views of the sea, the slightly rough beach and of the city. The only downside was the young people at each entrance hassling you to give you a tour, but with a firm no they finally leave you alone.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marek P
Adelaide, Australia505 contributions
Nov 2019
We enjoyed what was our first experience of the fantastic blue and white Morocco buildings. You only need a couple of hours to wander the alleyways and look at the gardens. It is so different to anything we have in Australia and this certainly added to the charm. The views over Rabat are great with lots of great photo opportunities. We didn't feel unwelcome or threatened and the history was very interesting.
It is at the top of hill so the alleys go up and down so not for those who find walking a challenge.
It is at the top of hill so the alleys go up and down so not for those who find walking a challenge.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Manny B
New York414 contributions
Oct 2021
Kasbah des Oudayas is located near the Oued Bou Regreg River. The Kasbah has an impressive wall with gates. it's interesting to wander around seeing the variety souks and produce. this is not as large or as interesting as in Fez or Marrakech. Just outside the walls you can walk down to the beach, which was crowded when I visited in October.
Written October 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deryn H
Waterlooville, UK2,262 contributions
Oct 2019
We visited here as part of our tour of the country. It is a citadel north of the city and very popular with tourists. Our guide took us through all the tiny alleyways and streets that are still lived in today by around 300 people, only half of which are locals, the remainder being students mainly. It was quite interesting and there were lots of tourists all trying to keep up with their leader lest they got lost! Lots of winding alleyways and local trying to sell crafts etc. The citadel dates back to the 11th century and has the oldest mosque tower in Africa.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Just_Tim_from_London
111 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Small neighborhood with lovely alleyways with blue and white painted walls. Guides waiting at the entrance try to latch on to you but accept a firm no. The Andalusian gardens are small but nice. Lots of stray cats and a few stray dogs too. The kasbah is quite small and there is a restaurant/tea room which overlooks the river. Tea is 10 dhiram ($1) and they sell pastries. Well worth a visit but will only take an hour or so.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
3DMatrix
London, UK295 contributions
Dec 2019
This is a lovely (relatively) small and enclosed neighbourhood with blue and white walled alley ways. It is very very picturesque and reminiscent of a Mediterranean seaside village, we took many many pictures. As with most of Rabat, there is a story to be told and history to be learnt.
Trivia titbit, the steps at beside the Kasbah's entrance were featured in the silver BMW scene in Mission Impossible Rogue Nation i.e. steps Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) drove down like a maniac with Benji (Simon Pegg) screaming like a fellow maniac.
Trivia titbit, the steps at beside the Kasbah's entrance were featured in the silver BMW scene in Mission Impossible Rogue Nation i.e. steps Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) drove down like a maniac with Benji (Simon Pegg) screaming like a fellow maniac.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roberto Freitas
Salvador, BA25 contributions
A visitação é gratuita ou paga? Tem horário de funcionamento?
Cibele R
Sao Paulo, SP64 contributions
Você tem que dar uma gorjeta para os "guias" da Kasbah que ficam na entrada. Alguns são bastante bem informados. Há sim um horário de visitação. Ela fecha na última oração da tarde.
sanae985
Grenoble, France633 contributions
bonjour, on peut se rendre au café avec la vue sur le Bouregreg avec une poussette ? merci
H.Vegas
Aviles, Spain650 contributions
Hola!!
Se puede obtener café y disfrutar de las vistas pero no se puede llegar con coche hasta el mirador. Es una zona peatonal solo se puede acceder caminando.
CrossFell3000
Bristol, UK8 contributions
I had a guided tour last year and I was told there was a reason why the houses are painted blue. I've forgotten why!!! And I'm curious to be reminded.
Samiya7
Deerfield Beach, FL1,066 contributions
I was also told it was to keep mosquitos away.
Pariscat3
USA14 contributions
How do I get to the Kasbah, is there a tram or bus? Would it be a good place to rent an apartment for a month?
Lonnie L
San Francisco, CA96 contributions
The golden tulip hotel is nearby. you could walk from there. Within 15 minutes walking distance of the Kasbah there are many hotels. There are also very fine hotels in the Medina across the street from the Kasbah. The streetcar is quite a modern wonder that glides around the city and stops directly outside the Kasbah. However for your convenience there are a glut of taxis that offer multiple levels of service. Some only take 3 or 4 people and are quite inexpensive. The larger ones that tend to be Mercedes are a bit more but are roomier and will iake 1 or two passengers. A driver will also make himself available to you for a longer term if you negotiate a price. Then you can call when you are ready to move. Almost like a personal car service. All this being said, if you have an opportunity to live inside the Kasbah, take it. Just make sure the place will provide all the things you feel are necessary to keep you comfortable during your stay and that there no hidden costs. If yo are living inside the Kasbah you will have a short hilly walk to the gate in order to get transportation to get anywhere else. Markets and provisions will be across the street in the Medina. This spring i was there for a few weeks and found the experience to be thrilling.
Kasbah des Oudaias (Rabat) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Kasbah des Oudaias
- We recommend booking Kasbah des Oudaias tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 64 Kasbah des Oudaias tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Kasbah des Oudaias:
- Kasbah Full Day Excursion (From $141.59)
- Casablanca and Rabat Day Tour including Lunch (From $220.12)
- Rabat Day Trip from Casablanca (From $119.46)
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town (From $76.32)
- 2 Days Chefchaouen and Rabat Tour from Casablanca (From $389.36)
- Hotels near Kasbah des Oudaias:
- (0.06 mi) Riad El Idrissi
- (0.06 mi) Riad Kasbah
- (0.17 mi) Hotel des Oudaias
- (0.25 mi) Dar Shaan
- (0.24 mi) Dar El Kebira
- Restaurants near Kasbah des Oudaias:
- (0.09 mi) Cafe Maure
- (0.09 mi) Feu de Bois
- (0.16 mi) Restaurant de la Plage
- (0.35 mi) Dar Zaki
- (0.27 mi) Dinarjat