There’s no charge to visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which is guarded by colorfully dressed soldiers throughout the day. Many travelers visit independently, combining a stop at the mausoleum with a trip to the Hassan Tower (Tour Hassan) just a stone’s throw away. The mausoleum is also a common stop on most Rabat day trips and day tours. As the city’s sights are spread out over a large area, a tour (or private guide) can make a lot of sense.
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V sits beside the Hassan Tower (Tour Hassan) in the heart of downtown Rabat. It’s about a 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) walk east of the Gare de Rabat-Ville, Rabat’s main train station, or you can catch tram line 1 to the Place 16 Novembre stop.
The mausoleum is open from sunrise to sunset daily, but avoid visiting around lunchtime when worshippers observe the midday prayers. It’s at its busiest on Friday afternoons, Saturdays, Sundays, and Moroccan public holidays. Avoid visiting on Throne Day, a royal holiday on July 30th, or during Friday prayers.
Morocco has a long and proud history but fell under colonial influences. In 1912, France and Spain divided up their territory. Mohammed V ruled as a sultan under occupation but was exiled for supporting Morocco’s struggle for independence. His return to the country on November 16th, 1955 marked a turning point in the struggle and he ruled independent Morocco as king from 1956. Morocco’s current king, Mohammed VI, is his grandson.