Things To Do
in Sale
Sale is a historic port city on the Bou Regreg River opposite Rabat, known for its atmospheric medina and hillside views. Its lanes wind up towards whitewashed houses, busy souks, and glimpses of the Atlantic beyond the river. The city blends Moroccan heritage with a touch of colonial-era architecture, offering a less touristy alternative to Rabat while remaining deeply cultural.
A walkable, waterfront-facing base for exploring the Rabat-Salé region, Sale invites leisurely days of market strolls, riverfront vistas, and sunset dinners with a maritime breeze.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh Moroccan pastries and mint tea. Afterwards, stroll through the narrow streets of the medina, taking in the vibrant colors and sounds of local vendors selling spices and textiles. Visit the historic Bab Chaouia gate, which serves as a magnificent entry point to the old city.
After lunch at a nearby restaurant, explore the ancient Kasbah of Sale, where you can marvel at the intricately designed architecture and the stunning views of the Bou Regreg River. Engage with local artisans in their workshops, learning about traditional crafts and perhaps picking up a unique souvenir. Take a moment to relax in one of the town's charming squares, soaking in the local atmosphere.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at a rooftop restaurant, where you can sample tagine and couscous while overlooking the medina. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank, enjoying the cool evening breeze and the twinkling lights of Rabat across the water. End your night with a visit to a local café for a refreshing mint tea and some live music.
Begin your day by visiting the bustling market of Souk El Had, where the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables greet you. Spend time mingling with local vendors, sampling fresh produce and chatting about their goods. Don't forget to explore the spice section, where the fragrant aromas will entice you to try some unique Moroccan spices.
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a nearby eatery, where you can savor dishes like harira soup and freshly baked bread. Afterward, visit the artisan district to see craftsmen at work, from potters to weavers, and perhaps even try your hand at a craft. Engage with locals and learn about the significance of these trades in Moroccan culture.
In the evening, take a cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes, guided by a local chef. After cooking, enjoy the fruits of your labor, sharing your meal with fellow participants for a communal dining experience. Conclude the night with a stroll through the lively streets, enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Sale.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🚖Taxi ride (short distance) | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $1-3 |
| 🧺Groceries (basic daily items) | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming, walkable medina with authentic local atmosphere
- Striking river views and easy access to Rabat’s cultural sites
- Relatively fewer crowds than Rabat or Casablanca, with good value
- Fresh seafood and coastal Moroccan flavors at your fingertips
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Some services and signage may be only in French or Arabic
- Smaller selection of international dining options compared with major capitals
- "Salam alaykum" - Hello / Peace be upon you
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "La shukran, la aHtaj" - No thank you, I don’t need assistance
- "Kam al-thaman?" - What is the price?
- "Min fadlik" - Please (polite request)
- "Ish-shaB ykhalik" - May you be kept safe / thank you (respectful goodbye)
Places to Visit in Sale
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic views across the river to Rabat, especially at sunset when the water and city lights glow together.
Narrow, winding lanes with whitewashed walls, wooden doors, and colorful textiles—great for candid street photography.
Open-air paths along the Bou Regreg with boats, fishermen, and locals in daily life, ideal for atmospheric daytime and dusk captures.
Bustling harbor scenes with nets, crates, and lobster pots—perfect for color, texture, and maritime ambiance.
Food in Sale
Sale Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Moroccan tagine slow-cooked with tender chicken, olives, and preserved lemon, often served with couscous or bread.
Must-Try!
A layered pastry dish usually made with poultry, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar, offering a sweet-savory flavor profile.
A hearty tomato-lentil soup flavored with herbs, typically eaten to start or end a meal, especially in cooler weather.
Fresh fish or shellfish cooked with a tangy herb-mint-chili marinade that highlights coastal ingredients.
Steamed pearls of semolina served with a seasonal mix of vegetables and a savory broth.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively daily market where you can sample olives, pickles, bread, spices, fresh fruit, and street bites from various stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Salam alaykum' (peace be upon you) and a handshake; use right hand for giving, receiving, and eating.
Dress modestly in public spaces, especially in markets and religious sites; avoid public displays of affection and loud behavior.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in intimate or family settings.
Safety
Tipping in Sale
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not always required; leave small tips (around 5-10% if service is not included) in restaurants and for hotel staff.
Cash in Moroccan dirhams is widely accepted; major credit cards are increasingly accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. ATMs are common in towns, but carry some cash for smaller vendors and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens make it ideal for walking tours and outdoor markets; expect comfortable days and cool evenings.
Hot daytime temperatures with a refreshing sea breeze; plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons and stay hydrated.
Pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds; great for riverfront strolls and long lunches outdoors.
Milder, sometimes rainy days; pack a light rain jacket and enjoy indoor attractions, cafes, and museum visits.
Sale at Night
Hiking in Sale
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic, easy hike along the riverbanks offering views across to Rabat and the coastline; suitable for a relaxed afternoon.
Boardwalks and gentle trails through wetlands and woodlands, ideal for birdwatching and a light outdoor excursion.
Short hillside paths with overlooks of the river and city, accessible via a day trip from Sale.
Airports
How to reach Sale by plane.
A regional airport located in Salé, offering domestic and limited international flights; easy access to Sale and Rabat by road or taxi.
Casablanca's major international hub about 80-100 minutes by car from Sale, providing broad international connections and services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mix of Arab and Berber communities forming the city’s cultural core, with families, students, and shopkeepers contributing to daily life.
A steady stream of students and some expatriates who study or work in Rabat-Salé, often frequenting cafes and markets after classes.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the region’s most popular sport, with local clubs and informal games played across parks and streets.
A common sport in youth leagues and schools; accessible at community centers and gyms.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sale.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in tagines and couscous dishes; ask for vegetable tagine or chilled salads, and request meat-free preparations when ordering.