Rabat (Arabic: الرباط; Berber: ⵕⵕⴱⴰⴹ), literally "Fortified Place", is the capital city of Morocco. The city of Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Rabat is on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. On the facing shore of the river lies Salé, Rabat's bedroom community. Together with Temara the cities account for a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million. It is an easy-going city by Moroccan standards. Rabat visitor information
If you aren't in a hurry, walking around the area of Centre Ville, Agdal, the University, the Medina, the Ocean/River and the monuments is easy and pleasant. The new Corniche on the river, leading to the Oudaias, has been re-done, and there are expected openings of cafes soon. The route cotiere, or coastal road, past the cemetery and the Oudaias has dramatic ocean-side views, especially charming at sunset. There are two lines between Rabat and Salé. It costs only 6 dirham (Sep 2019) for one use and it works from 06:00-23:00. There is a tram every 10 min during the week and every 20 min during Sunday.
1 Kasbah of the Oudaias. The Kasbah is the oldest part of Rabat. It has narrow streets with cute white and blue houses, the Andalucian Gardens, the Oudaias Museum housed in a 17th century palace, and a great view of the Atlantic Ocean. The district is enclosed by old fortifications, including a large and beautiful 12th-century stone gate. Free entrance. (updated Feb 2018) 2 Old Medina. A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with atmospheric narrow streets and a sizeable market. It is less crowded and maze-like than the medinas of Fes and Marrakesh, making it easy to explore. (updated Nov 2019) 3 Chouhada Cemetery. Huge and often colorful cemetery by the sea (updated Nov 2019) 4 The Beach.
There are many things to do here, as with most Moroccan cities it is enough just to wander around and adventure where something takes your fancy. There is also a large and tranquil park next to the Hotel Sofitel, where people run and play football, etc. You can also use the pool at the Sofitel for a charge. The park is a 10-15 dirham taxi ride (10 minutes) from la Gare Central. 1 Théâtre National Mohammed V, Avenue Moulay Rachid, ☏ +212 5377-07300. Theatre in Downtown Rabat, nothing absolutely outstanding but there are performances each month. Jazz au Chellah is a jazz festival organized each year in June by the ministry of culture, the city and the European delegation.
In the centre there are often inexpensive food stalls around the medina, serving delicious fish and salad sandwiches. Especially found right around the perimeter of the Marche Centrale, these places also serve fresh and simple salads, hot bowls of lubia (beans) or lentils, rotisserie chicken, and home-made tagines. There are also lots of stalls selling pancakes and pains au chocolat. 1 Cafe Maure (In the Kasbah Oudaia). Amazing cafe that looks over the sea, where you can drink mint tea and eat sugary treats. The staff are very friendly and you can stay as long as you like soaking up the atmosphere. (updated May 2022) 2 Majestic, 14 Av. Allal Ben Abdellah.
1 Amnesia, 18, Rue Monastir. If you like clubbing then dress up, this is the hippest club in Rabat. 2 Upstairs, 8, Avenue Michlifen. Irish/English theme pub in Agdal. Women will feel comfortable here as it's not men-only. The food is typical pub-grub, with some vegetarian options. A pint costs 50 dirham. Live music is on every now and then. Café Weimar. Le Bistrot Pietri, Place Pietri. Located on the first place of Hotel Urban Pietry. It's a quite modern chic restaurant and bar. On Tuesday and Friday night, there are live jazz performance and on Saturdays, rock and roll. A cup of house beer costs about 38 dirham and a glass of house wine, about 50 dirham.
Rabat is considered a safe city. Just use some common sense: avoid wearing expensive jewellery or looking flashy, do not flash large quantities of cash, and avoid unfamiliar and deserted areas at night. If you walk in the crowded streets of the Medina or use a bus, keep a hand on your pockets. Women should avoid low-cut tops, midriffs, or shorts to avoid harassment (which almost always consists of comments, but nothing physical) although this is less of a problem than in other cities. Don't feel the need to be polite – no Moroccan woman would put up with behaviour like that.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Rabat typically sees ~27°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
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