Rabat

The capital city of Morocco, Rabat is a relaxed and elegant city with a cosmopolitan air. Located on the Atlantic coast, it has a long and fascinating history; there are Roman remains, a huge 12^th century mosque, stories of piracy, a beautiful hilltop kasbah and a wonderfully relaxed souk. Because it is often passed-by by visitors, it is all the more genuine a city to visit.

The City

The capital of the Kingdom of Morocco since independence in 1956, Rabat is the centre for political administration; with just fewer than 2 million inhabitants, it is the second in economic importance to Casablanca, which is roughly twice its size and has much more industry and traffic. 

Rabat is an elegant city with a cosmopolitan culture, where the pace of life is surprisingly relaxed; its Arabic name means “refuge”. The broad tree-lined avenues, imposing buildings and its Atlantic coast setting on the bank of the Bou Regreg river give a feeling of space, whilst the medina and kasbah offer the mystery of its more distant past. It also has a number of attractions that one might expect of a capital city, including a zoo.

“Rabat blends all Morocco’s variety in such a neat, well-proportioned package that if I were to choose one destination to capture the spirit of the country as a whole, this would be it” Max Rodenbeck (veteran Middle East correspondent).

Things to do or see

In the city

• Mausoleum of Mohammed V which houses the tombs of the present king’s father (King Hassan II), uncle and grandfather, and the neighbouring 12^th century Hassan Tower, of which the stunning minaret remains incomplete, both lie close to the river.
• The Kasbah des Oudayas (or Udayas) is the oldest part of the city and is sited on a hill overlooking the sea and estuary just north of the medina. It is a pretty and quiet residential area with a beautifully decorated main gate, Bab Oudaya (built in 1195), a museum of Moroccan art and art galleries, and lovely palace and gardens, as well as being known for its annual jazz festival.
• The Chellah, housing both Roman ruins and a medieval Muslim necropolis, lies to the south of the Ville Nouvelle and, although abandoned and overgrown, is an atmospheric site adorned by storks’ nests.
• The Ville Nouvelle exhibits some fine Art Deco architecture set beside palm lined boulevards and boasts the best theatre in Morocco.
• The World Rhythm Festival held annually in May, has music from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South America and, of course, Morocco.

Outside of Rabat

• Oulja, 2 miles south east of Rabat, a village with a large pottery cooperative and weavers.
• The Jardins Exotiques, 8 miles north of Rabat, features mature, exotic gardens, which are both romantic and fun for children.
• Beaches. Rabat is on a fabulous stretch of the Atlantic coast, with miles of sandy beaches and surf spots both to the north and south.

Weather

Rabat enjoys a mild, temperate climate, making it comfortable all year round thanks to the moderating effect of the Atlantic and the cool Canaries current.

Accommodation Quicklinks

• Dar El Mouhit
• Riad Kalaa
• Villa Mandarine