Rabat (الرباط) literally “Fortified Place” is the capital city of Morocco. The city is located 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.
What to see
- Kasbah of the Oudaias, the picturesque medieval Almohadan fortress citadel, with commanding ocean views from the acropolis and refreshing Andalusian gardens on it’s base.
- Hassan Tower and the Royal Mausoleum, with the Royal Guards (Tower is currently under renovation. As of April 2016 scaffolding is still covering the tower as they renovate and clean it).
- Old Medina, with its various street markets (souqs). The side street leading to the Kasbah (Rue des Consuls) is full of history and traditional shops. The Tourist Police is also stationed there.
- Chellah – old city founded by Carthaginians, conquered by Romans and later passed under Arab rule, just to be abandoned and settled again by unbelievable numbers of birds, namely storks. This breeding ground bubbles with bird life in spring, including stork nest on the top of old minaret. Also, historical layers are visible, with outstanding Roman and Moroccan parts. You can walk there from centre-ville, but it’s a long walk. Admission is 10 MAD and it’s open until 5:30 PM.
- National Archaeological Museum
- Bank Al Maghrib Museum (Currently under renovation, no admittance)
- The Beach and the cornice around the Casbah, offering great photo ops to the citadel.
- Royal Palace : It’s pretty huge, you can’t really visit it (but it’s a nice walk !), the armed guards might allow you walk from one entrance to another especially if you look like a tourist.
- Modern Art Museum: It is across from the train station, and has new exhibitions frequently. Well worth a walk through