Rabat

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.

Get in

By train

Rabat is well served by train and you can get frequent connections to most places. Marrakesh is a pleasant 4 hour journey, Fez 2.5 hours (if you take one of the new express trains, and 3.5 hours on other trains) and Casablanca 1 hour. There are two stations in Gare Rabat Ville.  edit (Medina/Downtown) and Agdal. A tram and a taxi station are located just next to the downtown train station. Be warned that trains are sometimes delayed by over an hour. Visit OCNF website (ocnf for the timetable.)

By bus

It's possible to get a bus from almost any town in the country to Rabat. Note, however, that the buses often do not stop at the central bus station, but instead go through the city. It may be a good idea to ask someone which is the correct stop, or use a decent street map to work out where you are. It is easy to miss the main stop and find yourself heading out into the suburbs again, which is not too bad - about a 20-25 MAD ride in to downtown.

By plane

The Rabat International Airport is in the nearby town of Salé. The sole brand new Terminal building was inaugurated by the King of Morocco in 2012, doubling the airport's passenger handling capacity. Services provided include currency exchange and car rental, along with a friendly information desk. Expect a wait in the Passport Control check either way and be prepared to fill out a registration form before. Main airline users include Royal Air Maroc (Brussels, Paris-Orly, London-Gatwick, Madrid, Marseille) and budget Ryanair (Beauvais, Charleroi, Girona, London-Stansted, Madrid, Marseille, Rome-Ciampino). The airport is served by a dedicated Stareo Bus that offers a direct connection (approx. 40 min / costs 20 dirham one way) to the city center, just outside of Rabat Ville Train Station / Mohammed V Tramway Station. Buses leave the airport 1 hour after each arrival and the city center 2 hours before each flight (a schedule is posted on the bus stop).

By taxi

Grand taxis service Rabat from other cities. Be aware that these are old Mercedes and are often not in the best of condition. The driver may not drive as safely as you would expect. In addition, be careful that your driver does not try to overcharge you, as this is quite a common occurrence. It is normal for people in Morocco to share taxis with other people, so you might not go directly to your destination. Learn some French or Arabic expressions to communicate with your driver if you take a Grand Taxi.

There are also some private companies which offer inter-city transfers in newer cars with English-speaking drivers.

Get around

Map of central Rabat

• Tram: There are two lines between Rabat and Salé.

It costs only 6 MAD for one use and it works from 6am to 11 pm from Monday to Sunday. There is a tram every 10 minutes during the week and every 20 minutes during Sunday. One of the stations (Mohammed V - Gare de Rabat.  edit) is located exactly just in front of the downtown train station (Gare de Rabat-Ville). It is a good way of getting around. Maps are available in every station.

• Petit Taxis: All blue in color, mostly Fiat UNO and Renault DACIAS. This inexpensive way to get around town usually won't exceed 25/30 MAD, the minimum fare is 5/6 MAD. Be sure to check the meter is running to avoid being over charged at the end of the trip, although this is much less of a problem than in other cities. Don't be surprised if the taxi stops to pick someone else up.

• Grand Taxis: Avoid the white Mercedes Grand Taxis when traveling around Rabat: They are much more expensive and less safe than blue petit taxis.

• Buses: There are now official bus routes listed and bus stops have signs showing at least the bus lines that stop there. Costing only 4.00 MAD they are a cheap way to get to know the several layers of Rabat. The buses can be of very variable quality, but it could be worth taking the chance given the cost-saving and experience of what many locals with low income experience. Bus # 4 goes from Ocean, to Bab El Had to Avenue Fal Oueld Omair (one of the major streets in the Agdal neighborhood) all the way to its terminus in the upscale and calm new development of Hay Riad. If the bus is crowded watch out for pickpockets.

• Car: Driving around yourself is not recommended. Insurance rates are high and most drivers will avoid hitting you at all costs; however, Morocco has a relatively high rate of car accidents, and most drivers do not abide by the traffic laws. Driving doesn't necessarily mean you are going to have an accident but Moroccans recommend great caution when driving in Morocco.

• Walking: 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 recently 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.

See

Saint Pierre Cathedral, Rabat Morocco

Inside Mausoleum Mohammed 5 in Rabat

• Kasbah of the Oudaias, the picturesque medieval Almohadan fortress citadel, still a residential area, with commanding ocean views from the acropolis and refreshing Andalusian gardens on it's base. The entrance to the Andalusian gardens is through the smaller door, down the steps from the main gate. In this entrance you are less likely to be harassed by informal “guides”. Outside the gardens you will find a cozy outdoor café with a nice ocean view.

• Hassan Tower and the Royal Mausoleum, with the Royal Guards - Free Admission

• 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. The main market streets are Rue Souika and Avenue Mohammed V.

• 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 70 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

Do

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

In the Kasbah (Oudaia) there is an 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.

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.

• Head to Oudayes Surf Club along the beach and try out some surfing. Oudayes beach by the Kasbah has a continuous set of small waves, which is perfect for beginners and children. Board rentals with wetsuit and instruction are 150MAD for 1.5 hours.

• Théatre Mohammed V. Theatre in Downtown Rabat, nothing absolutely outstanding but there are performances each month.  edit

• Mawazine is a festival of world music that takes place annually in Rabat featuring Arab, African and international music icons during May. It is controversial as some of the country's Muslim politicians have criticised the event for "encouraging immoral behaviour". Artists such as Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Elton John or B.B. King have performed at Mawazine. There are various scenes around the city.

• Amnesia 18, Rue Monastir, Downtown Rabat. If you like clubbing then dress up, this is the hippest club in Rabat.

Buy

• Rue des Consuls an interesting place to wander. This street is so named because foreign diplomats were required to reside there until 1912. At that time the main activity of the area was piracy and taking slaves. These were auctioned . Under a treaty with the Sultan, they were to be redeemed by diplomats from their countries who then had a budget for such purchases. For convenience, these diplomats were thus a few tens of metres from the place of "negotiation". This street was already very active and one of the few to be paved. Louis Chenier, the father of the poet André Chenier was there representing the King of France from 1768 to 1781. Trading in the redemption of captives was his main activity and he excelled so much that even the Sultan, exhausted, sent him back to France by military force. From the Rue des Consuls, opens a number of alleys housing small shops, enabling craftsmen to maintain their expertise and their art, in often difficult circumstances.

• Although the medina here is not as extensive as that of Fez or Marrakesh there are still some bargains to be had. You will find the normal array of babouche shoes, baggy pants, ornate mirrors and plates etc. Interestingly, all the Moroccans can be found in the section of the market that sells imported western style clothing from Asia and all the tourists can be found in the 'traditional' section. The lovely woollen ponchos are well worth a look and the carpet shops near the end of the medina are also very nice.

• MegaMall : A modern mall with shops and a food court. There is also bowling and an ice rink, should you feel like getting active.

• Agdal has a lovely assortment of shops along the streets including Mango, Strativarius, Aldo and Jules.

• Oulja is a small government subsidized pottery district across the river by Sale. They supply a lot of the souks and markets in many cities with pottery, and this is a great chance to see them work the kiln and get the pottery from the source. Very reasonable prices, and many vendors to choose from.

Eat

In a restaurant add a 5-10% tip to the bill if you are satisfied with the service. In most places you can have natural juice (orange, lemon, avocado) for less then 20 MAD, usually the same price as a soda or less.

• Dinarjat In the old medina. Traditional moroccan food served in an amazing setting. Highly recommend this place. It is upscale, and reservations are always good, but not required.

• Patisserie La Comedie on Mohammad V. Fancy pastries. Croissants, 4 dh. Ice cream, 6 dh per scoop.

• Cafe 7eme Art next to the movie theater. Has fake movie posters with meals as the stars. Light lunches, popular with business people and the more well-off. Miniature models of local scenes surround the outdoor patio. Pizzas, 35 to 40 dh, bland and tough. Friendly staff, stray cats beg for food.

• Le Majestic

• Ty Potes

• Cafe Weimar

• Pizza Hut, 05 37 68 13 00 for the Agdal neighborhood, 05 37 63 02 00 for the one in Souissi.

• Villa Mandarine Quite expensive, considered as one of the best restaurants in the city

• Le Petit Beur/Dar Tagine Delicious bstilla. Intimate setting.

• El Rancho Tex-Mex restaurant. Good food and one of the few places where you can get a decent beer.

• Mega Mall Food Court Free Wifi Hotspot

• Pizza de Gourmet

• Paul's Tradional French bakery that serves as a restaurant. Can be quite pricy, but the food is magnificent. Worth a visit for their Olive bread.

• La Mamma. One of the oldest pizzerias in town.

• Ya Mal Al-Sham (Syrian restaurant)

• Matsuri

• Dar Naji

• Le Grand Comptoir

If you find yourself in Agdal, try the brochettes at 'Sucre et Sale'.

• Old Medina: 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 pain au chocolat. At Avenue Mohammed V you will find several small places serving pizzas, tajines and chawarma for very inexpensive prices (less then 80 MAD for two with beverage) and a with good quality.

• Sale Medina: At the market you will find people selling snacks. At the part where fish is sold you can find a very local and fresh fried fish on the bread with tomatoes and onions for as little as 4 MAD, but if you do not speak Arab or French you will need to use your body language.

• Samaky ((Seafood and Tagines)), corner av. sidi mohamed benabdellah & av. zerktouni, Kebibat, Rabat (tram. station: sidi med benabdellah), ☎ 0537694829, [1]. 12 to 10pm. Samaky offers a rich and varied menu, friendly service and a good price / quality ratio all in a harmonious environment. Pleased to receive www.samaky.ma starts at 25dhs. (34.015695,6.854836) edit

Drink

• Hôtel Balima, Ave Mohd V..  edit

• 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 dirhams. Live music is on every now and then (check their facebook page)

• 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 'n roll. A cup of house beer costs about 38 Dhs and a glass of house wine, about 50 Dhs. It's usually packed on weekends. To get a table, reservation is required.

• 'El Rancho, Agdal.

• El Palatino.  edit

• La Mamma.  edit

• Le Dhow.  edit Le Dhow is located in the marina near the Oudaya. It's the big wooden boat and is hard to miss. They have karaoke on Wednesday nights and occasionally live shows.

• Ty Potes.

• Las Tapas.
• Le Deux Palais, (Between Sofitel and Interior Ministry). 31 dh drafts and 17 dh small beers. Good food and the perfect place to watch a football match, both inside or on the patio. Food is pretty good as well, 10 dh for a plate for fries.  edit
• Irish Pub.  edit

Learn

• CCLT Morocco, 6, ave Allal Ben Abdellah, (212)537730964. The Cultural Center for Language and Culture provides short and long-term Arabic classes in both Classical Arabic and Moroccan dialect, as well as content courses, volunteer opportunities and optional home-stay in the nearby Medina. The center combines innovative teaching, cultural trips, content courses and home-stay in order to ensure full cultural understanding of Morocco and its people. It is conveniently located in the center of the city.

• Goethe Institut, 7, rue Sana'a (close to the downtown train station), (212)537732650. A non-profit German cultural institution operational worldwide, promoting the study of the German language abroad and encouraging international cultural exchange and relations. The Goethe-Institut also fosters knowledge about Germany by providing information on German culture, society and politics It is named after German polymath Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

• Instituto Cervantes, 3-5, zankat Madnine, (212) 537 70 87 38. A worldwide non-profit organization created by the Spanish government in 1991. It is named after Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616), the author of Don Quixote and perhaps the most important figure in the history of Spanish literature. The Cervantes Institute is the largest organization in the world responsible for promoting the study and the teaching of Spanish language and culture.

• French Institut [17]. Offers a variety of books in French and sometimes shows.

• Qalam Wa Lawh Center for Arabic Studies [18]. 22 Ave. Omar Ibn Alkhattab, Agdal , +212 (537) 68-38-66, [email protected] Offers courses and academic study abroad programs in Modern Standard Arabic, Moroccan Arabic, Arabic Calligraphy, Moroccan Culture, and Islamic History. Qalam wa Lawh offers accommodations in students residences as well as Moroccan host families.

Sleep

Most budget accommodation is found in the Old Medina of Rabat. Walking on Mohammed V street, you’ll see a lot of signs pointing to hotels. On some days these fill up quickly, so it’s good to be early. A double room will set you back about 120–150 Dh.

• HI Hostel Rabat, 43 Rue Marassa Bab El Had (Medina). A hostel on the edge of the medina walls. Four large dorm rooms with 16 bunks each ensure that groups large and small can bunk down here. Nice court yard and wifi that works. A 10 minute walk from the train station. NOTE The website frequently says this hostel is full when it it not, it is very big so turning up on the day you are likely to get a bed regardless of what the website or hostelworld say. Dh 60 per bunk.  edit
• Hotel Splendide in the Ville Nouvelle, an easy walk from the train station. Large rooms and big windows, lots of light, around a central courtyard. Quiet and clean. They offer meals which are just food from the place across the street brought across on a tray. The shared bathrooms are generally clean. 100dh / night. Showers 10dh, hot water only after p.m.

• Hotel de la Paix in the Ville Nouvelle. Dingy and dank. 150 dh. Warning: If you don't get a room with an in suite shower, you don't get to take one at all.
• Hotel Central, 2 Rue Al Basra (Ville Nouvelle). checkin: July 2009. Bright room with shower and sink, toilet outside. 10 minutes walk to Medina. 2 minutes walk from Rabat Ville Train Station. Next to main street Ave. Mohammed V. Dh 120 single.  edit

• Golden Tulip Farah Rabat, Place Sidi Makhlouf 10, 10.000 Rabat (Take along the Mohammed V Avenue and then turn right on the Hassan II Avenue.), ☎ +212 5 37 73 47 47, [2]. 192 rooms located on the banks of the Bourgreg river. Practically within the city centre, next to some of the most recognized monuments within Rabat: the Hassan Tower, and the mausoleum of the late King Mohamed V. Warning It's located next to an extremely noisy area of the city From 1796dh / night.  edit

• Hotel Sofitel Jardin Des Roses, [3]. 5 star hotel located close to the Royal Palace and a park, considered by some the best (and one of the most expensive) hotel in the city  edit

• Villa Mandarine, [4]. Set in an exotic orange grove hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city, quite expensive  edit .

• Hotel Majestic.  edit
• Hôtel Balima.  edit
• Majliss.  edit
• Villa Yasmine (holiday rental villa), Villa lot 717, Hay Arsa, Salé, ☎ 0031651851712, [5]. checkin: 13:00; checkout: 10:00. Villa Yasmine, located in a quiet recently build suburb on the outskirts of Salé. Villa Yasmine is very spacious and has five air-conditioned bedrooms, four bedrooms are equipped with kingsize double beds and one is equipped with two single beds. Villa Yasmine offers space for groups up to maximum 18 persons and 4 babies. Villa Yasmine is also available for smaller groups, please enquire for prices | complete villa € 150 - € 285 per night with a group of max. 10 people. additional visitors at extra charge. (34,073296,-6,799376) edit
• Splendid Hotel, Rue Gaza. checkout: 12pm. Excellent location just off the main street Mohammed V, 6 min walk from the Rabat Ville Gare train station and just around the corner to the medina. 240Dh for a double room with private bathroom and balcony(Dec 2013). Clean room with hot water, free wifi in reception and the courtyard.  edit
• Hotel Renaissance, Rue Sahraoui (Sahrawi). (34°01'29.5N,6°50'18.2W) editPerhaps the cheapest option in medina, fully exposed to a noisy street below. Doubles for 100Dh per night. Pink walls, sink in the room, shared toilet and hot shower for additional 10Dh. Stayed there two times, seems to be a safe place. The manager is helpful, leaving baggage is not a problem.

Stay safe

Rabat is considered a safe city. Just use some common sense: avoid wearing expensive jewelry 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.

Cope

Contact

Rabat is served by all of the mobile companies that can be found elsewhere in Morocco. Wana, Meditel, and Maroc Telecom are the most common. Mobile phones can be bought in any of these store's stands, and most do not run on calling plans. Rather, recharge cards can be bought in corner stores that contain a number to call. When that number is called, the company adds the price of the card to your account's balance. Alternatively, more than one SIM card can be bought and changed in and out of the phone, if users need more than one phone number.

Internet

• Internet cafes : Internet access is available in cyber cafes around the city (not in residential neighborhoods though). Service is usually around 1€ per hour.

• Wifi : You'll find wifi access in a some places such as Bert's or Megamall food court, usually those labelled a bit "trendy". There is also free WiFi at the Rabat-Ville train station.

• Mobile Internet : Phone companies offer mobile internet services that plug into the USB port of your computer (currently, there are no mac-compatible devices.) These services can be had without signing a contract, and are recharged in the same manner as a telephone.

Libraries

• Librairie Papeterie Basta, 5, place Otmane Ibn Affane, Agdal, close to the Mac Donald. A lot of books in French, newspapers in Arabic, French, Spanish and English.

• Librairie du 3ieme Millenaire [19], 285. Av. Mohamed V, in front of the parliament, very close to the downtown train station. One of the biggest libraries in Rabat, on two floors there are all sort of books in Arabic and French, there are also some books in English.

Embassies

• Canada, 13, bis rue Jaâfa-as-Sadik, Agdal, ☎ +212 537 68 74 00 ([email protected], fax: +212 537 68 74 30), [6]. M-Th 8AM–noon and 1:30PM-5:30PM, F 8AM-1:30PM. The Canadian Embassy also provides services to Australian citizens in Morocco. Call collect from any country at (613) 996 8885 to reach the Emergency Operations Centre.  edit
• China, 16, Avenue Ahmed Balafrej Souissi, [7].  edit
• Egypt, 31, Rue Algérie - Avenue Hassan, Rabat, ☎ +212 537731834 (fax: +212 537706821), [8].  edit
• France, 3, rue Sahnoun Agdal, ☎ +2120537689700 ([email protected]), [9].  edit
• Germany, 7,Zankat Madnine, B.P. 235, 10 000, Rabat, ☎ +(212)(0)537218600 ([email protected], fax: 0537-70 68 51), [10].  edit
• Greece, Km5,5 Route des Zaers, Villa Chems Souissi, Rabat 10 100, ☎ +212 5376 38964, Emergencies: 00212 678689063 ([email protected], fax: +212 537 638990).  edit
• Italy, 2, Zankat Idriss Al Ahzar, ☎ 00212537219730 ([email protected], fax: +212 537 638990), [11].  edit
• Netherlands, 40 Rue de Tunis PO Box 329,Quartier Tour Hassan, Rabat, ☎ +212537219600 ([email protected], fax: +212(0)537219665), [12].  edit
• Portugal, 5, Rue Thami Lamdouar Souissi, ☎ +212 537 75 64 46/7/9/50 ([email protected], fax: +212 537 75 64 45), [13]. M-F 9AM-12:30PM and 3PM-4:30PM. On the same street as of the embassies of Mali and Mauritania.  edit
• Serbia, 23, Ave Mehdi Ben Barka B.P.5014 Souissi, ☎ +212 537 752 201 (fax: +212 537 753 258).  edit
• Spain, Rue Aïn Khalouiya, Route des Zaërs, Km. 5,300 Souissi.-Rabat., ☎ +212(0)37633900 ([email protected]), [14].  edit
• United States of America, 2 Ave Mohamed Al Fassi (formerly Ave de Marrakech), ☎ +212 537 76 22 65 (After hours emergency +212 661 13 19 39, fax: +212 37 76 56 61), [15]. M-F 8AM-5PM.  edit
• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, 28 Avenue S.A.R. Sidi Mohammed Soussi 10105 (BP 45)., ☎ +212 537 63 33 (fax: 0537 75 87 09), [16].  edit

Get out

• Tangier lies on the North African coast at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel. Tangier is a 4 hour journey from Rabat.

Other places worth visiting on the Northern Atlantic coast are Asilah and Larache.

• Salé is on the right bank of the Bou Regreg river, opposite the national capital Rabat. Founded in antiquity as a Phoenician colony, it became a haven for pirates as an independent republic before being incorporated into Morocco. Modern Salé is a more polluted than Rabat, badly planned, and rapidly expanding town because of an important rural exodus. The city is now a large "dormitory town". Most of its influential and wealthy inhabitants moved to Rabat on the other side of the river. There is a bridge, a tram line and a boat(2 Dhs) between the two cities.

• Skhirat is a small town located 28 kilometers away from Rabat, known for its beaches, the area around Skhirat has recently begun developing and property and land prices have increased greatly.

• Casablanca is Morocco's largest and wealthiest city, it hosts headquarters and main industrial facilities for the leading Moroccan and international companies based in Morocco, Casablanca is also the most liberal and progressive of Morocco's cities. However, poverty prevalent in slums on the city's outskirts and an extremely important rural exodus has led to high rates of crime, drug use, prostitution and the rise of Islamism. Casablanca is a mixed bag of Moroccan extremes.

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