Rabat
Overview
About a million people live in the capital Rabat and its sister city Sale, but wandering around the Medina, the Kasbah or the Modern Town this is not the impression you get. Life is easy. Not many people harrass you. Shopowners are very nice.
For this reason Rabat is a good first base to start exploring Morocco. You can get in touch with life the morrocan way at your own pace.
Watch the changing of the Royal Guard at the Royal Palace (Friday mornings) walk the narrow streets of the Casbah des Oudaya and visit the 12th-century Tour Hassan.
Several other interesting sights should be visited if time permits. Chief among these are Bouknadel and its Jardins Exotiques (fascinating gardens) and Chellah which has interesting museums a 17th-century fortress and Roman ruins. And don't neglect Rabatâ¿¿s sister city Sale with its Grand Mosque, city gates, markets, small back streets and harbor filled with fishing boats.
You might also consider going to the beach in Rabat, although the beaches south of the city are somewhat better than those in town itself.
[Edit]History
The capital may not be the largest city in the country, but it certainly should have no difficulty keeping the visitor occupied with its varied historical sites and museums. Not being a particularly hectic city also adds to its allure and emphasises the difference between this and some of the other more tourist targetting cities.
When to Go
[Edit]Transport
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Practical Information
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Accommodation
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Entertainment
[Edit]General Shopping
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 baboshka 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 woolen paunchos are well worth a look and the carpet shops near the end of the medina are also very nice.
[Edit]Sights
[Edit]General Activities
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 super 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 Hilton, where people run and play football etc. You can also use the pool at the Hilton for a charge. The park is a 10-15Dirham taxi ride (10 minutes) from la gare central.
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