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Rabat Travel Guide - Travel S Helper

Rabat

travel guide

Rabat is Morocco’s capital and the country’s seventh-largest city, with a population of over 580,000 people and a metropolitan population of over 1.2 million. CNN rated the Moroccan capital second in its “Top Travel Destinations of 2013” list. Rabat’s medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of Morocco’s four Imperial capitals.

Rabat has a Mediterranean climate with a touch of the ocean. Rabat, which is located on the Atlantic Ocean, has a pleasant, temperate climate that varies from chilly in the winter to hot in the summer. In December–February, the average high temperature is just 17.2 °C (63.0 °F).

Summer daytime highs are normally about 25 degrees Celsius (77.0 degrees Fahrenheit), although they may sometimes reach 30 degrees Celsius (86.0 degrees Fahrenheit), particularly during heat waves. Summer evenings are often pleasant and moderate, with temperatures ranging from 11 °C (51.8 °F) to 19 °C (66.2 °F), with temperatures seldom surpassing 20 °C (68.0 °F).

Textile, food processing, and construction sectors are still strong in Rabat and Salé. Furthermore, tourism and the presence of all foreign embassies in Morocco contribute to Rabat’s status as one of the country’s most significant towns.

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Rabat | Introduction

Rabat – Info Card

POPULATION :  City: 577,827   /  Metro: 2,120,192
FOUNDED :   1146
TIME ZONE :  GMT (UTC±0)
LANGUAGE :  Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French
RELIGION :  Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%
AREA :  117 km2 (45.17 sq mi)
ELEVATION :  0 m (0 ft) – 135 m (443 ft)
COORDINATES :  34°02′N 6°50′W
SEX RATIO :  Male: 49.35%
 Female: 50.65%
ETHNIC :  Arab-Berber 99%, other 1%
AREA CODE :  37
POSTAL CODE :
DIALING CODE :  +212 37
WEBSITE :  Official Website

Tourism in Rabat

  • Kasbah of the Oudaias.The Kasbah is Rabat’s oldest neighborhood. It contains tiny alleys lined with charming white and blue cottages, as well as the Andalucian Gardens and the Oudaias Museum, which is situated in a 17th-century palace. There’s also a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Hassan Tower and the Royal Mausoleum.
  • Chellah. until 5:30 PM.. Carthaginians constructed the city, which was subsequently taken by the Romans and eventually fell under Arab administration, only to be abandoned and repopulated by an incredible number of birds. In the spring, this nesting site is teeming with birds, including a stork nest on the top of the ancient minaret. Historical strata may also be seen, including notable Roman and Moroccan elements. It is possible to walk there from downtown, although it is a lengthy trek.
  • National Archaeological Museum.
  • The Currency Museum of the Bank Al-Maghrib, Angle Avenue Allal Ben Abdellah et Rue Al-Qahira.
  • Royal Palace. It is enormous; you cannot visit it (though it is a pleasant stroll); but, armed guards may let you to go from one entrance to another if you seem to be a tourist.
  • Théatre Mohammed V. There is a theatre in downtown Rabat that isn’t very impressive, although there are shows every month.
  • Jazz au Chellah – Each year in June, the ministry of culture, the city, and the European delegation host Jazz au Chellah, a jazz festival hosted by the ministry of culture, the city, and the European delegation. There may be some difficulties with the website.
  • Mawazine is an annual global music festival in Rabat that features Arab, African, and worldwide music legends in May. It has sparked controversy, with some Muslim lawmakers accusing the gathering of “encouraging immoral behavior.” Mawazine has hosted artists such as Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Elton John, and B.B. King. Various sceneries may be seen across the city.
  • Royal Golf Dar es Salaam – The 440 hectares of forests, flowers, and water make up the domain. You will like it if you have enough money, a vehicle, and are yearning for a peaceful place to wander about or play golf.

Internet, Comunication in Rabat

Rabat is serviced by all of Morocco’s mobile phone operators. The most frequent are Wana, Meditel, and Maroc Telecom. Mobile phones may be purchased at any of these stores’ counters, and the majority of them do not need calling plans. Instead, recharge cards with a phone number may be purchased at corner shops. When you contact that number, the corporation deducts the cost of the card from your account balance. If customers need more than one phone number, they may purchase several SIM cards and swap them in and out of the phone.

Internet cafés: There are cyber cafes all across the city where you may go online (not in residential neighborhoods though). The hourly rate is normally approximately 1€.

Wifi: Some restaurants, such as Bert’s or the Megamall food court, provide wifi access, which is normally reserved for the more “trendy” establishments. The railway station at Rabat-Ville also has free WiFi.

Mobile Internet: Phone providers provide mobile internet services that connect to your computer’s USB connection (currently, there are no mac-compatible devices.) These services are available without a contract and are recharged in the same way that a phone is.

How To Travel To Rabat

Get In - By plane

The Rabat International Airport is located in Salé, a neighbouring town. Rabat has minimal international connections, with the majority of tourists flying into neighboring Casablanca and then arriving by rail or bus in Rabat. There are daily flights between Rabat and Paris, France’s capital. The airport itself is somewhat small, with minimal amenities (only one runway, one conveyor belt, etc. ), making it far from the optimal mode of transport into the city. However, the airport is now undergoing substantial improvements with the goal of eliminating all flights from Fez, Marrakesh, and Casablanca, so it should improve in the near future.

Get In - By train

Rabat is well-served by rail, with regular connections to the majority of destinations. Marrakesh is a four-hour pleasant travel, Fez is 2.5 hours (if you take one of the new fast trains, or 3.5 hours on other trains), and Casablanca is one hour. Gare Rabat Ville (Medina/Downtown) and Agdal both have two stations. A tram stop and a taxi rank are situated just across from the downtown railway station. Travelers should be aware that trains are routinely delayed by more than an hour, according to some reports. Visit the webpage of the OCNF (ocnf for the timetable.)

Get In - By bus

It is feasible to take a bus to Rabat from practically every town in the nation. Take note, though, that buses often bypass the central bus terminal in favor of traveling through the city. It’s a good idea to ask someone which stop is the proper one, or to use a quality street map to determine your location. It’s easy to miss the main station and get up back in the suburbs, which isn’t all that awful – it’s only a 20-25 MAD trip into downtown.

How To Get Around In Rabat

Get Around - By tram

Between Rabat and Salé, there are two lines. It costs just six MAD for a single usage and operates Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. A tram runs every ten minutes throughout the week and every twenty minutes on Sunday. One station (Mohammed V – Gare de Rabat) is just across the street from the city railway station (Gare de Rabat-Ville). It’s an excellent mode of transportation. Each station has a map.

Get Around - By Petit Taxis

All are blue in color, with the majority being Fiat UNO and Renault DACIAS. This economical mode of transport throughout town often costs no more than 25/30 MAD, and the minimum fare is 5/6 MAD. Make sure the meter is running to prevent getting overcharged at the conclusion of the ride, although this is a far less common occurrence in other cities. Don’t be startled if the cab comes to a halt to pick up another passenger.

Get Around - By Grand Taxis

When going throughout Rabat, avoid the white Mercedes Grand Taxis; they are far more costly and less safe than the blue petit taxis.

Get Around - By Buses

There are now designated bus routes, and bus stations have signage indicating at the very least which bus lines stop there. At just 4.00 MAD (60 US cents), they are an inexpensive way to learn about Rabat’s several layers. Although the buses may be of varying quality, it may be worth taking a risk considering the cost savings and experience gained by many low-income residents. Bus #4 connects Ocean to Bab El Had and then to Avenue Fal Oueld Omair (a prominent thoroughfare in the Agdal district) before terminating at the posh and tranquil new development of Hay Riad. Avoid becoming a victim of pickpockets if the transport is full.

Get Around - By Car

It is not suggested to drive around on your own. Insurance premiums are costly, and most drivers will avoid colliding with you at all costs; yet, Morocco has the world’s second highest rate of automobile accidents, and the majority of drivers violate traffic regulations. While driving does not guarantee an accident, Moroccans advise extreme care while driving in Morocco.

Get Around - By Walking

If you’re not in a rush, wandering around the Centre Ville, Agdal, The University, the Medina, the Ocean/River, and the landmarks is simple and delightful. The new Corniche, which runs along to the river and leads to the Oudaias, was recently renovated, and cafés are set to open shortly. The route cotiere, or coastal road, which runs beside the cemetery and the Oudaias, offers stunning ocean vistas that are particularly lovely after sunset.

Prices In Rabat

Tourist (Backpacker) – 41 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:meals in cheap restaurant, public transport, cheap hotel.

Tourist (regular) – 112 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:mid-range meals and drinks,transportation, hotel.

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

Milk 1 liter $ 0.75
Tomatoes 1 kg $ 0.67
Cheese 0.5 kg $ 8.50
Apples 1 kg $ 1.80
Oranges 1 kg $ 0.65
Beer (domestic) 0.5 l $ 2.90
Bottle of Wine 1 bottle $ 8.20
Coca-Cola 2 liters $ 1.20
Bread 1 piece $ 0.45
Water 1.5 l $ 0.65

RESTAURANTS

Dinner (Low-range) for 2 $ 21.00
Dinner (Mid-range) for 2 $ 36.00
Dinner (High-range) for 2 $ 50.00
Mac Meal or similar 1 meal $ 5.20
Water 0.33 l $ 0.50
Cappuccino 1 cup $ 1.60
Beer (Imported) 0.33 l $ 3.90
Beer (domestic) 0.5 l $ 3.10
Coca-Cola 0.33 l $ 0.60
Coctail drink 1 drink $ 12.00

ENTERTAINMENT

Cinema 2 tickets $ 10.00
Gym 1 month $ 45.00
Men’s Haircut 1 haircut $
Theatar 2 tickets $ 46.00
Mobile (prepaid) 1 min. $ 0.20
Pack of Marlboro 1 pack $ 3.40

PERSONAL CARE

Antibiotics 1 pack $ 6.00
Tampons 32 pieces $ 2.80
Deodorant 50 ml. $ 4.00
Shampoo 400 ml. $ 2.50
Toilet paper 4 rolls $ 1.30
Toothpaste 1 tube $ 1.00

CLOTHES / SHOES

Jeans (Levis 501 or similar) 1 $ 53.00
Dress summer (Zara, H&M) 1 $ 44.00
Sport shoes (Nike, Adidas) 1 $ 72.00
Leather shoes 1 $ 91.00

TRANSPORTATION

Gasoline 1 liter $ 0.95
Taxi Start $ 0.60
Taxi 1 km $ 0.60
Local Transport 1 ticket $ 0.50

Beaches in Rabat

Temara Beach

Temara Beach, situated around fifteen kilometers (9 miles) south of Rabat, is a great beach for families searching for a place to unwind, explore, and have fun. At Temara, you may camp, stay in a luxury hotel, or explore the beach’s immaculate swimming pool. The beach itself contains kilometers of beautiful fine white sand; here is the ideal location to begin a game of volleyball or Frisbee. Additionally, the beach is home to a zoo named the National Zoological Park (northwest of Temara), which has over 2000 animals, including 1200 distinct bird species. There are also several cultural sites, including a historic Kasbah constructed during Moulay Ismail’s reign.

Mehdia Beach

If your family enjoys surfing and is looking for something a bit more daring, Mehdia Beach is an excellent choice. Mehdia is located much farther out from Rabat, around 30 kilometers (19 miles) outside the city. As previously said, surfers of all abilities congregate here to experience Mehdia’s apparently unending sequence of waves. The seashore is bordered by a fortified wall known as the Borj el Kebir, which was constructed more than 400 years ago. As with Temara, the sand is fine and white; but, unlike Temara, the beach is less well-known and devoid of excessive commercialism. The nearby hotels often arrange water activities such as water skiing for you and your family to enjoy.

Plage des Nations

Plage des Nations, or Sidi Bouknadel as it is popularly called, is a beach named for some of the local and international diplomats that frequent it. As with Mehdia, the beach is less well-known and less crowded than other beaches in the vicinity. However, only some sections of the beach are swimmable; the remainder of the beach has a severe current that should be tried only by experienced surfers. While there are lifeguards patrolling the center strip, this does not make it any less hazardous. The “Hotel Fidarious” is relatively near by and would be an excellent choice for a night’s stay.

Sights & Landmarks In Rabat

  • Kasbah of the Oudaias. The Kasbah is Rabat’s oldest neighborhood. It has tiny alleys lined with adorable white and blue buildings, the Andalucian Gardens, and the Oudaias Museum, which is situated in a seventeenth-century castle. Additionally, there are spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Hassan Tower and the Royal Mausoleum.
  • Old Medina.
  • Chellah. until 5:30 PM.. The ancient city was constructed by Carthaginians, controlled by the Romans, and then handed to the Arabs, only to be abandoned and repopulated by an incredible number of birds. In the spring, this breeding site is teeming with bird life, including a stork nest atop the ancient minaret. Additionally, historical strata are discernible, including notable Roman and Moroccan components. You may walk there from central-ville, although the distance is considerable. TEN MAD.
  • National Archaeological Museum.
  • The Currency Museum of the Bank Al-Maghrib, Angle Avenue Allal Ben Abdellah et Rue Al-Qahira,  +212(05) 37 70 26 26.
  • The Beach.
  • Royal Palace. It is enormous, you cannot visit it (although it is a pleasant stroll), and the armed guards may let you to wander from one entrance to another if you seem to be a tourist.
  • Mega Mall. Shopping mall containing a number of upscale boutiques, including Lacoste. Includes a bowling alley and an ice skating rink.

Things To Do In Rabat

There are several activities available here, and as is the case with the majority of Moroccan towns, it is sufficient to just roam around and explore wherever anything catches your interest.

Additionally, there is a huge and calm park next to the Hotel Sofitel, where guests may exercise and play football, among other activities. You may also pay to use the pool at the Sofitel. The park is located around 10-15 dirhams (10 minutes) from la gare central.

Théatre Mohammed V.

Theatre in downtown Rabat; nothing spectacular, but monthly performances.

Jazz au Chellah

Jazz au Chellah is an annual jazz festival held in June by the cultural ministry, the city, and the European representation. The website may be experiencing technical difficulties.

Mawazine

Mawazine is a global music festival held annually in Rabat in May. It features Arab, African, and worldwide music superstars. It is contentious, since certain Muslim officials in the nation have criticized the event for “encouraging immoral behavior.” Mawazine has hosted performances by Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Elton John, and B.B. King. There are several scenes scattered across the city.

Royal Golf Dar es Salaam

The domain has an area of 440 hectares and is covered with trees, flowers, and water. If you have sufficient funds, a vehicle, and are yearning for a peaceful spot to stroll or play golf, you will like it.

Food & Restaurants In Rabat

  • Cafe Maure (In the Kasbah Oudaia). An wonderful café with a view of the sea, where you may sip mint tea and enjoy delicious pastries. The staff is really pleasant, and you are welcome to remain as long as you like to absorb the ambience.
  • Patisserie La Comedie on Mohammad V. Fancy pastries. Croissants, 4 dh. Ice cream, 6 dh per scoop.
  • Cafe 7eme Art is located next to the movie theater. It features fictitious movie posters with food as the stars. Lunches for the more affluent and business folks. The outdoor terrace is surrounded by miniature miniatures of local sights. Pizzas, between 35 and 40 dh, are tasteless and chewy. Staff is kind, and stray cats beg for food.
  • Le Majestic
  • Ty Potes
  • Cafe Weimar
  • Sarl le P’tit Resto 2 Rue Arryad, 05 37 20 38 47: Lunch specialties and desserts are available at this cafe and sandwich store. A sandwich costs 35 dh.
  • Pizza Hut, 05 37 68 13 00 for the Agdal neighborhood, 05 37 63 02 00 for the one in Souissi.
  • Villa Mandarine Quite pricey, yet widely regarded as one of the city’s top restaurants
  • Le Petit Beur/Dar Tagine Delectable bstilla. Setting that is intimate.
  • El Rancho Tex-Mex restaurant. Excellent meal and one of the few establishments that sells excellent beer.
  • Mega Mall Food Court Free Wifi Hotspot
  • Pizza de Gourmet
  • Paul’s Bakery in the traditional French style that doubles as a restaurant. Although it might be rather pricey, the cuisine is exquisite. It’s worth visiting for their olive bread alone.
  • La Mamma. One of the city’s oldest pizzerias.
  • Ya Mal Al-Sham (Syrian restaurant)
  • Matsuri
  • Dar Naji
  • Le Grand Comptoir

Shopping In Rabat

  • Rue des Consuls is a pleasant location to stroll. This street is so called because before 1912, foreign diplomats were forced to dwell here. At the time, the area’s primary business was piracy and the capture of slaves, who were subsequently auctioned. They were to be redeemed via a contract with the Sultan by ambassadors from their nations who then had a budget for such transactions. These diplomats were therefore placed within a few tens of meters of the “negotiating” location for ease. This street was already bustling with activity and was one of the few that had been paved. From 1768 through 1781, Louis Chenier, the poet Andre Chenier’s father, was there serving the King of France. His primary occupation was hostage redemption, and he excelled at it to the point that even the Sultan, tired, returned him to France by military force. From the Rue des Consuls, a series of lanes lead to modest stores, which enable artisans to keep their knowledge and art under frequently challenging conditions.
  • Despite the fact that the medina is not as large as those in Fez or Marrakesh, there are still some discounts to be obtained. You’ll discover the usual baboshka shoes, baggy clothes, decorative mirrors, and dishes, among other things! Surprisingly, all Moroccans shop in the portion of the market that offers imported western style clothes from Asia, while all visitors shop in the ‘traditional’ section. The exquisite woolen paunchos are worth looking at, as are the carpet stores at the end of the medina.
  • MegaMall : One contemporary shopping center featuring a restaurant court

Nightlife In Rabat

  • Amnesia, 18, Rue Monastir. Dress up if you like partying; this is Rabat’s hippest club.
  • Upstairs, 8, Avenue Michlifen. Agdal’s Irish/English themed bar. Because it is not a men-only establishment, women will feel at ease here. The menu features traditional pub fare, as well as vegetarian alternatives. A pint of beer will set you back 50 dirhams. Occasionally, there is live music.
  • Café Weimar.
  • Le Bistrot Pietri, Place Pietri. Hotel Urban Pietry is located on the first floor. It’s a hip and trendy restaurant and bar. Live jazz is performed on Tuesday and Friday nights, while rock’n roll is performed on Saturdays. A cup of house beer will set you back approximately 38 Dhs, while a glass of house wine will set you back about 50 Dhs. On weekends, it’s typically full. Reservations are necessary to secure a table.
  • El Rancho
  • El Palatino.
  • Ty Potes.
  • Las Tapas.
  • Le Deux Palais (Between Sofitel and Interior Ministry). 31 dh drafts and 17 dh small beers. Good meal and a great spot to watch a football game on the terrace or indoors. The food is also rather nice, costing 10 dh for a dish of fries.

Stay Safe & Healthy In Rabat

Rabat is regarded as a secure city. Simply apply common sense: don’t flaunt big amounts of cash, avoid unknown and abandoned places at night, and avoid wearing costly jewelry or seeming showy. Keep an eye on your pockets if you’re walking through the Medina’s bustling streets or on the bus. To prevent harassment (which almost usually comprises of remarks, but seldom actual violence), women should avoid wearing low-cut shirts, midriffs, or shorts, but this is less of an issue than in other cities. Don’t feel obligated to be courteous; no Moroccan lady would tolerate such behavior.

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