About Rabat

Rabat, the present capital of Morocco, was founded in the 12th century. It is a town of trees and flowers, and many monumental gateways, including the Gate of the Ambassadors and the Oudaias Kasbah Gate. There is a good selection of hotels and numerous pavement cafes. The nearby Mamora forest and the many beaches are popular, tourist attractions, particularly during the summer.

Other attractions include Tour Hassan, the grandiose minaret of a vast, uncompleted 12th-century mosque; the Mohammed V Mausoleum, an outstanding example of traditional Moroccan architecture; the Royal Palace; the Chellah, with superb monuments, delightful gardens and Roman ruins; the Oudaias; the Archaeological Museum; the National Museum of Handicrafts and the antique Moorish cafe. The battlements surrounding the old town, and part of the new city, date from the mid-12th century. Also worth a visit is Salé, Rabat’s twin city, at the opposite side of the river, believed to have been founded in the 11th century.

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. Shop-owners 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).

Several other interesting sights should be visited if time permits. Chief among these are Bouknadel and its Jardins Exotiques (fascinating gardens).

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. With the total renovation of Rabat. Scheduled to be finished by 2010. The beaches of Rabat itself will be quite nice.