Morocco: Venturing to the Capital City of Rabat

The capital city of Morocco, containing 12 million inhabitants, is an unusual mix of the old and the new. The newer part of the city, built by the French around 1912, gives Rabat a European feel. The older part of the city, however, sits close by the cosmopolitan new town. The Hotel Balima offers a shaded, terrace café which is a popular spot for locals and visitors to sit and chat, people watch, or read. One of the most recognizable and visible landmarks of the city is the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret from the 12th century, reaching 145 feet toward the sky. Near the tower stands the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, built by his son King Hassan II in 1971. Tourists are allowed entry into this building honoring the country’s first monarch of independent Morocco.

For a taste of Rabat’s past, visit the Archeology Museum that holds artifacts from Rabat’s Roman history. Since the city is less frequented by tourists, little English is spoken. French and Arabic are the main languages used by the natives to the city. The main shopping street in the medina is Rue Souika, lined with markets selling spices, produce, and crafts. The Kasbah des Oudaias, a 12th century citadel, sits on a bluff overlooking the Bou Regreg River. From this vantage point, travelers can view the city and surrounding towns. After a day of touring through Rabat, a tourist can stop at any of the city’s numerous restaurants and enjoy some light fare, including couscous, the national dish.

Next time a trip to North Africa is on the itinerary, stop by Morocco to visit its capital city of Rabat. Here, a traveler can experience the culture and beauty of a less known part of the country. Rabat offers a rich mix of the old and the new, combining a European feel with a historical charm.