'''Rabat (??????)''' is the capital city of Morocco. 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 Rabat - Centre Ville (Medina) and Agdal.
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.
Get around
'''Petit Taxi''': All blue in color, mostly Fiat UNO. This inexpensive way to get around town usually won't exceed 25 MAD. Avoid the white, mercedes, Grand Taxis when traveling around Rabat, they are much more expensive. Be sure to check the meter is running to avoid being over charged at the end of the trip.
'''Buses''': Not highly recommended as there are no official listings of bus routes, but at only 4 MAD (50 US cents) a cheap way to get to know the several layers of Rabat. The buses can be of variable quality, but it could be worth taking the chance given the cost-saving and experience of what many locals experience. Bus # 3 goes from Centre Ville (including stops at the Cathedral and the train station) 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.
'''Car''': Driving around yourself is not recommended. Insurance rates are high and most drivers will avoid hitting you at all costs; however Morocco does have the second highest rate of car accidents in the world, and most drivers do not abide by the traffic laws.
'''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
Kasbah of the Oudaias
Hassan Tower and the Royal Mausoleum
Old Medina
Chellah
National Archaeological Museum
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 Hilton, where people run and play football etc. You can also use the pool at the Hilton for a charge. The park is a 10-15 Dirham taxi ride (10 minutes) from la gare central.
Buy
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.
Eat
'''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'''
'''Le Petit Beur/Dar Tagine''' Delicious bstilla. Intimate setting.
'''El Rancho'''
'''Mega Mall Food Court'''
'''Pizza de Gourmet'''
'''Paul's'''
'''La Mamma'''
'''Syrian restaurant'''
'''Matsuri'''
'''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.
Drink
'''Hotel Balima''', Ave Mohd V.
'''Le Bistrot Pietri''', Place Pietri.
''''''El Rancho,''' Agdal.
'''El Palatino.'''
'''Ty Potes.'''
'''Las Tapas.'''
Le Deux Palais. etween 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.
Sleep
'''Hotel Splendide''' in the Ville Nouvelle, an easy 10 minute 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 9PM. '''Warning''': count your change they may try to cheat you.
'''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. There are no shared showers. Management gets very angry.
Get out