Rabat Hotels

Not that you have to beg that hard – Rabat gives it up pretty easily. Start by checking out the architecture along the Rue des Consuls, the 12th century wall art of Bab Rouah and the 18th century Es-Sounna Mosque, built by the celebrated Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah. Then fall in love at the Oudaias Museum, a place filled with oodles of tales from ancient, Moroccan life, before achieving cultural nirvana at the fancy Mohammed V Theatre.

RABAT’S TOP 10

RABAT EVENTS

The Wax Lantern Festival in April features a massive lantern-filled procession, plus live music on open-air stages. Grab a spot early to avoid the pushy crowds.

May’s Mawazine Festival features over 1,500 concerts at many of Rabat’s historical sites. Even big names like Yusuf Uslam/Cat Stevens and Shakira have appeared.

June’s Jazz at the Chellah is for those who prefer the slinky and sexy sounds of jazz. Kick back with a stiff drink and soak up the sweet sounds of Coltrane and Davis.

Celebrate the city’s culture, tradition and history at the Festival of Rabat, every July to August. There’ll be plenty of parades and live performances to enjoy, as well as a load of food and handicraft stalls to eat from and shop at.

WHEN TO GO

• A Mediterranean climate means moderately cool winters and hot summers. Expect temps to average 27°C (80ºF) in summer and 10°C (50ºF) in winter.
• Rain is minimal in Rabat throughout the year.
• Prepare to sweat, as humidity often hits 95 per cent during summer.

GETTING AROUND

• Buses are definitely the cheapest and most convenient way to get around.
• Taxis are another great way to explore. There are two types: petit taxis (small and blue) and grand taxis (big, fancy Mercs). Like the buses, they’re amazingly cheap.
• We don’t recommend hiring a car and making your own way around. Moroccan roads are notoriously dangerous and locals don’t care about rules.

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