Rabat travel guide

   Rabat is located on the Atlantic Coast of Morocco and is second only to Casablanca in population and tourism. It is an important river port and the center for shipping to internal cities in Morocco by the Bou Regreg River.  Due to this shipping possibility, Rabat is the economic center of the country, with many industries, especially food and building materials.  Rabat is also the site of the King’s residence and functions as the seat of the government.

 All of the internal ministries, the courts, the treasury and the international embassies are located here.  All of these features make Rabat a bustling city that is situated in an ancient setting.   

 Rabat is the educational center of the country with most of the largest institutions located here. The Mohammed V University, the major Moroccan University, is an up to date institution that offers advanced courses in computers and Information technology, as well as medicine, science and literature. The institutes of agricultural, public administration and applied economics studies are also connected to the University. 

 The National Conservatory of Music, Dance, and Dramatic Arts is located in Rabat and it draws talented individuals from all over the world to the city.  The Conservatory also offers a full program of plays, dance, both classical and contemporary, and music of all styles to the public, making Rabat a rich cultural center. The Theatre Mohamed V is located in the center of Rabat and also offers a full schedule of events. Also located here are several Art galleries and the archeological museum.

Rabat also has an intriguing open market with all sorts of exotic fruits, vegetables and wares such as rugs and pottery on offer. These features help to make Rabat the major tourist destination that it has become.

   Rabat was founded in the 12th century when it served as an outpost for the Arab army, which still has a facility here. The name, Rabat, actually means military encampment. Rabat became a cosmopolitan city in the early 1900’s when the French occupied Morocco.

Morocco became independent two decades later and since then, Rabat has expanded its international atmosphere and has many fine restaurants that showcase the cuisine of most different countries, especially French.

Several state of the art hotels have been erected and Rabat enjoys a vibrant nightlife with live music and many bars and discos. Rabat is a Moroccan city and does have dens where drugs can be obtained and used. The night life in Rabat generally lasts until the next day with most bars and clubs staying open at least until dawn.