What to see and do in Rabat, Morocco

Visited September 2019

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Rabat, Morocco was founded in the 12th century as a military town and in the 17th century it became a haven for Barbary pirates.

Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, located in the western part of the country along the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the country's four Imperial Cities, along with Marrakech, Fez, and Meknes. The French established a protectorate over Morocco in 1912. Morocco achieved independence in 1955 and Rabat became its capital. The city was ranked second place by CNN in its "Top Travel Destinations of 2013." The medina of Rabat is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Our first visit to Rabat was in 4/13/2012 and we have been back there two more times (May, 2014 and September, 2019).

The Chellah is a medieval fortified Muslim necropolis located in Rabat on the south side of the Bou Regreg estuary. The Phoenicians established a trading emporium at the site and later it was the site of an ancient Roman colony. It was granted World Heritage Status in 2012.

Rabat has a rich cultural heritage, with a number of historic landmarks and monuments, including the Royal Palace of Rabat, the Hassan Tower, and the Chellah Necropolis. The city is also home to several museums, including the Museum of Moroccan Arts, which showcases the country's traditional crafts and artifacts.

Aside from its cultural attractions, Rabat is known for its beautiful gardens and parks, such as the Bouregreg Valley and the Jardin Exotique. The city has a modern infrastructure, with good transportation links and a thriving economy, making it an attractive destination for tourists and business travelers alike.

In addition to its status as the political capital of Morocco, Rabat is also an important center for education, with several universities and research institutions located in the city. It is also a hub for Morocco's banking and finance sector, as well as a major port city, with a large fishing industry and trade links to Europe and Africa.

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