Rabbat , Morroco

Even though Rabat is Morocco’s political and administrative capital, it is not a common touristic destination, but to discover Morocco’s essence it is a must to visit this imperial city. Located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat is a city where tradition and modernity go hand in hand. Often regarded as dull by its big brother down the coast, Rabat has embraced modernity and it is developing a cosmopolitan atmosphere of its own. The truth is that the capital is more laid-back, pleasant and more provincial than Casablanca, but far less messy and frantic. Rabat has a long and rich history, and has had many influences from Phoenicians, Romans and Carthaginians to French and Arabic, and the city has plenty of monuments to show for it. Its Old Town, the quiet medina, was declared World Heritage Site in 2012. Behind its red ochre walls, the Old City preserves all the country’s traditions alive, with plenty of Moroccan craft shops and traditional tea houses. The fortified gates, its colourful magical white and blue walls and spectacular views of the ocean are a good enough reason to explore every inch in its streets. The beautiful enclosed Chellah, a peaceful complex of tombs and Roman ruins, is located in Rabat’s urban twin, Salé, 2km away from the capital’s city centre. Along Mohamed V avenue, embroider with palm trees, visitors will find the Parliament, the Al Sunna mosque, the Essais Garden and the majestic Royal Palace. An independent art scene is blossoming in the capital and there is an ongoing proliferation of galleries and spaces for visual arts. After a long day enjoying the town’s wide cultural offer, visitors should head to Agdal, the trendiest district of Rabat. Artists, hipsters and students alike crowd its cafes and restaurants. This modern coastal city, blessed by a Mediterranean climate, is lively, cheerful and safe. Rabat means refuge in Arabic, and it may not be a coincidence since this city offers visitors culture, stunning architecture, tradition and modernity all of it away from the all-inclusive crowd that swell other parts of the country.