From its towering city walls to its breath-taking Atlantic coastline, the Moroccan
capital of Rabat will enchant and inspire you. Its history dates back to pre-Roman times, when
the settlement of Chellah was established at the
mouth of the Bou Regreg river in the third century
BCE. The fortress there and its sister fortress the
Kasbah of the Oudayas are fantastic reminders of
Rabat’s grand past.
Rabat became Morocco’s capital in 1912 and
since then it has continued to prosper into the
modern, dynamic city it is today. Rabat is a 21st
century city, with all the conveniences and entertainment you can expect.
People of Morocco
Like most Arab cultures, Moroccan people are
famous for their hospitality. Moroccans love to
meet international students and are excited to
share their culture with guests. Our staff also
very much enjoys participating in this exchange
of ideas.
Weather & Climate
The climate varies from area to area: the coast has a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered on the eastern coast by southwest trade winds. Inland areas have a hotter, drier, continental climate. In the south of the country, the weather is very hot and dry throughout most of the year, with the nights coolest in the months of December and January.
Shopping
Many local shops sell items at a fixed rate, and you can find things like leather, jewelry, silver, silk and cotton garments, rugs, carpets and blankets. Worth visiting are the small and traditional Souks with their market stands and many different souvenirs to take home.
Eating
It is easy to find good food selling shops in Rabat, and their food selection is good and good value for money. Most food items are pastry and meat based, and don't miss to try a traditional kebab dish with spicy sauce, and harira - a rich, tasty soup. Laws on alcohol are fairly liberal and many tourist spots and pubs stay open till late.
Tourist Attractions in Morocco
Bastions and fortresses like Kasbah
Ancient settlement of Chellah with monuments, gardens and Roman ruins
12th century uncompleted mosque Hasan and
the Mohammed V mausoleum
