The political capital of Morocco, Rabat, offers easy access by train, a modern tram system for approximately 60 cents per ride and a contemporary art scene to complement its collection of historical attractions. Street murals, galleries and an artisanal cooperative near the waterfront are all part of the cultural equation, along with traditional food stands and street-side produce vendors. Following are a few things you'll want to incorporate during a two- or three-day visit to the city.
Museums: A little more than a block from the Rabat Ville railway station and the corresponding city tram stop is Rabat's modern art museum. With a notable permanent collection and an intriguing selection of rotating exhibits, it provides a great way to get out of the sun on a summer afternoon. Entry tickets are less than 5 bucks each, and the building is right around the corner from Pizza Zoom, which you'll pass on your walk there from the train station. A casual outdoor dining spot, they have free Wi-Fi, great gourmet smoothies and a decent menu. Basic sandwich plates with fries and a veggie side can be scored for roughly $3, with pizzas costing close to that price as well. Large bowls of lentil soup are approximately $1.50, and creamy pasta dishes such as spaghetti carbonara are around $5.
Visible from the exterior of the modern art museum and about another block's walk is the Rabat Archaeological Museum. Rumor has it this venue is absolutely spectacular, housing the most extensive collection of antiquities in the country. Imagine my disappointment when I arrived in the city with this place firmly at the top of my wish list, only to be notified by the door guard they were closed for some sort of maintenance work until later in the fall of 2016. Those visiting the city after October should be able to access the collection and the building without a problem.
Waterfront: Rabat's seaside promenade is a fun place to see and be seen. Local fishermen, small food kiosks offering an array of tasty tidbits and joggers are all part of the mix. It's also a breezy way to access some of the more interesting tourism attractions in that part of the city. At one end, you have the historic kasbah with winding streets leading to a clifftop plaza overlooking the beach and lighthouse below. At the other end of the same kasbah are the Andalusian gardens, which are extremely pleasant for strolling, photography, reading and general relaxation. Just outside the gardens is a small coffee shop. Compared to the extreme affordability of other cafes in the area, this one can sink you an easy 8 bucks for a couple of mint teas and two tiny pastries. That said, the staff is friendly, the view is pleasant and the breezes refreshing. Since the kasbah, plaza and gardens are all free to visit, I didn't mind throwing down a little extra for a convenient place to caffeinate and enjoy the sea.
Toward the other end of the waterfront, you can detour a bit up over the hill to access the picturesque esplanade, which is home to both Hassan Tower and the mausoleum of Mohammed V. Both are free to access, although if you accept the guided commentary of one of the locals, be prepared to dish out a buck or two for a tip. The architecture and decorative detail of the mausoleum are quite impressive, as is the uniformed presence of the royal guard members, who stand watch outside the structure as well as on horseback at the entrance to the venue.
Ruins: Argued by many to be the crowning tourism jewel of Rabat, the ancient Roman ruins of Chellah are definitely worth a lengthy visit. For less than $3 per person, you can easily spend two hours or more exploring the grounds, gardens, viewing platform and remaining structures that comprise the venue, including a few elements that were added during later periods.
In addition to the archaeological attraction itself, a visit to Chellah includes a terrific treat for birders as well. The ruins are home to a rather large colony of storks, who construct their large nests on tree tops, walls, pillars and more throughout the site. The ability to experience their sounds, antics, beauty and general presence is a large part of what makes a visit to Chellah so spectacular. If you need an extra reason to pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, these birds are it.
