Rabat holidays transport you to Morocco’s atmospheric and enchanting capital, as you wind your way through narrow alleyways between colourful houses. Marvel at the majesty of the Royal Palace or make your way to the awe-inspiring Hassan Tower.
A holiday to Rabat is the ideal way to experience Morocco’s diverse history and culture. Explore the city’s souks, filled with riches and trinkets from across northern Africa. Then, sample local delicacies and dishes in a picturesque cafe, immersed in the fragrances of Moroccan cooking.
When the days are done, nightlife in Rabat is a delight. Discover the city’s restaurant scene, see a flamenco show, or enjoy live music in a late night cafe. Book your Rabat holiday today with Etihad Airways.
Whether you’d like some retail therapy at Rabat’s markets, sip mint tea by the riverside or explore African history, holidays in Rabat have something for everyone.
Explore locally inspired art at the Musee Mohamed VI Art Moderne et Contemporain. Morocco’s first ever national museum of contemporary art was conceived and funded by King Mohammed VI and opened in 2014.
There’s a permanent display of Moroccan artists working in plastic and visual arts dating from the early 20th century to the present day. In addition, you can expect temporary exhibitions from big international names. A must-see for artistic types, those interested in the country’s history, or anyone who wants to witness the grandeur of the building’s exterior.
Rabat is perched by the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s coastline boasts beautiful beaches that run all the way to nearby Casablanca. Laze on the sun-drenched sands for a relaxing afternoon by the waves, with a choice of family-friendly beaches by the city.
Of course, you may fancy something a bit livelier. For all-action adventurers, there are sailing clubs, windsurfing and kayak hire available on many of the beachfronts.
Morocco’s capital is a wonderful blend of cityscape and nature. Indeed, Rabat is rich in greenspace, with over 230 hectares of pristine gardens and natural environs winding their way through the city area.
Wander through the Andalusian Gardens located in the heart of the colourful Kasbah. Be sure to enjoy an hour or two in the shade of the garden’s citrus and palm trees.
Rabat caters for all tastes when it comes to evening entertainment. Cafes and bars crop up in unusual places – you’ll find the Café Cinema Renaissance above an art deco cinema. Or there’s the Le Dhow bar, hidden inside a wooden dhow boat, moored on the Bou Regreg.
The city’s restaurant scene is just as varied, explore Moroccan mezze classics in Dar Zaki, or sample fresh seafood flavours at the French-inspired Cosmopolitan Restaurant. There’s something for even the fussiest of eaters at Rabat’s global restaurants.
Rabat holidays are perfect for those who want a blend of traditional souk shopping and big-brand mall offerings. You’ll find most major names here from the worlds of fashion, jewellers and tech. In Rabat’s Megamall, you can break up your retail therapy with an hour or two on the skate rink or at the bowling alley.
Explore the city’s more traditional markets too, where you’ll find charming souvenirs for friends and family, including textiles, garments and handcrafts.
If you want your holiday to Rabat to be in the middle of the action, head to a hotel in the heart of the city. That way, you’ll never be far from its most popular attractions.
Farah Rabat is the perfect place. Located only 2.7 miles (4.3 km) from the centre, this plush five-star hotel is near to the Andalusian Garden and Hassan Tower.
For visitors hoping to make the most of Rabat’s majestic gardens and greenspaces, a stay further afield from the centre is perfect.
The View Hotel is ideal. It’s situated a short walk from nearby gardens, but with shops and restaurants close by too. Modern, air-conditioned rooms with comfortable beds await after a busy day of adventures.
If you’re going on holiday to Rabat, why not stay somewhere fitting, like a riad? These are traditional Moroccan luxury houses or palaces, with interior gardens or courtyards.
Dar El Kebira is a five-star luxury riad in the Old Town, close to the Kasbah and several beaches. Featuring stunning Arab-Andalusian architecture, with modern comforts thrown in, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more fitting place to spend your time.
The local currency in Rabat is the Moroccan dirham. Each dirham is divided into 100 santim. In exchange offices you’ll find it via the code MAD.
When it comes to getting around Rabat, taxis are widely available. The Rabat-Salé tram runs from 6am to 10pm with services every 20 minutes.
The two official languages spoken in Morocco are Arabic and Berber. French is also widely spoken throughout the city.
The busiest time for a holiday to Rabat is the warmer month of September. August and October are also busy. November is the quietest month to visit the city.
Eating out on a Rabat holiday means getting a real authentic taste of Moroccan cuisine, and there’s plenty of delicious fare to choose from.
Wandering around the Medina is the best way to experience the staple foods Moroccans enjoy. You’ll soon stumble upon a patisserie, or an olive or bread stand, serving local delicacies. If you’re feeling adventurous you could try a bag of snails, or a cow’s cheek.
Elsewhere in Rabat there’s restaurants serving kefta meatballs in tomato sauce, seafood such as fresh sardines over a bed of lentils, tagines and couscous.
The history of Morocco’s capital dates back 3,000 years. Rabat was built in the 10th century near the ruin of an ancient Roman settlement near Salé.
Sultan Yakub el-Mansur made Rabat the capital of the Almohad Empire in the 12th century and used it as the base for his conquests of Spain and North America. Much of the architecture in Rabat from this era remains.
In the 17th century Rabat and Salé united and became the Republic of Bou Regreg, which was the home of Barbary corsairs for almost two centuries. French colonial influence spread to Morocco in the early 20th century and Rabat became an important gateway to the African continent. Nowadays, Rabat has two main sections – the Old Town and the Ville Nouvelle, built by the French.
There are a number of annual national holidays in Rabat. New Year’s Day on January 1st and the Manifesto of Independence ten days later. The month-long Ramadam occurs around April-May, and May 1st is Labour Day. Eid ul-Adha is four days long and usually takes place in July. Throne Day also takes place that month, on the 30th. There are three holidays in August – the Feast of Oued Ed-Dahab (14th), the Revolution of the King and the People (20th) and the Festival of Youth takes place the day after this. The Prophet’s Birthday is celebrated in October, and in November there’s the Green March (6th) and Independence Day on the 18th.
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