This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Rabat.
Rabat, Morocco's often-skipped capital city, is a bustling, modern port city located on the west coast of the country and about three hours from the far more touristy city of Marrakesh (which many people mistakenly think is the capital of Morocco). Rabat is not without its charms; the Medina and markets are a lively place and a great spot to pick up some fresh fish straight from the Atlantic or pretty much anything else you want to buy!
With many French colonial buildings in its centre and wide, palm-tree-lined boulevards, Rabat can be a nice place to spend a night or two. As it's the capital, it's well connected to everywhere in Morocco by train and bus, plus it has an international airport that can get you to a few destinations.
Hostels in Rabat are all centrally located and within walking distance of bus and train stations, but taxis are inexpensive, so if you're arriving at night and not familiar with the town, it could be a good idea to take a taxi to your accommodation. Rabat hostels cater to every budget with everything from cheap (and occasionally nasty) inner-city hotel-type rooms of varying cleanliness to good hostels offering dorm and private rooms plus plenty of upscale modern chain hotels catering to the many international business travelers that frequent Rabat.
It's well worth taking a look at Chellah, the impressive ruins of this former city that is within long walking distance from the centre or easily reached by taxi -- especially for the the still-standing minaret of the old mosque that's now settled as a nesting spot for the local storks and other bird life.
Written by local enthusiast for Rabat hostels
michael cowgill
