Rabat, Morocco

• Rabat is Morocco's administrative capital with around 580,000 people. It's noticeably calmer than Marrakech or Fez - fewer tourist crowds, less aggressive vendors, and generally more relaxed street interactions. The city has heavy police presence near government buildings and embassies, which keeps crime rates relatively low (Crime Index around 36).
• You'll find a mix here: embassy staff and government workers in business districts like Hay Riad and Agdal, traditional markets and street vendors in the Medina, and tourists visiting the Hassan Tower and Kasbah. French is more useful than English except in upscale hotels and restaurants. Arabic is the primary language but you can get by with French in most situations.
• The Rabat-Salé tramway runs during the day (6 dirhams per ride). After dark, most people use Uber or Careem since taxis can be unreliable with pricing. The Tourist Police number is 177 - they sometimes have English speakers available.
• Being the capital means Rabat has infrastructure and security that other Moroccan cities lack. The coastal location keeps temperatures moderate year-round. Neighborhoods like Agdal have cafes and restaurants open late where you'll see women dining alone or in groups, which is less common in more conservative cities.

Arabic and French are the main languages in Rabat. English is spoken in upscale hotels, tourist areas, and by some Tourist Police (177). The emergency service (19) may have some English-speaking operators. French is more widely understood than English, so basic French phrases are very helpful throughout the city.

• Cover shoulders and knees, especially outside tourist areas. Tank tops and shorts will get you more stares and comments than you want. A light scarf or cardigan helps when you need to cover up quickly. Rabat is more relaxed than Fez or Marrakech but it's still conservative.
• French is the second language here, not English. You'll need it more than in tourist-heavy cities. Basic phrases help: 'bonjour', 'merci', 's'il vous plaît'. Arabic phrases like 'shukran' (thank you) are nice but French will get you further in practice.
• Modern cafes in Agdal and Hay Riad have women sitting alone regularly - laptops out, working, meeting friends. Traditional Medina cafes are still mostly men. If you want to sit somewhere with coffee, head to the newer areas.
• During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight will offend people. Restaurants may have limited hours. Negotiating happens in souks but not in regular shops or restaurants with posted prices.
• Alcohol is available in Morocco but don't drink on the street or public transport. Licensed restaurants, hotel bars, and some nightclubs serve it. Not all places do.

• The Rabat-Salé tramway has two lines covering 27 km between Rabat and Salé. Tickets cost 6 dirhams and last 90 minutes. You can get a rechargeable card if you're using it multiple times. It runs during daylight hours and is generally safe.
• Blue petit taxis are for trips within the city (meter starts at 1.4 dirhams). White grand taxis do longer routes but wait until they have 6 passengers, which can take a while. Uber and Careem work well here - better for nighttime since pricing is clear and you don't need cash.
• You can walk around Agdal, Hassan, and the Medina during the day without issues. The coastal areas and Kasbah are fine for walking too. After dark, stick to main streets with lighting and people around - isolated side streets aren't worth the risk.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Rabat with local guides and curated experiences.