Many travelers will be arriving by private transfer from another location within Morocco, but if you are starting your Moroccan journey here, you will fly to Rabat-Salé Airport (IATA code RBA), which is situated just to the east of Rabat's sister city Salé and is about a 15-minute drive from the airport into the center of Rabat. Taxis are available outside arrivals and are very affordable, costing a base of 200 Moroccan dirhams, or about $20 USD. The Rabat Tramway doesn't run to the airport yet, but there is an ALSA bus that travels between the airport and Gare-Rabat-Ville for 25 dirhams ($2.50). With stops, that journey takes 40 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks in the arrivals hall and at boarding time, but only dirhams are accepted (unless purchasing using a debit/credit card from the airport kiosks).

For those arriving in Rabat via private transfer, you don't have to worry about a thing; your driver will take you to your accommodations in the city.

For those taking the bus in from the airport, Gare-Rabat-Ville train station is located centrally within Rabat, just next to Morocco's Parliament building. It is a one-minute drive to the medina, and if you're feeling up to it and not encumbered by too many bags, it is feasible to walk to your accommodations in central Rabat from the train station itself. However, if you do want to play it safe and cut out any chances of getting lost, there is a taxi rank outside the train station, and for such a short ride, the fare is typically 10-30 dirhams ($1 to $3 USD), not counting any extra help you would need with bags. Look specifically for the blue taxis.

In Rabat, taxis are the most popular form of public transport, with locals preferring petits taxis (marine blue in color) as they are much safer than grands taxis (white in color). We recommend taking the marine blue petits taxis only. Base fare for a petit taxi is around 10 dirhams ($1 USD), with journeys between, say, the medina and the Quartier de l'Océan costing about that much or a little more. Since the marine blue petits taxis are considered so safe and affordable, it's no surprise as to why they're so preferred.

There is also a local bus service, operating for both Rabat and Salé under a subsidiary of the Spanish bus service ALSA. The bus line for the airport previously described is called AE 210 (the Aeroport Express) and stops at Gare-Rabat-Ville and a number of stations, including its terminus, Gare-Rabat-Agdal.

Gare-Rabat-Ville is centrally-located within the city and serves local train traffic, while Gare-Rabat-Agdal is the stop for the Al-Boraq high-speed train which connects Rabat with Casablanca to the south and Tangier to the north. Gare-Rabat-Agdal, unlike Gare-Rabat-Ville, is a bus line hub, with eight different lines going to various parts of the city meeting up here. Some other popular bus line hubs include the Bab Lamrissa in Salé and the Bab Chellah, Bab El Had, and the Place du 16 Novembre in Rabat. Tickets can be purchased onboard with local currency.

The Rabat–Salé Tramway opened in 2011 and consists of two lines, running from Hôpital Moulay Abdellah (about a mile west of the airport in Salé) to Moulay Yacoub (near the Gare-Rabat-Agdal and Temara), and one from Hay Karima in Salé down to the Madinat al Irfane in southern Rabat. Tickets can be bought onboard and cost less than 10 dirhams for a one-hour ride (meaning you can connect to the next line if it is within that hour, for free). If you want to prepay for your rides, you can buy passes of various lengths at the Tramway's main office at 9 Rue Haj Mohamed Rifaï in the medina, or at Tramway-approved retailers throughout the city. The Tramway Rabat-Salé app also allows people to buy tickets online, scanned by the conductor from your phone.

Rabat embodies the essence of a walking city. Distances between major tourist sights are not large, and what you don't want to walk, you can instead take a taxi or tram ride to see. One of the defining features of Rabat is its well-designed infrastructure catering to pedestrians. The city boasts wide sidewalks, pedestrian zones, and beautifully landscaped avenues, making it a joy to explore on foot. Rabat's coastal location adds another dimension to its pedestrian-friendly appeal. The picturesque Corniche, stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, invites walkers to enjoy panoramic views of the sea while relishing the refreshing ocean breeze.

Rabat, as the capital city of Morocco, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to other urban centers in the kingdom. However, like any major city, incidents of petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas and points of interest for tourists. Similarly, Salé, while predominantly residential, has neighborhoods where travelers should exercise caution, but these are removed from the areas where tourists would visit.

In Rabat, certain areas, particularly in the outskirts and less frequented neighborhoods, may have a higher incidence of crime. These areas are often characterized by socioeconomic disparities and lack of infrastructure compared to the more historic or glittering parts of the capital. While they might not necessarily be dangerous during the day, it's advisable for travelers to avoid wandering into unfamiliar neighborhoods, especially after dark. As for Salé, travelers should exercise vigilance, especially in crowded markets and transport hubs, to safeguard against petty theft and scams.

Regardless of the destination, travelers should prioritize personal safety measures. This includes staying alert in public spaces, securing belongings, and avoiding conspicuous displays of wealth. Additionally, maintaining a respectful attitude towards local customs and traditions fosters positive interactions with residents and enhances overall safety.

In Rabat, as in the rest of the Kingdom of Morocco, the official currency is the Moroccan dirham (written as MAD or dh in Latin script). U.S. dollars are not accepted, and tips should be given where applicable in Moroccan dirhams. Credit card purchases are widely accepted in both Rabat and Salé, as are debit card purchases with chip-tap technology. Cash is a better option in traditional markets, although even this is changing.

Arabic serves as the primary language of communication for Moroccans, with Modern Standard Arabic used in official contexts and Moroccan Arabic (Darija) spoken colloquially. Additionally, French holds significant importance due to historical ties, colonial legacy, and its status as a language of education and administration. In Rabat and Salé, English proficiency levels among the local population can vary. While English is increasingly taught in schools and universities, fluency levels may be higher among younger generations, especially those in urban areas (such as Rabat) and tourist-centric establishments.

Given the widespread use of French in Morocco's education system, government institutions, and business settings, travelers often find French to be a valuable lingua franca. Attempting French can facilitate smoother interactions with locals, particularly in formal settings such as hotels, restaurants, and administrative offices. While English may suffice in tourist hubs and upscale establishments catering to international visitors, travelers venturing into local markets, neighborhoods, and non-touristy areas may encounter a preference for Arabic or French. Embracing basic French phrases or using translation apps can bridge communication gaps and foster meaningful exchanges with Moroccans.

We recommend brushing up on such phrases as hello/goodbye (bonjour and au revoir), excuse me, please, and thank you (excusez-moi, s'il vous plaît, merci, respectively), "where is..." (où est...), "where are the toilets" (où sont les toilettes?), "how much is this?" (combien ça coute?), numbers from 1-10 (un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix) and similar phrases you can look up on your own time. These will help grease the wheels with locals, as they will appreciate your attempt at French.

Morocco has a similar approach to diet as in other Mediterranean nations, with a large meal (or "djej") eaten between 1 and 3 p.m., with many businesses even closing momentarily for it. Dinner occurs at 8 p.m. or later, and is a much lighter meal (albeit with still substantial portions) and more social in scope. Rabat's restaurants accept walk-ins but for certain places you have your heart set on, it's advisable to not only call ahead for reservations for dinner but for lunch as well. Considering the Moroccan custom of lingering, it's best to reserve your table for 1 p.m. during lunch or "djej" and at 8 p.m. for dinner, as many people will want to eat, talk, and have fun just like you.

Rabat is a very cosmopolitan city, but like in other parts of the country, there are some basic customs you should learn before departing.

Morocco, with its predominantly Muslim population, observes Islamic customs and traditions. Travelers should be mindful of Islamic practices, such as modest dress when visiting religious sites like mosques and mausoleums. It's respectful for both men and women to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and women may consider wearing a headscarf when entering mosques. Dress outside religious sites can be more relaxed, but showing off too much cleavage or skin can make you the center of attention in ways you might not like (for men and for women), so look around and note what is the spectrum of dress for locals and choose from your outfits accordingly. For example, a bathing suit at the beach in Temara or Salé-Ville would be fine, but maybe not in the medina.

Moroccan culture places great importance on greetings as a gesture of respect and warmth. When meeting someone, a handshake accompanied by a sincere greeting, such as "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) or "Sbah khir" (good morning), is customary. Maintaining eye contact during greetings conveys sincerity and goodwill. Keep in mind that a handshake might not be immediately extended to a female traveler from a man, although this is not a hard-and-fast rule anymore, especially as Rabat is so cosmopolitan.

Sharing a meal in Morocco is a communal experience steeped in tradition. When invited into a Moroccan home for a meal, it's customary to wash hands before and after eating, often with a bowl of water brought by the host. During the meal, using the right hand for eating and refraining from touching food with the left hand is considered polite. Tea holds a special place in Moroccan hospitality, and the tea ceremony is a cherished tradition. When offered tea, graciously accept and savor the aromatic brew served in small glasses. It's customary to take at least three sips to demonstrate appreciation, and engaging in leisurely conversation while enjoying tea fosters camaraderie.

Moroccans value personal space and tend to stand closer during conversations compared to some Western cultures. While this proximity may initially feel unfamiliar to travelers and even anathema to the idea of personal space, respecting personal boundaries and adapting to local norms fosters smoother interactions and mutual respect. Likewise, explaining your own personal space will result in your Moroccan acquaintance accommodating your needs once they are made aware. When capturing moments in Morocco, particularly in more intimate settings or with locals, seeking permission before taking photographs is essential. Respect individuals' privacy and refrain from taking pictures in sensitive areas such as mosques during prayer times or markets without consent.

Bargaining, or "haggling," is a common practice in Moroccan souks and markets. While negotiating prices is part of the cultural experience, doing so with grace and respect is key. Maintain a friendly demeanor, engage in lighthearted banter, and be mindful of fair prices while appreciating the craftsmanship of goods.

Rabat offers a shopping experience that blends the best of both worlds, its rich history and its current cosmopolitan flair. Each shopping destination in Rabat provides a unique window into the city's cultural and commercial life.

First, we recommend Avenue des Consuls. Located in the heart of Rabat's medina, Avenue des Consuls is a historically significant area where foreign consuls were once required to live. Today, it is renowned for its vibrant market where local artisans and craftsmen display their skills. Shoppers can find a variety of traditional Moroccan goods such as handwoven carpets, intricate jewelry, and leather goods. The vibe here is more relaxed than in many other souks, allowing for a leisurely shopping experience. The craftsmanship is often of higher quality, reflective of the avenue’s prestigious past.

Further into the medina, Rabat's souks offer a more intense and authentic Moroccan shopping experience. These markets are bustling with life, filled with the rich aromas of spices and the colorful sights of fresh produce and artisan crafts. Key spots within the medina include Souk es Sebat, which specializes in leather and footwear, and the spice souk, a sensory overload with vendors selling traditional Moroccan spices, herbs, and remedies.

Contrasting with the traditional markets, Mega Mall Rabat in the Souissi neighborhood provides a thoroughly modern shopping experience. This large, Western-style mall features a wide range of international brands, from luxury to mainstream, as well as a selection of local boutiques. It includes facilities such as a food court offering both international and local cuisine, a cinema, and an indoor skating rink.

If you're comparing cities, Rabat's nightlife is more subdued than Casablanca or even Marrakech, but it still offers lots of variety for every taste. The city has a selection of chic lounges and clubs, particularly in the Agdal district, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy live music, DJ sets, and craft cocktails. The Agdal district is a fun shopping district in addition to the aforementioned ones, as it offers many international brands mixed in with local ones, due to the high incomes of residents in the area and its status as a hub of French expat life. The Ville Nouvelle area features several trendy bars that blend traditional Moroccan decor with contemporary style, offering a sophisticated evening ambiance. Expect last call to occur around 1:30 a.m. Now for those interested in cultural experiences, the Mohammed V National Theater hosts regular performances, including concerts, ballet, and Moroccan folklore shows.