population: 1.8 million

extension: 117.91 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Rabat and interested in visiting museums, I would highly recommend the Museum Mohamed VI of Modern and Contemporary Art, which features an impressive collection of Moroccan artwork as well as international contemporary art. Other museums worth visiting in Rabat include the Archaeological Museum of Rabat, which displays artifacts from ancient Moroccan history, and the Villa des Arts, which showcases modern Moroccan art. If you're looking for similar museums in the area, you might also consider visiting the National Museum of Ceramics in Safi or the Dar Si Said Museum in Marrakech, both of which feature unique collections of Moroccan art and crafts.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Rabat (Morocco) include:

1. Couscous: a staple Moroccan dish made from steamed semolina grains, typically served with vegetables and meat or fish.

2. Tagine: a slow-cooked stew traditionally prepared in a clay pot, often featuring meat or vegetables with spices like cumin, cinnamon, and saffron.

3. Harira: a hearty soup made with chickpeas, lentils, tomatoes, and spices, often eaten during Ramadan or other special occasions.

4. Pastilla: a sweet and savory pastry filled with pigeon or chicken meat, almonds, and spices, topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

5. Mechoui: a whole roasted lamb or sheep, often seasoned with cumin, paprika, and other spices, and served with bread and harissa.

6. Zaalouk: a salad made with cooked eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, often served as a side dish or dip.

7. Mint tea: a refreshing and fragrant hot tea made with fresh mint leaves and sugar, typically served after meals or as a welcoming gesture.

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that locals in Rabat enjoy:

1. Visit the Kasbah of the Udayas: This historic fortified citadel is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, offering stunning views of the city as well as picturesque streets and architecture.

2. Shop at the Souk of the Medina: The bustling marketplaces of Rabat's old town are a great place to find traditional Moroccan goods like spices, textiles, and ceramics. Locals love to haggle with vendors and explore the colorful alleyways.

3. Relax at the Beach: Rabat has several beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast, such as Plage des Nations or Plage de Salé, where locals go to sunbathe, swim, surf, or simply enjoy a nice walk on the sand.

4. Explore the Chellah Necropolis: This ancient Roman and Islamic site includes ruins of a mosque, a madrasa, and a necropolis surrounded by gardens inhabited by storks. Locals enjoy taking peaceful strolls through the park and observing the wildlife.

5. Sample Moroccan cuisine: Food is a big part of Moroccan culture, so locals love to indulge in delicious traditional dishes like tagine, couscous, and pastilla. You can try them at street stalls or local eateries like Café Maure or Dar Naji.