The nation's capital offers a choice selection of sights, most of them within walking distance of one another. Combined with some general meandering within its hassle-free medina, there's enough here for a relaxing day or two of sightseeing. Adding to the city's attractions will be the major redevelopment of both the Rabat and Salé riverbanks, intended to be completed by the end of 2008. The result will see long promenades on both sides of the river, with grassed areas, restaurants, and berths.
Especially for Kids -- Rabat offers very few attractions specifically for children. As always, however, a stroll through the city's medina will produce a visual feast of shops with large mounds of brightly colored spices, musical instruments, and gory splendors such as hanging goat and camel heads. Catching a boat taxi between the two riverbanks could also be fun. On the Salé side of the Oued Bou Regreg is the city's fun fair, Magic Park, on avenue du Bou Regreg. There are plenty of rides, including bumper cars and carousels, as well as a great view overlooking the river. It's open daily from May to September, and Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from October to April, operating from 11am to 9pm. Special hours during Ramadan are Monday to Friday 8pm to 1am and weekends 1pm to 1am. Admission costs 5dh (65¢/30p) for children up to 12, 10dh ($1.25/65p) for accompanying adults, and 25dh ($3.15/£1.55) for adults with no children. A 40dh ($5/£2.50) ticket per child or adult gives access to all rides.
If you're in Rabat for a number of days, then consider contacting French potter Marilyn Bottero (tel. 061/224268 or 037/674798), who offers a range of art workshops for kids including fabric painting, pottery, and papier-mâché.
