jasdooit

Rabat, among Morocco’s most lively and underappreciated cities, has been recognized as the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2026, succeeding Rio de Janeiro.

Beginning on 23 April 2026, there will be a one-year, city-wide event dedicated to promoting reading and literature. The initiative will concentrate on addressing illiteracy in disadvantaged areas, motivating women and children to engage with books, and supporting the local publishing sector.

Enhancing book availability by integrating reading into daily routines and locations such as parks and cafes is another objective.

Rabat was primarily selected for its vibrant literary environment, serving as a cultural hub, with the city being home to one of Africa’s biggestbookfairs – the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL).

Planning a trip to Rabat this year? Here’s what literature enthusiasts can explore and experience in this North African city.

Visit the International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL)

This renowned book fair will take place from April 30 to May 10 this year and is the largest book fair in Morocco. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, attracting thousands of visitors and over 700 exhibitors from nearly 50 countries.

The book fair this year holds added significance as it aligns with the World Book Capital title. France will serve as the guest of honor at SIEL in 2026, showcasing Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux, while the event seeks to enhance collaborations between French and Moroccan authors, publishers, and translators.

It will also honor Ibn Battuta and the Moroccan diaspora. Take part in various seminars, panels andpoetrymaterials, together with audio programs and conversations regarding Arabic children’s literature.

Roam the bookstalls of the Medina

Searching for your new favorite book while discovering a more genuine aspect of Rabat? Wander through the old city’s Medina and Rue des Consuls to find a range of traditional bookstores, Arabic calligraphy shops, and antique stands.

Don’t miss visiting Mohammed Aziz’s famous shop to experience a “living library.” Aziz is one of the oldest book dealers in Rabat, offering a collection of thousands of used books.

Bonus? He has also read more than 4,000 of these in Arabic, English,Frenchand Spanish, so feel free to ask for suggestions!

It’s highly probable you’ll discover a unique, overlooked treasure here, or connect with fellow travelers, students, and residents who share similar interests.

Go to the Museum of Modern Art Mohammed VI

Those interested in literature can go to this renowned museum for further explorationMoroccanand African creations and artwork.

The museum serves as a visual “storyboard” of 20th-century Moroccan history, enabling guests to discover more about the nation’s rich and complex past through art and insightful storytelling.

This encompasses a visual story ranging from colonial-era realism to modern abstraction and current social critique.

For individuals passionate about Moroccan cultural studies, the place also features exhibits that delve into themes of identity, modernity, and change, alongside peaceful reading areas and a wide array of paintings and photographs.

There is also a book and gift shop offering specialized itemsliteratureregarding the museum’s exhibits and contemporary art.

Immerse yourself in the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco

The National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco contains more than 1,000 years of Moroccan, Arabic andIslamic heritage via over 200,000 titles and approximately 80,000 unique documents and manuscripts.

This encompasses rare books, images, and maps, covering areas of intellectual, legal, and religious history.

Nevertheless, it’s not entirely outdated – readers can also appreciate comprehensive digital archives, along with enhanced accessibility features for those with visual impairments and a 300-seat auditorium used for both research and cultural activities.

Over half of the library’s materials have already been converted into digital format, as part of the “Digital 2030” initiative aimed at increasing access to cultural heritage throughout Morocco.

There’s a bookstore, cafeteria and a prayer room as well – so you’re all set to stay here all day.

Dine in a cultural café

Looking for a more casual and nature-focused experience? Take a walk through the tranquil Andalusian countryside.Gardens near the Kasbah des Oudayas and read in one of the cultural cafes there.

One of the most renowned places is the Cafe des Oudayas, previously called Cafe Maure, due to its breathtaking vistas of the Bou Regreg River. It offers a genuine, historical atmosphere, featuring Zellige-tiled seating and peaceful, shaded areas.

Relax with a pot of classic Moroccan mint tea, some fresh orange juice, and pastries such as cornes de gazelle (crescent-shaped treats filled with almond paste infused with the fragrance of orange blossoms), and lose yourself in a newly cherished book.